I’m going to say right off the bat – don’t use it to wrap a gift!
Believe it or not, that’s what my cousin did decades ago – when our Nana told him to go to her room for wrapping paper for a birthday gift for yours truly, he complied – or thought he did. There I was, about 11 or 12, commenting on how thick the paper was as I tried to unwrap my present, only to hear my Nana erupt in laughter – “That’s my wallpaper sample!!”
Ooops.
Gift wrap aside, you might know if you’ve ever tackled a wallpaper project, how in the end you wind up staring at the leftover scraps wondering if you should keep them or toss them. And because we crafters don’t throw anything away (cuz it’s a GOOD box, amirite?), they end up stuffed in a drawer or a closet for years.
Instead of letting those gorgeous wallpaper pieces collect dust, why not put them to good use? Wallpaper is sturdy, visually striking, and full of creative potential—perfect for upcycling into unique, budget-friendly DIY projects. Here are some fun ways to transform those scraps into something beautiful and functional.
1. Make Custom Bookmarks
Anything that encourages more reading time, I’m down for. And bookmarks are such an easy craft, you can pop these out in no time. Cut wallpaper into strips (about 6 inches long and 2 inches wide), making sure to highlight the best parts of the pattern. Punch a hole at the top and tie on a ribbon for a polished look.
Pro tip: If you want extra durability, glue your wallpaper piece to cardstock before cutting it. These also make great little gifts for book-loving friends or teacher appreciation days. You can also get really fancy and laminate it for extra, extra durability.
2. Upgrade Plain Storage Boxes
Got a few boring storage boxes hanging around? (Remember, we trash NOTHING!) Give them a makeover with leftover wallpaper! Whether it’s a basic cardboard box or one of those fabric bins, covering it in wallpaper instantly turns it into a stylish storage piece.
- Measure and cut your wallpaper to fit each side of the box.
- Adhere it with a glue stick, spray adhesive, or Mod Podge.
- Smooth out wrinkles as you go for a clean, professional finish.
These boxes are perfect for organizing craft supplies, toys, or office clutter while adding a coordinated, decorative touch to your space. Bonus: If you recently wallpapered a room, matching storage boxes can tie the whole look together effortlessly.
3. Frame It as Wall Art
Not all art needs to be painted on canvas—sometimes, the best decor is right in your leftover supplies. If you have wallpaper with a bold pattern or intricate details, frame it! Don’t forget to try matching paint to the wallpaper for extra coordination.
- Cut a piece to fit a standard photo frame.
- Adhere it to a canvas board for a high-end look.
- Create a gallery wall with different wallpaper scraps for a fun, mix-and-match display.
This is a ridiculously easy way to add color and texture to any room. Plus, it’s perfect for renters or anyone who wants to switch up their decor without committing to full wallpapered walls. You could also add some decorative touches or a phrase in vinyl for a statement piece.
4. DIY Coasters That Actually Look Expensive
Who knew wallpaper scraps could make your coffee table look fancier? Custom coasters are a simple but practical way to use up small pieces.
- Cut wallpaper to fit inexpensive cork or ceramic tile coasters.
- Adhere with Mod Podge, smoothing out any bubbles.
- Finish with a waterproof sealer to protect against spills.
These make great housewarming gifts, and let’s be honest—when was the last time you actually bought new coasters for yourself?
5. Make Personalized Greeting Cards
Sometimes I think it’s crazy how I started this blog with my love of card-making, but I’ve really gotten away from that over the years – I’m itching to get back to it! Skip the overpriced store-bought cards and use your wallpaper scraps to create something even more special.
- Fold a piece of cardstock to your preferred card size.
- Cut wallpaper pieces to use as a decorative front panel or layered accents.
- Add handwritten messages or stamped designs for a handmade touch.
These cards work beautifully for birthdays, weddings, and holidays, and they’re a fun way to make use of smaller scraps. Plus, if you’ve got kids, let them help out—it’s an easy craft they’ll enjoy, and you’ll have a stash of ready-to-go cards.
6. Dress Up Drawer Liners & Shelves
If you love a little hidden detail in your home decor, wallpaper makes an excellent liner for drawers and shelves. It adds personality to an otherwise overlooked space and helps protect surfaces from scratches.
Simply cut the wallpaper to size and secure it with double-sided tape or adhesive spray for a smooth finish. This trick works especially well for:
✔ Dresser drawers
✔ Kitchen cabinets
✔ Bookshelves
It’s an easy way to add a designer touch to your space without spending a fortune. I used old wallpaper in my mud room like this!
Why Repurpose Wallpaper Scraps?
Aside from saving money and reducing waste, repurposing wallpaper into DIY projects is just fun. These little projects add a personal, creative touch to your space and make great gifts. So, before you toss those leftover scraps, grab your craft supplies and turn them into something beautiful.
