7 Wallpapering Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Discover authoritative Wallpapering Books written by leading experts like Julian Cassell, Michael Light, and Brian Santos, offering proven techniques and practical guidance.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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What if the secret to flawless wallpapering isn’t just the right paste or pattern, but the knowledge tucked inside the pages of a great book? Wallpapering can transform a room, yet many hesitate, daunted by the skill and precision required. Right now, with home improvement surging, mastering wallpapering means gaining both confidence and craftsmanship to refresh your space.

The books featured here come from authors deeply immersed in decorating and DIY, such as Julian Cassell, Michael Light, and Brian Santos. These are not casual hobbyists but seasoned professionals and broadcasters whose work has helped thousands tackle wallpapering with fewer mistakes and more style. Their combined decades of experience translate into step-by-step guides rich with practical photos, troubleshooting tips, and nuanced advice on everything from surface prep to pattern matching.

While these books provide solid, time-tested frameworks, if you want a resource tailored exactly to your wallpapering skill level, room type, and design goals, consider creating a personalized Wallpapering book. This customized approach builds on expert insights to fit your unique project, helping you avoid generic advice and get right to what matters most.

Best for mastering multi-surface decorating
Julian Cassell is a professional decorator with years of experience in home improvement. Alongside Peter Parham and Alex Portelli, they bring a wealth of knowledge to the Home Decorating Manual, providing readers with practical advice and techniques for successful home decoration.
2015·232 pages·Decorating, Wallpapering, Painting, Tiling, Surface Preparation

Julian Cassell's years as a professional decorator shine through in this manual, which tackles home decorating projects with a clear, hands-on approach. You learn how to handle everything from wallpapering a bedroom with matched patterns to tiling tricky bathroom spaces, supported by step-by-step color photos and practical tips on materials and tools. The book breaks down complex tasks like paint stripping and tile cutting into manageable stages, making it accessible if you want to improve your home's look and preserve its fabric. If you prefer detailed guidance from experienced pros and want to master multiple decorating techniques, this manual will serve you well; casual DIYers might find some sections dense but still useful.

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Best for first-time DIY wallpaperers
Michael Light has over 40 years of experience as a professional decorator, recognized by the British Decorators Association and the Institute of British Decorators and Interior Designers. His deep expertise in painting and wallpapering led him to write this detailed handbook, aimed at empowering DIY enthusiasts to confidently tackle wall and trim finishing projects. His practical approach, illustrated with hundreds of photos and clear instructions, reflects a career dedicated to teaching effective decorating methods.
2018·240 pages·Wallpapering, Home Painting, Home Improvement, Painting, Surface Preparation

Michael R. Light brings over four decades of hands-on decorating expertise to this guide, crafted specifically for those tackling home painting and wallpapering projects themselves. You’ll find detailed instructions on everything from prepping surfaces to applying wallpaper on tricky areas like stairwells and ceilings, supported by more than 300 photos and diagrams. The book also delves into troubleshooting common issues, like removing old wallpaper and achieving clean edges on trim, making it especially beneficial for first-time DIYers aiming to avoid costly mistakes. If you want clear, methodical guidance to confidently finish your walls and trim without hiring a pro, this book will serve you well.

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Best for personal project plans
This AI-created book on wallpapering is tailored precisely to your experience and goals. You share your specific interests in wallpaper types, application challenges, and finishing touches, and the book is crafted to match your background and project needs. This personalized approach means you get focused guidance that helps you avoid common pitfalls and gain confidence, without wading through irrelevant material. It's like having an expert advisor who understands exactly what you want to achieve.
2025·50-300 pages·Wallpapering, Wallpapering Basics, Surface Preparation, Wallpaper Types, Adhesive Selection

This tailored book explores the art and science of wallpapering with a focus that matches your background and interests. It covers the essential types of wallpaper, detailed application techniques, and finishing touches that bring a room to life. By tailoring content to your unique skill level and goals, it reveals the nuances of surface preparation, pattern matching, and trimming, ensuring you build confidence and mastery. The personalized approach means the guidance you receive is relevant and practical, making complex tasks accessible and enjoyable. Whether you're refreshing a single room or embarking on a larger project, this book supports your journey with clear explanations and expert knowledge synthesized specifically for you.

Tailored Guide
Wallpaper Mastery
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for budget-conscious home decorators
Anthony Legins is a successful author and publisher from Detroit who has transformed his life through perseverance and ambition. His expertise in home repair and finance shines through this guide, which aims to help you decorate your home beautifully without overspending. With his background in creating informative books that inspire, Anthony delivers practical advice you can trust to improve your living space.
2021·54 pages·Wallpapering, Home Painting, Interior Decorating, Paint Types, Primer Selection

When Anthony Legins turned his focus to home improvement, he recognized how daunting painting and wallpapering could be for those on a budget. This guide breaks down essential techniques like choosing the right wallpaper and paint, along with tips on removal and application that save both time and money. For example, it clarifies the difference between wallpaper and paint to help you decide what suits your space best. You'll find practical advice on indoor and outdoor painting essentials, plus creative touches for interior decorating. If you want to improve your home's look without hiring expensive professionals, this book offers straightforward steps you can follow yourself.

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Best for practical painting and wallpapering tips
Brian Santos, The Wall Wizard, brings over twenty-five years of decorating expertise and a legacy as a fourth-generation contractor to this guide. His appearances on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, HGTV, and more underscore his authority in home decorating. This book channels his practical experience into accessible, budget-aware advice for painting, faux finishes, and wallpapering, making his expertise available for anyone eager to transform their home themselves.
2010·240 pages·Home Painting, Wallpapering, Faux Finishes, Wallcovering Removal, Eco-Friendly Products

Brian Santos draws on his deep roots as a fourth-generation decorating contractor and extensive TV experience to demystify the art of painting and wallpapering. You’ll gain clear, economical insights on achieving professional results with paint, faux finishes, and wallcoverings, including practical guidance on application and removal. This book also explores environmentally friendly alternatives, reflecting a thoughtful approach to modern decorating challenges. If you want a hands-on manual that balances expert techniques with budget-conscious tips, especially for painting with some wallpapering sprinkled in, this book fits the bill. It’s ideal for homeowners ready to roll up their sleeves rather than hire out.

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Sunset is a renowned publisher known for its comprehensive guides on home improvement and design. Their expertise in delivering clear, practical instructions shines in this guide, which covers paneling, painting, and wallpapering. The book reflects Sunset's long-standing commitment to helping homeowners navigate remodeling projects with confidence and skill, making it a useful resource for those ready to tackle interior updates themselves.
80 pages·Wallpapering, Home Improvement, DIY, Painting, Paneling

Sunset, a trusted name in home improvement publishing, offers a focused resource that dives into paneling, painting, and wallpapering techniques. The book provides clear guidance on surface preparation, application methods, and finishing touches, especially emphasizing wallpapering skills like matching patterns and avoiding bubbles. If you're someone tackling a remodeling project or learning to refresh your home’s interiors, this guide helps you gain practical understanding with straightforward instructions and helpful illustrations. While not exhaustive, it suits homeowners and DIY enthusiasts looking to improve their decorating craftsmanship with reliable, time-tested methods.

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Best for personal action plans
This AI-created book on wallpapering is crafted based on your wallpapering experience, room types, and specific goals. You share which wallpapering skills and challenges matter most to you, and the book focuses on daily actions that build your expertise step by step. By tailoring the content to your pace and interests, it provides a clear, manageable pathway to achieve flawless results without overwhelm.
2025·50-300 pages·Wallpapering, Wallpapering Basics, Surface Preparation, Tool Selection, Paste Application

This tailored book explores a personalized 30-day approach to mastering wallpapering, focusing on daily actions that prepare, apply, and perfect your wallpapering skills. It covers essential techniques such as surface preparation, pattern matching, paste application, and troubleshooting common challenges, all aligned with your background and goals. By balancing foundational principles with a step-by-step daily progression, this book reveals how consistent practice accelerates skill development and builds confidence. Designed to match your specific interests and room types, the content addresses your unique wallpapering challenges, making the learning experience engaging and effective. This customized guide helps you avoid common pitfalls and refine your technique through targeted, achievable daily tasks, ensuring a flawless finish within a month.

Tailored Guide
Daily Skill Building
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for clear, no-frills wallpapering guidance
Julian Cassell, a prolific UK-based DIY author and Guardian contributor, brings years of hands-on home improvement experience to this book. His practical approach to wallpapering stems from a deep commitment to making DIY accessible and effective. Drawing from his extensive writing career and online presence, Cassell offers clear guidance on everything from tool selection to project planning, ensuring you gain confidence and skill as you tackle wallpapering projects.
Step-By-Step Wallpapering (Do-It-Yourself Decorating) book cover

by Julian Cassell, Peter Parham··You?

95 pages·Wallpapering, Home Improvement, DIY, Surface Preparation, Tool Selection

Julian Cassell, a seasoned UK-based DIY writer and Guardian contributor, brings practical expertise to this focused guide on wallpapering. This book walks you through essential planning, preparation, and the selection of tools and materials, offering clear techniques tailored to various wallpapering projects. For example, it breaks down how to handle tricky corners and different wallpaper types, making the process approachable for someone tackling wallpaper for the first time or aiming to refine their skills. If you're hands-on and want straightforward, no-frills guidance that respects traditional methods while helping you avoid common pitfalls, this book fits that need well.

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Richard V. Nunn is a renowned expert in home improvement and DIY projects, known for his practical advice and detailed guides. His experience shines through in this book, which covers everything from material selection to application methods, designed to help you achieve professional results in painting and wallpapering.
160 pages·Wallpapering, Home Painting, Home Improvement, Painting, Refinishing

Richard V. Nunn brings his extensive home improvement expertise to this guide, offering a clear, practical approach to painting, refinishing, and wallpapering. You’ll learn everything from selecting the right materials at the hardware store to mastering techniques that lead to a professional finish, with helpful illustrations to guide you. The book’s straightforward chapters break down complex tasks like surface preparation and wallpaper application, making it accessible whether you’re a DIY beginner or looking to refine your skills. If you want to tackle these projects yourself with confidence and avoid costly mistakes, this book delivers solid, no-frills instruction that’s easy to follow.

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Conclusion

These 7 books reinforce several key themes: preparation is everything, understanding materials and tools leads to better results, and learning from seasoned pros can save both time and frustration. If you're new to wallpapering, starting with Michael Light’s detailed handbook will build your foundation. For those remodeling or seeking quick, practical tips, Sunset's guide and Brian Santos’s secrets offer focused advice. Meanwhile, Julian Cassell’s and Popular Mechanics’ manuals provide broad coverage for confident DIYers ready to tackle diverse projects.

For rapid implementation, pairing "Step-By-Step Wallpapering" with "The Ultimate Painting & Wallpapering Guide" covers both methodical instruction and budget-friendly decorating. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Wallpapering book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books and tools can help you accelerate your learning journey and achieve professional-looking wallpaper results with pride and precision.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "DIY Guide to Painting and Wallpapering" by Michael Light. It offers clear, step-by-step instructions ideal for first-timers, helping you avoid common pitfalls and build confidence early on.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to wallpapering?

Not at all. Many, like Julian Cassell's "Step-By-Step Wallpapering," are designed for beginners, breaking down processes into manageable steps while offering tips that grow with your skills.

What’s the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational guides like Michael Light’s and Julian Cassell’s books, then explore more specialized or comprehensive manuals like Brian Santos’s and Popular Mechanics’ for deeper insights.

Do these books assume I already have experience in wallpapering?

Most books accommodate novices by covering basics thoroughly but also include advanced tips, so you can start fresh and progress at your own pace.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

Brian Santos’s "Painting and Wallpapering Secrets" offers practical, budget-conscious tips you can apply immediately, especially for tackling common wallpapering challenges.

Can a personalized Wallpapering book really complement these expert guides?

Yes! While these expert books cover broad techniques, a personalized book tailors advice to your skill level, project type, and goals, making learning efficient and directly applicable. Explore more at create a personalized Wallpapering book.

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