Small Spaces You Can DIY Wallpaper In A Single Afternoon

While it is easy to overlook small spaces and assume they don't make too much of a difference in your overall design, in reality, they can pack a surprisingly strong visual punch. With the magic of useful decor tools like wallpaper, these random, sometimes awkwardly small areas can be transformed into spaces of high-impact design. A bold, moody floral can make a tiny bathroom feel intentional, while a textured grasscloth can add depth and sophistication to an area. It's all about choosing the right wallpaper for your space.

The best part of wallpapering small rooms and spaces? These aren't grueling, multi-day renovations, but can easily be conquered in a single afternoon. Because you're dealing with a much smaller space and minimal surface area, the entire project from prep to final installation can be started and finished in several hours. Modern options to wallpaper, like peel-and-stick materials, make the process cleaner and easier than older paste styles, meaning you can have a transformed powder room and dining nook done before your guests arrive for dinner.

Because guests are almost always likely to visit them, powder rooms can feel oppressively small; however, adding wallpaper to the bathroom transforms a tiny, utilitarian place into a high-impact space. It's a great spot to experiment with dramatic patterns or moody colors that would otherwise feel too loud in larger spaces like the living room, given its smaller design footprint. With its often modest square footage, this room can easily be finished in an afternoon; just be sure to use moisture-resistant peel-and-stick wallpaper to prevent humidity-related issues like bubbling or peeling.

While wallpapering an entire kitchen may be too much to tackle in an afternoon, a patterned backsplash is an easy way to add visual texture without overwhelming the space. Because the area between counters and cabinets is often narrow, wallpaper is easy to manage in horizontal strips and can be completed in just a few hours. Peel-and-stick vinyl that mimics tile is a great way to get that charming kitchen look, but will also hold up against the occasional pasta sauce splatters and grease spots too — not to mention they're wipeable for easy cleanup!

The foyer or entryway is your home's first impression, and because these spaces are often narrow or small, they can feel like a decor afterthought. Wallpaper can give the entryway the visual dimension it needs, making it feel like an intentional entrance to your personal space. Peel-and-stick wallpaper makes it easy to reposition as you work, making this area a perfect candidate for a quick Sunday afternoon project. Opt for an elegant textured grasscloth to brighten up the area or a playful floral for a cottagecore vibe.

An often underutilized space for decor, the back of a built-in shelf, bookcase, or media center is a sneaky, small space for big interior design. Wallpapering those recessed areas adds an unexpected pop of decor and a layer of depth, offering a sophisticated yet playful way to break up the monotony of shelving and make the unit look custom. Arguably one of the easiest wallpapering projects to complete in an afternoon, this small DIY creates a one-of-a-kind piece that shows off your personal design taste, whether that means mid-century modern geometrics or Delft-inspired patterns.

A low-lift project, an accent wall is one of the easiest and most effective ways to change a room's entire personality, without a full renovation. Dedicate one wall to a bold pattern or rich texture to create an instant focal point that anchors both your furniture and the room's color palette. With wallpaper, you can try out trendy accent wall ideas with no long-term commitment, making it easy to update the look whenever your design mood changes. It's a great one-day project with big results, offering a decor transformation you can revisit whenever you like.

In a small dining room, the goal is to make it feel larger than it actually is so dinner guests do not feel claustrophobic. With an easy DIY wallpaper project, you can turn a cramped eating area into a charming, visually interesting space that feels like a welcoming hug for visitors. To truly keep this an afternoon project, consider using extra-wide peel-and-stick panel wallpaper to minimize seams. Also, opt for a lighter, airier color to make the space feel larger, or consider patterns that elongate the room, such as stripes or murals.

Stairs and stairwells are often an afterthought in home design, since they're considered transitional spaces where you don't really hang out. But as an area that's always highly-trafficked, even if you don't spend a whole lot of time there, giving it a quick makeover with wallpaper can make the space feel purposeful. An easy way to complete a wallpaper project here in a single day is to focus on areas where it will have the most impact, such as stair risers. Use pre-cut strips of peel-and-stick wallpaper or riser decals to mimic tile or paint.

If a standard accent wall feels like it'll overwhelm your small space, then you can also utilize wallpaper accent panels to give the appearance of wallpaper without the time or material commitment. Instead of covering every inch of a wall, apply wallpaper inside picture frame molding. This technique creates a focal point and adds some depth and texture to the wall in a way that paint or even a regular accent wall can't. Best of all, the project can be completed in just a couple of hours.

Just because they're storage spaces doesn't mean closets don't deserve big design. Adding wallpaper can make a closet feel less like a utility space and more like a small sanctuary for your favorite things. For more of a resort-like feel, consider adding some metallic grasscloth or soft geometric patterns for areas like walk-in closets. To make a big impact, think about brightly colored or bold patterns for hallway or coat closets. Since you're likely not working around large windows or strange angles, getting this done in one afternoon is definitely a realistic goal.

The laundry room is another often overlooked, and small space in the house, but the truth of the matter is that you end up spending a good amount of time there. Why not make it a little bit more interesting? Since laundry rooms are often compact, you can apply peel-and-stick wallpaper in just a few hours, and with only one or two rolls of material, you'll instantly upgrade the space. Like with powder rooms, it's a good idea to choose moisture-resistant wallpaper to handle humidity from the dryer.

Just because the mudroom tends to be a more utilitarian, family-focused space doesn't mean it can't be fabulous. Adding wallpaper to an often narrow, sparse mudroom can instantly add a wow factor and make the space feel more intentional. Because mudrooms are typically smaller spaces, this job can also be a breeze. Using peel-and-stick wallpaper, you can cover the small wall space in a single afternoon, particularly if you aren't navigating around bulky built-ins or cabinets. In just a few hours, your former drop zone will drop jaws with its upgraded look.

Nowadays, your ceiling can be considered the fifth wall of a room, and putting wallpaper on it adds immediate architectural interest by drawing the eye upward towards the patterned or textured wallpaper of your choosing. This approach can make a small room feel grand while also hiding minor drywall imperfections and adding a layer of sophisticated decor drama. If you use peel-and-stick wallpaper or tile-mimicking vinyl, an entire room ceiling is easily manageable in a day, particularly if you have an extra hand and a decent stepladder.