Why Wallpaper Your Outlet Covers?

They stop stealing the spotlight.
Plain white outlet covers pull the eye away from your wallpaper. When they’re wrapped in the same pattern, they subtly blend in so the focus stays on your walls—not the plastic plates.

It looks like a designer install.
This small upgrade makes the whole room feel more intentional and high-end, the way you’d see it styled in a magazine shoot or show home.

It uses leftover scraps.
You don’t need new materials—just a few offcuts from your wallpaper project, a sharp blade, and a little patience.

It takes minutes, not hours.
Plan on roughly 10 minutes per cover. It’s an easy add-on right after you finish hanging your wallpaper panels.

What You’ll Need

Gather these supplies before you start:

• Scrap piece of your wallpaper (ideally from the same wall section)
• Utility knife or X-Acto blade
• Cutting mat or safe cutting surface
• Small screwdriver (for removing the cover)
• Outlet screws (save the originals)
• Optional: clear matte spray or Mod Podge for extra durability

Safety note: For extra peace of mind, flip the breaker off to that outlet or use safety caps so you’re not working near exposed electrical parts.

Step-by-Step: How to Wallpaper Outlet Covers

Step 1: Remove the outlet cover
Use your screwdriver to gently remove the screws and lift off the cover plate. Set the screws aside somewhere you won’t lose them.

Step 2: Cut a slightly larger wallpaper piece
Cut a rectangle of wallpaper that’s at least ½–1 inch larger than the cover on all sides. This gives you enough extra to trim cleanly and, if desired, wrap around the back.

Step 3: Line up the pattern
Place the cover face-down on the back of the wallpaper. Rotate and slide it until the pattern lines up with how it appears on the wall. This is the key to making the outlet “disappear.”

Step 4: Adhere the wallpaper
For peel & stick wallpaper, peel off the backing and press the cover firmly into place, smoothing out any bubbles as you go.
For paste-applied wallpaper, brush a light, even layer of paste onto the back of the wallpaper scrap, then press the cover onto it.

Step 5: Trim the edges
On a cutting mat, use your knife to carefully trim along the outside edge of the cover plate. Follow the shape closely for crisp, clean lines.

Step 6: Cut the openings
Find the outlet or switch openings and lightly score a small “X” shape in the wallpaper where those openings are. Gently trim along the inside edges so the wallpaper sits flat but doesn’t hang into the outlet cavity.

Step 7: Wrap and tidy the back
If you left extra wallpaper, fold it around to the back of the cover and trim any bulk. This helps the edges stay snug over time.

Step 8: Seal for durability (optional)
In high-touch areas, brush on a thin coat of Mod Podge or use a clear matte spray over the front. This adds a subtle layer of protection against fingerprints and smudges.

Step 9: Reinstall the cover
Once everything is dry, screw the cover back onto the wall. Step back and admire how the outlet now blends right into your wallpaper.

Pro Tips for a Flawless Finish

Use scraps from the same wall.
If you can, cut your piece from the same section of the roll used on that wall. The closer the pattern match, the more seamless the result.

Keep your blade sharp.
Swap blades often. A dull knife can tug or tear the wallpaper, especially around the small openings.

Go matte, not glossy.
If you’re sealing, choose a matte finish so the cover doesn’t catch the light and stand out.

Take your time around the openings.
Small, careful cuts around the outlet and switch openings make the biggest difference in how polished the end result looks.