How to Wallpaper a Wardrobe: A Complete Guide to Giving Old Furniture a New Life

When people think about wallpaper, they usually imagine walls. But one of the most effective and budget-friendly ways to transform a room is actually much smaller: wallpapering a wardrobe.

Whether you have an old wardrobe that feels outdated, a plain flat-pack piece that lacks personality, or a rental property where replacing furniture isn't practical, wallpaper can completely change the look of a wardrobe in just a few hours.

The best part? It's often much easier than wallpapering an entire room.

If you're thinking about giving your wardrobe a makeover, here's everything you should consider before getting started.

Why Wallpaper a Wardrobe?

Furniture can have a huge impact on the overall look of a room.

Sometimes a wardrobe is perfectly functional but simply doesn't fit your style anymore. Replacing large furniture pieces can be expensive, but wallpaper offers a simple alternative.

A wallpapered wardrobe can:

• Create a custom designer look
• Add colour and personality to a room
• Match a new décor style
• Refresh older furniture
• Turn basic furniture into a feature piece

It's one of the highest-impact DIY projects you can do for relatively little cost.

First: Check the Surface

Before choosing a wallpaper design, it's important to look at the wardrobe itself.

Wallpaper works best on smooth, clean surfaces.

Ideal surfaces include:

• Painted wood
• Laminate furniture
• Smooth MDF
• Sealed surfaces

If the wardrobe has heavy texture, peeling paint, deep grooves, or significant damage, you may need to do a little preparation first.

The smoother the surface, the better the final result will look.

Decide Which Parts You Want to Cover

One of the biggest advantages of wallpapering furniture is flexibility.

You don't necessarily need to cover the entire wardrobe.

Some popular options include:

Covering only the doors

This is the most common approach. It creates a dramatic transformation while keeping the project simple.

Wallpapering drawer fronts

Perfect for wardrobes with lower storage drawers.

Wallpapering the inside

Adding wallpaper to the wardrobe interior creates a beautiful surprise every time the doors open.

Combining wallpaper with painted sections

Many people leave the wardrobe frame untouched and wallpaper only selected areas for a more custom look.

The choice depends on the style you're trying to achieve.

Choosing the Right Wallpaper Design

The design you choose can dramatically change the feel of the furniture.

For a timeless look, consider:

• Soft sage greens
• Neutral textures
• Linen-inspired designs
• Subtle stripes

For a cottage-inspired look:

• Florals
• Toile patterns
• Botanical prints

For a bold statement:

• Dark botanicals
• Large-scale florals
• Artistic patterns
• Murals

Remember that wardrobes often occupy a significant amount of wall space, so the wallpaper should complement the room rather than compete with everything else in it.

Measure Carefully

Furniture projects usually require less wallpaper than walls, but precise measuring is still important.

Measure:

• Height
• Width
• Individual panels
• Drawer fronts if applicable

If you're using a patterned wallpaper, remember to allow extra material for pattern matching.

Taking time during the measuring stage can save a lot of frustration later.

Clean Before You Apply

One of the most common causes of peeling wallpaper on furniture is dust or grease.

Before installation:

• Wipe the surface thoroughly
• Remove dust
• Remove cleaning product residue
• Allow the surface to dry completely

A clean surface helps the wallpaper adhere properly and stay looking beautiful for longer.

Take Your Time During Application

The biggest mistake people make when wallpapering furniture is trying to finish too quickly.

Furniture often contains:

• Corners
• Handles
• Decorative trims
• Panel details

Working slowly allows you to achieve cleaner edges and a more professional-looking finish.

Peel and stick wallpaper is particularly forgiving because you can reposition it if necessary.

Apply gradually, smooth as you go, and avoid removing all the backing paper at once.

Consider the Handles and Hardware

Sometimes the easiest way to elevate a wallpapered wardrobe is to update the hardware.

New handles or knobs can completely change the overall appearance of the furniture.

For example:

• Brass hardware creates a more traditional look
• Matte black feels modern
• Ceramic knobs suit cottage-style interiors
• Wooden handles complement natural themes

Small details often make the biggest difference.

Don't Forget the Inside

Many people focus entirely on the outside of the wardrobe, but wallpapering the interior can be incredibly effective.

A patterned interior creates a custom feel without changing the room dramatically.

This works especially well for:

• Children's wardrobes
• Cottage-inspired interiors
• Botanical themes
• Vintage designs

It's a small detail that makes the furniture feel truly unique.

What If You Change Your Mind?

One of the biggest benefits of peel and stick wallpaper is flexibility.

Unlike paint, wallpapering a wardrobe doesn't have to be a permanent decision.

As your style changes, you can:

• Remove the wallpaper
• Try a different design
• Update the furniture again
• Experiment with new trends

This freedom is one of the reasons furniture makeovers have become so popular.

A Small Project With a Big Impact

Wallpapering a wardrobe is one of those projects that delivers far more impact than people expect.

Instead of replacing furniture, you can completely reinvent it. A plain wardrobe can become a feature piece. An outdated piece can feel modern again. A generic room can suddenly feel much more personal and thoughtfully designed.

Whether you're refreshing a bedroom, decorating a dorm room, updating a rental, or simply looking for a creative weekend project, a wallpapered wardrobe is one of the easiest ways to make a space feel new again.

And the best part is that every wardrobe can become completely unique to you.