Wallpaper Hanging Guide
Wallpaper Around Obstacles
Long, uninterrupted walls are usually the easy part. The more demanding work comes around sockets, switches, doors, windows, fireplaces, archways and radiators, where accurate cutting and careful pattern alignment make the difference between an improvised finish and a professional-looking one.
This guide covers practical techniques for wallpapering around common obstacles. Use it alongside our Where to Start Wallpapering guide and How to Wallpaper a Chimney Breast when planning the layout of a complete room.
Safety first: isolate electrical circuits before working around sockets or switches and prove the circuit is dead with an appropriate tester. Do not rely on the wall switch alone. If you are not competent to remove or loosen electrical accessories safely, use a qualified electrician or experienced decorator. Radiators should be switched off and completely cool before wallpapering nearby.
Wallpapering Around Sockets & Light Switches
Neat cutting around electrical accessories makes a noticeable difference to the finished wall. The objective is to cover right up to the fitting without leaving visible gaps or forcing a large amount of paper behind the faceplate.
Instructional diagram · sockets & switches
How to Wallpaper Around a Door
Doors interrupt the normal run of drops. The key is to keep the pattern aligned beside the frame, then trim the overlap neatly into the side and head.
Instructional diagram · door frame
How to Wallpaper Around a Window
A flush window frame can be treated in much the same way as a door. A recessed window is more involved because the wallpaper must also be carried into the reveal.
Flush window frames
- Hang the drop beside the window and allow it to overlap the frame.
- Make careful diagonal cuts into the corners.
- Crease along the edge of the frame and trim cleanly.
Recessed window reveals
Filling the top of the reveal
Cut a separate length that matches the pattern and covers the head of the reveal. The exact joining method depends on the wallpaper and installation, but the aim is to maintain the visual pattern while keeping the joint as discreet as possible.
On traditional papers, an experienced decorator may use an overlapping double-cut technique to create a closely fitted seam. This involves cutting through overlapping layers and should only be used where appropriate for the product and substrate. Always follow the wallcovering manufacturer’s instructions.
Continue with short matched lengths above and below the window as required. For pattern positioning around windows, see our Where to Start Wallpapering guide.
Instructional diagram · window reveal
How to Wallpaper Around a Fireplace
The basic technique is similar to working around a door frame, but mantels, projecting surrounds and decorative mouldings can make accurate trimming more demanding.
With decorative mouldings, an experienced paper hanger may gently form the paper over the profile to establish the cutting line, then peel it back and trim with sharp scissors before smoothing it into position.
Pattern position matters. If the fireplace is the focal point of the room, decide how the pattern should sit on the chimney breast before beginning the run. See our dedicated How to Wallpaper a Chimney Breast guide for the wider layout.
How to Wallpaper Archways
Curved openings are easier to manage when the paper is allowed to wrap onto the underside in small sections rather than being forced around the curve as one rigid edge.
How to Wallpaper Around & Behind Radiators
Wallpapering behind a radiator can be awkward because access is restricted by the radiator body, valves and wall brackets. If the radiator can be removed safely by an appropriate professional, the wall is much easier to paper. If it remains in place, work slowly and avoid forcing or sharply creasing the paper.
Instructional diagram · behind radiators
If you are using vinyl wallpaper or textile wallcoverings near a heat source, follow the current manufacturer’s installation and temperature guidance.
Wallpapering Around Obstacles FAQs
Should wallpaper go behind socket and switch faceplates?
A small neatly trimmed margin can normally sit behind a faceplate, provided the circuit has been safely isolated and the fitting can be loosened without disturbing the wiring. If you are not competent to do this safely, use a qualified electrician.
Do I wallpaper into a window reveal?
Where the window has a recessed reveal, the wallpaper is commonly wrapped into the sides and the head is filled with a separate matched piece. The exact method depends on the wallpaper, reveal depth and pattern.
Is it better to remove a radiator before wallpapering?
Removing the radiator gives clear access to the wall and usually makes the job easier, but radiator removal and refitting should be carried out safely by someone competent to work on the heating system.
How do I keep a wallpaper pattern centred over a fireplace?
Plan the chimney breast as a focal area before starting. Depending on the design, the centre of a motif or the centre of a pair of drops may be aligned with the centreline of the chimney breast. See the dedicated chimney-breast guide.
Should I cut wallpaper before or after positioning it around an obstacle?
In most cases it is safer to position and smooth the paper first, then make controlled relief cuts and trim progressively. Pre-cutting too aggressively can leave gaps that cannot be corrected.
Plan the difficult areas before you start hanging
Order samples, check the wallcovering’s hanging instructions and decide how patterns will meet around windows, doors and focal features before the first drop goes up.
