How to Wallpaper an Electrical Outlet Cover Plate

A traditional white electrical cover or switch plate can look unsightly in your newly wallpapered room. Covering the electrical switch plates with wallpaper adds a beautiful finishing touch and conceals these eyesores. Here are seven easy steps to wallpaper an electrical cover plate or switch plate.

What you'll need:
Extra roll or scraps of wallpaper
Wallpaper paste or 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Spray Adhesive
Screwdriver
Pencil
Razor Knife

Wallpaper a Cover Plate Step 1 - Remove the cover plate:
Using a screwdriver, remove the electrical cover plate and its accommodating screw from the wall. Store these items in a safe place so you won't lose them.

Wallpaper a Cover Plate Step 2 - Match the wallpaper:
Grab a piece of wallpaper and match up the patterns. Using a pencil, rub the surface of the outlet to emboss the area.

Wallpaper a Cover Plate Step 3: Match the electrical cover plate with the newly embossed wallpaper:
Place the wallpaper face-down on a hard surface and put the cover plate face down on top. Align the embossed outlet outline with the cover plate. Then, trace the entire cover plate, including the openings lightly with a pencil. Make sure to place the cover plate's screw in a safe place so you don't lose it.

Wallpaper a Cover Plate Step 4: Cut wallpaper:
Looking at your tracing, cut the wallpaper about an inch wider than the area traced. Cut the corners diagonally. This is so you can fold the paper around the actual plate. Do not cut out the actual outlet or switch openings.

Wallpaper a Cover Plate Step 5: Apply adhesive
Apply adhesive to the wallpaper (wallpaper paste or 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Spray Adhesive will work) Press down on the cover plate into the wallpaper, making sure to smooth out any bubbles. The wallpaper overlap should be wrapped around the cover plate. Use tape to secure.

Wallpaper a Cover Plate Step 6: Cut out the openings:
Using a razor knife, cut out each opening. To reveal the screw hole, cut an "X" into the wallpaper that's covering each hole.

Wallpaper a Cover Plate Step 7: Re-attach the plate:
Using a screwdriver, fasten the plate to the wall using the cover plate's original screw. You now should have an electrical cover plate that blends in with your wallpaper design!

Covering an electrical cover plate with wallpaper is a simple home décor solution that adds a finishing touch to make your room look professional and complete.