How to measure wallpaper

Wallpaper Wizardry: Mastering the Art of Measurement

Embarking on a wallpaper project is an exciting way to breathe new life into your space. But before you get swept away by the design possibilities, there's one crucial question to answer: how much wallpaper do you need? Fear not, this blog post unveils a handy industry standard that will help you avoid overspending or running short on materials.

The Repeat Revelation:

The key to unlocking your wallpaper needs lies in understanding the pattern repeat. Simply put, this is the distance between identical points in the design that runs vertically. Does your chosen wallpaper have a repeating pattern, or is it a random match that works seamlessly regardless of how you position the strips?

Navigating No Repeats:

If your wallpaper doesn't have a repeat, calculating the amount needed is a breeze. Here's the simple formula:

1. Square Footage Savior: Measure the wall's height and width in feet, then multiply them to determine the total square footage.
2. Divide and Conquer: Knowing the roll width (typically 20.5", 21", 27", or 36"), divide the square footage by a corresponding number:
   • For 27" wide rolls, divide by 63 (since double rolls cover 63 square feet).
   • For 20.5" or 21" wide rolls, divide by 56.
   • For 36" wide rolls, divide by 72.
3. Rounding Up for Success: Since you can't use leftover slivers of wallpaper, always round up the resulting number to the nearest whole number. This ensures you have enough material to complete the project.

The Repeat Rhapsody:

If your heart is set on a captivating repeating pattern, the calculation takes a slightly different turn. Simply divide the total square footage of your wall by 42 (representing the average double roll coverage area) to get the estimated number of double rolls needed. Here's the catch – with repeats, there's always some inherent waste due to pattern matching. Don't forget to factor this in by rounding up even more generously than with non-repeating patterns.

Let's Make it Practical:

Scenario 1: No Repeat Magic

You're revamping your study with a stunning non-repeating wallpaper. The rolls are 27 inches wide, and the wall measures 8 feet high by 12 feet long.

1. Square Footage: 8 ft x 12 ft = 96 square feet.
2. Divide and Conquer: 96 sq ft / 63 sq ft/double roll = 1.52 double rolls.
3. Rounding Up: Always round up! Order two double rolls.

Scenario 2: Repeat Revelry

You envision transforming your living room with a striking wallpaper featuring a 20.9-inch repeat. The chosen design has a width of 27 inches and comes in double rolls. The main wall measures 10 feet high by 22 feet long.

1. Square Footage: 10 ft x 22 ft = 220 square feet.
2. Divide and Conquer: 220 sq ft / 42 sq ft/double roll = 5.23 double rolls.
3. Rounding Up Generously: With a repeat pattern, order six double rolls to account for pattern matching waste.

By following these simple steps and factoring in pattern repeats, you'll be well-equipped to accurately calculate the amount of wallpaper needed for your next project. Happy decorating!