Ask a question

DIY decor tips

Trying your hand at home decorating can save a good deal of money over getting a professional to the work. It also provides satisfaction from your own handiwork. Make sure you have adequate home insurance to cover DIY disasters too!

Painting

Selecting the right colour paint for the inside or outside of your house is vital as it will make space, take away space, create illusions or simply reflect a bad decision, so it's worth taking some time when selecting colours. Here is a simple guide to follow:

  • Minimalist - cool light colours
  • Homely cosy feel - harder more bold colours
  • Kitchen - Use enamel paints for more durability

If you think you'll be doing a lot of work in and around your home it's worth adding accidental damage cover to your policy. You can choose accidental damage for contents and or buildings. Contents accidental damage covers you if for example, you spill paint on a carpet or damage an ornament when moving it. There is also accidental buildings damage cover if you accidentally damage a permanent fixture in your home, for example a wall, worktop or door.

Wallpaper stripping

  • The simple way to remove most wallpapers is to soak with cold water and remove with a scraper. A steam stripper makes the job easier and will work on most wallcoverings; they're cheap and can be hired from decorator shops.
  • If the wallpaper is sealed it must be broken to allow water to penetrate the backing paper. This can be done using a scraper or knife to score the paper criss-cross fashion or use a special tool like a paper wheel or a paper tiger.

Wallpapering

  • Measure and then re-measure the area to be covered. When using lining paper (blankstock) buy the heavier kind as this is easier to work with and remove the need for double-lining.
  • Buy the best tools and equipment you can afford, especially scissors and shears.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the rolls. Prepare all surfaces before you start to paper. Wear comfortable clothing as there is a lot of stretching involved in paperhanging.
  • Ensure you've bought enough rolls to complete the job. Keep the area where you are decorating as dust free as possible.

Contact us

Have a question, need to make a claim, renew your policy or access to 24hr helplines?

  • Find out how to contact our customer service team

Clubcard Price Promise

Get an exclusive discount if you are a Clubcard customer. Just quote your number when you apply.