Wallpaper Mistakes to Avoid (101 Guide)

Woman aligning white brick-style wallpaper on wall using a level tool.

Top Wallpaper Mistakes to Avoid and How to Fix Them

Wallpaper can completely transform a space—but only when it’s installed correctly. At Cher Decor, we’ve helped many Bangkok homeowners and businesses fix wallpaper jobs that went wrong due to common mistakes. If you're considering adding wallpaper to your space, this guide highlights the most common mistakes and explains why hiring a professional for wallpaper installation is the wise choice.

Woman wearing gloves smoothing gray textured wallpaper with a white tool.

1. Not Choosing the Right Wallpaper Material

Pick the Right Wallpaper for Each Room Type

Some wallpaper materials aren’t suited for all spaces. Bathrooms and kitchens require moisture-resistant vinyl wallpaper or fabric-backed vinyl wallpaper. Paper or textile wallpaper absorbs moisture, which can lead to warping or mold growth under or at the top of your wallpaper.

Wallpaper Washability Ratings Matter

Always check the wallpaper’s washability rating. If you have kids, pets, or high-traffic areas, opt for scrubbable vinyl. Delicate wallpapers may tear during cleaning.

Hand peeling wallpaper to reveal severe black mold underneath on a wall.

2. Don’t Skip Wall Preparation Before Installing Wallpaper

The Importance of Preparing Walls for Wallpaper

Wallpaper won’t stick well to dusty, greasy, or uneven surfaces. Cracks, bumps, or leftover nails can cause bubbles, wrinkles, or uneven lines.

Steps to Properly Prepare Walls for Wallpaper

Remove old wallpaper or flaking paint
Fill holes and sand rough patches
Clean with a vinegar-water solution
Apply primer before installation

Man using a yellow level tool to check wall alignment before wallpaper installation.

3. Avoid Installing Wallpaper Over Wallpaper

Why Covering Old Wallpaper Doesn’t Work

It may seem like a time-saver, but applying new wallpaper over an old layer often results in bubbling, peeling, or poor adhesion.

Wallpaper Removal Tips for a Smooth Installation

Start by gently peeling off any loose sections by hand. If needed, use a wallpaper scraper and warm water to loosen the adhesive. For more stubborn areas, a steamer or wallpaper remover solution can help. Removing the old layer ensures a smoother, more reliable surface for your new wallpaper.

Hands using a scraper to remove old wallpaper from a damaged wall.

4. Don’t Underestimate Your Wallpaper Needs

Why You Should Order Extra Wallpaper

Running out of wallpaper mid-installation is more common than you’d think. Patterns may not match correctly, and slight color variations between batches can make it difficult to match if you need to reorder later.

How We Help with Your Wallpaper Installation

Cher Decor wallpaper team measures your walls precisely and calculates the correct quantity, including allowances for trimming and pattern repeats. This helps ensure you won’t run out of wallpaper midway through the project.

Close-up of decorative wallpaper rolls in various colors and patterns on display.

5. Misaligned Wallpaper Patterns and Crooked Seams

How Pattern Misalignment Affects Your Wall

Even slight mismatches in wallpaper patterns can stand out, especially in open or well-lit spaces. It’s a common mistake in DIY wallpaper projects that can ruin the overall look.

How Cher Decor Achieves Perfect Wallpaper Alignment

Our professional team uses tools like plumb lines, laser levels, and precise measuring techniques to ensure every pattern and seam lines up perfectly.

Man installing wallpaper with visible seam misalignment near ceiling.

6. Using the Wrong Wallpaper Adhesive

Why Choosing the Right Wallpaper Paste Is Important

Different wallpaper materials require different glues—Some are pre-pasted, while others need specialized or heavy-duty paste. Using the wrong type can lead to peeling, bubbling, or visible stains.

How to Ensure the Right Adhesive Match

At Cher Decor, our team carefully follows manufacturer guidelines and selects the appropriate adhesive based on the wallpaper material, ensuring a smooth and long-lasting finish.

Hands trimming wallpaper edge with a utility knife and smoothing tool near ceiling molding.

7. Incorrect Wallpaper Placement: Starting at the Wrong Height

Why Placement Matters When Hanging Wallpaper

Beginning at the ceiling without accurate alignment tools can cause crooked lines and uneven patterns, especially across wider walls.

Our Straight and Balanced Wallpaper Installation Method

We begin at eye level with a centered panel and work outward for a balanced look. Using plumb lines and precise measuring, we ensure every strip is perfectly straight.

Man aligning wallpaper strips with visible seam slightly off.

8. DIY Wallpaper Installation Often Leads to Mistakes

Common Issues with DIY Wallpaper Project

Misaligned patterns, air bubbles, and improper adhesive use are common problems when wallpaper isn’t installed professionally, often leading to costly repairs.

Why Hire Professional Wallpaper Services

Cher Decor provides:

Flawless wallpaper Installation
High-quality materials and adhesives
Expertise with murals, vinyl, and fabric wallpapers
Clean, dust-controlled workspaces

Woman hanging white brick-style wallpaper near a window.

9. Poor Wallpaper Handling Can Ruin the Finish

Common Wallpaper Handling Mistake

Creasing, tearing, or dirtying wallpaper before it’s even on the wall is more common than you’d think.

Careful Wallpaper Handling Process

Our professionals wear gloves, maintain a clean workspace, and handle each roll with precision to ensure your wallpaper stays flawless from start to finish.

Two people measuring and cutting wallpaper on the floor with a tape measure and brush.

10. Choosing the Wrong Wallpaper Pattern, Scale, or Color

How Wallpaper Pattern Size and Color Impact a Room

Small patterns can get lost in large rooms, while oversized patterns might feel overwhelming in smaller spaces. Color also plays a key role—bold colors, such as red, may not be ideal for bedrooms, as they can disrupt a restful atmosphere.

Cher Decor’s Expert Wallpaper Recommendations

We help you select the right wallpaper pattern and color to match your room’s size, furniture, and lighting, ensuring a balanced and harmonious look.

A bedroom with bold red patterned wallpaper behind the bed, creating a dramatic but intense atmosphere.

"Red wallpaper for bedroom—not sleep-friendly"

11. Assuming Wallpaper Works on Any Surface

Why Surface Type Matters for Wallpaper Installation

Wallpaper may not adhere properly to rough textures, moisture-prone areas, or unprimed drywall. These issues often result in peeling or poor adhesion.

Prepare Surface for Long-Lasting Wallpaper

At Cher Decor, we prepare surfaces by grinding, sanding, and priming them before wallpaper installation. Our process ensures strong adhesion even in Bangkok’s humid climate.

Damaged and uneven wall surface with cracks and patches before wallpapering.

12. Not Sealing Wallpaper Seams Properly

The Problem with Loose Wallpaper Seams

If seams aren’t sealed, they can lift over time, especially in rooms with humidity or temperature changes. Leading to a messy, unfinished appearance over time.

Our Seam Sealing Method

We use professional seam rollers and the right adhesive to press, roll, and seal each edge, ensuring a smooth, long-lasting finish with no peeling.

Person trimming wallpaper edge along ceiling using a utility knife and smoothing tool.

13. Not Cleaning After Wallpaper Installation

Why Post-Installation Cleaning Is Important

Leftover adhesive can create shiny spots, attract dust, or even damage the wallpaper over time. DIY installers often forget to clean the surface gently.

Cher Decor’s Careful Cleaning Process

Right after installation, we gently wipe surfaces with clean water and damp sponges, removing excess paste while preserving the wallpaper’s finish.

Man cleaning wallpaper with a cloth and yellow smoothing tool after installation.

14. Installing Wallpaper Horizontally (When You Shouldn’t)

Horizontal Wallpaper: What Can Go Wrong

Wallpaper should be applied vertically, unless it is specifically designed for a different orientation. Horizontal application leads to misalignment and sagging.

We Follow the Correct Installation Orientation

We install wallpaper vertically in all areas—including tight corners—unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise, ensuring proper alignment, durability, and a professional finish.

Hands applying white marble-patterned wallpaper using a smoothing tool.

15. Air Bubbles Under Wallpaper: A Common Installation Mistake

Common Cause of Bubbles Under Wallpaper

Air bubbles can form when the wallpaper isn’t smoothed correctly, or when the wall has dust, grease, or uneven surfaces.

Cher Decor's Bubble-Free Installation Method

We prepare the walls carefully, apply adhesive evenly, and use professional smoothing tools to ensure a clean, flawless finish without air pockets.

Close-up of a hand pressing wallpaper with visible air bubbles underneath.

Ready to Get Wallpaper That Looks as Good as It Should

Avoid the stress, mess, and costly mistakes that come with DIY wallpaper installation. At Cher Decor, our experienced team in Bangkok ensures that every panel is placed with precision, delivering the stunning finish your space deserves, all with the best wallpaper installation deals in Bangkok.

Book your consultation today and let our experts handle every detail—from prep to perfection.

Elegant bedroom with professionally installed pink patterned wallpaper and gold accents.