How to Install Wallpaper and Wainscoting Correctly

Understanding the Wallpaper System

Cluttered wallpaper comes in motif sets: each set typically includes a full wallpaper block plus separate Upper Trim and Lower Trim variants (for example, Apple Motif Wallpaper, Apple Motif Wallpaper Upper Trim, and Apple Motif Wallpaper Lower Trim). There are also standalone wallpapers like Apple Wallpaper and Anchor Motif Wallpaper. The trim pieces are designed to stack so a wall reads as a full decorative panel rather than a flat texture.

Building a Wainscoted Wall

Start from the floor and place the Lower Trim along the bottom row of your wall. Above it, place the main wallpaper block for as many rows as you want the panel to be. Finish with the Upper Trim at the top of the panel. This gives you a classic wainscoting look without needing separate moulding blocks.

Mixing with Wainscoting Blocks

If you prefer a solid-panel look, use dedicated wainscoting blocks like Alabaster Wainscoting or Autumn Aubergine Wainscoting instead of the trim system. These are single blocks that read as paneled wood. Combine them with wallpaper above for a two-tone room.

Tips

Keep trim rows consistent across the whole room. If a wall is interrupted by a door or window, align the trim to the same height on both sides so the eye reads a continuous line.