There's something transformative about Morris & Co wallpaper. With its rich heritage dating back to William Morris's Arts and Crafts movement, these intricate botanical designs bring timeless elegance to any room. But achieving that flawless, gallery-worthy finish requires more than just enthusiasm—it demands the right technique, patience, and attention to detail. Here's your comprehensive guide to hanging Morris wallpaper like a professional.
Understanding Your Morris Wallpaper
Before you pick up a brush, it's essential to understand what makes Morris & Co wallpaper special. These aren't your average wall coverings. The intricate patterns—from the flowing tendrils of Seaweed to the delicate blooms of Bellflowers—require precise pattern matching to create that seamless, immersive effect that Morris designs are famous for.
Essential Skills and Tools
Hanging Morris wallpaper successfully requires a blend of technical skill and artistic sensibility. You'll need a steady hand, a good eye for alignment, and most importantly, patience. Rushing the process is the fastest route to visible seams and misaligned patterns.
Your toolkit should include: a quality pasting table, a smoothing brush or plastic smoother, a sharp utility knife with fresh blades, a plumb line or laser level, a seam roller, sponges for cleanup, and of course, the appropriate adhesive for your specific wallpaper type. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations—some Morris papers are pre-pasted, while others require traditional paste.
Preparation: The Foundation of Success
The wall surface is everything. Morris wallpaper, with its detailed patterns, will highlight every imperfection beneath it. Start with walls that are clean, smooth, and properly primed. Fill any holes or cracks, sand rough patches, and apply a quality primer-sealer. This step isn't glamorous, but it's non-negotiable for professional results.
Measure your room carefully and plan your starting point. With large-scale patterns like Bellflowers in Manilla/Olive, you'll want to center the most prominent design element on a focal wall or above a fireplace for maximum impact.
The Hanging Technique
Start by establishing a true vertical line using a plumb bob or laser level—never trust that your corners are straight. Cut your first strip with extra length at top and bottom for trimming. If you're working with paste-the-wall paper, apply adhesive directly to the wall in sections. For traditional papers, book the pasted strip (folding it paste-to-paste) and let it relax according to the manufacturer's timing.
Position your first strip along your plumb line, leaving excess at the ceiling. Smooth from the center outward, working methodically to eliminate air bubbles. This is where your smoothing brush earns its keep—use gentle, sweeping motions rather than aggressive pressure.
Pattern matching is where Morris wallpaper demands your full attention. The repeat on these designs can be substantial, so take time to align each strip perfectly before committing. Butt the edges together—don't overlap—and use your seam roller gently after the paste has begun to set.
Navigating Corners and Obstacles
Corners require special care. Never try to wrap a full strip around a corner; instead, cut the paper to wrap about half an inch around, then start fresh on the adjacent wall with a new plumb line. For outlets and switches, turn off the power, remove the cover plates, and make precise relief cuts.
The Finishing Touches
Once your wallpaper is up, resist the urge to admire it immediately. Keep the room at a consistent temperature and avoid drafts while the adhesive cures. After 24-48 hours, you can reinstall fixtures and move furniture back.
The result? A room transformed by the enduring beauty of Morris & Co design. Whether you've chosen the dramatic depths of Seaweed in Ink/Woad or the warm sophistication of Bellflowers in Saffron/Olive, you'll have created a space that honors both craftsmanship and artistry—exactly as William Morris intended.
With the right preparation, tools, and technique, hanging Morris & Co wallpaper becomes not just a home improvement project, but an act of bringing museum-quality design into your everyday life.