Interior design is well-known in Dubai, the city of luxury and innovation. Wallpaper is an important part of making beautiful rooms, from luxurious hotels to modern flats. But getting that ideal appearance requires precise installation as much as selecting the ideal design. To bring you their best-kept wallpaper installation secrets, we’ve contacted Dubai’s best interior designers. These tips will enable you to turn your walls into works of art whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or hiring a specialist.
The Art of Wallpaper Installation
Adding texture, color, and personality to a room, wallpaper can completely transform its atmosphere. But the specifics of installation hold the secret to a wallpaper project gone right. Incorrect installation of even the priciest wallpaper can make it appear cheap. Conversely, when done well and skillfully, a less expensive choice can appear to be a million dollars.
In the special climate of Dubai, local designers have perfected the technique of wallpaper installation, and the interior design scene there is at the forefront of worldwide trends. They have created methods to guarantee stunning, long-lasting effects since they are aware of the difficulties presented by heat and humidity. Let’s go right into their best advice for installing wallpaper flawlessly.
9 Easy Tips for Good Wallpaper Installation
1. Prepare Your Walls Properly
Wall preparation is one of the most critical stages in wallpaper installation. “A smooth, clean surface is crucial for a flawless finish,” designer Fatima Mahmoud, who is based in Dubai, stresses. First, take up any paint chips or old wallpaper. Sand the walls till they are flawlessly smooth and fill in any gaps or fractures with spackle. Apply primer made especially for wallpaper Dubai next. This extra process improves the wallpaper’s adhesion and facilitates its removal in the future should you choose to update your decor.
2. Choose the Right Adhesive
Wallpaper adhesives are not made equally. Particularly given Dubai’s humid climate, interior designer Edward Gardiner advises choosing a premium, mold-resistant adhesive. “Your wallpaper installation can be made or broken by the appropriate adhesive,” he says. “Whether you’re using vinyl, non-woven, or traditional paper, look for products that are specially formulated for that type of wallpaper.” For optimal results, mix and apply the adhesive according to the manufacturer’s directions.
3. Start with a Plumb Line
Installing wallpaper straight, even, requires starting with a plumb line. Drawn with a level or plumb bob, this vertical line runs from ceiling to floor. “I always start by marking a plumb line about 18 inches from a corner,” seasoned designer Laila Zaki says. This guarantees the foundation of the complete space by making sure your first wallpaper strip is precisely straight.” Work your way around the room starting with the edge of your first wallpaper strip aligned with this line.
4. Cut Precisely and Allow for Extras
Installation of wallpaper that looks professional requires precise cutting. Interior designer Omar Farouk of Dubai offers the advice, “Always measure twice and trim once. Cut strips a little longer than necessary and clip the extra later.” He also suggests buying ten percent more wallpaper than you think you’ll need. This extra material covers errors, mismatches in patterns, and awkward alcoves or corners. A small amount left over is preferable to running out in the middle of a project.
5. Pay Attention to Pattern Matching
The design of patterned wallpapers must match across seams. Prominent designer Kayla Gwynn reveals her method: “To make sure the pattern lines up exactly, lay each strip out next to the one before hanging. Mark the wall’s matching pattern locations to help you arrange.” Though it takes a little longer, the flawless outcome is worth the work. Remember to add pattern repeats to your project’s wallpaper calculation.
6. Smooth Out Air Bubbles
Your just put wallpaper can look terrible because of air bubbles. Interior architect Jacob Persse of Dubai advises against this and instead uses a clean, soft cloth or a plastic smoothing tool. “Work from the center of each strip outwards, gently pushing any air bubbles to the edges,” he says. Should you run across tenacious bubbles, gently puncture them with a pin and smooth the paper back down. Overworking the paper, too, can cause it to strain or break.
7. Tackle Tricky Areas with Care
Wallpaper installation can be difficult around windows, corners, and electrical outlets. Designer Maryam Ali advises, “For inside corners, cut a straight edge and slightly overhang the paper. For a neat finish, wrap the paper about 1/4 inch around the corners.” Turn off the power before you wallpaper around switches or outlets. After cutting the paper to roughly fit, trim it with a utility knife once it’s up on the wall.
8. Consider the Climate
Installation of wallpaper might be impacted by Dubai’s hot and muggy weather. Acclimatization is crucial, says interior design consultant Alexander Yates. Before installing your wallpaper, he advises, “Let it sit in the room where it will be installed for at least 24 hours,” “This lowers the chance of later shrinkage or bubbling by enabling the paper to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the room.” He also advises battling moisture problems in kitchens and bathrooms with wallpaper that resists mold.
9. Finish with Precision
The final touches can make or break your wallpaper installation. Our design expert Mamoon Tariq reveals his tip for a polished look: “Use a sharp utility knife and a metal straightedge to trim excess paper at the ceiling, baseboards, and corners. Change your blade frequently to ensure clean cuts.” He also advises removing any extra glue and giving the wallpaper a clean, new look by wiping it down with a moist cloth after installation.
Last Words
Leading interior designers in Dubai provide their professional wallpaper installation advice, stressing the need for patience and meticulousness. Everything about the process—from the wall preparation to the finishing trim—can give your room more character, depth, and texture.
These tips will help you design an amazing backdrop that captures both your style and the city’s flair for luxury and innovation. Play with striking patterns or textures; Dubai’s design scene is cutting edge. Should you feel overburdened, think about getting help; many interior designers provide wallpaper installation services. You may create a work of art out of your room with this advice.