Choosing damask pattern wallpaper means opting for a design that has graced homes for centuries. Its signature motif, often featuring a symmetrical, stylized floral or leaf pattern, conveys sophistication and luxury. Unlike fleeting trends, damask has enduring appeal, making it a solid investment for your walls.
Understanding damask wallpaper materials
Damask wallpaper isn’t just about the pattern; the material it’s printed on significantly impacts its look, durability, and installation ease. You’ll primarily encounter these types:
- Vinyl-coated wallpaper: This is a popular choice for its durability and washability. A thin layer of vinyl is applied to the paper backing. It’s forgiving during installation, allowing for repositioning, and stands up well to moisture, making it suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. Look for terms like ‘wipes clean.’
- Solid vinyl wallpaper: Thicker and more robust than vinyl-coated, solid vinyl is ideal for high-traffic areas or rooms prone to humidity. It offers excellent scrubbability and is often the best choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and kids’ rooms.
- Non-woven wallpaper: Made from a blend of synthetic fibers and paper pulp, non-woven (or ‘paste-the-wall’) wallpaper is breathable, easy to hang, and often strippable. It’s known for its matte finish and is generally considered more eco-friendly. The key advantage is that you paste the wall, not the paper, speeding up the process and reducing mess.
- Textured or Embossed wallpaper: These can be made from paper, vinyl, or other materials and feature a raised pattern. They add depth and a tactile quality to your walls. Some high-end damask wallpapers use this technique for a more luxurious feel.
- Peel and stick wallpaper: While not always traditional damask, many manufacturers offer damask patterns in peel-and-stick formats. These are excellent for renters or those who like to change their decor frequently. They are easy to apply and remove without damaging the underlying wall.
When selecting, consider the room’s function. For high-moisture areas, solid vinyl or vinyl-coated is recommended. For a sophisticated, matte finish in a living room or bedroom, non-woven is a great option. Peel-and-stick is perfect for temporary applications or quick updates.
How to measure for damask wallpaper
Accurate measurements are crucial to avoid buying too little or too much wallpaper. Here’s how to do it:
- Measure the height of your walls: From the baseboard to the ceiling.
- Measure the width of each wall: Then add them all together for the total linear footage.
- Account for doors and windows: Measure their width and height. While you’ll cut around them, you still need to cover the wall space they occupy.
- Determine wallpaper roll coverage: Most standard wallpaper rolls cover approximately 56 to 60 square feet. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact coverage.
- Calculate the number of rolls: Divide your total wall square footage by the coverage per roll. Always round up to the nearest whole roll. It’s better to have extra for matching patterns and potential mistakes than to run short. A good rule of thumb is to add 10-15% for pattern repeat and waste.
Understanding pattern repeat
The pattern repeat is the vertical distance between one point in the pattern and the next identical point. A large damask pattern might have a longer repeat (e.g., 20-25 inches), meaning you’ll need more wallpaper to align the motifs across seams. Small repeats (e.g., 12-18 inches) are more economical. Always check the ‘repeat’ information on the wallpaper label.
Preparing your walls for damask wallpaper
Proper wall preparation is non-negotiable for a professional-looking finish. Skipping this step leads to bubbles, peeling, and a poor final appearance.
Clean the walls thoroughly
Remove all dust, dirt, grease, and old adhesive. Use a mild detergent solution and rinse well. If you have glossy paint, lightly sand it to give the new wallpaper something to adhere to.
Repair imperfections
Fill any holes, cracks, or gouges with spackling compound. Sand smooth once dry. Smooth out any bumps or ridges.
Prime the walls
Applying a coat of wallpaper primer seals porous surfaces, prevents the wallpaper adhesive from soaking into the wall (which can make removal difficult later), and provides a uniform surface for adhesion. It also helps ensure the color of your wall doesn’t show through lighter-colored wallpaper. Use a primer specifically designed for wallpapering.
Ensure walls are dry
Make sure the walls are completely dry before you start hanging wallpaper. Moisture can interfere with the adhesive.
How to hang damask pattern wallpaper
Hanging wallpaper, especially a detailed pattern like damask, requires patience and precision. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Cut your wallpaper strips
Measure the height of your wall from ceiling to baseboard, and add 4-6 inches for trimming (2-3 inches at the top and bottom). If your wallpaper has a pattern repeat, ensure you account for that when cutting subsequent strips to ensure the pattern aligns perfectly. Lay the first strip flat, then lay the second strip next to it, aligning the pattern. Cut the second strip, ensuring the repeat matches.
2. Apply adhesive (if necessary)
For traditional paper-backed wallpaper, apply the recommended adhesive evenly to the back of the strip using a roller or brush. For non-woven (‘paste-the-wall’) wallpaper, apply the adhesive directly to the wall, covering an area slightly wider than your strip. For peel-and-stick, no adhesive is needed—the backing peels off.
3. Book the wallpaper (if necessary)
If you applied adhesive to traditional wallpaper, ‘book’ the strip by folding it onto itself, adhesive side to adhesive side, without creasing. Let it sit for the time recommended by the manufacturer (usually 5-10 minutes) to allow the adhesive to activate.
4. Hang the first strip
Start in a corner or a prominent place. Align the edge of the first strip with the corner or a plumb line (a vertical guide you can draw with a level). Leave the extra 2-3 inches at the top and bottom to trim later. Gently press the wallpaper onto the wall.
5. Smooth out bubbles and wrinkles
Use a wallpaper smoothing tool (a plastic or rubber spatula) to work from the center outwards, pushing out any air bubbles or wrinkles. Be firm but gentle to avoid tearing the paper.
6. Trim the excess
Once the strip is smoothed and in place, use a sharp utility knife or a razor blade and a straight edge (like a metal ruler or the baseboard itself) to carefully trim the excess wallpaper at the ceiling and baseboard. Change your blade frequently for clean cuts.
7. Hang subsequent strips
Butt the edges of each new strip tightly against the previous one. Avoid overlapping unless the wallpaper instructions specifically call for it (rare). Ensure the pattern matches perfectly at the seam. Continue this process for the entire room.
8. Work around obstacles
For outlets and switches, turn off the power, remove the cover plates, and cut an ‘X’ in the wallpaper over the opening. Fold the flaps back and trim them neatly around the opening. For windows and doors, cut the wallpaper carefully around the frame, using the excess to tuck into seams if possible.
9. Clean up
Wipe away any excess adhesive with a damp sponge or cloth immediately. Don’t let it dry on the wallpaper surface, as it can leave marks.
Common mistakes to avoid with damask wallpaper
Even with the best intentions, some mistakes can derail your damask wallpaper project:
- Skipping wall preparation: This is the number one mistake. Unprepared walls lead to adhesion issues and a poor finish.
- Not checking the pattern repeat: Wasting material and ending up with misaligned patterns is frustrating. Always match the repeat.
- Using the wrong adhesive: Different wallpaper types require specific adhesives. Using the wrong one will lead to failure.
- Over-handling wet wallpaper: Especially with paper-backed options, too much manipulation can stretch or tear the material.
- Not using a level or plumb line: Without a vertical guide, your first strip—and therefore all subsequent strips—will be crooked.
- Using a dull blade for trimming: This results in ragged edges that detract from the final look.
- Not buying enough wallpaper: Running out mid-project is a common and costly error. Always buy an extra roll.
By understanding the materials, measuring accurately, preparing your walls meticulously, and following a careful installation process, you can successfully bring the timeless elegance of damask pattern wallpaper into your home. For inspiration on other sophisticated patterns, consider exploring stunning metallic pattern wallpaper or the versatility of geometric wallpaper patterns.