Reverse hanging wallpaper involves installing alternating strips upside down to create a visually uniform pattern or minimize waste. It's especially useful for textured wallpapers like grasscloth or sisal, and wallpapers with complex repeating patterns.
Why Reverse Hang Wallpaper?
- Pattern Matching: For certain designs, reverse hanging ensures consistent pattern matching throughout the wall, preventing noticeable discrepancies. This is crucial for achieving a professional, polished look. As noted in the Wallpaper Lady's Blog, the method "is where you hang one strip right side up, and the next strip upside down. That way the same edge is being placed next to itself."
- Waste Reduction: By alternating the direction, you can often reduce material waste by cleverly using leftover pieces from previous strips. Commercial Wall Decor highlights that this hanging method "will generate the least waste".
- Enhanced Visual Effect: Some wallpapers are specifically designed to be reverse hung to create a mirrored or unique aesthetic effect, as exemplified by the Clarke & Clarke Disperse Bronze Wallpaper.
How to Reverse Hang Wallpaper: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Wallpaper: Measure and cut your wallpaper strips according to your wall dimensions, adding extra length for matching and trimming.
- Alternate Hanging: Hang the first strip right-side up. The second strip should be hung upside down. Continue alternating in this manner for subsequent strips. As the source from September 6th, 2024 indicates, "Strip #1 is hung right side up, and Strip #2 is hung upside down, then Strip #3 is right side up".
- Pattern Alignment: Carefully align the pattern at each seam to ensure a seamless appearance. Use a plumb bob or level to keep the strips straight.
- Trim and Finish: Once all the strips are hung, trim any excess wallpaper and smooth the seams for a clean finish.
Remember, always refer to the specific instructions provided by the wallpaper manufacturer, as some designs may have unique hanging requirements.
