Wallpaper Installation Hobart
Wallpaper can completely change the feel of a room.
Used well, it can add texture, pattern and character in a way paint sometimes can’t. But wallpaper is also unforgiving — poor wall preparation, uneven hanging, mismatched joins or badly cut edges stand out straight away.
That is why good preparation and careful installation matter.
Performance Painting installs wallpaper in homes across Hobart as part of interior decorating and repainting projects.

Why Preparation Matters Before Wallpapering
Wallpaper needs a sound, smooth surface.
Before installation, we look for issues such as:
- Cracks and holes
- Loose or flaking coatings
- Rough patch repairs
- Uneven plaster
- Residual adhesive from old wallpaper
- Stains or porous areas that may need sealing
- Existing wallpaper that should be removed first
A beautifully printed wallpaper will not hide a badly prepared wall.
Removing Old Wallpaper First
In many rooms, the first step is removing an older wallcovering.
Once that comes off, the condition underneath can vary considerably.
There may be glue residue, damaged plaster, torn plasterboard paper or older repairs that need attention before new wallpaper can be installed.
Our Wallpaper Removal Hobart page explains more about that process.
Getting the Pattern Right
Patterned wallpaper requires careful planning before the first length goes on the wall.
Depending on the design, we consider:
- Pattern repeat
- Where joins will fall
- How the pattern sits around doors and windows
- Corners and changes in wall direction
- Feature walls and focal points
- How much wallpaper is required
This is particularly important with larger patterns, murals and wallpapers where the design needs to line up precisely.
Feature Walls and Full Rooms
Wallpaper does not have to cover every wall.
Some rooms suit a single feature wall behind a bed, fireplace or other focal point.
In other spaces, wallpapering the entire room creates a stronger and more deliberate look.
The right approach depends on the room, the wallpaper and the overall interior scheme rather than following a particular trend.
Wallpaper and Painted Surfaces Together
Wallpaper often works best when it is considered alongside the rest of the room.
Wall colours, trims, ceilings, doors and adjoining spaces all affect how the finished wallpaper looks.
If the room is also being repainted, we can coordinate the preparation and painting work as part of the same project.
For broader interior work, see our Interior Painters Hobart page.
Older Hobart Homes
Older homes can make wallpaper installation more interesting.
Walls may be slightly uneven, contain previous repairs or use older plaster systems rather than modern plasterboard.
That does not mean wallpaper cannot be used, but it does make proper preparation and assessment more important.
We prefer to inspect the actual walls before recommending the best approach.
Choosing Wallpaper
There is a huge range of wallpaper available now, from subtle textures through to bold patterns, murals and traditional designs.
The best choice is usually one that works with the room rather than simply looking good on a sample.
Consider:
- Room size
- Natural light
- Existing furniture
- Flooring
- Joinery
- Adjacent wall colours
- The scale of the pattern
If you are unsure how the wallpaper will work with the rest of the room, clients who proceed with Performance Painting can also access a complimentary independent colour consultation.
Why Performance Painting?
Performance Painting has been working in Hobart homes since 1994.
Wallpaper installation is one of those jobs where patience and attention to detail matter.
Our approach is to prepare the surface properly, plan the layout carefully and install the wallpaper cleanly rather than rushing through it.
Whether it is one feature wall or part of a larger interior project, the aim is the same: a finish that looks considered and professionally done.
Get a Quote for Wallpaper Installation in Hobart
If you have already chosen your wallpaper — or you are still working out what would suit the room — we can inspect the walls and talk through what preparation and installation will be required.
Book a free quote and we’ll take a proper look at the space before recommending the best approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the walls need to be perfectly smooth before wallpapering?
They need to be sound and reasonably even. Cracks, holes, rough repairs and other defects may need to be addressed before installation.
Can new wallpaper go over old wallpaper?
Sometimes it may be technically possible, but removing the old wallpaper and assessing the wall underneath is generally the better approach.
Can you install wallpaper on one feature wall only?
Yes. Feature walls are a common way to use wallpaper without covering the entire room.
Can you remove old wallpaper and install new wallpaper?
Yes. Removal, preparation and new installation can be handled as part of the same project where appropriate.
Can wallpaper installation be combined with interior painting?
Yes. It often makes sense to coordinate wallpapering with painting of adjoining walls, ceilings and trims.