Unique Uses for Leftover Wallpaper

Jennifer Wagner
** A portion of this article was previously published on Examiner.

If you have ever wallpapered a room in your home, chances are you have leftover wallpaper somewhere in your home. Wallpaper's not cheap, so don't let it go to waste! Use these unique uses for leftover wallpaper and put it to good. You may be surprised at the amount of things you can do with leftover wallpaper.

Unique uses for leftover wallpaper

Turn old wallpaper into an applique - If your old wallpaper has large images, they can be cut out and pasted to the walls as an applique. This is a particularly good idea if you are working with a wallpaper border as the images are typically more defined.

Dress up a clipboard - Leftover wallpaper can be used to make a one-of-a-kind clipboard. Personalize it by adding craft beads, artificial flowers, faux gems, or other decorative art supplies.

Use wallpaper as shelf or drawer liner - Wallpaper is thicker and more washable than typically shelf paper, and it will adhere to virtually any surface. Simply wet the back of the wallpaper with a damp sponge and press evenly into a drawer or shelf.

Make decorative fans - Leftover wallpaper can be folded into beautiful fans for wall decor. Simply fold the wallpaper fan style and secure at the bottom with a staple in behind. Use artificial flowers, ribbons, or other craft supplies to add a decorative touch.

Use wallpaper as gift wrap - Perhaps you have kid-themed wallpaper you no longer have a use for. Use it as gift wrap the next time you have a child's birthday party to attend.

Create a work of art with old wallpaper - Printed wallpaper can be turned into unique artwork. Cut out an even sheet, frame it and box it in, and attach dowel rods so it can hang 'scroll style' on the wall. Toile' wallpaper works especially well for this project.

Decorate paneled furniture with leftover wallpaper - Apply wallpaper to the back panel of bookcases, entertainment centers, or shadow boxes. The print on the wallpaper will add color and visual interest to the room.

Use leftover wallpaper for scrap booking - Wallpaper can be used for main scrapbook pages, or cut out to create interesting accent pieces on the page.

Decorate light switches or electric outlet covers - Lay wallpaper face down on a hard surface and damped with a sponge. Place a light switch or outlet cover on top of the wallpaper and smooth out any air bubbles.

Make a kitchen backsplash with wallpaper - Break up a painted kitchen by applying wallpaper to the area just between cabinets and countertops.

Use old wallpaper for homemade greeting cards - Wallpaper is heavier than typical cardstock paper, and can be a nice addition to a homemade card.

Create an accent wall - If you have enough wallpaper leftover, wallpaper one entire wall that can be used as an accent wall. Then, paint the adjoining walls a coordinating color. One wallpapered wall can create a dramatic effect in any room.

Cover an unfinished picture frame - Oftentimes, you can purchase unfinished picture frames dirt cheap. Instead of painting them, cover them with a piece of leftover wallpaper.

Cover school books - Don't pay money for book covers for school. Instead, use old wallpaper pieces to make an attractive book cover.

Dress up a child's desk - Wallpaper the front of your child's desk drawers for a unique look. Paint the frame a bright coordinating color before you wallpaper.

Make a one of a kind lamp shade - Have an old lamp shade that looks dull and dingy? Cover it with leftover wallpaper for a unique touch. Allow the glue to dry completely and then apply fringe or cording around the edges for a finished look.

Photo album covers - If you have some old photo albums that have seen better days, use leftover wallpaper to fix them up. Wet the back of the wallpaper and press it directly on the photo album. Give it plenty of time to dry before handling.

Did you know that you can get discontinued wallpaper books absolutely FREE? There are MANY uses for the small wallpaper samples found in these books. For great ideas, read this helpful article titled, "12 Uses for Old Wallpaper Books". Several of the ideas listed in this article are different than the ones mentioned here, and they can be used for leftover wallpaper too.

** To read more from this author, CLICK HERE.

SOURCE:

Personal knowledge and experience

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2098865/12_uses_for_old_wallpaper_books

http://www.examiner.com/x-8895-Columbus-Home-Improvement-Examiner~y2009m9d3-10-uses-for-leftover-wallpaper

Published by Jennifer Wagner - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Ever since I read my first Judy Blume book as a little girl, I have wanted to write. Whether it's giving my opinion, making someone smile, or reviewing a product, writing makes me happy. My primary are...  View profile

25 Comments

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  • Charlene Collins7/31/2010

    Well done! Sending you some page love.

  • CJ Mathis7/26/2010

    I tossed all of mine wish now I had saved it.

  • Theresa Wiza7/26/2010

    These are all great ideas, but when I saw the word, leftover, I thought of food (hungry, I guess), so I pictured another use – on a plate, you know, as in edible wallpaper (I really think I'd better get something to eat – NOW).

  • Sunshine Wilson7/26/2010

    Great ideas

  • Kim Keason7/26/2010

    I've got left over wallpaper that would be perfect for these ideas!

  • Ellen Burford7/26/2010

    Cute ideas!

  • Tricia Goss7/26/2010

    Such creative ideas! Sometimes you see little leftover rolls at thrift stores, would make for inexpensive projects!

  • Ali Canary7/26/2010

    Wallpaper is my nemesis ( I prefer paint), but these are rockin suggestions, Jenny!

  • Gayle Crabtree7/26/2010

    Nice. Thrift shops usually have tons of wallpaper. If you want to try some of these ideas for fun a thrift shop is the place to go.

  • Loki Morgan7/26/2010

    You have such creative ideas.

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