Wallpaper is a fantastic way to elevate the aesthetics of any room. From bold patterns to subtle textures, a new wallpaper installation can transform the look and feel of a space. But what happens when you have leftover wallpaper after completing your wall-covering project? Instead of tossing those remnants, you can repurpose them into creative and functional small DIY projects. Not only will this reduce waste, but it can also help you add personalized and stylish touches throughout your home.
In this article, we’ll explore various ways you can use leftover wallpaper for small DIY projects that can enhance your décor, offer a sense of accomplishment, and help the environment. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner looking for simple ideas, these projects will help you make the most of your wallpaper scraps.
Why Repurpose Wallpaper Leftovers?
Before diving into the projects, it's important to understand why repurposing wallpaper leftovers is a great idea. First and foremost, it’s an eco-friendly practice. By reusing your wallpaper, you can reduce waste, giving those extra rolls a second life instead of throwing them away. Additionally, wallpaper remnants are typically made from durable materials, so they have the potential to last much longer in small, functional DIY projects.
Second, wallpaper is designed to be visually appealing, and that’s something you can capitalize on when repurposing leftovers. Whether the design is floral, geometric, or textured, these patterns can lend themselves to a variety of creative applications. Plus, wallpaper can be an easy and affordable way to add visual interest to otherwise plain or mundane items in your home.
With these benefits in mind, let’s dive into some of the best ways to repurpose your wallpaper scraps into exciting and practical projects.
1. Wallpapered Picture Frames
One of the simplest and most effective ways to use leftover wallpaper is by applying it to plain picture frames. Not only does this give your old frames a fresh, updated look, but it also allows you to customize the frames to match the theme or color palette of your room.
Steps:
- Materials Needed: Picture frames, wallpaper scraps, scissors, glue, and a craft knife.
- Instructions:
- Cut the wallpaper to fit the outer and inner edges of the frame.
- Apply glue (a spray adhesive works well for even coverage) to the frame's surface.
- Carefully place the wallpaper onto the frame, smoothing out any air bubbles.
- Use the craft knife to trim excess wallpaper along the edges.
- Optionally, you can add a layer of clear varnish or decoupage for extra protection.
These custom wallpapered picture frames can be used to showcase photographs, art prints, or other memorabilia.
2. Decorative Trays
Turn your leftover wallpaper into a chic, personalized serving tray or catchall tray. A wooden tray or an old tray you no longer use can easily be transformed into a stylish piece with a little wallpaper and creativity.
Steps:
- Materials Needed: A wooden tray, wallpaper scraps, mod podge or glue, paint (optional), and a paintbrush.
- Instructions:
- If you want to add some color to the tray, start by painting it. Let it dry completely.
- Cut the wallpaper to fit the inside of the tray.
- Apply mod podge or glue to the base of the tray and carefully place the wallpaper on it.
- Smooth out the wallpaper to remove any air bubbles, then apply a top layer of mod podge over it to seal the surface.
- Let it dry, and your new decorative tray is ready to use.
These trays can be used for serving food, as an entryway catchall, or even as a stylish desktop organizer.
3. Wallpapered Drawer Pulls or Knobs
Give your cabinet or drawer pulls a makeover by using wallpaper to cover them. It’s a quick and easy way to add personality to furniture without needing to replace the hardware.
Steps:
- Materials Needed: Drawer pulls or knobs, wallpaper scraps, scissors, glue, and a clear sealer.
- Instructions:
- Remove the knobs or drawer pulls from the furniture.
- Cut small pieces of wallpaper that fit over the top of the pull or knob.
- Apply a thin layer of glue to the pull and attach the wallpaper.
- Once the glue has dried, trim the excess wallpaper around the edges.
- Finish by sealing the wallpaper with a clear varnish or spray sealer to protect it from wear and tear.
This simple project can bring a fresh and stylish touch to your furniture.
4. Wallpapers for Custom Coasters
Who doesn't love a set of custom coasters that not only protect your furniture but also add a pop of color and style to your living room or dining table? You can easily create your own personalized coasters using leftover wallpaper.
Steps:
- Materials Needed: Square cork coasters, wallpaper scraps, scissors, mod podge, and a brush.
- Instructions:
- Cut the wallpaper into squares or circles that fit the size of the coaster.
- Apply a thin layer of mod podge onto the surface of the coaster.
- Place the wallpaper piece onto the coaster, pressing firmly to remove air bubbles.
- Allow it to dry and then seal with another layer of mod podge for durability.
- Optionally, add felt pads to the bottom to prevent scratching your furniture.
These wallpapered coasters can complement your room’s décor and are sure to impress guests at your next gathering.
5. Wallpaper as Wrapping Paper
For small gifts, leftover wallpaper can make a stylish and unique wrapping paper alternative. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or housewarming gift, wrapping it in a piece of wallpaper adds a creative, personalized touch.
Steps:
- Materials Needed: Wallpaper remnants, scissors, ribbon, and gift tags.
- Instructions:
- Cut the wallpaper to the appropriate size for your gift.
- Wrap your gift as you would with traditional wrapping paper, using tape to secure the edges.
- Finish by tying a ribbon around the gift and attaching a handmade gift tag.
This is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wrapping paper, and it adds an extra level of thoughtfulness to your gift presentation.
6. Wallpapered Plant Pots
If you have plants at home, you can easily turn a plain pot into a statement piece by using leftover wallpaper. This simple DIY project will add charm to your indoor garden.
Steps:
- Materials Needed: Plant pots (ceramic, plastic, or terracotta), wallpaper scraps, glue, scissors, and a craft knife.
- Instructions:
- Clean the surface of the plant pot to remove any dirt or dust.
- Cut the wallpaper to fit the size of the pot. You can cover the entire pot or just part of it for a more modern look.
- Apply glue to the pot and carefully wrap the wallpaper around it, smoothing out any wrinkles.
- Once dry, use a craft knife to trim any excess wallpaper along the edges.
- Optionally, seal the wallpaper with a protective layer of mod podge or clear varnish to help it last longer.
These wallpapered pots will bring a decorative element to your plants and brighten up any corner of your home.
7. Decorative Book Covers
Wallpaper can be used to give a new look to your books or journals. This is a great way to repurpose wallpaper while also protecting your books from wear and tear.
Steps:
- Materials Needed: Books or journals, wallpaper scraps, scissors, glue, and a ruler.
- Instructions:
- Cut the wallpaper to the size of the book cover, leaving an extra inch around the edges.
- Apply glue to the book cover and press the wallpaper onto it, smoothing it out as you go.
- Fold the excess wallpaper around the edges and glue them down.
- Allow it to dry, and you’ll have a stylish, unique cover for your books.
This project can add a personal touch to your bookshelves, especially if you’re gifting a book or creating a customized journal.
8. Wallpapered Light Switch Covers
Transform your ordinary light switch covers into eye-catching pieces with a little wallpaper. It’s a small touch that can make a big difference in your space.
Steps:
- Materials Needed: Light switch covers, wallpaper scraps, scissors, glue, and a screwdriver.
- Instructions:
- Remove the light switch cover from the wall.
- Cut the wallpaper to fit the cover, leaving a little extra around the edges.
- Apply glue to the back of the wallpaper and stick it onto the cover.
- Trim the excess wallpaper with a craft knife and reattach the cover.
This project is a fun way to add some flair to a room without a major renovation.
9. Wallpaper Bookmarks
For those who love to read, wallpaper can be turned into unique and durable bookmarks. This is an easy and functional way to repurpose leftover wallpaper.
Steps:
- Materials Needed: Wallpaper scraps, scissors, hole punch, and ribbon (optional).
- Instructions:
- Cut the wallpaper into strips of your desired size for bookmarks.
- Use a hole punch to create a hole at the top of each bookmark.
- Optional: Tie a decorative ribbon or string through the hole for added flair.
These bookmarks make great gifts for book lovers, and they’re an easy way to use up small scraps of wallpaper.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are endless possibilities for repurposing wallpaper leftovers into creative, functional DIY projects. Whether you’re enhancing your furniture, making personalized gifts, or adding charm to your home décor, wallpaper remnants are a versatile and sustainable material. These small DIY projects not only help you make the most of what you already have but also allow you to inject your personal style into your home.
By using these ideas, you can reduce waste, save money, and create beautiful, custom pieces that will enhance your living space. Next time you finish a wallpaper project, don’t throw away those leftovers—get creative and start crafting!
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