How to Hang Wallpaper Borders in the Middle of a Wall

Determine border placement. Use a tape measure to measure 36 inches up from the floor and mark the desired height with a pencil. Continue measuring and marking throughout the room, double checking the height with a level between each pencil mark.

Fill any holes, cracks or dents. Use a putty knife to apply spackling compound to any visible imperfections on the wall where the border will be attached. Sand the spackle with 250 fine-grit sandpaper once it has dried to ensure a smooth, even surface.

Measure the walls and cut the paper as you go. Measure the first wall with a tape measure to determine the length of the first border section. Add 2 inches to the wall measurement when measuring and cutting the border paper with scissors.

Brush paste activator on the border. Using a 4-inch-wide paintbrush, apply paste activator to the entire back of the paper.

Book the border to reduce air bubbles. Gently fold the border back onto itself so that the pasted surfaces are touching and lay it on the work table. This allows the paper to relax and swell while you begin measuring, cutting and applying paste activator to the piece for the next wall.

Hang the border. Starting in the darkest corner of the room, run the first piece of paper around the corner and use a razor knife to trim it so there is 3/16 inch of the border on the next wall. Apply the paper to the wall smoothing it with a damp sponge as you work to remove any air bubbles that arise. Run the other end around the corner and trim to 3/16 inch. Double check the height with a level and make adjustments as needed.

Match the pattern and begin hanging the second piece exactly in the corner of the room, overlapping the 3/16-inch border.