Tools of the Trade

Nothing too fancy, just a few essentials.
1. Special glue for wallpaper (around B100 per bag). Available at hardware stores.
2. 4” roller. (B46.) Available at HomePro.
3. Wallpaper (of course).

How to Put It Up

1) Measure your wall. See what size wallpaper you need. In this case, we used a paperback 52cm sheet from Cole & Son.

2) Mix the glue with water—seven liters of water per bag of glue. Don’t use pang piek (a glue that is made from tapioca flour). It won’t stick.

3) Apply the glue to the wall. (Don’t put it on your wallpaper directly.)

4) Then put the wallpaper up. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly in place at first. You can move it for an hour or so before the glue starts to dry.

5) Use a roller to get rid of unwanted bubbles.

6) If you want to use two different patterns on the same wall, make sure that the second pattern overlaps on the edge of the first one.

Hot Tips

Here are a few secrets from Chananun Theeravanvilai, a design director of Chime Design Limited.

1. There are two types of wallpaper: paperback and vinyl. Both of them are easy to install, but paperback style is more popular. However, vinyl wallpaper is easier to clean and good for a 70s style décor.

2. Clean the wall before installing the wallpaper. Only a smooth surface can guarantee a satisfying result.

3. Don’t apply wallpaper with a dazzling pattern in the entire room, especially in your bedroom, where it will surely make you dizzy.

Where to Buy

Habitat (4/F, Siam Discovery, 989 Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-0400. www.habitat-thailand.com). Habitat is a well-known chain of London furniture shops. Fill your empty home with their stylish furniture and design products, including their latest collection of Cole & Son wallpaper. From photo frames to kitchen tools, teddy bears to beds and bed sheets, the range is classy and of assured quality. Just make sure you’ve got a fat wallet.

Mr. Curtain (16 New Rama 9 Rd., Suan Luang, 02-789-3000. www.mrcurtain.co.th). As famous for curtains as its name suggests, Mr. Curtain is also an expert on wallpaper, offering over a thousand designs for you to choose from. Free installation service by a professional team.

Pamanthai (2423 Lad Phrao Rd., between Soi 67/2 and Soi 69, 02-538-1080, 02-538-9587. www.pamanthai.com) has curtains, sun-blinds, bamboo screens and wallpaper on offer. Both imported and domestic goods are available in many styles, including old-fashioned but elegant Thai designs. Delivery service.

Nattanan Design (21/108 Klongjan Villa 4, Ramkhamhaeng Rd., 02-728-1594, 02-731-4467 www,nattanandesign.com) sells carpets, curtains and wallpaper. Installation service is available both in Bangkok and out of town.

Or if you’re not in the mood for spending an entire day in search of the perfect match, visit HomePro or Homeworks where you’ll find everything you need for home decoration.