Scrap Pile: Unique Uses for Your Leftover Wallpaper
Leftover wallpaper often ends up forgotten in storage or, worse, in the trash. But that doesn’t have to be the case. With a little creativity, those extra scraps of wallpaper can take on a new life in unexpected and exciting ways. Repurposing leftover wallpaper is a fantastic way to bring unique, personal touches to your surroundings.
Whether you’re an interior designer looking for creative ways to transform larger spaces or a homeowner with a scrap pile at the end of a design project, you can elevate your home decor. Stretch your creative muscles with these unique uses for your leftover wallpaper.
Small Decor Projects
Small pieces of wallpaper might seem useless at first glance, but they offer significant potential for charming decor projects. Consider transforming scraps into colorful coasters that add personality to your tabletops. To make these, all you need are some plain ceramic tiles, adhesive, and a finishing sealant to protect the pattern.
Lampshades are another great opportunity for wallpaper scraps to shine. You can refresh an old or plain lampshade by wrapping it in a bold wallpaper design. This is a quick way to incorporate an accent color or pattern into your living space without making a big commitment to it.
Similarly, framing small sections of wallpaper can give you instant art. Whether arranged in a gallery wall or placed as stand-alone pieces, framed wallpaper showcases your personal style and adds instant sophistication to any room.
With these simple projects, you don’t need to be a crafting expert to infuse your home with a touch of creativity. Small scraps of wallpaper can do wonders for giving old items new charm.
Furniture Facelifts
When it comes to furniture, wallpaper can work wonders in turning worn or basic items into standout pieces. A great example is using wallpaper to cover the backs of shelves or bookcases. The visual depth and texture it adds can completely transform the entire look of your shelving unit, making your displayed books and decor pop against the backdrop.
Another way to enhance furniture is by applying wallpaper to tabletops. Whether it’s a coffee table or a bedside table, wallpaper can introduce pattern and vibrancy to a surface that might otherwise feel plain. Sealing it with a clear protective layer ensures it stays in great shape even with frequent use.
Headboards are another unexpected place where wallpaper can make an impact. Covering a headboard with wallpaper adds both texture and pattern, helping to create a cohesive bedroom look. These furniture revamp ideas allow you to get the most out of your wallpaper, all while giving your room a truly custom and unique feel.
Wall Accents
If you have larger leftover pieces of wallpaper, you might not need to put them into storage at all. These pieces are perfect for creating eye-catching wall accents that add personality and interest to your walls. A feature wall is a popular use for larger pieces of wallpaper, where a bold or intricate design can become the centerpiece of a room.
Even if you don’t have enough wallpaper for an entire wall, strategically placing panels of wallpaper can create a similar effect. Adding a few framed panels or geometric strips of wallpaper will break up the monotony of plain painted walls and give them visual intrigue.
Using wallpaper for wall accents allows you to experiment with bold designs that might not work for an overall space. It’s an effective way to make a statement without overcommitting or needing a large quantity of wallpaper.
Other Home Accents
You can transform wallpaper scraps into surprising design elements throughout the home for added flair. For example, decorating stair risers is a unique use for any wallpaper you have left over from a project. Adding patterned or colorful wallpaper to risers is an unexpected touch that draws attention to a typically overlooked area. It’s a subtle but stylish move that adds an instant wow factor to the space.
You can also use wallpaper as drawer liners. In addition to adding a pop of style to dressers, nightstands, and other furniture, it can protect the interior surface. If you want to get even more creative, you can use wallpaper scraps to decorate areas like light switch covers or outlet plates. By matching these with your overall decor, you’ll have cohesive design details that demonstrate how thoughtfully curated your home is.
These subtle design choices can make a significant impact, giving your home a polished, customized look that feels truly personalized.
Stationery and Gift Wrapping
Leftover wallpaper isn’t just for home decor; it’s also a versatile material for creative paper crafts. One fantastic use for your wallpaper scraps is gift wrapping. Their sturdy texture makes them perfect for wrapping boxes or creating one-of-a-kind gift tags. The recipient of your gift will undoubtedly notice the care and attention to detail that went into the packaging.
Stationery enthusiasts can also incorporate wallpaper scraps into card making, scrapbooking, and journal decorating. Adding small pieces of wallpaper to a handmade card immediately elevates its design and makes it more memorable. Similarly, wallpaper can enhance scrapbook pages or journal covers, helping you document precious moments in a personal and artistic way.
By extending your wallpaper’s use to stationery and gift wrapping, you ensure nothing goes to waste and add charm and creativity to your everyday gestures and hobbies.
Other Craft Projects
Wallpaper is a crafter’s dream material due to its versatility and durability. With a little imagination, you can find endless ways to use leftover scraps in fun and functional crafting projects. Covering notebooks or journals with wallpaper is an easy way to give them a fresh new look. Glue the wallpaper to the cover and trim the edges for a perfectly tailored fit. It’s an easy way to personalize everyday items while adding character to your workspace. You can also use wallpaper to wrap or embellish items like water bottles or plant pots.
Another great way to put wallpaper scraps to use is through decoupage. This technique allows you to cover surfaces such as wooden boxes, picture frames, or even glass vases with wallpaper using Mod Podge or similar adhesives. The final effect is a seamless blend of color and pattern that looks both professional and artistic.
These small touches can brighten up your environment and show off your creative side. Whether your style is classic, modern, or quirky, wallpaper can adapt to suit your preferred aesthetic.
Get Creative With Wallpaper Scraps
Repurposing leftover wallpaper isn’t just about being resourceful; it’s a way to infuse your home and crafts with creativity and personal style. Whether you’re adding subtle decor touches, revamping furniture, or creating eye-catching wall accents, wallpaper offers endless possibilities for unique projects.
Find luxurious designer wallpaper for all your home projects at Olivia + Poppy. Explore our aesthetic earth-tone wallpapers and other high-end collections and inspire your creativity today.