Wallpaper is an easy way to add personality, style, and visual interest to a room. When it was time to decorate our oldest child’s bedroom, I wanted a bold, fun forest mural. We’d used Photowall murals before in our living room and loved the quality and final look, so I chose them again. Their directions are clear, you can customize size and orientation to your wall, and they have tons of designs. You can even order sample pieces to try before you commit, which is really helpful.
For our son’s room we picked Foggy Forest (available in several colorways). It’s a moody but not-too-dark image of a dense forest—perfect for creating a calm space he’ll enjoy for years. He’s 9 now, so we wanted something that would transition well into his pre-teen years. As a nature-loving kid, this mural fits him perfectly.
If you’re thinking about using wallpaper, these steps will help:
1. Plan and visualize
Decide the overall look and mood you want. Browse patterns and colors for inspiration, and gather samples or make a mood board to see how the wallpaper will work with your furniture and decor.
2. Measure the walls
Measure each wall you’ll cover so you know how much wallpaper to buy. Include doors, windows, and any features that affect the size.
3. Prepare the room
Take down old wallpaper, clean the walls, and fix cracks or holes. Sand any rough spots and make sure walls are dry and smooth before you start.
4. Gather supplies
Buy the right amount of wallpaper and the proper adhesive (unless it’s pre-pasted). You’ll also need a smoothing brush or squeegee, a sharp knife or scissors, a tape measure, and a plumb line or level. Photowall includes supplies and adhesive with their murals, which is handy.
5. Start from the left
Begin on the left side of the wall and use a plumb line or level so the first strip is straight. Apply adhesive to the wall if needed and start hanging the first strip.
6. Hang the wallpaper
Line up the first strip with the plumb line and smooth from top to bottom to remove bubbles. Trim excess along the ceiling, baseboards, and corners with a knife or scissors.
7. Continue with each strip
Match the pattern and edges as you go. Apply adhesive where needed and smooth each strip carefully for a seamless look.
8. Finishing touches
Check for air bubbles or small flaws and smooth them out. Use a damp sponge to clean off any excess paste.
9. Enjoy your transformed room
Let the wallpaper dry fully before moving furniture back or adding decor. Then step back and enjoy the new look.
We still have more decorating to do in his room, but the mural already makes a big impact. It was easy to install and gives the room a real “wow” factor. Once we add new bedding, lighting, and a few decor pieces, the space will feel complete.
Be patient and pay attention to the details—installing wallpaper can seem intimidating, but it’s a very doable DIY. I highly recommend Photowall: they make the process simple, offer thousands of designs, and their wallpaper is high-quality and durable.
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