Upcycling junk materials into wallpaper is an exciting and eco-friendly way to infuse your home with unique charm and personality. By repurposing items like old magazines, newspapers, or fabric scraps, you can create one-of-a-kind wall treatments that not only look amazing but also help reduce waste. In this blog, we’ll explore 14 creative junk wallpaper ideas that can turn everyday materials into stunning design elements for your home.
1. Newspaper Collage Wallpaper
Newspapers have a timeless aesthetic that can give your space a vintage, industrial feel. By using old newspaper clippings, you can create a collage-like wallpaper that tells a story. Whether you want to highlight major headlines, historic events, or random articles, this method allows you to turn your walls into a work of art.
To create this look, gather old newspapers, glue, wallpaper paste, and a sealant. Start by cutting or tearing the newspaper into pieces, arranging them on the wall in a layered or patterned design. You can overlap pieces for a more textured appearance or place them neatly for a cleaner finish. Once applied, seal the newspaper with a clear coat to protect the paper from wear and tear.
This style works well in home offices, reading nooks, or even hallways where the black-and-white text and images add a sophisticated, yet nostalgic feel. Use colored newspapers for a more eclectic look or stick to monochrome for a vintage vibe.
2. Vintage Magazine Pages
Old magazines are another excellent material for wallpaper. Whether you have a collection of vintage fashion, sports, or lifestyle magazines, these colorful pages can bring a retro, pop-art feel to any room. Vintage magazine wallpaper is perfect for adding character and a sense of history to your space.
To achieve this, select magazine pages that complement the room’s color palette or theme. For example, fashion magazines can add glamour to a bedroom, while automotive magazines work well in a garage or man cave. Arrange the pages in an overlapping collage, ensuring the images and text blend seamlessly. Secure with wallpaper paste and finish with a clear protective sealant.
This technique allows you to showcase nostalgic imagery, vivid colors, and bold typography, making it an ideal choice for accent walls in living rooms, dens, or creative spaces.
3. Fabric Scraps Patchwork
If you’ve accumulated fabric scraps from previous DIY projects, why not turn them into wallpaper? A fabric scraps patchwork wall adds texture, color, and warmth to a room, making it perfect for creating a cozy, bohemian atmosphere. This is an excellent way to use leftover fabrics that would otherwise go to waste.
Choose fabrics of varying patterns, textures, and colors for a dynamic, patchwork look. Start by cutting your fabric into squares, triangles, or freeform shapes. Apply the fabric to the wall using fabric glue or mod podge. You can create a geometric pattern or place the pieces randomly for a more eclectic design.
This wallpaper idea works beautifully in bedrooms or living spaces, adding softness and a tactile element that’s both functional and decorative. Bonus points if you use fabrics with sentimental value, such as old clothing or heirloom textiles.
4. Brown Paper Bags
Brown paper bags, typically used for groceries or packaging, can be transformed into a rustic, faux-leather wallpaper. This technique offers a budget-friendly way to achieve a textured, earthy look that’s reminiscent of old-world charm or vintage loft style.
Start by tearing the paper bags into pieces and crumpling them to create a textured surface. Smooth the pieces back out and glue them to the wall, overlapping slightly for a natural, layered effect. Once applied, you can paint the surface to mimic the look of leather or leave it as is for a raw, organic feel.
This style works well in entryways, home offices, or dining rooms where the warm, rich tones of the paper can create a cozy and welcoming environment. Applying a coat of glaze or varnish will enhance the paper’s durability and give it a finished, professional look.
5. Book Pages Wallpaper
For book lovers, using old book pages as wallpaper is a creative way to bring literary inspiration into your home. Whether you’re a fan of classic literature or children’s books, this wallpaper idea allows you to showcase your favorite stories in a visually engaging way.
Select pages from damaged or outdated books, and arrange them in an overlapping or grid pattern on the wall. Secure with wallpaper paste or glue and finish with a protective topcoat. For a more personalized touch, choose passages from your favorite novels or poems.
Book page wallpaper works particularly well in reading nooks, libraries, or bedrooms, creating a serene and thoughtful atmosphere. It’s a beautiful way to recycle old books while adding a touch of intellectual charm to your space.
6. Old Maps
Old maps provide an adventurous and worldly aesthetic that makes them a perfect material for wallpaper. Whether you use outdated road maps, nautical charts, or topographical maps, this approach brings a sense of travel and exploration to your walls.
To apply, arrange the maps in a geographically accurate or freeform design, depending on your preference. You can cover the entire wall with maps or use them as an accent by framing certain sections with molding. Secure with glue or wallpaper paste and finish with a sealant to protect the paper.
This wallpaper style is ideal for travel-themed rooms, home offices, or living spaces where you want to spark curiosity and wanderlust. Vintage maps, in particular, offer a nostalgic and timeless look that pairs well with various design styles, from industrial to boho.
7. Wallpaper Remnants Mix
Got leftover wallpaper scraps from previous projects? Don’t throw them away! Instead, mix and match these remnants to create a unique, patchwork-style wallpaper. This method is a great way to use up small pieces of wallpaper while adding a playful and artistic touch to your home.
Cut the remnants into squares, rectangles, or freeform shapes and arrange them on the wall in a pattern or random design. You can create a cohesive look by using wallpapers with complementary colors or patterns or go for a more eclectic style by mixing bold designs and textures.
This idea works well in eclectic living rooms, craft rooms, or kids’ rooms, where color and pattern play are encouraged. It’s a fun and cost-effective way to personalize your walls while reducing waste.
8. Gift Wrap Sheets
Old or unused gift wrap paper can make for surprisingly stylish wallpaper. With so many patterns and colors available, gift wrap can bring a fun, festive, and whimsical touch to any room. Plus, it’s an affordable way to achieve a designer look.
To apply, cut the gift wrap into manageable sections and use wallpaper paste or mod podge to adhere it to the wall. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles, and apply a protective sealant to finish. For a more polished look, consider framing the gift wrap with decorative molding.
Gift wrap wallpaper works particularly well in smaller spaces like powder rooms, closets, or even as an accent wall in a bedroom or living room. Its vibrant patterns can brighten up any space, making it feel more playful and inviting.
9. Old Posters
If you have a collection of old concert, movie, or event posters, why not turn them into wallpaper? Poster wallpaper can create a bold, eye-catching statement wall that reflects your personality and interests. Whether you’re a fan of vintage movie posters or modern pop culture art, this method adds a dramatic and personalized flair to your home.
Arrange the posters in a grid or overlapping pattern, depending on the look you want to achieve. Secure them to the wall with wallpaper paste or glue, and finish with a sealant to protect the paper. You can also mix different poster sizes and styles for a more eclectic design.
This wallpaper idea is perfect for game rooms, home theaters, or teenager bedrooms, where bold, graphic visuals are a key part of the design aesthetic.
10. Comic Book Strips
For a fun, vibrant wall treatment, use old comic book strips as wallpaper. Comic books are filled with colorful illustrations and exciting narratives that can bring energy and creativity to a room. This is an especially great idea for kids’ rooms, playrooms, or even a quirky home office.
Cut out individual comic strips or full pages and arrange them in a collage on the wall. Whether you choose to follow a storyline or create a more random arrangement, the colorful graphics and bold text will make the walls pop. Use wallpaper paste or mod podge to adhere the pages and apply a topcoat to protect them.
This wallpaper is sure to be a conversation starter, and it allows you to celebrate your favorite superheroes, villains, or cartoon characters in a unique and artistic way.
11. Wallpaper from Sheet Music
For music lovers, using old sheet music as wallpaper can create a classy, refined look. Whether you’re a musician yourself or simply appreciate the beauty of music, sheet music wallpaper brings a creative and sophisticated touch to your home.
Cut or tear sheets of music from old books or individual scores and arrange them on the wall in a grid or overlapping pattern. You can keep the look uniform for a clean, structured feel or layer the pages more organically for an artistic vibe. Secure with wallpaper paste and finish with a protective topcoat.
Sheet music wallpaper is perfect for music rooms, living rooms, or even as a statement wall in a bedroom. It’s a beautiful way to upcycle old music while adding an air of elegance and creativity to your space.
12. Cork Board Panels
Repurpose old corkboards into a textured, functional wallpaper that adds warmth and utility to your space. Corkboard wallpaper is not only visually interesting but also practical, allowing you to pin photos, notes, and other items directly onto the wall.
To create this look, gather old corkboard panels and arrange them on the wall in a grid or geometric pattern. Secure with strong adhesive, and if you’d like, paint the cork for a custom color effect. The natural texture of cork adds a rustic, organic feel to your space while also providing a soft surface to tack up items.
Corkboard wallpaper works great in home offices, craft rooms, or kitchens where both form and function are essential.
13. Repurposed Blueprint Wallpaper
Blueprints, with their detailed diagrams and industrial charm, can make for an unexpected and stylish wallpaper. Whether you use architectural blueprints, engineering plans, or even sewing patterns, this wallpaper idea brings a sense of creativity and craftsmanship to your walls.
Arrange the blueprints on the wall in an organized or freeform design. The fine lines and detailed sketches of the blueprints create an intriguing visual effect that works particularly well in modern, industrial, or minimalist interiors. Secure with wallpaper paste or glue, and finish with a clear sealant.
Blueprint wallpaper is perfect for home offices, design studios, or any space where creativity and innovation are celebrated.
14. Old Calendar Pages
Don’t throw out old calendars once the year is over! Calendar pages, especially those with large images or artistic designs, can be turned into beautiful wallpaper. Whether you use vintage calendars or more recent ones, this upcycling idea adds a personal and nostalgic touch to your walls.
To apply, cut the pages to fit your wall and arrange them in a grid or collage pattern. Secure with wallpaper paste and apply a sealant to protect the paper. You can choose themed calendars, like nature scenes or cityscapes, to match the room’s decor.
This wallpaper idea is ideal for kitchens, hallways, or home offices, where the changing images of each month bring a sense of renewal and variety to your space.
Wrap Up
Upcycling junk materials into wallpaper is an eco-friendly and budget-conscious way to make your walls stand out. From old newspapers and fabric scraps to sheet music and posters, the possibilities are endless. These 14 ideas prove that with a little creativity, you can turn trash into treasure, transforming your home with personal, unique wall designs.