The type of wallpaper you choose for a nursery room is a decision that impacts not just the look, but also the longevity and maintenance of the space. You’ll primarily be choosing between paper-based, vinyl, and peel-and-stick (often vinyl or PVC-based) options, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages for a high-traffic, often messy, baby’s room.
Paper-based wallpapers are the most traditional and often the most budget-friendly. They come in a vast array of designs and colors, making them appealing for achieving specific nursery aesthetics. However, their primary drawback is their susceptibility to moisture and damage. Spills, sticky fingers, and even high humidity can cause paper to warp, tear, or stain. For a nursery, where accidents are inevitable, paper-based wallpaper is generally not the most practical choice unless it’s a high-quality, scrubbable paper, which can sometimes bridge the gap towards vinyl’s durability.
Vinyl wallpapers offer significantly better durability and are often recommended for nurseries. The vinyl coating makes them resistant to moisture, stains, and scuffs. This means you can often wipe them clean with a damp cloth, a crucial feature when dealing with baby food, diaper leaks, or crayon marks. Vinyl wallpaper is also more forgiving during installation, as it’s less likely to tear. Look for ‘washable’ or ‘scrubbable’ ratings on the packaging. The trade-off can be a slightly higher cost and, in some older formulations, concerns about VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), though modern vinyl wallpapers are increasingly designed to be low-VOC.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper offers easy application and removal, appealing to renters and frequent decorators. Its adhesive backing negates the need for traditional paste. This allows for DIY installation in a nursery, with clean removal that typically avoids drywall damage. Durability varies by material; vinyl options are scrubbable, while paper-like ones may not be. Always consult manufacturer specifications for cleaning and durability. Test the adhesive on painted walls to ensure it won’t leave residue or damage paint upon removal, particularly if walls lack proper priming.
How much wallpaper do you need?
The quantity of wallpaper needed for a nursery room is a critical calculation to avoid costly shortages or excessive waste. The standard approach involves measuring the perimeter of the room and its height. For example, in a 12 ft x 12 ft room with 8 ft ceilings, the perimeter is (12 + 12) x 2 = 48 linear feet. The total wall area is 48 ft x 8 ft = 384 sq ft. However, you must account for windows and doors, which reduce the amount of wallpaper needed. More importantly, you must factor in pattern repeat and wastage during installation. A common rule of thumb is to add 10-15% to your total square footage calculation for wastage. Always consult the specific wallpaper manufacturer’s coverage guidelines, as pattern repeat can vary significantly and impact the amount you need. You can find detailed calculations in our guide on how much wallpaper do I need for a 12×12 room.
Understanding pattern repeat and its impact
Pattern repeat is the distance from one point in the wallpaper design to the next identical point. A larger pattern repeat means you’ll need more wallpaper to align the patterns across seams. For example, a wallpaper with a 24-inch pattern repeat will require you to match the pattern every 24 inches vertically. This often means cutting longer strips than the wall height and discarding the excess at the top and bottom to ensure the pattern flows seamlessly. If your nursery has many windows or doors, or if you’re using a wallpaper with a large pattern repeat, your wastage percentage will be higher. Always purchase at least one extra roll or more than your calculation suggests to account for potential mistakes, future repairs, or if you need to reorder and the dye lot has changed, which can result in color variations.
Preparing your nursery walls for wallpaper
Proper wall preparation is paramount for a professional-looking and long-lasting wallpaper installation. Skipping this step is a common mistake that leads to peeling, bubbling, or an uneven finish. Start by cleaning the walls thoroughly. Remove any dust, grease, or old adhesive residue. If there’s existing wallpaper, it must be completely removed. Steaming or using a wallpaper stripper solution are common methods. Once the walls are clean and dry, inspect them for imperfections. Fill any holes or cracks with spackle or joint compound, and sand them smooth once dry. The goal is a smooth, uniform surface.
Priming the walls is the next crucial step. Use a high-quality wallpaper primer. Primer serves multiple purposes: it seals porous surfaces, preventing the wallpaper adhesive from soaking in too quickly (which can lead to poor adhesion); it creates a uniform surface that aids in smooth application; and it makes future wallpaper removal significantly easier, especially when using vinyl or strippable papers. For very dark or heavily patterned wallpapers, you might consider a tinted primer to prevent the old wall color from showing through. Ensure the primer is completely dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding.
Choosing the right wallpaper adhesive
The type of adhesive you use depends on the wallpaper material and the primer applied. For traditional paper-backed wallpapers, a clear or slightly opaque wallpaper paste is typically used. Vinyl wallpapers often require a heavier-duty paste, sometimes specifically designed for vinyl or vinyl-coated papers. This paste is usually more robust and water-resistant. For peel-and-stick wallpapers, no separate adhesive is needed, as it’s built into the backing. Always follow the wallpaper manufacturer’s recommendations for adhesive. Using the wrong type of paste can lead to adhesion problems, staining, or difficulty in removal.
Installation process for nursery room wallpaper
Installing wallpaper can seem daunting, but with careful measurement, preparation, and patience, it’s achievable. For traditional pasted wallpapers, you’ll typically need to ‘book’ the paper after applying the paste. This involves folding the pasted paper onto itself (paste-to-paste) and letting it rest for a few minutes, as per the manufacturer’s instructions. This allows the paste to penetrate and the paper to relax, preventing it from stretching too much on the wall. Peel-and-stick wallpaper, on the other hand, is applied directly by peeling off the backing gradually as you position and smooth the panel.
Begin installation at an inconspicuous corner, or near a door or window frame. Use a level to ensure your first strip is perfectly vertical. This is critical, as any misalignment in the first strip will be magnified throughout the room. Cut your first strip to the correct length, usually allowing a few inches of extra paper at the top and bottom for trimming. Apply the wallpaper smoothly to the wall, using a smoothing tool (like a plastic wallpaper brush or squeegee) to push out air bubbles and wrinkles. Work from the center outwards. For pasted papers, trim the excess at the ceiling and baseboard with a sharp utility knife and a straight edge. For peel-and-stick, you can often trim with a sharp knife after pressing it into corners and along edges.
Dealing with corners and outlets
Corners require careful attention to ensure a clean finish. For internal corners, generally, you want the wallpaper to slightly overlap onto the adjoining wall (about 1/2 inch), then cut a relief slit at the top and bottom to help it lay flat. Then, start the next wall by aligning the new strip so it’s plumb (vertical) and slightly overlaps the existing strip. For external corners, wrap the wallpaper around the corner as far as it will go smoothly, then score and cut any excess. Start the next section on the adjacent wall, again ensuring it’s plumb and slightly overlapping. When wallpapering around electrical outlets or light switches, turn off the power at the breaker first. Uncover the outlet or switch plate. Apply the wallpaper over the opening, make diagonal cuts from the center of the opening outwards to the corners of the plate opening, and then carefully trim away the excess wallpaper, leaving just enough to tuck neatly behind the reinstalled plate. Always reinstall the plate over the wallpaper for a clean finish.
Safety considerations for nursery wallpaper
When choosing and installing wallpaper for a nursery room, safety is a primary concern. Ensure the wallpaper you select is made from materials that are safe for children. Look for wallpapers that are low-VOC or zero-VOC, meaning they emit minimal harmful chemicals into the air. This is particularly important in a nursery, where babies spend a significant amount of time. Certifications like GREENGUARD are good indicators of low chemical emissions. Ensure the adhesive used is also low-VOC and non-toxic.
Beyond chemical safety, consider the physical properties of the wallpaper. A washable or scrubbable finish is highly beneficial for hygiene, allowing you to easily clean up messes. Some parents opt for textured wallpapers, but ensure there are no small, detachable parts that a baby could ingest. For very young infants, it’s advisable to keep the wallpaper design simple and not overly stimulating, which can sometimes interfere with sleep. As the child grows, more elaborate designs can be introduced. Ensure the installation is secure, with no loose edges that a child could pull on.
Choosing styles and themes
The aesthetic possibilities for nursery room wallpaper are vast. You can opt for classic patterns like polka dots, stripes, or subtle geometrics. For a more whimsical feel, consider animals, hot air balloons, or celestial themes. Whimsical nursery wallpaper can add a playful and imaginative touch. For a nursery that aims for a timeless appeal, vintage nursery wallpaper offers a charming and enduring aesthetic. Pastel colors are also a popular choice for nurseries, creating a soft and calming atmosphere. Our guide on pastel bedroom wallpaper offers inspiration that can easily translate to a nursery setting. The key is to choose a design that complements the overall room decor and creates a soothing yet engaging environment for your child.
Trade & wholesale accounts
For designers, decorators, contractors, and businesses looking to purchase nursery room wallpaper in bulk or on a regular basis, Starhouse USA offers dedicated trade and wholesale accounts. These accounts provide access to special pricing, exclusive product lines, and dedicated support to help you serve your clients effectively. Setting up a trade account is straightforward and designed to streamline the procurement process for professional projects. These accounts are ideal for large-scale renovations, commercial installations, or for businesses that frequently incorporate wallpaper into their design services. We understand the demands of the trade and aim to provide a seamless experience from selection to delivery.
Schedule a callback
If you have specific questions about nursery room wallpaper, require personalized recommendations, or need assistance with a large order, Starhouse USA makes it easy to connect with our experts. You can schedule a callback at your convenience. Simply provide us with your contact details and a brief overview of your needs, and one of our knowledgeable team members will reach out to you to discuss your project. This service is perfect for clarifying technical details, exploring custom options, or getting advice tailored to your unique situation. We are committed to ensuring you find the perfect wallpaper solution for your nursery or any other project.