Getting wallpaper measurements right is vital for a polished finish. A flawless application starts with proper measurement techniques.
Before you begin, removing any old wallpaper sets the stage. Accurate measuring is crucial in this process.
‘Wallpapering instantly adds color and character to your space,’ says a creative director. With countless designs available, from bold patterns to subtle hues, even a single afternoon of wallpapering can dramatically refresh your home.
If you opt to go for a new design instead of painting over existing wallpaper, knowing how much to order is key. ‘When ordering, ensure you have the right amount,’ the director recommends, ‘and use our on-screen calculator provided with your selected design to help estimate the quantity needed. Different designs vary in pattern repeat, affecting waste, so always verify the calculation for your choice.’
Measuring Wallpaper: Essential Steps
To measure wallpaper accurately, take your time and ensure you understand how to read a tape measure. Measure multiple times before cutting to guarantee precision—this applies to peel and stick varieties too. It’s especially crucial for textured walls.
1. Assess Wallpaper and Wall Width
A vital tip is to avoid assumptions about wallpaper width. ‘Start by checking your wallpaper’s width, which can vary,’ an expert explains. ‘Then measure your wall’s width.’
2. Calculate the Number of Drops
‘Divide the width of the wall by your wallpaper’s width,’ the expert suggests. This gives you the total number of “drops” needed.
3. Determine Drops per Roll
‘Next, measure the wall’s height and divide the roll length by this height to find out how many drops you can get per roll,’ they add. Remember to include the height of the pattern repeat for every second drop to align patterns.
4. Total Wallpaper Rolls Needed
‘Finally, divide the total drops required by the number of drops per roll. This will tell you how many rolls to purchase,’ advises the expert. Leftover wallpaper can be creatively repurposed as drawer liners or notebook covers.
Measuring Unique Areas
In older homes, sloping ceilings and architectural features can complicate measurements. ‘Use your tape measure to note the widest and tallest points of your wall,’ a production executive recommends. Stick to measurements of the wall only, avoiding baseboards or trims. It’s wise to order wallpaper slightly larger than your measurements to accommodate any needed adjustments during installation.
‘Different wall types require various measuring techniques,’ the executive notes. For sloped walls, focus on the longest and widest sections, ignoring slopes. If measuring multiple walls, combine their widths for a single total measurement when ordering.
Measuring Around Windows and Doors
It might seem straightforward, but don’t forget to account for windows and doors in your measurements. ‘Including them ensures you have enough wallpaper, which can help avoid waste,’ a decorating specialist explains. Having a spare roll allows for corrections during installation. Always double-check measurements with your decorator to prevent ordering too much or too little.
Wallpaper Roll Length
A standard wallpaper roll typically measures 33ft (10m) long and about 21in (53.5cm) wide, providing three drops for an average height room.
Measuring for Ceiling Wallpaper
If you’re wallpapering a ceiling, here’s a simple method:
1. Divide the ceiling width by the wallpaper width for total drops needed (e.g., width 210in ÷ roll width 21in = 10 drops required).
2. Measure the ceiling length and divide the roll length by this to find drops per roll (e.g., roll length 30ft ÷ ceiling length 10ft = three drops per roll).
3. Finally, calculate the total drops needed divided by drops per roll to determine how many rolls to buy (e.g., 10 drops ÷ 3 drops per roll = four rolls needed).
Understanding Batch Numbers
Always purchase wallpaper from the same batch number to ensure a consistent color match, as variations can occur between batches. ‘Even within the same batch, subtle differences can exist, especially in larger runs,’ the specialist cautions.
