How to hang wallpaper borders

Decorating platforms designed for this specific purpose can be purchased, but an effective alternative can be produced by simply placing a scaffold plank at the required height across two stepladders positioned at either end of the plank.

• Mark the depth of the frieze from the top of the wall and draw a line slightly below this mark using a level. This will compensate for an uneven ceiling edge. A thin band of ceiling paint should then be applied to the top of the wall.
• A frieze can also be applied at any height on a wall using this method, but without applying the thin band of ceiling paint.

• Cut the first length of frieze slightly longer than the length of the wall. This is so the join will not be located directly in the corner of the room.
• Apply wallpaper paste to the back of the first length of frieze using a wallpaper brush.
• Fold the frieze loosely into a concertina and leave it for ten minutes.
• Starting from a corner, apply the frieze to the wall addressing its bottom edge to the guideline, unfolding it and brushing the paper smooth.
• As you continue around the room, join the lengths of frieze together ensuring the pattern matches.

•  A frieze can be used to create a frame. This has the effect of reducing the length of a long and narrow hall or landing. A frame consists of a length of frieze applied vertically at either end of the wall joined at the top by a length of horizontal frieze.
• At both ends of the wall mark a vertical guideline approximately 250mm (10in) from the edge and to the height you wish the frieze to reach.
• Cut the vertical lengths of frieze longer than you require and stick them to the wall.
• The horizontal part of the frame needs to join the vertical lengths at right angles. Using a spirit level draw a horizontal line at the height you require, which will serve as the guideline for the top edge of the frieze.  
• Measure and cut the horizontal length of frieze, remembering to add a little extra to each end to create an overlap with the vertical lengths.
• At this stage try to ensure the pattern at the ends of the horizontal length matches the pattern at the top of the vertical lengths.
• Apply wallpaper paste and stick the horizontal length to the wall using the same method described above.
• Once the horizontal length of frieze has been applied to the wall, use a straight edge with a craft knife and cut through the overlapping paper at the corner to create the right angle join.
• Peel away the excess and clean the frame with a wet sponge.

If you are using a self-adhesive frieze, peel off small sections of the backing paper at a time as, once applied, the adhesive will damage the surface underneath if pulled away from the wall.