Inspiration

How to hang bead wallpaper

 

Bead wallpaper is a beautiful way to add a bit of luxury to your home. If you’ve never heard of it before, bead wallpaper is encrusted with thousands of tiny, translucent beads which, reflect the light like small crystals.

Bead wallpaper is installed in a similar way to standard wallpaper, it just needs to be handled with extra care. If you’re planning to install bead wallpaper yourself, there are a few things you need to know first. Here’s our handy guide on how to hang bead wallpaper

What is bead wallpaper?

Bead wallpaper is a luxurious wallcovering where the pattern or design is highlighted using tiny acrylic beads. These little sparkling beads give a subtle texture and shine to a room and are perfect for adding a new dimension to your walls. Bead wallpaper catches the natural sunlight throughout the day for a beautiful, shimmering effect that changes with the seasons. So, if you’re looking for a unique, opulent wallpaper, you’ve found it.

What tools do you need to hang bead wallpaper?

 Unlike other types of wallpaper, bead wallpaper should be handled with extra care.

To hang bead wallpaper, you will need:

  • Soft, clean roller
  • Soft, damp sponge
  • Scissors
  • Knife
  • Plumb line
  • Wallpaper paste
  • Smoother
  • A brush, roller and tray for spreading the paste

How to prepare your room for bead wallpaper

 As with any wallpaper, there are a few things you need to do to prep the room for bead wallpaper. Here’s how to get things in order:

  1. First of all, you should check that each roll you have bought has the same batch number. Although there shouldn’t be any obvious differences, there can be slight discrepancies from batch to batch. If all of your rolls are from the same batch, they will all be the same and will give a cohesive, flawless finish.
  2. If you can, remove all furniture from inside the room you are wallpapering. If not, try to put all of your furniture in the middle of the room and cover it with a dust sheet.
  3. Safely isolate the power in your home and loosen any plug sockets and light switches on the walls you are papering. These can be screwed back into place when the wallpaper has been hung.
  4. Get all of the tools ready so that you have them to hand whenever you need them.

How to hang bead wallpaper

Once you’ve got the room ready, it’s time to move on to the exciting part. To hang bead wallpaper, you should:

  1. Wipe the back of the wallpaper with a soft cloth to remove any beads that may have come off when rolled. Most manufacturers will roll bead wallpaper so the pattern is on the outside of the roll. From general movement and unrolling, some beads tend to come off the paper, which is why wiping the back down is essential. If you don’t, you may find little bumps and imperfections in the smoothness of the wallpaper once hung.
  2. Make sure to read the manufactures suggestions on paste. Some bead wallpapers may recommend pasting either the wall or the paper and it can differ based on the brand and type. For all 1838 wallpapers you apply paste directly to the wall, so there’s no need for a pasting table. We also supply our own paste that’s suitable for all our wallcoverings, including beads.
  3. When applying the paste, make sure to use a thin layer of non-diluted paste. The amount may vary depending on the paper, but in general, bead wallpaper doesn’t need excessive amounts of paste. We’ll explain why in the next step.
  4. Don’t use a wallpaper smoother with beads. Instead, use a soft roller and gently press the wallpaper evenly onto the wall. If you use a wallpaper smoother, you will dislodge the beading and may damage the appearance of the wallpaper itself. Wallpaper smoothers can also push excess paste to the sides of the paper. With normal wallpaper, this isn’t a problem, a simple wipe of a cloth and you’re good to go. However, with bead wallpaper any excess paste that gets on the surface of the paper can damage the integrity of the material. If you do end up getting some paste on the front of the wallcovering, immediately wipe it off with a clean, damp sponge.
  5. Remember to keep checking all of your equipment for loose beads. Sometimes, any beading that falls off can get onto tools or in your paste. Keep an eye out for loose beading and gently wipe it away or hoover it up.

And there you have it, the best way to hang bead wallpaper. If you’re unsure or not comfortable, it’s always best to hire a professional to hang your wallpaper for you, especially if it’s your first attempt. As far as wallpapers go, beaded wouldn’t be considered entry-level, but if you’ve hung wallpaper before, it should be fairly straightforward.

No matter how you decide to hang it, bead wallpaper is a timeless and elegant wallcovering that is sure to add a little touch of opulence to your home. Are you ready to find your perfect bead wallpaper?