Covering your walls using a new and creative technique is a great way to change the look of your home. In a matter of hours you can enhance your interior walls with your choice of DIY wall covering. Perhaps you want to cover an accent wall with wallpaper or a painted mural, or maybe you’d just like a wall border. For unique results, consider using alternative, recycled material such as paper bags. Whatever your choice, do-it-yourself wall coverings don’t have to be difficult to achieve a professional look.
Step One
Cover walls in paper; there are endless design options that all require the same steps and materials. Purchase wallpaper and wallpaper adhesive at any home improvement store and remove all hardware on walls. Apply adhesive to clean, dry walls. Starting from a top corner, press wallpaper firmly against the adhesive. Smooth out all wrinkles with your hand as you go. Line up patterns in the wallpaper accordingly.
Step Two
Use a wall border. If you do not need to cover an entire wall, choose a design that will enhance plain or solid-colored walls. Most wall borders are self-sticking and can be purchased at any home improvement store. Use a tape measure and pencil to create a light, straight line on the wall where you plan to attach the border. Attach the paper along the pencil line, smoothing out wrinkles as you go.
Step Three
Paint a mural on the wall. Purchase paint colors that will complement other colors used throughout the room and the rest of your home. Use a pencil to lightly sketch the mural design on the wall. Cover a small area and frame it like an installed painting, or for a dramatic effect, use a paint brush to create a mural that covers the entire wall.
Step Four
Use alternative treatments such as recycled paper bags, dictionary pages or newspapers as a wall covering. Tear paper into flat pieces and use wallpaper adhesive to attach them to clean, dry walls. Overlap bags for a rustic look and apply a coat of clear polyurethane or stain on top to add shine and depth. Another unique idea for a wall covering is to use colorful adhesive notes. This is great for a child's room and can easily be removed. Use a spray adhesive for greater longevity, as the sticky side of the note may weaken over time.