Wallpaper Around Obstacles
Wallpapering plain stretches of wall is relatively straightforward. The real test comes when you have to wallpaper around obstacles – sockets, light switches, doors, windows, fireplaces, radiators and even archways.
This guide walks through practical, step-by-step methods for wallpapering around sockets and switches, doors, windows, fireplaces, archways and radiators. Combine these techniques with the general principles in our Where to start wallpapering guide and How to wallpaper a chimney breast for a more professional finish.
Important: Always work safely around electrical fittings and hot radiators. If you are unsure, consult a qualified professional or use an experienced decorator.
Wallpapering Around Sockets and Light Switches
Neat work around sockets and switches makes a huge difference to the overall result. The aim is to avoid visible gaps while not forcing lots of paper under the faceplate.
- Turn off the electricity at the mains before you start. Double-check that the circuit is dead.
- Hang the length of wallpaper straight over the switch or socket.
- From the centre of the fitting, cut diagonally outwards to each corner, creating an "X" shape in the paper.
- Gently tap the triangular flaps back against the faceplate using a paperhanging brush.
- Trim away surplus paper, leaving a small 5–6 mm margin all around the fitting.
- Loosen the screws on the faceplate slightly, tuck the margin neatly behind the plate, then re-tighten.
- Do not switch the power back on until the paste has dried completely and everything is secure.
How to Wallpaper Around a Door
Doors break the run of a wall, but the basic principle is simple: keep the pattern aligned beside the frame and trim the overlap carefully into the reveal and head.
- Hang the full length of wallpaper next to the door frame, but allow it to overlap the door opening.
- Brush the paper firmly into the butt joint at the frame so the pattern lines up with the previous drop.
- At the top corner of the frame, make a diagonal relief cut in the excess paper so it can fold around the corner.
- Crease the surplus paper down the side of the frame with the back of your scissors or a smoother.
- Peel the paper back slightly, trim along the crease, and then brush it neatly back into the corner. Leave a small 10–12 mm margin to turn onto the top of the frame if needed.
- Fill the space above the door with short, carefully matched strips, aligning the pattern with the drops either side.
- When you continue along the wall, hang the next full length over the top of the door, cut into the corner of the frame, and paste the rest of the strip down the other side before trimming off the waste.
How to Wallpaper Around a Window
Wallpapering around a window is similar to a door if the frame is flush. When the window sits in a recess or reveal, you"ll need to wrap the paper into the sides and head of the opening.
For a flush frame, treat it in much the same way as a door:
- Hang the drop next to the window and let it overlap the frame.
- Cut diagonally into the corners, crease along the edge of the frame and trim carefully.
For a recessed window reveal:
- Hang the full length of wallpaper next to the window, allowing it to overhang the opening.
- Make a horizontal cut just above the top edge of the reveal and a second cut just below the sill line.
- Fold the paper into the side of the reveal, brushing it firmly into the angle.
- Crease and trim neatly along the window frame and sill.
Filling in the Window Reveal
To cover the top of the reveal:
- Cut a strip of wallpaper that matches the pattern and width of the overhang above the reveal.
- Paste the strip and slide it under the overhanging piece, wrapping it around the top of the reveal.
- Cut through both layers with a smooth, slightly wavy stroke, remove the waste and roll down the joint for a nearly invisible seam.
- Continue with short lengths above and below the window as needed, matching the pattern across the wall and into the reveal.
For more on positioning patterns near windows and starting points in rooms with chimney breasts, see our Where to start wallpapering guide.
How to Wallpaper Around a Fireplace
Wallpapering around a fireplace is similar to working around a doorframe, but the surround and mantel can add extra complexity. A neat result will help the fireplace feel properly framed and balanced.
- Hang the drop over the fireplace area and make a diagonal cut in the excess paper towards each top corner of the mantel shelf or surround.
- Tuck the paper gently into the angles and crease along the line of the surround for trimming.
- Trim carefully to the edge of the surround, then smooth the paper back into place.
If the fireplace surround is ornate:
- Brush the paper firmly onto the wall above the surround first.
- Trim under the mantel shelf at each side.
- Brush the paper around the corners of the chimney breast to hold it in position.
- Gently press the wallpaper into the detailed shape of the surround to create an impression.
- Peel the paper back and cut along the impression with small, sharp scissors, then smooth it back down with a brush.
For advice on centring a pattern above the fireplace and working around the whole room, see our dedicated guide: How to wallpaper a chimney breast.
How to Wallpaper Archways
Archways can be intimidating, but the principle is the same: create smooth curves by allowing small slits in the margin and wrapping the paper onto the underside of the arch.
- Plan your layout so the strips on either side of the arch are evenly spaced and the pattern flows naturally around the opening.
- Hang a strip over the face of the arch and cut around the curve, leaving about a 25 mm (1 inch) margin to fold onto the underside.
- Snip into this margin at regular intervals so the paper can bend smoothly without creasing.
- Brush the flaps onto the underside of the arch.
- Cut and hang a strip on the underside of the arch, from the floor up to the top of the opening, matching the pattern where possible.
- Repeat on the opposite side of the arch.
How to Wallpaper Around and Behind Radiators
Wallpapering behind radiators is fiddly, but it usually looks better than stopping short. If you can have the radiator temporarily removed, the job becomes much easier; if not, the steps below will help.
- Turn off the radiator and allow it to cool completely before you start.
- Use a steel tape to measure the position of the radiator brackets and fixings on the wall.
- Transfer these measurements to the back of the wallpaper and cut slits from the bottom edge up to the bracket positions.
- Feed the pasted paper carefully behind the radiator, easing it over and around the brackets using the slits.
- Use a radiator roller to press the paper firmly onto the wall behind and between the brackets.
- Brush and smooth the paper down both sides of the radiator, then crease and trim neatly to the skirting board.
If you are using vinyl wallpapers or textile wallcoverings near heat sources, always follow the manufacturer"s recommendations and your decorator"s advice.
Related Wallpaper Guides
For more help planning and hanging wallpaper around a whole room, you may also find these guides useful:
If you"re using designer wallpaper or luxury wallcoverings and would like tailored advice, our team can help you choose suitable designs and connect you with experienced paper hangers.