Repurposing Old Wallpaper Rolls for New Projects: Creative Ways to Reuse and Recycle

 

Wallpaper may be one of the most stylish and versatile ways to decorate your home, but over time, the patterns can lose their charm, or you may simply want to update the look of your space. Before you toss out that leftover wallpaper roll, why not consider repurposing it for creative DIY projects? Not only will you save money and reduce waste, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of giving new life to something that might have otherwise ended up in the trash.

Repurposing old wallpaper rolls can be an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution to various household needs. Whether you have partial rolls left from a past project or some rolls that were abandoned due to design changes, this article will explore a variety of innovative ideas that breathe new life into your wallpaper. From upcycling old wallpaper for home decor projects to crafting gift items, the possibilities are endless.

1. Create Custom Wall Art

Instead of letting old wallpaper collect dust in a closet, use it to create custom wall art for your home. Wallpaper often comes in unique designs, colors, and patterns, making it an ideal material for creating statement pieces. Here's how you can use wallpaper for wall art:

Materials:

• Old wallpaper rolls
• Scissors
• Wooden frames (optional)
• Craft glue or double-sided tape
• Canvas (optional)

Steps:

1. Choose Your Wallpaper: Select the wallpaper pattern or texture you’d like to use. Bold prints or floral patterns work particularly well for statement pieces.
2. Cut the Wallpaper: Cut the wallpaper to the desired size for your canvas or frame. You can also trim the wallpaper into smaller pieces to create a collage or a geometric design.
3. Apply the Wallpaper to Canvas or Frame: Use craft glue or double-sided tape to attach the wallpaper to a canvas or inside a frame. Make sure the surface is smooth, and avoid air bubbles.
4. Hang and Display: Once the wallpaper is secured, hang the finished artwork on your wall. You can create a series of smaller art pieces to form a gallery wall or opt for a large, single statement piece.

By creating personalized wall art, you can add a unique, artistic touch to your home decor without spending a lot of money.

2. Make Decorative Gift Wrap

If you're looking for a sustainable and unique way to wrap gifts, old wallpaper can come to the rescue. You can repurpose your wallpaper scraps to wrap presents, creating a chic, eco-friendly wrapping that stands out. Here’s how:

Materials:

• Old wallpaper rolls
• Scissors
• Ribbon or twine (optional)
• Decorative elements (e.g., stickers, tags, or embellishments)

Steps:

1. Measure and Cut: Measure the amount of wallpaper you need based on the size of the gift. Cut the wallpaper accordingly, ensuring it covers the entire package.
2. Wrap the Gift: Wrap the wallpaper around the gift, securing the edges with tape or glue.
3. Add Decorative Touches: Use ribbon, twine, or embellishments like gift tags, dried flowers, or fabric scraps to add a personal touch to the wrapping.

This method works great for small and medium-sized gifts. By using wallpaper for wrapping, you’re not only reusing material but also offering an elegant alternative to traditional wrapping paper.

3. Wallpaper Drawer Liners and Shelving

Another fantastic way to repurpose wallpaper is by using it as a decorative liner for drawers, cabinets, or shelves. Wallpaper can breathe new life into tired furniture or storage spaces and gives a fresh, colorful pop. Here’s how to do it:

Materials:

• Wallpaper roll
• Measuring tape
• Scissors or a utility knife
• Craft glue (optional)

Steps:

1. Measure the Space: Measure the interior dimensions of your drawer or shelf.
2. Cut the Wallpaper: Cut the wallpaper to fit the measured area. Use scissors for smaller cuts and a utility knife for precise edges.
3. Attach the Wallpaper: If needed, apply a thin layer of craft glue to the back of the wallpaper to secure it in place, ensuring it sticks well to the surface.
4. Smooth Out Creases: Once applied, smooth out any wrinkles or creases in the wallpaper to make it look neat and professional.

Wallpaper liners can make even the most mundane drawers or shelves look stylish and well-organized. It’s a small detail that can have a big impact on your home’s aesthetic.

4. Upcycled Wallpaper Bookmarks

If you’re a reader or know someone who is, wallpaper can be used to create personalized bookmarks. Not only will you repurpose an old material, but you'll also create a functional and aesthetically pleasing item.

Materials:

• Old wallpaper
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Hole puncher (optional)
• Ribbon or string (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut the Wallpaper: Cut your wallpaper into long, rectangular strips. The standard size for a bookmark is about 2 inches by 6 inches.
2. Reinforce: If the wallpaper is too thin, you can double it up or glue it onto a piece of sturdy cardstock for added durability.
3. Punch a Hole: Use a hole punch to make a hole at the top of the bookmark, and add a piece of ribbon or string for decoration.
4. Use or Gift: These personalized bookmarks can be used for your own books or gifted to others, adding a touch of creativity to any reading experience.

5. Wallpaper as Table Linens and Placemats

Repurpose wallpaper into stunning table decor pieces like placemats, table runners, or coasters. This idea works particularly well for thicker wallpapers with interesting textures or patterns. The best part is that you can easily wipe clean these wallpaper creations, making them both stylish and functional.

Materials:

• Old wallpaper rolls
• Scissors or a utility knife
• Clear adhesive or glue (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut the Wallpaper: Measure and cut the wallpaper to your desired size for placemats, coasters, or a table runner.
2. Reinforce: To make the placemats or coasters sturdier, you can glue the wallpaper onto a piece of thicker material like cardboard or cork.
3. Decorate: Add a layer of clear adhesive or a plastic sheet over the wallpaper for protection and to make the table decor more durable.
4. Use or Gift: These items can be used for everyday meals or special occasions, adding a unique touch to your dining table.

6. Wallpaper Bunting or Party Decorations

Throwing a party or hosting a special event? Wallpaper can be a fun, creative material for making decorative buntings, garlands, or other party accessories. Its vibrant colors and patterns will enhance the theme of your event while providing a sustainable option.

Materials:

• Old wallpaper rolls
• Scissors
• String or ribbon
• Hole puncher or glue

Steps:

1. Cut the Wallpaper: Cut the wallpaper into small shapes like triangles, squares, or circles. You can create flags or pennants for a bunting.
2. Punch Holes: Punch holes at the top of each shape and thread them onto a string or ribbon to form a garland or bunting.
3. Hang and Enjoy: Use these decorative pieces to embellish your party space, whether it's indoors or outdoors. The wallpaper will add a cheerful and festive atmosphere to any event.

7. Repurpose Wallpaper for DIY Notebooks

Wallpaper can also be used to create custom notebooks and journals. This project is perfect for those who love crafts and want a personalized place to jot down thoughts, ideas, or sketches.

Materials:

• Old wallpaper
• Blank notebooks or scrap paper
• Scissors
• Craft glue or a glue stick

Steps:

1. Cut the Wallpaper: Measure and cut the wallpaper to fit the cover of the notebook.
2. Apply Glue: Apply a thin layer of glue to the back of the wallpaper and press it firmly onto the notebook cover.
3. Trim the Edges: Once the wallpaper is adhered, trim the excess edges for a clean finish.

This idea is an excellent way to add some flair to your stationary and gives your old wallpaper a second life as part of your daily routine.

8. Wallpaper as Crafting Material for Kids

Wallpaper can be used in various ways for children's craft projects. Whether it's making collages, decorating frames, or creating art, wallpaper can add color and texture to these activities.

Materials:

• Old wallpaper
• Scissors
• Craft supplies (glue, glitter, etc.)
• Frames or canvas for decoration

Steps:

1. Cut the Wallpaper: Allow children to cut the wallpaper into various shapes, such as squares, circles, or random patterns.
2. Create a Collage or Art Piece: Kids can glue these pieces onto a larger surface to form a collage or use them to decorate items like frames, photo albums, or even toys.
3. Add Finishing Touches: Add glitter, stickers, or markers to the wallpaper for extra creativity.

Wallpaper crafts are a great way for kids to develop their fine motor skills while reusing materials in a fun and imaginative way.

Conclusion

Repurposing old wallpaper rolls for new projects not only helps you reduce waste but also encourages creativity and resourcefulness. Whether you’re decorating your home, making personalized gifts, or engaging in crafty activities with your kids, there are endless ways to reuse wallpaper in innovative and practical ways. It’s a sustainable approach that breathes new life into materials that might otherwise be discarded.

Next time you find yourself with leftover wallpaper rolls, don’t toss them out. Instead, embrace the many possibilities for repurposing them and enjoy the rewards of your eco-friendly creativity!