How to Upcycle Wallpaper Scraps for Zero Waste

Creative Ideas for Every Inch of Style

You’ve just finished wallpapering your favorite nook—maybe your home office or a powder room—and you’re in love with the results. But now you’re left with a pile of wallpaper scraps, and you’re thinking, “These are too pretty to toss.”

Good news: upcycling wallpaper scraps is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to lean into a zero-waste lifestyle while adding personalized flair to your space. Whether you’re working with peel-and-stick wallpaper, eco-friendly grasscloth, or classic paper-backed rolls, there are plenty of clever and creative ways to give those extra pieces new life.

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If sustainability and style go hand in hand for you, these zero-waste wallpaper ideas are worth bookmarking.

♻️ Why Upcycling Wallpaper Scraps Matters

Let’s face it—home improvement projects can produce more waste than we’d like to admit. But when you reuse wallpaper leftovers, you’re helping reduce landfill waste and maximizing the value of every roll you purchased. Plus, many wallpapers—especially peel-and-stick and eco-friendly varieties—are non-toxic, PVC-free, and made with sustainable materials, making them perfect candidates for reuse.

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🎨 1. Frame It: Wallpaper as Wall Art

One of the easiest (and chicest) ways to repurpose wallpaper scraps is by turning them into framed art. All you need is a picture frame, a scrap of wallpaper, and a bit of creativity.

• Mix and match wallpaper prints for a gallery wall

• Use ornate frames for a vintage vibe

• Display leftover patterns from a feature wall for visual continuity

This trick works beautifully with bold patterns, metallic prints, or textural papers like cork or grasscloth.

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✨ 2. Line Your Drawers or Shelves

Give your storage spaces a fresh look with wallpaper-lined drawers or shelves. Peel-and-stick wallpaper works especially well here because it’s easy to reposition and remove.

• Line kitchen drawers with bright patterns

• Add texture to bookshelf backs with grasscloth or bamboo wallpaper

• Transform an old dresser into a statement piece

This not only beautifies your space but also protects surfaces from wear and tear.

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🧺 3. Wrap It Up: Gift Wrap with Personality

Why buy single-use gift wrap when you have beautiful wallpaper scraps on hand?

• Use paper wallpaper for wrapping gifts, especially for special occasions

• Create matching gift tags from smaller pieces

• Add twine, dried flowers, or repurposed ribbon for eco-chic presentation

Your presents will stand out for all the right (and sustainable) reasons.

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🕯️ 4. Create Home Accents: From Coasters to Lampshades

Wallpaper scraps can add instant charm to everyday items.

• Mod Podge scraps onto ceramic coasters or tile trivets

• Cover a lampshade with a soft floral or geometric pattern

• Wrap glass jars or vases to use as organizers or candle holders

Even small pieces can pack a design punch when placed thoughtfully.

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🗂️ 5. Decorate Office Supplies

Say goodbye to boring manila folders and plain pencil holders. With a bit of glue or double-sided tape, you can turn your home office into a designer space.

• Cover notebooks with patterned wallpaper

• Create a custom mousepad or desk mat

• Wrap storage boxes to match your room’s aesthetic

It’s all about those small touches that make a workspace feel intentional and inspiring.

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🎁 6. Make Cards, Bookmarks, or Labels

For those who enjoy crafting or giving handmade gifts, wallpaper is a fantastic material for DIY stationery.

• Cut into shapes for greeting cards or thank-you notes

• Laminate scraps for durable bookmarks

• Create pantry labels or gift tags with decorative flair

This is an especially great project for leftover botanical prints, pastels, or kids’ wallpaper.

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🧠 Bonus Tip: Organize Your Scraps for Easy Reuse

If you’re saving scraps for later projects, keep them organized:

• Store flat in a portfolio or large envelope

• Roll and tie with twine or paper bands (label the design name and source)

• Keep smaller scraps sorted by color or pattern for quick project inspiration

Having them easily accessible means you’ll actually use them—and stay on your zero-waste mission.

Final Thoughts: One Scrap at a Time

In a world where sustainability and design often feel like they’re at odds, upcycling wallpaper scraps proves you can have both. From wall art to drawer liners, coasters to custom gift wrap, your leftover wallpaper is a canvas waiting for creativity.

So the next time you’re trimming wallpaper or finishing a DIY project, don’t toss those trimmings. Use them to add personality to your home, create thoughtful gifts, and support a more sustainable lifestyle—one beautiful scrap at a time.