9 Ways You Never Thought to Use Wallpaper

These days, the transformative power of wallpaper transcends walls.

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It’s time to get creative with your leftover wallpaper: There are so many neglected places in your home that could seriously use a pick-me-up. So, if your planter, staircase, or even mirror needs a refresh—and you don’t want to buy something new—wallpaper might just be the unexpected answer. Peek at nine fresh ways to max out your wallpaper ahead.

On Your Furniture

Sick of your furniture? Don’t get rid of anything just yet. Instead, use wallpaper to make your items feel like new again. This is the perfect opportunity to think outside the box (like wallpapering your fridge), or creating wallpapered panels for the tried-and-true dresser in your bedroom.

On Your Old Books

We all have books that we don’t necessarily want on display for our guests. But before you get rid of your Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, give it a new life with wallpaper. Now, all your old books are chic ornaments.

On Your Fireplace

To give a nonworking fireplace an update, turn to wallpaper for an instant refresh. Since it’s a small space, you’ll only really need one roll, making it cheaper (but as statement-making) as an accent wall. Check out the DIY here.

On Your Mirror

If your standing mirror has a frame that can hold wallpaper, why wouldn’t you transform it into a statement piece?

On a Headboard

If you’re looking to add some cozy texture to your bedroom without splurging on a multitude of expensive rugs, consider using a glasscloth wallpaper on your headboard: It’s the perfect combination of decorative and useful. Check out the DIY here.

As Art

Instead of filling your entire wall with wallpaper, find an awesome frame and place a piece of wallpaper inside. It will give your wall the dimension you’re looking for, without you having to fully commit.

As a Lampshade

While yes, you could just cover your old lampshade with some wallpaper and be done with it, this creative DIY from Apartment Apothecary is so much cooler. Using origami techniques and a little thread, it works as a charming decorative accent.

As an Accent

We already established that you can make an entire piece of furniture an accent piece with wallpaper, but this concept can go even further: Try putting wallpaper at the base of each stair, on one side of a door, or even as a table runner.

On Your Boxes

If you love your plants but not your planters, tissue holders, or any other container you have to look at on a daily basis, cover it up with wallpaper—and let it sing.

Originally published March 2, 2017. Updated with new information April 17, 2018.

See more wallpaper ideas:

Spring Meets Nostalgia In This New Line of Removable Wallpaper 4 Design Experts on the Latest Wallpaper Trends The Wallpapered Rooms That Made Us Embrace Pattern in 2017

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Nikhita Mahtani

Writer/Editor

Nikhita is originally from Mumbai, India, but has called NYC home for over a decade now. She’s a huge fan of nutrition and fitness, and spends most of her free time researching the latest trends and easy, healthy hacks. She also loves to travel—just don’t take her anywhere cold.