Wallpaper Not on Your Walls

I love a good weekend project that makes an impact. I’ve recently been planning out my next few diy projects I want to start once we are in our new home. While brainstorming I realized theres a lot of places you can put wallpaper other then your walls. Adding pattern in a space can level up a good design into a great well thought out looking space but you dont need to cover all your walls to add pattern. We can add pattern in many ways with wallpaper.

Surprise in Every Drawer

Im a lover of a good vintage or thrift find but sometimes while the outside of a piece looks amazing the inside needs some work. Ive flipped a few dressers and nightstands that I added a fun pattern to the inside bottom of the drawers. It works double not only as a way to bring interest but almost as a way to create a smooth surface that will help protect anything you put into the drawer. Lining wallpaper to drawers is an age old tradition and one you can even still find in new furniture like the Ikea three drawer dresser.

When choosing a wallpaper type to add inside a drawer look for something smooth to make it easy to clean. If you are looking for something less permanent peel and stick and pre pasted smooth wallpaper would be your best options. Some peel and stick; like ours, is not smooth but instead has a weaved texture. While shopping make sure to confirm the wallpaper is smooth by either looking closely at the images, looking at reviews or by contact the seller.

Framed Moments

There has been a fun design trend Ive been seeing around where you cover a photo frame with wallpaper. It adds texture and interest almost like covering a wall with wallpaper but in a more subtle way. If you are wanting to add pattern to your wall but either cant add wallpaper due to your lease terms or its not in the budget yet this is a great way to get a similar effect. The fun thing with this diy is you can get away with only a small 3 foot roll or even a sample size of wallpaper making this very budget friendly. You can go bold and add multiple frames all with different patterns hung next to each other or only one frame with maybe a sentimental photo inside.

When picking out a frame look for one that does not have any carvings or designs on it. If the frame has to many curves and bumps it will not look as clean once you cover it with wallpaper. If you can find a frame that is wavy in shape while still having a flat front you can add two layers of interest on one frame. Mixing your frame thickness can also add interest to your walls allowing for more variations. If you do want to add multiple frames together use a mix of small, medium and large scale wallpaper patterns so they are not fighting for attention while hanging next to each other. This design principle of adding multiple patterns in various scales together works not just for this diy but also things like throw pillows or bedding.

Unexpected Accent

If you have a set of stairs or cabinets that have seen better days this diy could be perfect! I love a surprising pop of pattern and recently I saw someone cover the stair noses with wallpaper. It was subtle but gave a designer look to builder grade stairs. Just like adding wallpaper to a drawer look for smooth wallpaper to make it easy to clean. If your cabinets or stairs are a high traffic area also getting vinyl wallpaper for its added durability.

Adding wallpaper to cabinet fronts or the back of bookcases also gives this effect and looks amazing if the piece is older or has a victorian look to it. Depending on the use of the furniture you have many options for wallpaper types. Vinyl smooth wallpaper like peel and stick or traditional is best for high used furniture in places like kitchens, entryways or kids rooms. If the furniture is not a daily used item you can use any type of wallpaper such as grasscloth or prepasted smooth, theres even metallic wallpaper if you want to add some shiny detail in the room.

Theres lots of ways to add pattern with wallpaper. Whether you have extra pieces of wallpaper from a previous project or you want a fun weekend project I hope these gave you some ideas. Remember that transforming your space with these projects isn't just about enhancing aesthetics—it's about infusing your home with your unique style and personality. Whether you're adding a splash of color with removable wallpaper, updating furniture with creative applications, or transforming small decor, each project is an opportunity to make your living environment truly yours. Happy DIYing!