What to do with Leftover Wallpaper: Framed Wallpaper DIY Nursery Project
How is it possible that Lily is going to be two months old this week and I haven’t given you all even a glimpse of the nursery? It is, for sure, one of my favorite rooms in the world, and I can’t wait to share it with you guys (once I have 30 min to give it a good cleaning, oops—keeping it real!). In the meantime, here’s a super easy project you can do if you’re wondering what to do with leftover wallpaper!
When I was dreaming up what Lily’s nursery should look like, I kept coming back to a floral theme. Both her first and middle names are flowers, and I love that this sweet, playful theme is also super meaningful.
I had this Anthropologie Watercolor Flora wallpaper leftover from our last house’s entryway. This wallpaper happened to be the most controversial design decision I’ve ever made—it was called anything from amazing to vomit-inducing (rude!!). Either way, I love it, and that’s what matters! It also happens to be floral, so I knew I wanted to use it in her nursery. I kept thinking what to do with leftover wallpaper that would be easy—I know I didn’t want to spend the time to wallpaper an entire wall (hello third-trimester laziness!)
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So, after thinking of a few options, I decided I wanted to frame a few panels. I had the perfect spot—right over the crib. BTW- how cute is the crib bedding! Since it was going over where she would sleep, however, I knew the framing would need to be super secure and lightweight, just in case it did fall or something.
I started by measuring the wall and then measuring out the wallpaper. Yes, I was still pregnant in these photos! ?
I used Scotch mounting tape to create a secure hold on the wallpaper. I cut it into 1″ squares and placed them on all four corners, on the edges and a few in the middle.
I then carefully smoothed the wallpaper unto the wall. It’s crucial that you get this piece straight and level, otherwise, the entire project will be crooked. I used a level and measured multiple times to make sure.
Once the first piece was up, I found the matching pattern and cut a second identical piece of the same length. I added the command strip squares, and then carefully lined it up with the first piece, creating a square.
If I’m being very honest with you guys, it sat like this for a few weeks, until I enlisted the help of my father-in-law and a friend to help me create the frame. I requested it be made from white, thin moulding that was lightweight.
They made the cuts using a manual miter box with a saw. The pieces were lightweight enough that they were able to hang them with finishing nails that blended in perfectly! I covered them with a bit of white caulk and they are hardly noticeable.
I love how it looks so much—it’s the perfect accent with very little commitment, which is my kind of decor. 😉
The full nursery tour is coming up, but I’m sure you can tell from the photos it’s extra girly and super cute. I can’t wait to share! 😀
Want even more ideas for what to do with leftover wallpaper? Check out this post with 10 ways to reuse wallpaper!
Tania Griffis is an accomplished writer, blogger, and interior designer with a Journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma. She started her popular blog, Run to Radiance, in 2011, demonstrating her design expertise through the personal remodeling of six houses to millions of readers across the globe.
Tania also owns The Creative Wheelhouse, a respected ghostwriting agency for bloggers, further showcasing her talent for creating engaging and informative content.
Your wall art looks great! I love the fabric pattern. Can’t wait to see the rest of the nursery!
Lovely. I have a piece of wallpaper from my old decor(we were hit by Sandy). I’m wanting to do this now.
How lovely!! Great idea.