Home Decoration Tips: How to hang wallpaper

Hanging wallpaper is one of those do-it-yourself jobs that looks straightforward. It can soon, however, become a frustratingly messy business - especially if you are applying your own glue to the paper. But hanging wallpaper doesn't have to be that way. As long as you prepare well, get yourself the proper tools and follow the simple steps provided, you, too, can become a successful wallpaper hanger. Here's how to do it like a pro:

(1) Get yourself prepared. You'll need a roller and tray for applying the glue, a table to lay the paper in preparation for cutting and gluing, a razor knife, scissors, a tape measure, a sponge, bucket of water, smoothing brush and broad knife.

(2) Prepare the wall for papering. Use a filler compound to smooth over any dents or holes. Then sand over this portion to make it flush with the rest of the wall. Make sure you have completely removed the underlying paper.

(3) Choose a start point. Make this in an inconspicuous part of the room. Plan out how many drops of wallpaper you'll need for the room. Now measure out and cut these drops for one room at a time.

(4) Lay out your drop of paper face down on your laying table. Put on the paste with a roller. Work from the middle out to the edges. Make sure that no glue gets on the surface of the table.

(5) Hang your first drop. You'll want to hang a chalk line first to make sure that you get off to a straight and level start. Start at the top of the wall, pressing the paper into the top of the wall. As you work your way down the paper, smooth it out with a brush. Slide the panel across so that it aligns with your chalk line. Now trim the top and bottom so that the panel fits snugly into the ceiling and base. Use a wet cloth to wipe off any excess glue.

(6) Rather than trying to work a drop around a wall, end your drop at the corner. Overlap your next sheet an inch or so from the approaching wall. Make sure that you match the pattern up precisely.

(7) To wallpaper around obstacles like doors or windows, lay your drop of paper over the obstacle. Then measure and cut out the excess with a pair of scissors. Make sure you leave about 2 inches overlap around the edges. At the corners, cut a diagonal. Then work the paper down with your fingers. Cut off the excess with a razor knife.

Work your way methodically around the room, constantly smoothing back to remove any air bubbles. You can add an extra element to the room by adding a matching or contrasting border. Make sure you hang these in a straight line to give a professional result.