Mastering the Cut: Tips for Installing Wallpaper Around Light Switches & Electrical Outlets

Mastering the Cut: Tips for Installing Wallpaper Around Light Switches & Electrical Outlets

Ready to take your wallpaper installation skills to the next level? In this post, we're tackling one of the trickiest parts of wallpapering: dealing with electrical outlets and light switches. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to ensure your wallpaper looks sleek and professional, no matter where those outlets are located.

The Challenge of Outlets

Outlets are essential in every home, but they can present a challenge when it comes to wallpaper installation. While it's a rare blessing for a wallpaper panel to end right at the side of an outlet, more often than not, you'll find an outlet or light switch right in the middle of your panel. If you're new to wallpapering, this might seem like a daunting task, but don't worry – with the right tools and a bit of patience, you can conquer it.

Essential Tools

Watercolor Meadow Mural sample laying on bed surrounded by other installation tools. Level, scissors, tape, and box-cutter.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Box cutter
  • Tape (to temporarily hold up the wallpaper)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Begin Installation

Start your wallpaper installation as you normally would. When you reach the outlet, use tape to secure the excess wallpaper up and out of your way. This ensures you have clear access to the outlet.

Danielle installing panel up to the electric outlet.

Step 2: Remove the Outlet Cover

Use a flat head screwdriver to unscrew the cover from the wall. Once removed, you can see where the wallpaper will align with the outlet.

Step 3: Make a Precise Cut

Danielle making a small slit where the outlet is located.

With your box cutter, make a small initial slit at the outlet location. This helps in positioning the wallpaper correctly over the outlet for a tight fit.

Step 4: Trim Carefully

Trim the wallpaper to fit around the outlet. Be careful to avoid covering the metal or electrical parts, ensuring the wallpaper fits snugly under the outlet cover.

Step 5: Smooth and Secure

Danielle smoothing the wallpaper down to the wall, taking care to remove any air bubbles.

Smooth the wallpaper onto the wall, making sure to eliminate any air bubbles. Check that the openings for the screws are clear.

Step 6: Replace the Outlet Cover

Danielle putting the outlet cover back onto the wall.

Reattach the outlet cover and screw it back into place. It's as simple as that! The main challenge is to approach this task with the right tools and patience, ensuring a flawless finish.

Pro Tips for a Flawless Finish

Patience is Key

Take your time with this process. Rushing can lead to mistakes, so be patient and careful.

Practice First

If you're uncertain, practice on a scrap piece of wallpaper first. This can help you get comfortable with making precise cuts and handling the material.

Overcoming the Challenge

Mural halfway installed on the wall.

Handling outlets and light switches is just a small part of the wallpaper installation process. With these tips, you can tackle it confidently and achieve a professional look.

Click here to watch as we install a textured wall mural complete with a step by step of a electrical outlet: Watch Now

Final Thoughts

Installing wallpaper around outlets and switches might seem intimidating at first, but with the right approach, it’s entirely manageable. Take your time, use the right tools, and you’ll have beautifully wallpapered walls in no time.

Still not convinced you want to try a wall mural installation? Click here to try out samples throughout your home. Even your light switches can get an upgrade: Try Samples

Happy decorating, and may your walls look fabulous!

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