If Teddy ever forgets which letter his name starts with, the whole wall will remind him: it’s always “T” time in there.
As we mentioned a few weeks ago, we decided on a subtle accent pattern for the wall between the built-ins. Initially we planned to paint the Ts, like Sherry did for Clara’s raindrops, but after readers suggested vinyl decals we gave that a try. Vinyl is a popular choice for kids’ rooms since it’s removable and affordable. We bought a tube of vinyl meant for craft cutters for about $5 with a coupon at JoAnn. We don’t own a craft cutter, but cutting simple line shapes by hand proved to be entirely doable.
First we determined the size of the Ts. The wall was roughly 88″ wide, so choosing sizes in 4″ increments simplified spacing. I mocked up two sizes using printer paper cut into 1/2″ strips and we both agreed the 8 x 4″ version looked best.
Next we finalized the arrangement. I cut paper templates, taped them up, and moved them around until we liked the layout. Fortunately the pattern fit neatly into 4″ increments, which made it easy to plan.
Then came cutting the vinyl into 1/2″ strips: some 8″ long and some 4″ long. A craft cutter would have been faster, but cutting by hand wasn’t difficult. Here are the basic steps we followed.
I began by making simple guide marks on a board at the 0″, 4″, and 8″ spots so I could roll out the vinyl and slice consistent 8″ sections. With an 8″ section taped down on both ends, I measured and ticked 1/2″ marks along both sides of the sheet. Using a ruler, I lined up each set of marks and sliced through the vinyl—two passes were needed, one for the vinyl and one for the backing. I repeated this until the sheet was shredded into 1/2″ strips. For the 4″ strips I followed the same process and made one last cut down the center. I needed about 70 strips total. It was repetitive but straightforward.
Applying the decals was similarly simple and methodical. Since the design is essentially a grid, keeping everything level and evenly spaced was crucial. I started at the top middle of the wall and worked in small sections, making light pencil marks with a level and yardstick to guide placement.
For anyone trying to recreate this exact look, here’s how I measured and marked the wall. With the yardstick held vertically (checked with a level), I marked the vertical spacing of each row. Then I held the yardstick horizontally at each vertical mark (again checked with a level) and marked the center and both ends of each T. Those reference points guided the placement of the strips.
I used those pencil marks to place the vinyl. The 8″ horizontal strips were applied first, guided by the marks, and then the 4″ vertical strips were added at the center of each T. The vinyl was forgiving enough that the short vertical pieces could be aligned by eye and still look straight.
The vinyl adhered well with a simple smoothing motion and so far none of the strips have peeled up on their own. I started the project before Memorial Day and some of the first strips have been up for almost two weeks without issue. I did test removing one: it required some effort to get under the edge and peel it off, but it came away without damaging the paint. Initially we worried Teddy might be able to peel the decals off when he’s older, but they seem firmly attached and I doubt a toddler like Clara could remove them easily.
This was our first time using self-adhesive vinyl and we’re impressed with the crisp, grid-like result—something we aren’t sure we could have achieved with paint alone. The subtle pattern adds interest between the built-ins and the $5 cost was an unexpected bonus.
We didn’t extend the Ts behind the crib because we thought the lines would look too busy with the crib slats. I saved extra strips to add later when he moves to a twin bed; we still have about a quarter of the vinyl roll left for touch-ups. For now, though, no need to rush—this kid is already 12 pounds and growing fast.
I like knowing the design can be removed or changed if we tire of it. It’s fun to imagine how Teddy might interact with the pattern: will he see squares for hanging drawings, cliffs for toy cars, or a giant Plinko board?
Other than adding a light fixture overhead, this room feels finished for now. For reference, here’s a reminder of the carpeted, pink-trimmed room we started with.
Did you finish any projects this weekend or spend time outdoors? We went on a few long walks and wandered through a street festival on Sunday. Teddy loved the candied bacon on a stick.
Note: I resisted the urge to pepper this post with T-puns—like saying the wall fits Teddy to a T or that it’s T-rrific—but they were tempting.