How to Install a Framed Wallpaper Mural (Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Install a Framed Wallpaper Mural (Step-by-Step Guide)

Wallpaper murals are having a moment, and for good reason. They add instant depth, character, and artistry to a space. But committing to a full wall can feel intimidating. Our solution? Framed wallpaper murals.

By framing a mural with moulding, you get all the visual impact of wallpaper with the structure and polish of custom millwork. Below, we’re walking you through exactly how we installed a three-panel framed wallpaper mural, including a real-life problem we ran into, and how we fixed it without starting over.

Step 1: Decide on Panel Layout & Dimensions

Before touching the wallpaper, we first decided on the layout.

We knew we wanted:

  • Three separate framed panels

  • All using the same wallpaper mural

  • Even spacing between each frame

Each mural panel measured:

  • 52" H x 28" W

Spacing between each framed mural:

  • Approximately 4"


Always start by visualizing the mural at full scale before cutting.

Step 2: Cut and Prep the Wallpaper

The wallpaper arrived as one long continuous roll, not pre-cut panels. To achieve the framed look, we:

  • Cut the mural into individual sections

  • Pieced them together so the overall composition flowed naturally across all three panels


Precision here matters. This sets the tone for the entire project.

Step 3: Dry Hang the Wallpaper

Before adhering anything permanently, we always recommend a dry hang.

Using a laser level and painter’s tape, we temporarily hung each wallpaper section to:

  • Confirm placement

  • Check spacing

  • Make visual adjustments before committing

Once we were happy with placement, the wallpaper was installed.


A great checkpoint before moving on to the frames.

Step 4: Measure & Cut the Bottom Pieces First

The moulding frames are what refine this project, so accuracy is key.

We used primed wood base cap moulding and always start with the bottom pieces, since they set the foundation for the entire frame.

Moulding used:
Primed Base Cap Moulding – 11/16" x 1 3/8" – 12 ft

Process:

  1. Measure and mark the bottom piece with a pencil

  2. Set the miter saw to a 45-degree angle

  3. Cut both ends so:

    • The wider profile faces outward

    • The thinner edge faces inward, toward the wallpaper




Once the first piece was perfect, we used it as a template to cut the remaining top and bottom pieces.

Step 5: Measure & Cut the Side Pieces

Next, we repeated the same process for the vertical side pieces:

  • Measure and cut one side piece

  • Use it as a template for the remaining five pieces

At this point, all moulding was fully cut and ready.

Paint First (Trust Us)

Before anything went on the wall, we painted all 12 pieces of moulding with their first coat of paint.

Painting off the wall:

  • Is faster

  • Is cleaner

  • Prevents messy edges on wallpaper and drywall

Step 6: Install the Bottom Pieces

Using:

  • Laser level

  • Measuring tape

  • Fast-drying Liquid Nails

  • Painter’s tape

We adhered the bottom pieces directly to the wall, constantly checking level and spacing.

Painter’s tape held everything in place while the adhesive set.




Step 7: Install the Side Pieces, Then the Tops

Once the bottoms were secure:

  1. We installed the side pieces

  2. Checked level and spacing repeatedly

  3. Used painter’s tape to prevent shifting

The top pieces went on last, completing each frame.

Step 8: Caulk, Paint & Initial Reveal

Once all moulding was installed:

  • We caulked all seams

  • Added additional coats of paint as needed


At this point, everything looked perfect… or so we thought.

Step 9: The Problem We Didn’t Expect

Later that evening, it became apparent that something was off visually.

Using a laser level, it was discovered the right-side moulding of the center frame had shifted about ¼ inch.


Small shifts become very obvious in framed installations.

Because the moulding was adhered with Liquid Nails, removing it meant damaging:

  • The wallpaper

  • The drywall

  • The paint

But leaving it wasn’t an option.

Step 10: The Repair (And Why It Worked)

We carefully removed the affected moulding.



To fix the damage and make everything look intentional, we added an interior trim detail to all three frames.

Trim used for repair:
1/4-in x 3/4-in x 8-ft Unfinished Pine Screen Trim (Lowe’s)




The screen trim:

  • Covered the damaged wallpaper

  • Created a thicker, more custom frame

  • Made all three panels match intentionally

Step 11: Reinstall, Secure & Finish

We reinstalled the right side and top moulding on the center frame the same day the screen trim was added.

Painter’s tape stayed on longer this time to ensure nothing shifted.

After everything cured:

  • We taped around each frame

  • Applied final coats of paint for clean, crisp lines



Final Thoughts

Framed wallpaper murals are a beautiful way to add depth, texture, and artistry to a space, but they reward patience and flexibility.

Mistakes happen. What matters is knowing how to solve them in a way that looks thoughtful and intentional.

In this case, the repair ended up enhancing the final design, and we’d absolutely use this layered trim approach again.

Supply List

Main Installation

  • Wallpaper mural

  • Primed Base Cap Moulding – 11/16" x 1 3/8" – 12 ft

  • Miter saw or miter shears

  • Fast-drying Liquid Nails

  • Caulk

  • Caulk gun

  • Measuring tape

  • Pencil

  • Laser level

  • Handheld level

  • Painter’s tape

  • Trim paint

  • Wood filler

  • Sanding block

Repair Supplies

  • Stiff putty knife

  • Hammer

  • 1/4-in x 3/4-in x 8-ft Unfinished Pine 142 Screen Trim (Lowe’s)

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