Starting wallpapering on a feature wall typically involves careful planning to ensure the best visual impact, often by beginning in the centre of the wall, especially if using a prominent pattern.
Why Planning is Essential for Feature Walls
A feature wall is designed to be a focal point in a room. Therefore, the aesthetic outcome, particularly how the wallpaper pattern aligns, is crucial. Proper planning ensures symmetry and a professional finish that enhances the room's design.
Finding Your Starting Point: The Centre
For many feature walls, starting in the exact centre offers the most balanced appearance, preventing awkward pattern cuts or small pieces at the edges.
Here's how to find the centre:
- Measure: Measure the total width of the feature wall.
- Divide: Divide the total width by two to find the centre point.
- Mark: Use a pencil to mark this centre point at the top of the wall.
- Draw a Vertical Line: Use a plumb line or a long level to draw a straight vertical line from your centre mark down the wall. This line will be your guide for positioning the first strip of wallpaper.
Starting with Large Patterned Wallpaper
When working with large patterned wallpaper, starting in the centre becomes even more important for achieving pattern symmetry. According to one source, "For large patterned wallpaper, it always makes sense to get an even pattern top and bottom. Not only is it best to start in the centre, for an even side to side pattern. It also is best to spend a little time planning, so the large pattern fits top to bottom or is even top to bottom as well."
This means that for large patterns:
- Centre Start: Begin in the centre to ensure the pattern is balanced horizontally, with equal parts of the pattern repeating on either side of the wall's centre.
- Vertical Planning: Before cutting any paper, hold the roll against the wall to see how the pattern aligns vertically. Plan your starting point at the top so that the large pattern looks good and is potentially even at the top and bottom of the wall.
Steps to Start Wallpapering on a Feature Wall
- Prepare the Wall: Ensure the wall is clean, smooth, and properly primed.
- Measure and Mark: Find the centre of the wall and draw a plumb vertical line as your guide.
- Plan Pattern Alignment: Especially with large or specific patterns, unroll the paper (or hold the roll up) to visualize how the pattern will fall vertically and adjust your planned starting point at the top if necessary to achieve desired vertical symmetry.
- Cut the First Strip: Cut your first strip, allowing a little extra length at the top and bottom for trimming.
- Apply Adhesive: Apply paste to the wall or the paper, depending on the wallpaper type.
- Hang the First Strip: Carefully align the edge of your first wallpaper strip precisely along the vertical line you marked in the centre of the wall.
- Smooth: Use a wallpaper brush or smoother to press the paper onto the wall, removing air bubbles and excess adhesive.
Key Considerations for Starting
| Consideration | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Centre Point | Ensures side-to-side pattern symmetry |
| Pattern Repeat | Allows planning for vertical alignment |
| First Strip | Sets the line for the entire wall |
| Planning Time | Avoids awkward cuts and pattern imbalances |
By starting in the centre and taking time to plan, you can create a visually stunning feature wall with balanced pattern flow.
