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. The wallpaper has such a huge pattern repeat that I left over once I was left with loads of leftover wallpaper.
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. They weren’t particularly pretty, but they came in handy 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 project at the bottom of 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 sealing them at this stage is necessary. Maybe I’ll feel differently later…
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.
I ordered the wallpaper from Wayfair (shopping link), which is manufactured by York Wallcoverings in the USA .
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If you chose to seal it, how would you do it?
Super pretty! I just bought some very thick designer wrapping paper at Marshall’s and I’m going to try your idea. Thank you for taking the time to post!
Gorgeous! Upcyling at its best!
Thank you, Kathy! I appreciate your kind comment.
These are stunning. I’m going to pin and use this for mine – they are looking so old and grotty. I have thought about painting them but not using wallpaper. Fantastic idea. Thank you for sharing.
It makes me so happy to hear that my post is inspiring you!
Beautiful ideas
I absolutely love this idea. First, I love everything about that wallpaper. Second, I have all kinds of wallpaper large samples because my daughter-in-law designs for York Wallcovering. This project would be fun ti showcase some of her designs.
I cannot wait to see the reveal of your daughterโs room.
Oh my gosh! I know what I am doing this weekend. Great idea!!
So clever! That wallpaper is definitely too good to waste!
Brilliant idea … what a great way to update old placemats!
These are so pretty! What a great idea!!
That is beautiful wallpaper! What a great idea, and a great refresh of something older!
This is so creative, Marieza! The placemats are so pretty now and really dress up your table. Thanks for sharing!
Wow, Marieza … this is a great idea. And, what a gorgeous wallpaper. Looking forward to seeing your daughter’s room reveal … how stunning that wallpaper must be on an entire wall. xo
This is such a great idea. Thanks for sharing this.
Wow! This is beautiful! What a great idea!
I am so glad you like it! Now it’s time to come and use it! Nudge nudge, wink wink…