How to Wallpaper the Inside of a China Cabinet

Step-by-step instructions to add a pop of color and pattern to your china cabinet.
By: Jodi Kahn and Kathleen Renda
updated china cabinet

China Cabinet Makeover

Wallpaper Amy Bethune Honeysuckle Honeycomb wallpaper, $60 per single roll, spoonflower.com CABINET paint Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex paint and primer in Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams knobs Glinted prism iron and brass knobs in bronze finish, $8 each, anthropologie.com pulls Round 3"-diameter ring pulls in satin brass, $38 each, lahardware.com wall paint Round Barn by Ralph Lauren Paint

Photo by: Lara Robby/Studio D

Lara Robby/Studio D

Wallpaper Amy Bethune Honeysuckle Honeycomb wallpaper, $60 per single roll, spoonflower.com CABINET paint Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex paint and primer in Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams knobs Glinted prism iron and brass knobs in bronze finish, $8 each, anthropologie.com pulls Round 3"-diameter ring pulls in satin brass, $38 each, lahardware.com wall paint Round Barn by Ralph Lauren Paint

HGTV Magazine transformed a secondhand china cabinet into a stunning display piece—click here to see how it was done! The steps below only apply if your cabinet’s backboard is not removable.

Step 1

Remove the shelves and lower doors (use a pencil to label each door to make rehanging them easier). Unscrew and discard the hardware from the upper and lower doors. If your cabinet has molding on the lower doors, pry it off with a screwdriver and discard it. Using a razor blade, scrape any decals off the glass doors.

Step 2

Lightly sand the entire cabinet, including the backboard and shelves. Wipe off dust with a tack cloth. Tape off both sides of the glass on the upper doors, as shown. Using a paintbrush, apply white paint and primer to the entire cabinet, including both sides of the shelves. Remove the painter’s tape while the paint is still wet. Let dry.  

Step 3

Measure the cabinet’s backboard, and cut the wallpaper to fit. Using a paint roller, apply wallpaper paste to the wallpaper. Affix the wallpaper to the backboard, starting in the center of the board. Using a plastic smoothing tool, smooth the wallpaper. Repeat until the entire board is covered. Using a seam roller, flatten the seams. Repeat until the entire board is covered. Wipe off stray paste with a damp sponge. Let dry.

Step 4

Replace the shelves. Attach the new hardware to the upper and lower doors. Rehang the lower doors.

Next Up

How to Clean Wood Cabinets

Grime and grease don't stand a chance with these tips for cleaning wood cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom.

Would You Try These Wild Wallpapers?

Not sure if a daring pattern is for you? These homeowners say, 'No regrets!'

How to Remove Wallpaper

Wallpaper removal is relatively simple with some elbow grease and a few household items.

How to Build Oversized Garage Storage Cabinets

Say goodbye to clutter for good with the addition of extra-large garage cabinets. Inexpensive and easy to assemble, this DIY storage solution is a perfect weekend project.

How to Install Wainscoting to a Wall

Add an instant touch of class to a room with these step-by-step instructions on installing beadboard wainscoting.

How to German Smear a Brick Fireplace

Give your fireplace a faux finish that mimics what you'd find in old European cottages with a German smear mortar wash.

How to Clean Vinyl Floors

Remove dirt, scuffs and stains from vinyl floors with these easy cleaning and maintenance tips.

Kitchen Cabinet Material

Explore These Beautiful Kitchen Cabinet Options for Ideas

How to Grout Tile

Learn how to grout the spaces between your tile to achieve a smooth, durable and professional look.

How to Install a Kitchen Tile Backsplash

Learn how easy it is to install a kitchen tile backsplash with these step-by-step instructions.

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.