Measuring

Wallpaper Measuring Guide

Accurate measurement is the foundation of a flawless wallpaper installation. Taking the time to measure correctly ensures you purchase the right amount of paper and guarantees a seamless, professional finish. This guide will walk you through the professional method for measuring any wall.

1. Essential Tools

Before you begin, gather the right tools. Using them will prevent errors and make the process smoother.

  • Metal Measuring Tape: A locking metal tape measure is essential for accuracy.
  • Pencil and Paper: To jot down your measurements.
  • Calculator: To help with calculations.
  • Step Ladder: To safely reach the top of the walls.

2. The Most Important Rule: Measure the Fullest Dimensions

Always measure the wall as a complete rectangle using its widest and highest points. Do not subtract the area of windows, doors, or built-in furniture. Treat every wall as a solid, flat rectangle.

This method ensures pattern integrity, simplifies ordering, and prevents running out of paper.

3. Step-by-Step Measurement Guide

A. For Standard, Rectangular Walls

  1. Measure the Height: Measure the wall's height in three places—left, middle, and right. Use the longest of the three measurements.
  2. Measure the Width: Measure the wall's width in three places—top, middle, and bottom. Use the widest of the three measurements.

B. For Walls with Obstacles (Windows & Doors)

Simply ignore the obstacle. Measure the total height and total width of the wall as if the window or door were not there, using the method described above.

4. How to Calculate Your Wallpaper Quantity

Calculating the amount of wallpaper is more than just area. You must also account for pattern repeat and waste.

Step 1: Understand Pattern Repeat

The pattern repeat is the vertical distance until a pattern repeats. This is usually found on the product details. Common types include:

  • Free Match: No pattern to align, resulting in the least waste.
  • Straight Match: The pattern matches horizontally across adjacent strips.
  • Offset Match: The pattern is staggered and typically creates the most waste.

Step 2: Calculate the Number of Strips Needed

  1. Divide the total width of your wall by the width of the wallpaper roll.
  2. Always round this number up to the nearest whole number. This is the total number of strips you'll need.

Step 3: Calculate Total Rolls and Add a Safety Margin

This step accounts for height, pattern repeat, and potential mistakes.

Professional Tip: After all your calculations, it is a professional standard to add an extra 10-15% to your total order. This "waste allowance" covers any mistakes, tricky cuts, and provides extra paper for potential future repairs. It's far better to have a little left over than to run out before the job is finished.