Peel and stick wallpaper is relatively simple to install when you're working across a wide, open wall.
The tricky part usually comes when you reach the details.
Windows. Door frames. Electrical outlets. Light switches. Inside corners.
These areas don't require special installation skills, but they do require a little more patience and planning. The goal isn't to make complicated cuts as quickly as possible. It's to position the wallpaper first, check your pattern, and then trim carefully.
Here's how to get a cleaner finish around the most common obstacles.
Start With a Smooth, Clean Wall
Before installing wallpaper, make sure the wall is clean, dry, and reasonably smooth.
Fill small holes, smooth out uneven areas, and remove dust, grease, loose paint, or anything else that could interfere with the adhesive.
If your wall has heavy texture, test a sample first. Peel and stick wallpaper generally performs best on smooth surfaces, and significant texture can affect both adhesion and the final appearance.
Taking a little extra time to prepare the wall can make the installation much easier later.
How to Install Peel and Stick Wallpaper Around Windows
Windows may look complicated, but the basic technique is straightforward.
Instead of trying to measure and cut the wallpaper perfectly before putting it on the wall, allow the wallpaper to extend over the window area first.
Once the wallpaper is positioned:
- Press it gently toward the window frame.
- At the corners of the window, make a small diagonal relief cut.
- Fold the wallpaper toward the frame.
- Use a sharp utility knife to trim the excess material along the edge.
The relief cut gives the wallpaper enough flexibility to sit neatly around the corner without bunching or creating large wrinkles.
Take your time with the corners. It's much easier to remove a little more wallpaper than to fix a cut that was made too large.
How to Install Wallpaper Around Door Frames
Door frames are handled in much the same way as windows.
Continue the wallpaper toward the doorway and allow enough material to overlap the frame.
When you reach the top corner of the door, make a diagonal cut toward the corner. This allows the wallpaper to fold around the frame.
Press the material firmly against the edge, then trim away the excess with a sharp blade.
One extra thing to watch for is pattern alignment.
If you're installing a large floral, botanical, or geometric wallpaper, check the design against the previous strip before making your final cut. A perfectly straight edge won't look right if the pattern suddenly shifts at the doorway.
How to Install Peel and Stick Wallpaper Around Outlets and Switches
Electrical outlets and light switches require a little more care.
Always turn off the power before working around electrical fittings.
If you are comfortable removing the faceplate, you can remove it before installing the wallpaper and replace it afterward. If you're not familiar with electrical work, don't force the process—consider having a professional handle it.
Once the power is safely off:
- Position the wallpaper over the outlet or switch.
- Press the wallpaper gently around the edges so you can identify the opening.
- Make a small X-shaped cut in the center.
- Carefully trim away the excess material.
- Reinstall the faceplate so it covers the trimmed edge.
Start with a small opening and enlarge it gradually if needed.
Don't cut a large opening right away. The faceplate should cover the edge, so there is usually no reason to remove more wallpaper than necessary.
How to Handle Inside Corners
Inside corners can be tricky because walls aren't always perfectly straight.
When you reach a corner, gently press the wallpaper into it using a wallpaper smoother or soft squeegee.
Avoid stretching the material too much. Stretching can cause the pattern to shift and may make the wallpaper harder to position correctly on the next wall.
If the corner is slightly uneven, focus on keeping the wallpaper vertically aligned rather than trying to force the material perfectly into every small imperfection.
For particularly uneven corners, creating a clean seam may give you a better result than trying to wrap one continuous piece around the entire corner.
Don't Forget Pattern Matching
For patterned wallpaper, the installation isn't finished just because the edges are straight.
The pattern should flow naturally from one strip to the next.
Before applying each new strip, check:
- Do the flowers or leaves line up?
- Are geometric lines still level?
- Is the repeat pattern positioned correctly?
- Does the design look continuous across the seam?
This becomes especially important with large-scale floral and botanical wallpaper.
It's better to spend an extra minute checking the pattern than to discover several strips later that the design has gradually moved out of alignment.
The Tools That Make Installation Easier
You don't need a large collection of tools. For most peel and stick wallpaper projects, these are enough:
- Sharp utility knife
- Wallpaper smoother or soft squeegee
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Pencil
- Straight edge
- Clean, dry cloth
A sharp blade is particularly important when trimming around windows, doors, and electrical fittings. If the blade starts dragging or tearing the wallpaper, replace it.
5 Mistakes to Avoid
1. Installing on an unprepared wall
Dust, bumps, loose paint, and heavy texture can create problems later.
2. Cutting before positioning
It's easier to cut accurately once the wallpaper is actually on the wall.
3. Using a dull blade
A dull blade can create rough edges and make detailed cuts much harder.
4. Forgetting about pattern alignment
Always check the design before committing to a cut.
5. Rushing around corners and openings
These areas simply require more time. Slow, controlled cuts usually create a much cleaner finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install peel and stick wallpaper around windows?
Yes. Allow the wallpaper to overlap the window area, make small relief cuts at the corners, then trim along the window frame.
Can peel and stick wallpaper go around electrical outlets?
Yes, but always turn off the power before working around outlets or switches. The wallpaper should be carefully trimmed around the opening rather than placed over the electrical fitting.
How do I cut wallpaper around a door frame?
Allow the wallpaper to overlap the frame, make a diagonal relief cut at the corner, then press and trim the material along the edge.
Should I remove the outlet or switch plate first?
Removing the faceplate can create a cleaner finish, but only do so if you are comfortable handling it safely. Otherwise, consider getting professional help.
What if my corner isn't perfectly straight?
Don't stretch the wallpaper to compensate for an uneven wall. Keep the wallpaper aligned and create a clean seam where necessary.
A Clean Finish Is All About the Details
Installing peel and stick wallpaper across an open wall can be surprisingly straightforward. The areas around windows, doors, outlets, and corners are where a little extra attention makes the biggest difference.
You don't need to rush through these sections.
Position the wallpaper carefully, check the pattern, use a sharp blade, and make smaller cuts whenever possible.
With a little patience, even the more complicated parts of a room can have the same clean, finished look as the rest of the wall.
