How to Cut Wallpaper Like a Pro

A Step-by-Step Guide by Walloro

Whether you're refreshing your bedroom with a soft floral pattern or transforming a feature wall with bold geometric wallpaper, one thing is essential: cutting your wallpaper correctly.

If you’ve ever searched for “how to cut wallpaper straight,” “best tools for cutting wallpaper,” or “DIY wallpaper cutting tips”, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most searched parts of wallpaper installation—and for good reason.

At Walloro, we believe the perfect wallpaper project starts with precision. That’s why we’ve put together this simple, practical, and expert-approved guide to help you cut wallpaper like a professional.

Why Cutting Wallpaper Properly Matters

Accurate cutting ensures:

• Seamless pattern matching

• Smooth installation

• No wasted material

• Professional-level results, even for beginners

Misaligned patterns, jagged edges, and wrong measurements can ruin an otherwise beautiful wallpaper—and waste your investment.

That’s why we designed this guide to help you avoid common mistakes and save time.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the right tools. At Walloro, we always recommend using high-quality tools for best results.

Must-have wallpaper cutting tools:

• Sharp utility knife or snap-off blade

• Wallpaper scissors (for intricate cuts)

• Steel ruler or straight edge

• Cutting mat or flat surface

• Tape measure

• Pencil or light chalk marker

Walloro Tip: Always use a fresh blade! A dull knife can cause tearing or frayed edges.

Step-by-Step: How to Cut Wallpaper Correctly

1. Measure Your Wall Carefully

Start by measuring the height and width of the wall. For a standard roll, add 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) extra at the top and bottom for trimming.

If your wallpaper has a pattern repeat, be sure to include that in your measurements.

Example: If your wall is 95 inches high and your pattern repeat is 20 inches, you may need to cut the wallpaper at 100 inches to match the next panel.

2. Roll Out and Align the Wallpaper

Lay the wallpaper face down on a clean, flat surface. Make sure the pattern aligns and the paper isn’t curled or creased.

Use a steel ruler and pencil to mark your cutting line clearly.

3. Use a Straight Edge to Cut

Hold your ruler firmly in place and run the utility knife along the line. Cut slowly and steadily.

If you're cutting on a delicate surface, use a cutting mat to avoid damage.

Walloro Tip: For precision, always cut wallpaper on the reverse side to prevent pattern damage.

4. Test Fit Before Applying Adhesive

Hold your cut panel against the wall before applying paste or peeling off the backing (if it's peel and stick). Make sure:

• The length fits

• The pattern matches

• There’s no visible damage

If something’s off, it’s easier to correct before installation.

5. Trim Excess After Installation

Once your wallpaper is on the wall and smoothed, use your utility knife to trim any excess at the ceiling, baseboard, or corner edges. A sharp blade and firm ruler make this step clean and easy.

Special Cutting Tips for Tricky Areas

Windows & Doors:
Use small scissors for curves and corners. Always measure twice.

Outlets & Switches:
Mark and cut an "X" over the outlet, then trim carefully around the edges.

Peel and Stick Wallpaper:
Cut backing paper separately if needed—peel in sections for more control.

Walloro’s Advice: Practice First

If it’s your first time, practice cutting a small sample strip before starting your main panels. Walloro includes installation guides with every wallpaper roll, and our customer service team is always ready to help.

Plus, our wallpapers are designed for easier cutting—whether it's our non-woven, vinyl, or peel and stick collections.

Compare with Other Brands

While other companies like Tempaper and Graham & Brown offer basic cutting tips, Walloro goes further:

• We offer video tutorials

• Free cutting guides with purchase

• Dedicated customer support

• Wallpapers with built-in grid lines (select models)

Whether you’re DIY-ing a single wall or wallpapering an entire room, Walloro makes it easy—from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

Cutting wallpaper may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools, preparation, and a little patience, you can achieve professional-quality results at home.

From modern patterns to classic textures, Walloro’s premium wallpapers are designed with ease and accuracy in mind.

Ready to transform your space? Cut with confidence—and style—with Walloro.