How to Measure for Wallpaper: Expert Advice

Wallpaper is a great way to add personality and style to any room. However, if you don’t measure correctly, you may end up with too much or too little wallpaper, which can be frustrating and expensive. In this article, we’ll provide some expert advice on how to measure for wallpaper, covering everything from determining square footage to ordering the right amount of wallpaper.

1. Determine the Square Footage

Before you start measuring, you need to determine the square footage of the area to be wallpapered. To do this, measure the height and width of each wall in feet and multiply those two numbers together to get the square footage. Add the square footage of all the walls together to get the total square footage. It’s important to measure all walls, even if they have doors or windows.

2. Factor in Doors and Windows

When measuring for wallpaper, it’s important to factor in any doors and windows on the walls. To do this, measure the height and width of each door and window in feet and subtract that square footage from the total square footage of the wall. This will give you a more accurate measurement of how much wallpaper you need. If you have a lot of doors and windows, this can significantly impact the amount of wallpaper you need to order.

3. Consider the Pattern Repeat

If your wallpaper has a pattern, you’ll need to take the pattern repeat into account when measuring. The pattern repeat is the distance between where the pattern starts on the wallpaper and where it starts again. To measure the pattern repeat, measure from the starting point of the pattern to the next starting point. Then, add that distance to the width of the wallpaper. This will give you the total width of one pattern repeat. Make sure to add this amount to the width of each strip of wallpaper you cut.

4. Add Extra for Matching

When hanging wallpaper with a pattern, it’s important to match the pattern at the seams. This means that you’ll need to cut the wallpaper to match up the pattern at each seam. To ensure that you have enough wallpaper to match the pattern, it’s recommended that you add an extra 10-15% to your total square footage. This extra wallpaper will give you enough material to work with, even if you make mistakes while cutting or hanging.

5. Account for Waste

No matter how careful you are, there will always be some waste when hanging wallpaper. It’s recommended that you add an extra 10% to your total square footage to account for waste. This will ensure that you have enough wallpaper to finish the job without having to order more. It’s better to have a little extra wallpaper than to run out and have to order more from the manufacturer.

6. Check the Wallpaper Roll Size

Before ordering your wallpaper, it’s important to check the size of the rolls. Wallpaper rolls come in different sizes, so you’ll need to know how much wallpaper is on each roll. This will help you determine how many rolls you need to order. The standard size for wallpaper rolls is 20.5 inches wide by 33 feet long, but there may be variations.

7. Consult with a Professional

If you’re not comfortable measuring for wallpaper, or if you have a complex room with lots of doors and windows, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional. They can help you determine the exact amount of wallpaper you need and ensure that it’s hung correctly. They can also help you choose the right type of wallpaper for your room, whether it’s vinyl, textured or patterned.

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About the Author: Rae Coleman

Scarlett Rae Coleman: Scarlett, a residential architect, shares design ideas, architectural trends, and tips for planning a home remodel.