Extra Rolls of Wallpaper?

Do you have extra rolls of wallpaper and don’t know what to do with it? Whether you ordered too much or decided not to use it, there is still value in your purchase. Before you decide to throw it away, consider these options…

• Return it! Most places will take back wallpaper purchased from them within 30 days provided it’s not opened and it’s not discontinued, however there’s usually a 25% restocking charge. (Keep in mind, if you bought it online, you’ll need to pay the return shipping costs as well.) So if you don’t want it, this is a great way to recoup a portion of your investment.

• Keep it! It may be good to keep it on hand in case of future damage to the paper already hung on your walls. Wallpaper is very durable and lasts anywhere from 5-7 years, but tears and dings happen. Unfortunately many times patterns don’t last that long in production. It is very common to have a pattern you love and buy today become discontinued with no stock available tomorrow. Having extra on hand is ALWAYS a good idea.

• Use it! Being as durable as it is, wall paper is a great commodity with multiple uses.
• Line your shelves with it. Besides being a more durable alternative to shelf liner, it’s a shoe-in to further enhance your decor because it coordinates so well with your walls.
• Dress up your pictures. You can cover mattes for picture frames or use it to cover a photo album or scrapbook. Not only will you enhance your room decor with coordinating pieces, but also you’ll have an excuse to leave your “brag books” lying around. (NOTE: If the wallpaper is prepasted, be sure to not expose the backing to your precious photos…you don’t want to risk damaging them if the glue is activated by moisture.)
• Cover text books. If you have any children required to cover their books for school, wallpaper makes a great bookcover…and it’s a lot prettier than brown paper bags.
  
• Get crafty. Wallpaper makes a great ingredient for craft projects. Whether it’s covering a lampshade, creating gift cards/tags, or embellishing other furnishings, the creative uses are endless…let your imagination soar.

• Sell it! You can put it out at your next garage sale or better yet, attempt to sell it on eBay. You may not be so crafty, but there are plenty of people who are and many of them shop eBay for their craft materials. You may not make very much on it, but something is better than nothing if you truly want to get rid of it.
  

BIG TIP: Before selling it, do a quick search on Google or Yahoo! for the pattern number & manufacturer (if known). If it’s a discontinued pattern, you may find someone is looking for that same particular pattern to finish their job or do a repair…and they would be willing to pay a premium price, since they can’t get it anywhere else. ;)

If you have an idea or experience you’d like to share regarding extra rolls of wall paper, tell us about it…we want to know! Share your comments below.