30 Creative DIY Projects You Can Make with Scrap Wallpaper (2025)

by: Jo

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30 Creative DIY Projects You Can Make with Scrap Wallpaper (2025)

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Whether you’ve just finished a room makeover or picked up some clearance rolls on a whim, leftover wallpaper can feel like clutter—but it’s actually a goldmine for creative DIY projects. Unlike traditional paper, wallpaper is durable, textured, and often waterproof, making it ideal for crafting. Here's some functional ways to repurpose wallpaper scraps beyond the walls.

HGTV / BlueSkyatHome / Signepling / Martha Stewart

Custom Bowls - Transform thrifted decorative bowls to match you interior by covering with wallpaper.
Decorative Hangers - Create some cheerful pattern in your drab coat closet by customizing wooden hangers. This would also work well for wedding dresses!
Bookshelf or Cabinet Backing - Add visual interest by lining the back of open shelves or cabinets.
Clipboard Wall Organization - Inexpensive clipboards look so chic when wallpaper and hung on a wall over a desk or in a kitchen.
Drawer Liners - Line drawers in dressers, nightstands, or kitchen cabinets for a hidden pop of color.
Framed Wall Art - Cut wallpaper into artful shapes or frame entire panels for instant artwork.
Tabletop or Desk Inlay - Apply wallpaper under a glass tabletop for a fresh, changeable look.
Decorative Trays - Line the bottom of a tray for an elegant accent on your coffee table or vanity.
Light Switch & Outlet Plate Covers - Wrap wallpaper around plastic covers for a custom, polished appearance.
Decorative Boxes or Bins - Wrap storage boxes to create a cohesive look on shelves or in closets.
Planter Wraps - Give terra cotta pots or planters a makeover with waterproof wallpaper.
Stair Risers - Add drama by applying wallpaper to the vertical part of each stair.
Lamp Shades - Recover or line the inside of a lampshade for a warm, glowing effect.
Desk Organizers - Wrap cans or jars with scraps to liven up your desk and organize your office supplies.
Vintage Envelopes - Vintage wallpaper works really well to make romantic custom envelopes. Imagine wedding shower invitations mailed in these!

This Old House / Pillar Box Blue / Sweet Paul Mags / Deborah Bowness

Wall-Mounted Panels - Mount wallpaper on MDF or canvas and hang for a statement wall piece.
Serving Placemats - Laminate scraps to create durable, wipe-clean placemats.
Customized Coasters - Cut into small squares, adhere to cork, and seal to make your own coasters.
Gift Wrapping - Use wallpaper to wrap gifts for an upscale presentation or to make gift tags.
Photo Frame Mats - Replace plain photo mats with patterned wallpaper for a custom look.
Closet or Pantry Labels - Cut wallpaper into shapes and write or print labels for jars and bins.
Door Panel Inserts - Add interest to hollow-core doors by inserting wallpaper into panels.
Shelf Edging or Trim - Cut thin strips to edge shelves or add detail to open furniture.
DIY Clocks or Message Boards - Back a DIY wall clock or bulletin board with wallpaper for flair.
Magazine Files or Notebooks - Wrap office supplies for a coordinated home office look.
Headboard Accents - Mount wallpaper behind or on a headboard to elevate your bedroom style.
Under Glass in Picture Frames - Showcase a patterned scrap beneath glass for a simple, fast update.
Candle Holders or Votives - Wrap around glass holders to soften the candlelight with style.
Mini Gallery Wall with Wallpaper Shapes - Cut bold patterns into geometric shapes and frame them for a modern, artistic display.
Wall Hooks - Use scrap or pre-bought wood, cover in wallpaper, then add hooks.

Nest Decorating / Decor8 / Etsy / Patrick Shields

Where to Find Inexpensive or Free Wallpaper Scraps

Home Improvement Stores (e.g., Lowe’s, Home Depot) - Ask for discontinued sample books or clearance rolls—often deeply discounted or free.
Paint & Wallpaper Shops - Many have old sample books or end-of-roll remnants they’re willing to give away.
Interior Design Studios - Designers frequently cycle through wallpaper samples and may have leftovers.
Home Renovation Contractors - Ask if they have leftovers from recent projects—many are happy to pass them along.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore - Great source for discounted home goods, including partial wallpaper rolls.
Estate Sales - Look for vintage or unused wallpaper rolls often sold for pennies.
Thrift Stores - Occasionally carry wallpaper in the craft or home improvement section.
Craft Supply Stores - Check clearance bins or ask staff about damaged packaging discounts.
Real Estate Open Houses or Model Homes - Reach out to staging companies—they often discard wallpaper props post-showing.

Tips for Using Wallpaper Scraps on Home Decor Projects

Choose the Right Adhesive for the Surface - Not all surfaces are the same—use Mod Podge for wood or cardboard, spray adhesive for paper or glass, and removable mounting strips for non-permanent applications.
Always Clean the Surface First - Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dust, oils, or debris before applying wallpaper. This helps it adhere better and stay in place.
Use a Sharp Craft Knife or Rotary Cutter - Clean edges are key to a professional look. Dull scissors or blades can tear or fray the wallpaper.
Flatten Rolled Scraps Before Using - Lay scraps flat under heavy books or gently curl them in the opposite direction to remove stubborn curves.
Match Patterns or Prints Thoughtfully - If you’re using multiple scraps or repeating patterns, take a few minutes to align them for a seamless look—especially in framed art or furniture panels.
Seal for Durability - Use a clear sealant (like Mod Podge or polycrylic) on projects like trays, coasters, or planters to make them water- and scratch-resistant.
Don’t Be Afraid to Layer - Layer wallpaper over painted surfaces, other paper, or fabric for added depth and texture—especially in wall art or mixed-media decor.
Label Your Scraps - If you plan to use them later, label the back with the pattern name, brand, and size—especially helpful for matching or ordering more later.
Test on a Small Area First - Especially for adhesive strength or colorfastness—better safe than ruining your entire project!
Mix and Match Patterns - Use different patterns in a coordinated color scheme for a fun, eclectic look—great for gallery walls or gift tags.
Use Wallpaper as a Template or Stencil - Cut into shapes like hearts, leaves, letters, or stars for decorative accents, shadow boxes, or scrapbook embellishments.
Upcycle Before You Buy New - Look around your home for old boxes, frames, tins, or trays that could be refreshed with a bit of wallpaper instead of buying new decor.
Add Dimension with Foam Backing - Mount wallpaper on foam board before framing to create depth and a more high-end, textured look.
Don’t Toss the Tiny Pieces - Even the smallest scraps can be used for gift tags, bookmarks, collage art, or card-making.