adminPanoramic wallpaper can bring color, depth, and a distinctive focal point to a basement. A forest mural was chosen for this family room, pairing cream and green tones with touches of purple and blue against the room’s greige walls. The design came in custom-sized panels, so careful planning and accurate alignment were essential to creating a continuous scene.
Before starting a similar project, check the wallpaper’s hanging instructions and confirm how the mural is divided into panels. Preparing the wall and organizing the panels in sequence can make installation more manageable.
Choosing Panoramic Wallpaper
A panoramic design is made to form one large image across a wall. Some options are customized to the wall dimensions, with the artwork positioned to suit the space. In this project, the forest design was supplied in nine panels, with a guide showing their order.
Photo via Isidore Leroy
When selecting a mural, consider the wall’s width and height, the location of windows and outlets, and the colors already in the room. Requesting the right dimensions and checking the panel plan in advance can help avoid awkwardly placed details or gaps at the edges.
Other Wallpaper Projects
Previous projects included wallpaper in closets, a home office mural, and a bedroom ceiling. A small closet can be a practical place to learn the basics because it generally requires fewer strips and gives beginners a compact area to work on.
- Peel-and-stick wallpaper in a guest closet: this can be more difficult to position than traditional wallpaper.
- Wallpaper in Rory’s nursery closet.
- A mural in the home office.
- Wallpaper in Ellis’ nursery closet.
- Wallpaper on the bedroom ceiling, an advanced project that required extra effort.
- Removing wallpaper is a separate project that may call for different tools and techniques.
Traditional wallpaper can often be shifted slightly while the adhesive is still wet. Work carefully and follow the product instructions, since the amount of movement available depends on the paper and paste.
A small project is also useful for practicing how to apply adhesive, smooth out air bubbles, and trim edges before tackling a large mural.
Supplies for Hanging Panoramic Wallpaper
Gather the tools before opening the paste. Having everything within reach helps keep the paper workable while you align each panel.
- Wallpaper
- Wallpaper adhesive
- Tray and roller
- Paint brush
- Tape measure and pencil
- Level
- Metal smoothing tool or straight edge
- Wallpaper brush
- Snap-off utility knife
- Sponge and bucket
- Seam roller
- Primer
- Scissors
How to Hang Panoramic Wallpaper
In this project, the mural arrived in two boxes and included a guide showing the sequence of its nine panels. Lay out the panels and check the order before applying paste. This simple step helps prevent installing a section in the wrong position.
Prime the Wall
Because the basement walls had recently been painted, primer was applied before wallpapering. Wallpaper primer helps prepare the surface for adhesion and can contribute to a more even finish. Choose a primer compatible with both the wall and wallpaper, and follow its drying instructions.
The primer was applied with a roller and brush and left to dry for about a day. Drying times vary, so use the product label as your guide rather than covering a surface that still feels damp.
Measure and Mark a Straight Starting Line
The first panel sets the alignment for the rest of the mural. Measure its width and mark that distance from the corner, then use a level to draw a vertical plumb line from ceiling to floor.
Walls and floors in older homes may not be perfectly level. In this installation, the line was adjusted slightly toward the corner so the first panel would cover the wall and overlap onto the adjoining side. Any extra paper can be trimmed after it is positioned.
Prepare the Adhesive
Use wallpaper paste that suits the specific paper and hanging method. The paste used here was thinned with a small amount of water until it had a smooth, spreadable consistency. Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s directions, since products may require different mixing ratios.
Apply Paste to the Wall
This mural called for paste to be applied directly to the wall. Spread it evenly over the area for the next panel, paying close attention to corners and edges. Adequate paste allows the paper to be adjusted as it is aligned, while a wallpaper brush helps smooth bubbles and press the material into place.
Cut Carefully Around Outlets
Once the panel was aligned, a utility knife was used to trim around a wall outlet. Work slowly and make small cuts, leaving enough coverage for the outlet’s wall plate. For safety, switch off power at the breaker before working around an outlet, and do not cut into wiring or electrical components.
Trim the Excess Paper
A metal straight edge and sharp snap-off utility knife make it easier to trim the top, bottom, and side edges. Use a fresh blade; dull blades can tear the paper or produce ragged cuts. Replacing the blade every few panels can help maintain a clean edge.
Match the Pattern and Join the Panels
Position each new panel beside the previous one and match the image carefully before pressing it into place. Bring the edges together without overlapping unless the wallpaper instructions specify otherwise. Take time to check the scene at eye level, since small misalignments can become more noticeable across a wide mural.
Roll the Seams and Wipe Away Paste
After aligning and trimming a panel, run a seam roller gently along the join to secure the edges. If an edge lifts, carefully ease it back and apply additional adhesive as needed.
Use a slightly damp sponge to remove excess paste before it dries. Avoid scrubbing the surface, which may damage the finish. Keeping the sponge and clean water nearby makes it easier to wipe each panel as you work.
Work Around Windows
Windows require careful measuring and trimming. Align the wallpaper first, then cut around the opening while leaving enough material to fold neatly into the window recess. Scissors can be useful for controlled cuts, especially where a straight edge is difficult to position.
For this project, the paper was left long and folded into the sill to create a crease that served as a cutting guide. Test the fold and alignment before trimming, and work gradually to avoid cutting away too much paper.
The Finished Basement Feature Wall
The installation took about 3–4 hours, with roughly 90% of the work completed by one person. Assistance was used for cutting around the window. The time needed for another project will depend on wall shape, panel count, drying requirements, and experience.
The forest scene added color and visual interest to the basement. A landscape image can also create a sense of depth, which may make a room feel more open, though the result depends on the design and lighting.
Before beginning, review the mural layout, prepare the wall, and give yourself enough time to align each section. Working patiently is especially important around windows, outlets, and corners.
Basement Project Updates
Other basement updates included addressing a flood, planning ways to prevent future water problems, adding shiplap, patching surfaces, painting doors, and choosing a greige wall color. Completing surface preparation before decorating can help wallpaper and other finishes look more consistent.
More Basement Projects
- Why the basement flooded
- Steps to help prevent another flood
- Basement remodel: the first week
- Adding a wall of shiplap
- Caulking, patching, and other DIY tips
- Basement design planning
- Painting the doors
- Painting the walls greige
With the right preparation, a clear panel plan, and careful trimming, panoramic wallpaper can turn a plain basement wall into a cohesive focal point. Check product instructions at every stage and take extra care around electrical outlets and window openings.
