We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
The perfect DIY solution for a quick and impactful home update.
If you’re planning quick and easy DIY home improvements, wallpapering might not be on your to-do list – but the ease and simplicity of paste the wall wallpaper might convince you otherwise.
Traditionally, wallpapering is a fiddly process requiring a pasting table (which is not something we all have lying around,) and leaves you battling with soaking rolls of wallpaper as they stick to skirting boards and dust sheets.
'With the traditional way of soaking and pasting the paper on a table you only have a matter of minutes to apply the wallpaper to the wall before the adhesive starts to dry. This can lead to a rushed job with a less professional finish,' says Helen Johnson, owner of the Decorating Centre Online.
All things considered, it’s a task better left to the professionals. But it's a DIY myth that wallpapering can only be done by professionals.
Enter paste the wall wallpaper, the perfect solution for a quick and easy home update. This is modern wallpapering without the mess or the hassle – which is why all of our own House Beautiful wallpapers at Homebase use paste the wall application as standard.
As the name suggests, this method allows you to spread your adhesive directly onto the wall rather than the wallpaper itself. No pasting table is required, and you reduce the risk of common hiccups, like smearing paste onto the front surface of the wallpaper or soaking the paper with too much adhesive.
'The biggest benefit to hanging wallpaper via paste the wall is that it can reduce the anxiety for novices getting in a pickle about messy pasting tables or getting it hung in time without paper sticking to itself and causing tears,' says Helen.
Plus, a paste the wall method doesn't involve any waiting around for the wallpaper to dry, and it's a lot more forgiving than traditional wallpapering, 'If you make a mistake, you can simply peel it off and try again,' Helen adds.
'Another handy tip,' says Helen, 'is that if you find your paper slightly curling at the bottom before hanging, you can apply a light coat of the paste to help weight it a little. Any surplus paste on the paper can easily be wiped away with clean water without fear of staining or discolouring your paper. AT DCO we recommend Erfurt Mav Easy Paste Wallpaper Adhesive and something like the Coral Paper Wiz Flexi Tool to smooth any air pockets.'
The paste the wall method can’t be applied to just any wallpaper however, it requires a special type that is, thankfully, widely available and very affordable. We've selected 13 fabulous paste the wall wallpapers to transform bland walls.
The soft lines and calming inky blues make this perfect for large expanses of wall. It also ticks important sustainability boxes, using water based inks and FSC-certified paper.
The texture of this burnt orange wallpaper gives it premium appeal at very little cost. And if you're looking to brighten a room, but hesitant at the thought of using bold colours, this earthy palette is a lovely alternative.
Boldness begets boldness. This is big botanicals for fearless pattern lovers. It works well on a feature wall too, if you prefer a more subtle approach.
An original take on pattern, and a brilliant option if you've already tested botanicals or geometric styles, this cheerful print would work wonders in a bathroom.
Create a private paradise into your own front room with this teal paste the wall wallpaper – it's bursting with colourful heliconia and bold tropical leaves.
The geometric pattern on this wallpaper toughens up the soft pink base, and works beautifully with shades of grey for a refined and feminine bedroom.
This Matthew Williamson print is a great starter kit for those who want to experiment with colour. The neutral background and black detailing refine an otherwise busy floral pattern.
A wallpaper for the dreamers. An obvious choice for a bedroom, but we love it as a whimsical welcome in a hallway.
Inspired by painted fabric, this intricately patterned wallpaper can add a richness to an otherwise pared-back room. It's the perfect choice for a feature wall if you don't want to introduce too many colours.
An ode to the ever popular monstera leaf, this terracotta wallpaper complements other earthy tones, and works particularly well with brown leathers and natural wood.
Parchment wallpaper with a softly textured effect. The chalky lemon tones would freshen a kitchen, or brighten rooms without much natural light.
Moody hues and intricate detailing make this paste the wall wallpaper the perfect choice for those who don't shy away from a statement. Forgo the feature wall, and go bold with a whole room.
Inspired by traditional Japanese art, the hand-drawn quality of this wallpaper gives it a premium feel at an affordable price. A playful choice for a family room or child's bedroom.
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
Love what you’re reading? Enjoy House Beautiful magazine delivered straight to your door every month with Free UK delivery. Buy direct from the publisher for the lowest price and never miss an issue!
Why designers say 'broken floor plans' are the best home layout in 2026
Little Greene’s new National Trust wallpapers
5 mistakes a paint expert never makes in their own home
11 wall mural ideas for 2026
