Are you ready for this super simple tutorial on how to wallpaper your staircase risers for less than $100?! I am excited to share this fun project with you and the best part is that it took less than 3 hours to install! I LOVE a good DIY project, especially when it can be completed in one night.
For this project, I teamed up with Tempaper Designs to install removable wallpaper to the stair treads of an old Victorian home in the Old West End of Toledo. If you are totally into this removable wallpaper trend right now like me, I highly recommend this product. They have so many design options and the installation was a piece of cake.
The Tempaper Design product is a self-adhesive, repositionable removable fabric wallpaper that simplifies the installation process and eliminates the gluey mess that comes with your standard wallpaper product. While we applied it to stair risers, there are fabulous options for a full room installation, a bold accent wall, or any other smooth surface that needs a little flair.
The Design
The homeowners of this house, Jackie and Jeff, have an eclectic style and the design of their home is filled with unexpected and fun decor. Last month, Jackie looked through all of the pattern options and decided on the whimsical Medieval Toile border wallpaper. It was the perfect choice for the project and their personalities.
How to Add Removable Wallpaper to Staircase Risers
[Affiliate links used in this post – scroll to the bottom for a complete list of source links!]
Servants Staircase Before
The servant’s stairway had dark green trim paint but it made the space feel dark and old.
Jackie and Jeff painted the trim a crisp white to better compliment the design going on the risers and to brighten up the dark hallway.
STEP 1 | Measure the Risers & Cut Wallpaper
When measuring the risers using a measuring tape, we added about half an inch to the measurement for any potential errors and then cut off the overhang with the utility knife. The Medieval Toile is a border style that was almost a perfect fit, height-wise, on the stairs. This saved us a lot of time cutting! Jackie measured and cut the paper using a straight edge and scissors while I took the lead on the installation.
STEP 2 | Attach the Wallpaper
Admittedly, it took me a few tries to find the best process for installing this border. The easiest way I found to install the wallpaper was by peeling off about an inch of the backing and attaching it to the riser. Once one side was attached, I slowly worked my way across the step pulling off the backing and smoothing the paper against the tread.
As soon as I figured out that technique, the rest of the risers were a breeze to install. Removing the backing a little bit at a time really helped to keep it wrinkle-free.
STEP 3 | Smooth Out Bubbles
Use the Tempaper squeegee to smooth out bubbles and creases as you pull off the backing and apply the remainder of the paper.
STEP 4 | Remove Excess Wallpaper
Finally, use a sharp utility knife to cut off any overhang.
Make sure the utility knife razor is sharp. If it is a little dull, it can be challenging to cut the overhang without pulling on the wallpaper you want to keep in place.
STEP 5 | Celebrate a Successful DIY!
Crack a beer and cheers to your beautiful new stairway! I absolutely love how this turned out and more importantly, the homeowners LOVE their updated back steps! While I love the look of the new staircase, I really love the affordable cost of this easy DIY!
Because the dark green paint darkened the back hallway, the fresh white paint really brightened it up. The whimsical design is also the perfect unexpected touch as you walk up the stairs.
Here is a reminder of what it looked like before…
And here is how the staircase looks afterward:
Wallpaper Project Source List
- Tempaper Wallpaper
- Tempaper Squeegee
- Measuring tape
- Utility Knife or Snap Off Exacto Knife
- Ruler (or straight edge)
- Scissors – You can also use a utility knife on a cutting mat
I hope this tutorial helps you take the leap to try that project that has been sitting on your DIY Pinterest board. Don’t forget to send me pictures of your installations because I would love to see how they turned out!
Looking for More Affordable DIY Projects?
- How to Hang Pre-Pasted Wallpaper by Yourself
- Update Formica Countertops with Contact Paper
- How to Hang a Wall Mural | Wallpaper Installation DIY
- Paint Your Basement Stairs Black for a Modern Look
- How to Paint Your Old Floors Using Rust-Oleum
- Build a Picture Ledge for Less Than $50
- How to Plaster a Lamp Base
- How to Easily Remove Wallpaper with These 6 Steps