Wallpaper has made a resurgence and there are a myriad of styles, finishes, patterns and colors from which to choose.  But you can use wallpaper for more than just your walls!  

Wallpaper Beyond Walls

If you’ve got wallpaper left over from a previous decorating project or if you find a single roll in a clearance bin, put it to good use with these simple tips:

Line Drawers or Shelves:

Instead of spending money on paper to line your dresser drawers or shelves, put leftover wallpaper to work.  If the drawers or shelves happen to be in the wallpapered room, it will all look custom and tied together.  If it’s in another room, the wallpaper will add an unexpected spark of color and/or pattern.

Create Attractive Desk Accessories: 

Protect your desk top with a desk blotter you make by applying a large piece of wallpaper to tag board and then covering it with clear Contact paper to protect it.

 Cover a large ice cream container or a large popcorn tin with wallpaper to create a waste basket.

Make Decorative Storage Containers: 

Cover lidded boxes, like a shoe box, hat box, or a cigar box, with wallpaper to hold jewelry, cosmetics, sewing items, or other odds and ends.

Frame It: 

If you have an interesting wallpaper pattern, frame a piece of it as an instant piece of art or use it as a mat for a photo, favorite card, or other piece of art.

Update a mirror frame by covering it with wallpaper.

Some papers don’t even need to be framed – display them as art scrolls.

Set the Table:

Use wallpaper as table décor by laminating large same-size pieces to use as placemats or small squares or rounds to use as coasters.  Drips and spills wipe up easily thanks to the lamination and your table tops remain protected.

Cover a Lampshade:

Update a lampshade by covering it with wallpaper.  An inexpensive fix for a blah lamp!

Create a Headboard:

Apply wallpaper to the wall behind the bed to create a headboard (top) or wallpaper panels to serve as a headboard (bottom).

Highlight Furniture:

Add contemporary style to a tired bookcase by lining the inside and shelves with wallpaper.

Dress up a simple wood chair by adding wallpaper to the back and seat.

Add drama to a simple cabinet with an updated print wallpaper.

Slide a length of wallpaper under the glass on a coffee table, side table, or end table for instant change.  When the decor or your mood changes, simply swap the paper out for another pattern or color.

Got It Covered?

Inspired by any of these ideas?  What might you try in your home?  What have you already covered with leftover wallpaper?  Share your comments and ideas by using the Comment link below.  I’d love to hear from you!