Peel and Stick Wallpaper for a Cottage Cupboard

This tutorial shows you how to apply peel and stick wallpaper to the inside of a cupboard for some cottage charm.

If you are new to this blog: Welcome! My name is Anna and I share information on collecting antique/vintage items, refurbishing furniture and making small crafts/projects. The purpose of this blog is to show you how to use creativity and antiques to make your home beautiful. In addition to information on the blog, you can also follow me on the following social media accounts Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest.

Back Story

My uncle gave me this cottage style antique glass front cupboard several years ago. He lives in Maine and this cupboard always reminds me of the beaches near his home. I love the wavy glass and the adjustable shelves.

Recently, I decided to repurpose this cupboard for some bathroom storage. In doing so, I realized it needed a bit of a refresh!

While shopping at the Dollar Tree, a few months ago, I stumbled upon the perfect cottage style peel and stick wallpaper pattern. At the time, I didn’t know how I would use the wallpaper but I purchased 12 sheets. When I realized the cupboard needed a refresh, I knew this was the perfect project for using the wallpaper. I decided to apply peel and stick walllpaper to the back of the cupboard to give it some cottage charm.

Peel and Stick Wallpaper for a Cottage Cupboard

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Supplies

The supplies for this project were minimal. As previously noted, I purchased the wallpaper sheets from Dollar Tree for $1.25 each. The back of the cupboard needed 12 individual sheets of peel and stick wallpaper for complete coverage. Although I do have the typical roll of peel and stick wallpaper, I thought the individual sheets would be easier to use for this project.

A quick tip – while the peel and stick wallpaper I used from Dollar Tree was adequate for the back of the cottage cupboard, I would not recommend it for any surface that gets a lot of use .

• Peel and Stick Wallpaper – As noted, I purchased mine from Dollar Tree
  • This alternative is cute
  • So is this
  • This one too
• Sharp Xacto knife or box cutter knife
• Simple Green
• Paper towels or rags
• Straight edge ruler

Another tip – using a sharp blade on the Xacto knife or box cutter is the key to success. This ensures clean cuts in hard to reach or awkward areas. For example, around the shelf cleats on the cupboard or in the corners.

Step 1 – Clean the Cupboard

The first step is to give the cupboard a good cleaning. Using a cleaning product with a degreaser helps to ensure the wallpaper will adhere to the surface. I used simple green but 409, Mr Clean, or a similar product would work too.

I took the shelves out of the cupboard for cleaning too. Once you are done cleaning your cupboard, make sure the surface is completely dry before going on to the next step.

Step 2 – Apply Wallpaper

I have the patience of a gnat and am known for jumping into projects too fast only to find I have to back track or re-do a step. So I learned the next tip the hard way. Tip – make sure you lay out your wallpaper first before making any cuts. Identify which way you want the pattern to run and identify how the pattern will look in the center of the cupboard. This is especially important if you have a large patterned wallpaper. (As opposed to a frequently repeating pattern small-print wallpaper)

Measure the back of the cottage cupboard to determine where to cut the wallpaper. Use your straight edge ruler and box cutter to make any cuts before applying your first piece of wallpaper.

One more tip – placement of your first piece of wallpaper is the MOST important step. Make sure your first piece is straight so that subsequent pieces of wallpaper will line up at the seam. Take your time with your first piece of wallpaper.

I think I removed and reapplied the first piece of wallpaper at least 4 times.

I decided to work from top to bottom. (Rather than left to right) With the application of each piece of wallpaper, take your time to ensure it is straight. If a piece is the slightest bit off kilter, it results in a wide gap further down the line.

Be sure to smooth out any bubbles or lift and reapply wallpaper to eliminate wrinkles. I made sure each piece of peel and stick wallpaper was smooth and flat before adhering the next piece.

You can see I had to cut the wallpaper to fit around each shelf cleat. Having a sharp box cutter was important. I switched to a new blade halfway through the project. In the photo above, I elected not to trim the bottom pieces of wallpaper until the very end.

In the photo above, the bottom pieces have been trimmed. Another tip, be sure to have some extra peel and stick wallpaper on hand. I had to keep pulling off and reapplying the final piece of wallpaper several times because it was crooked. Finally, I just tossed the piece I was using and cut a new piece of wallpaper.

Step 3 -Insert Cupboard Shelves

Once the back of the cupboard has been completely wallpapered, put the shelves back onto the cleats. Add your desired items and enjoy. Pin any of the images below to bookmark this post for future use.

The peel and stick wallpaper is a subtle and charming addition to this cottage cupboard.

Now, I have a place to stash all those bathroom items.

In Summary

This was a fairly easy project to complete and is perfect for beginners. It’s also a budget friendly way to use wallpaper since you only need a small amount to cover the back of a cupboard. Now I am inspired to try wallpapering more items in my home. I love the idea that the wallpaper can be removed! It’s the perfect way to update any cottage style cupboard.

You may also enjoy the following:

Wallpaper from Amazon

Antique China Cabinet Makeover