Wondering what to do with leftover wallpaper? I have the best idea for you!

Last week I worked on a board and batten and wallpaper project as part of my daughter’s bedroom makeover. (Keep an eye out for the reveal post following soon)

The wallpaper has such a huge pattern repeat, that I had lots of offcuts left over once I was finished.

I didn’t want it to just go to waste, but what could I do with this beautiful leftover wallpaper?

And then it hit me! I had eight placemats that I bought years ago on a sale. They weren’t particularly pretty but they come in handy every now and again.

They are made from hardboard with a cork backing and a layer of paper on top. The pieces of leftover wallpaper were perfect to refinish these! I still had lots of adhesive left over as well. The application tools were still nearby. Let’s go!

(If you don’t have placemats like these, you can cut rectangles from hardboard and make them from scratch.)

In just a few simple steps, I created really pretty placemats that I absolutely love. (For your convenience, I have linked everything you will need for this product, below this post)

Step 1

Lightly sand the surface with a sanding block to degloss and create more grip for the adhesive.

Step 2

Apply an even coat of wallpaper adhesive by rolling it on with a small foam roller

Step 3

Lay a piece of leftover wallpaper on top of the glue covered placemat. Once in the perfect position, smooth out all air bubbles to create a perfectly flat surface.

Step 4

Trim off excess paper around the edge with an Exacto knife.

Step 5

Enjoy your beautiful new placemats! The wallpaper is washable, so I don’t think it is necessary to seal them at this stage. Maybe I’ll feel differently later…

I ordered the wallpaper from Wayfair but it is manufactured by York wallcoverings in the US (see product link below this post).

Isn’t this floral design just exquisite? It looks amazing in my daughter’s room with the board and batten and it looks equally good on placemats.

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If you love wallpaper as much as I do, you may also enjoy my post about the wallpaper in our powder room.