Design ideas
Wallpaper Beyond Walls: Bookcases, Cabinets, Doors and Stair Risers
Wallpaper works beautifully on surfaces other than walls: the back of a bookcase, inside glass-front cabinets, closet interiors, flat door panels and stair risers. These small areas use only a little paper, which makes premium patterns affordable. The surface must be clean, smooth and primed, and high-touch areas need a durable, washable paper.
In short
- Bookcase backs and glass cabinets: a small area with a big effect.
- Closets and pantries: a surprise pattern when the door opens.
- Stair risers: use a durable, washable paper; treads get the wear, not risers.
- Painted wood and MDF must be clean and primed first.
Ideas and the right material
| Surface | Good material | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bookcase back | Non-woven or paper | Remove shelves if possible for clean cuts |
| Inside glass-front cabinets | Any, including grasscloth | Protected from touch |
| Closet or pantry interior | Washable vinyl or non-woven | Bags and hangers rub the walls |
| Flat door panels | Durable vinyl | Edges need sealing |
| Stair risers | Scrubbable vinyl | Shoes scuff risers |
Preparing furniture and wood
- Clean off grease and polish.
- Lightly sand glossy finishes.
- Prime with a primer suited to the surface.
- Use an adhesive recommended for the paper and the surface.
Why it is a smart way to try a pattern
If you love a bold paper but are not ready for a whole room, a bookcase or cabinet interior lets you try it with a single roll or less.
Where we work: neighborhoods and ZIP codes
We paper bookcase backs, cabinets, doors and stair risers in Buckhead, Brookhaven, Roswell, East Cobb and Alpharetta.
North Atlanta: Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Midtown
- 30305 Buckhead
- 30327 Buckhead / Tuxedo Park
- 30342 Buckhead / Sandy Springs
- 30328 Sandy Springs
- 30350 Sandy Springs / Dunwoody
- 30338 Dunwoody
- 30319 Brookhaven
- 30324 Brookhaven / Lindbergh
- 30329 North Druid Hills
- 30341 Chamblee / Brookhaven
- 30339 Vinings / Cumberland
- 30309 Midtown / Ansley Park
- 30318 West Midtown / Westside
Roswell and East Cobb
- 30075 Roswell
- 30076 Roswell
- 30077 Roswell
- 30062 Marietta / East Cobb
- 30066 Marietta / East Cobb
- 30068 Marietta / East Cobb
Alpharetta, Milton and Johns Creek
- 30004 Alpharetta / Milton
- 30005 Alpharetta
- 30009 Alpharetta
- 30022 Alpharetta / Johns Creek
- 30024 Suwanee / Johns Creek
- 30097 Johns Creek / Duluth
Also serving: Gwinnett County; Cumming; Woodstock, Canton and Hall County. Not sure we cover your street? Send your ZIP code with a quote request.
About WallPros. WallPros LLC is a wallpaper installation company based in Grayson, Georgia, serving Gwinnett County, North Atlanta, Alpharetta, Roswell, East Cobb, Cumming and the rest of Metro Atlanta for 10 years. We install, remove and prepare walls for homeowners, interior designers and builders.
FAQ
Common questions
Can you wallpaper over painted wood?
Yes, once it is clean, lightly sanded if glossy, and primed.
Is peel-and-stick good for bookcases?
It can be, especially for renters, as long as the surface is smooth.
Will wallpaper on stair risers last?
With scrubbable vinyl, yes; the treads take most of the wear.