How to
How to wallpaper a stairwell or hallway
Quick answer
Use a proper stair platform or scaffold tower – not a ladder balanced on stairs. Hang the longest drop first, next to the head of the stairs, and work outwards; measure each drop separately because heights vary along a stair. Choose a scrubbable paper for halls because they get the most wear.
You will need
- Stair platform or tower
- Spirit level
- Long straight edge
- Snap-off knife
Step by step
- Make it safe Hire or buy a stair platform or tower and secure it.
- Plumb the longest drop Start with the longest drop, often at the top of the stairs.
- Cut each drop to its own length Measure each position separately, adding repeat and trim.
- Hang and match Work outwards from the first drop, matching pattern.
- Trim along the string Crease into the stair string line and trim carefully.
Designs to try
Geometric
Stafford Diamond Wallpaper
3 colourways · 53 cm repeat
From £44.20 per roll
Chinoiserie
Kerrigan Garden Birds Wallpaper
3 colourways · 64 cm repeat
From £44.20 per roll
Trellis
Edmund Bamboo Trellis Wallpaper
3 colourways · 53 cm repeat
From £44.20 per roll
Geometric
Caldwell Diamond Wallpaper
3 colourways · 53 cm repeat
From £44.20 per roll
Stripes
Avoca Candy Stripe Wallpaper
3 colourways · 53 cm repeat
From £44.20 per roll
Check & Plaid
Brandon Windowpane Check Wallpaper
3 colourways · 53 cm repeat
From £44.20 per roll
Designer · Chinoiserie
Montacute Garden of Birds Wallpaper
4 colourways · 91 cm repeat
From £189.80 per roll
Moroccan
Edmund Medina Star Wallpaper
3 colourways · 53 cm repeat
From £44.20 per roll
Questions & answers
How do I work out rolls for a stairwell?
Measure the height of the longest drop and the total width, then calculate as normal using the longest drop. Order a spare – long drops create more waste.
Which wallpaper is best for a hallway?
A scrubbable paper with a pattern that hides scuffs; our Premium paper is scrubbable.
More guides
How to hang wallpaper: a step-by-step guide for beginnersHow to measure a room for wallpaperHow to remove wallpaper (including old stubborn paper)How to wallpaper around windows and doorsHow to wallpaper around plug sockets and light switchesHow to wallpaper internal and external cornersHow to wallpaper a ceilingHow to prepare walls for wallpaper (sizing, priming and lining)All guides