There is something particularly satisfying about finishing a wallpapering project and discovering that you have a few lengths left over.
Don't throw them away.
Wallpaper is one of those materials where even a small piece can be put to good use. And sometimes the best uses are the ones that are barely noticeable: a little pattern tucked inside a cupboard, behind a shelf or somewhere that only you know is there.
Here are some of our favourite ways to use up those leftovers.
1. Line the back of a bookcase
It doesn't need much paper, but it can completely change a look. A plain white or wooden bookcase becomes much more interesting with a colourful pattern behind the books.
It's also a lovely way to introduce a wallpaper into a room without committing to an entire wall.
2. Paper the inside of a cupboard
This is one of our favourites.
Cupboard, larder, wardrobe or dresser... it's a little detail that doesn't shout for attention, but opening the cupboard and discovering a beautiful pattern inside is a small daily pleasure.
And if you have a particularly bold wallpaper that you aren't quite brave enough to use on a whole wall, this is a great place to experiment.
3. Add a surprise to drawers
Line the bottom of a chest of drawers, bedside table or desk drawer with a piece of leftover paper. It's practical as well as pretty, and it's another opportunity to bring pattern into a room in an unexpected way. Try LOULOU wallpaper in Allium - it makes a great addition.
4. Paper a lampshade
A small piece of wallpaper can be enough to transform a plain lampshade.
A patterned lampshade can be particularly effective in a room where the same wallpaper has been used elsewhere. It may feel like too much, but don't be fooled, it can be surprisingly harmonious. FLEUR or DORA wallpapers make excellent lampshade options!
Just make sure you follow the instructions carefully and don't let the paper touch the lightbulb....
5. Add a little pattern to a door stile
You know the vertical outer edge that frames a door? The door stile? Overlooked by most, but a great place to add a little colour and pattern.
It's a small detail, but one that can make an otherwise plain door feel much more considered. It works particularly well in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways, somewhere a little unexpected.
You don't need to cover the entire door. Sometimes a small strip of pattern is all it takes.
6. Make bunting
A really fun ways to use up leftover wallpaper.
Cut the paper into triangles and string them together to make bunting for a party, children's bedroom or playroom. Mix different designs if you have several pieces, or use one favourite pattern throughout.
It's temporary, cheerful and completely personal.
6. Wrap presents
Why use ordinary wrapping paper when you have beautiful wallpaper left over?
Smaller pieces are perfect for wrapping presents, particularly little boxes and smaller gifts. Add ribbon, string or a sprig of greenery and you've got something that feels special and personal.
It's also a lovely way to make use of pieces that are too small for anything else.
7. Make greetings cards
Cut out a favourite part of the pattern and stick it to the front of a plain card. You could use a whole motif, a strip of pattern or even combine a couple of different scraps to create something completely unique.
8. Keep some for repairs
This might be the least exciting suggestion — but possibly the most useful.
Wallpaper can fade over time, and accidents happen. A little leftover paper tucked safely away means you have an exact match if you ever need to repair a damaged section.
If you've got enough, keep a full length or two. If not, keep the largest and most representative piece you have.
And make sure you label it with the name of the wallpaper and colourway. Future you will be very grateful.
9. Don't forget the smallest pieces
Even the little offcuts can sometimes be useful.
Use them to cover the inside of a picture frame, tray, noticeboard or box, or to create a small decorative panel.
Meredith House Tip
We love the idea that wallpaper shouldn't necessarily end at the wall.
A beautiful pattern can be echoed throughout a room in small, unexpected ways: inside a cupboard, behind a bookcase, on a lampshade, tucked inside a drawer or even turned into bunting for a celebration.
IN A NUTSHELL
Don't have any left over wallpaper yet?
Explore our Wallpaper Collection →
And if you're still not whether to take the wallpaper plunge or not, have a read of our Wallpaper: Fad or Fab? journal for some good old fashioned advice.
We believe the most memorable homes aren't created overnight. They're collected slowly, layered thoughtfully and filled with pieces that mean something to the people who live there.
To help you make the right decision for you and your home, we regularly share decorating inspiration and ideas in The Journal.