Oh yeah, I’ve been at it again with the beadboard wallpaper and have totally transformed that blah 70’s bath into a beautiful coastal inspired space. I had avocado tiles and an aqua laminate countertop to work with, so adding beadboard wallpaper to the space gave it a much more interesting architectural feel and at a cost of $25 per roll, it’s a bargain. I used less than 1 roll for this project and still have a little left.
I love this stuff all over again. If you missed my earlier posts about my new found love of beadboard wallpaper that started 2 years ago, you can go here, here, and we even had a beadboard wallpaper linky party here.
Sigh, it’s so pretty!
Before I show off the new bathroom, I’m going to share the how-to’s on the beadboard wallpaper and the new vinyl faux wood planks that went down on the floor. Y’all, it’s gorgeous now and I’ve only got one more thing to do to the mirror and it will be show-worthy. I promise it will be worth the wait! 🙂
So, first step was to paint out the walls. I didn’t bother to paint below the chairrail, since that is where the wallpaper will go. Painting first makes sense, then you don’t have to worry about getting it on your new wallpaper. I decided where the chairrail would sit and used the light switch as my guide, right below that.
Wonderful Beadboard Wallpaper
Getting ready to start the wallpaper. I began in a corner, working my way around the wall. I did have to wallpaper behind the toilet, but managed to slide it behind before we took the toilet out for the floor planks. First thing, I measured from the baseboard up to the point I wanted the chairrail to sit and there I had my measurement for the length of wallpaper I would need to cut. I cut across the wallpaper as straight as possible, measuring on each side and drawing a line with my yardstick to ensure as straight a cut as possible. Then I took that first piece to use as a guide and cut several more pieces the same length, since it is repetition all the way around.
Then you just dunk the back of the paper in water, wetting it really well. That activates the glue on the back. Let it sit for about 5 minutes and then start putting it up. You may have to work it down to the baseboard to get it just at the right spot. If you can’t move it by pushing with your fingers, peel it back and start again. 
Start with the next piece, matching the seam up and get it as tight as you can. I used an old rag to smooth out the bubbles as I placed each piece and it all dries out like a charm. You do want to get it down to the baseboard as close as you can, but really when you go back and paint it all out with trim paint, those edges lay down smoothly and it looks seamless. You can work with it for quite a long time to ensure that the seams are straight.
One caution for the bottom where you have to make cuts. If you happen to have a wall that is not square, there is a possibility that your line at the bottom will be slightly off sitting on top of the baseboard. I didn’t have any major problems with mine at all and any slight gaps got covered up with trim paint, so it is really not a big deal. IF by chance you do have extreme gaps, then you could always get a small 1/4″ trim piece and slap it right over the bottom paper on top of the base and that would totally hide any boo-boos.
Here’s one wall all done, ready for chair rail to go on top. It makes sense to do it this way, then you don’t have to cut the paper with the chair rail up. This way the chair rail goes right on top of the paper, all smooth and easy. My sweet daddy wanted to do all the chair rail, so he got out his big miter saw to help me out. He’s so great! You all know I could have done this myself, since I’ve done it before, but I will let that daddy of mine help when he wants to. I think he likes to help! 🙂 
You can see here I had a little corner to wrap around, so that is just what I did. Make sure you leave enough on the ends when you are wrapping a corner to have it line up properly. Then you can cut the excess with a sharp razor blade or scissors. Press on the corners really well when you lay it all down and it will dry beautifully. 
Here I cut around the vent in the bathroom, and the vent plate will go right back on top of this. I love anything that cuts with scissors. 🙂 
This wall is completed. My dad cut all the chair rail and got it installed. I usually miss a few steps along the way and forgot to show you the chair rail up before I painted it all. 
I countersunk all the nails, caulked and painted it all. I used a small paintbrush and foam roller and that made quick work of the wallpaper.
I get asked all the time: “can you paint that wallpaper?” The answer is YOU MUST paint the wallpaper. That is what makes it look SO real. YES, absolutely PAINT that paper!
My trim paint color is Creamy by Sherwin Williams. I had it mixed in latex Semi-gloss by Dutch Boy at Walmart. I happened to be in there and noticed they had all their Dutch Boy paint on clearance for $7 a gallon! I had them custom mix this Creamy color for me and it was perfect in there. 
Two coats later and now it looks like this. You can barely see the seams after it is all painted out. New wall color is Windsor Greige by Sherwin Williams. I did get Sherwin Williams paint (in Satin) for this bathroom, since it is mildew resistant and perfect for areas that get moisture. I am loving the new color.
Here’s how my dad chose to finish out the corner chair rail. He added a small piece of wood molding instead of the real stuff. Not the professional carpenter’s way, but it works OK when all painted out. 
You can see how pretty the beadboard wallpaper looks next to the baseboards after it’s all painted out and here’s a peek at the new vinyl plank flooring that I’ll tell you about next! Love this stuff too.
Then we’ll show off the new bathroom with all the accessories and my squishy new rugs. 🙂
Is this wallpaper durable enough for young kids? Will I be able to wash off fingerprints or food splashed on it?
Dawn, it is fairly durable, but will dent and tear if you kick or hit it. It is paper & you just have to keep that in mind. As far as wiping off fingerprints or splashed food, that should not be a problem. I’d recommend 2 coats of paint to make it even more durable. The only caution I have is rowdy kids, they could definitely wreck it if it’s in a path of heavy traffic. Otherwise, it’s great stuff!
Hi Rhoda, I’am thinking of ordering this paper for my kitchen. I have one wall that I would like to paper the whole way up not just half the wall. Do you think this is possible with this paper? Also what type of paint should I use in a kitchen. I usually use Sherwin Williams but I can get other brands. How long do you let the paper set before you paint it. I noticed that you did two coats. After that did you have trouble with the dents? I appreaciate your input. Thanks. Ann
Hi, Ann, you will love it & yes, absolutely you can use it on a whole wall if you want to. It is SO easy to apply. SW paint will be fine. Just use whatever paint you want to, I used trim paint on mine. You can paint it the next day after the glue dries. You could probably get by with one coat, but 2 gives it extra protection, I think. This is paper, remember, so it will dent if something hard comes in contact with it, but for the most part, you don’t have to worry about that.
Dear Rhoda,
I’ve decided to put up beadboard wallpaper in my girls’ new shared bedroom. I think it’s going to be great. Thank you for inspiring me to do this! I have one question: when you put the trim moulding over the paper, do you put it on top of where the paper ends so that it is flush with the wall, or do you put it over the paper so the paper and trim top edges are even, or do you use chair rail trim that has the cutout for the beadboard to fit under?
Thanks so much! Jenn
Have you ever seen the beadboard wallpaper hung sideways? I’m wondering if think that is an option?
I was searching for a way to help my very old laminate kitchen cabinets look better as I can’t afford to replace them and came across your use of beadboard wallpaper. I have no tools but I saw that you use something called a handheld miter box. Is this something that would cut small pieces of molding. And if I didn’t use molding on the cabinet and drawer fronts do you think it would still work? Thanks
HI, Buffy, those handheld miter boxes are great for small molding cuts. I used that in my old house for everything I did. So, yes you could definitely use one. I do think it makes the beadboard look much better using molding on top of the edges. Really finishes it off, so it’s worth the effort.
i really want to update my old kitchen cabinets, it’s got that odd shape in the door, thought that i may paint them white and put the paper in that shape to modern the current cabinets since i’m to poor to buy new
Where can I order the wallpaper? I just love this idea!! Thanks for the information!
Dianne, the link is right above in this post, I sell it in my online shop.
Is this wallpaper a double roll or single?
Hi, Amber, I think is considered a double roll, but look at the amount listed on the roll so you know how much it is total. It is at my online shop and tells the dimensions.
Hi Rhoda,
I have old tiles in the bathroom can you use the wallpaper on tiles since its thick? this is a good idea.
HI, Shirley, I don’t think I would recommend doing it over tile. I just don’t think it would stick properly and the tile seams would likely show.
where is your on line store… i want to order beadboad wallpaper!!! Love it !
Hi, there is always a button link in my sidebar, that says Southern Hospitality shop:
http://southernhospitality.mybigcommerce.com/
I have used this wallpaper in my third bathroom and you absolutely cannot tell that it is wallpaper. I have had so many compliments and was very pleased with the results.
Hi, Dena, so glad you like it too! It really is great stuff and cost effective too.
I’m so excited that I came across this post and my hubby and I are getting ready to do a DIY kitchen remodel this week and want to upgrade our standard builder grade cabinets. We were originally going to use true wood beadboard but we are seriously considering this wallpaper now. However, I’m most concerned about long term durability. We bought TSP to prime it and SW Proclassic paint with the sealer in it, but we need something that will last with kids and kitchen cabinets that will be used and touched every single day. Any recommendations or words of wisdom/caution?!? Thanks so much!!!
HI, Becca, just be aware that it is paper and will dent and tear under lots of stress, but under normal use it should be fine., I used it on the ends of my cabinets and those areas aren’t touched much at all, so it held up well. I always caution those with kids, that it can get messed up with kids and dogs and lots of craziness, but under normal circumstances, should hold up fine. You definitely want to paint it with 2 coats of trim paint for even more durability. But, it is paper!
I am sprucing up my kitchen. I painted my walls grey and bought this wallpaper to put over the wainscoting which is knotty pine paneling. The wallpaper seems nice and thick. Do you think it will cover the grooves of the knotty pine paneling? I would pull off the knotty pine, but there is no wall behind it.
Years ago I used a liner wallpaper over tile that kept the grout lines from showing through when I put a second layer of wallpaper on. I tried to find it, but I haven’t been able to.
Thanks for any help you can give me.
HI, Joan, I’m wondering why you don’t just paint your paneling to get a raised panel look, similar to board and batten or beadboard? I think that is what I’d do instead of trying to cover it up with this wallpaper. Sounds like you have the perfect thing right now to just prime and paint. That look is so popular now, to paint out paneling. I really don’t think it would cover the grooves, so I think you’d have a mess on your hands. I would totally paint that knotty pine!
I have been waiting and saving for quite a while to put bead board up in my kitchen, still can’t afford it. This may work. only I was planning on painting (2 coats) then lightly sanding and staining over top. I did that to my cabinets and LOVE the finished look and wanted to match the bead board to the cabinets. do you think that would be possible with this? It would make it so I don’t have to wait any more. Is is possible to get a small sample that I can see if it would work before I buy it. I would SO love to get it done this spring.
Hi, Katherine, I’d be happy to send you a sample, please email me at: [email protected]
But, you cannot sand this product at all, it is paper! I think just painted beadboard is the best look anyway and if you did walls and cabinets to match it would be too much.
Hi Rhoda
It looks so great! I love the look of beadboard. I’m just wondering how rough you can be with it. I saw a little sample piece at the hardware store and it had a bunch of ‘dents’ in it from peoples fingers. Have you had any issues with yours? Just wondering how delicate it is because I have 2 small boys that destroy everything 🙂
Hi Danielle, I do caution people with rowdy kids. It has been no problem for me, but it is paper & will dent under rough conditions.
Love this paper…but be warned if you have cats. My cat used every wall as a scratching post…because it feels squishy! I had to remove it all and put up the wood panels.
I love this idea and wanted to use this on the walls in the back of my basement. Now my walls aren’t smooth as they are painted cinder blocks. Do you think this wall paper will work? The walls aren’t rough but aren’t smooth. Thanks
HI, Dee, I’m not sure if this will stick to cinder blocks or not. I’d hate to tell you yes & it not work, but it def. needs to be a smooth surface. If you want to email me your address, I’ll send you a small sample piece and you can try it out and see.
This is so beautiful.
I really want to do this in my small breakfast nook. I’d like to take it higher than a usual chair rail, though. And trim it out with a little shelf all the way around. That would be lovely.
I’m almost sold on this wallpaper. It certainly seems cheaper and less aggravating than bead-board paneling.