12 Decorating Ideas For Leftover Wallpaper

Today’s eco-friendly wallpapers dress up your walls, but wallpaper is not just for your walls. Wallpaper is sturdy and decorative, and it lends itself to many DIY home design projects.

My last post addressed some of the healthy new eco-wallpapers and some alternatives for the wallpaper commitment phobic.

Try these decorating ideas using leftover wallpaper and it just might save money on home decorating and eliminate the need to buy more stuff.

Some of the ideas below require gluing the wallpaper to a surface. Depending upon the surface the wallpaper is glued on to, will determine the bonding product. Try Care2′s wallpaper paste recipe or a non-toxic adhesive such as Mod-Podge for these projects.

Here are 12 innovative uses for leftover wallpaper DIY:

1. Cover a wastepaper can. Measure the can, glue the back of the wallpaper, wrap the wallpaper around the can and smooth out the bumps.

2. Line a shelf or cupboard. Cut to fit and attach with double-stick tape or removable mounting squares.

3. Gift wrap. Grass cloth wallpaper samples are beautiful for gift wrapping.

4. Gift tags. Cut out graphics from the wallpaper and glue onto cardstock.

5. Line a serving tray. Cut to fit and attach with double-stick tape or removable mounting squares.

6. Cover storage boxes. Make a pattern by tracing the box. Allow at least an inch around for folding in. Paste the back of the wallpaper and press onto the box. Smooth out bumps.

7. Cover a decorative screen with wallpaper or make a room divider panel by covering a simple piece of plywood with wallpaper. Here’s some inspiration.

8. Cover a lampshade. The DIY directions are here.

9. Wallpaper as framed art. Measure frame (use the matboard as a guide), cut wallpaper and insert into a frame.

10. Book covers. Here’s how to fold a book cover.

11. Hang a scroll. Measure wallpaper, fold the top and bottom edges over wooden rulers or dowel rods and secure with tape and hang.

12. Bookmarks. Cut out graphics from the wallpaper and glue onto cardstock and a tassel or cord

Don’t forget to save some wallpaper for patches and repairs. What do you do with leftover wallpaper?

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Joy W.

10:21PM PDT on Nov 5, 2011

Thank you for all the wonderful ideas.

send a green star

Sisilie B.

10:30AM PDT on Sep 17, 2011

Cool ideas!

Spoorthi B.

9:55PM PDT on Aug 29, 2011

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Ve G.

8:54PM PST on Dec 19, 2010

cool.

KS G.

12:43AM PDT on Nov 6, 2010

Thanks for the article.

2:43PM PDT on Oct 27, 2010

Instead of buying self adhesive paper for shelves and drawers I use wallpaper. It's easier to put in (you can reposition it!) and easier to remove and looks nice, too. I also apply it to cardboard boxes to be used as gift boxes.

Carol C.

11:42PM PDT on Sep 17, 2010

Love these ideas!

Theo R.

5:50AM PDT on Sep 1, 2010

crafty fellow

s b.

11:32AM PDT on Aug 20, 2010

I'm glad I'm not the only one using left over wall papers to gift wrap! Already using them for 9 out of 12 idea listed. :-)

Laurie T.

1:03PM PDT on Aug 17, 2010

If you've wallpapered only one or two walls in one room, try covering an old picture frame (or more) with left overs..and framing a favorite picture, placing it on a opposite, painted wall in that same room. The subtle accent will help tie in the solid with the wallpapered wall.