Measuring for Wallpaper

It is very important, before you begin to calculate, that you have researched the specific wallpaper you have chosen and understand how the distributor sells it. 

 Measuring for wallpaper can be confusing.

These days wallpaper comes in a much greater variety of types and sizes than ever before.

The lengths and widths of the rolls are not as consistent as they once were and as a result the old formulas for calculating the amount needed are not as reliable.

It is best to have the dimensions of the rolls you are interested in purchasing handy when you do these calculations,

keep in mind both the pattern waste and the dye lot to justify ordering a little extra for a successful install and some to put away in case it becomes necessary to patch later. 

To Calculate The Quantity

Wallpaper usually is sold in double or triple rolls, which is confusing since it’s priced by the single roll. The term single roll simply represents 25 square feet of wallpaper. Of these 25 square feet it is safe to say that 22 to 23 feet is usable in most patterns. 

To calculate the square footage of walls multiply the wall height by the distance around the room (perimeter). 

For example:

A 10 by 12-foot room has a perimeter of 44 feet, (10+10+12+12=44)

It has an 8-foot-high ceiling. (44 x 8 = 352)

It would have 352 square feet of wall space.

Then

Divide total square footage by 23 (the amount of wall coverage per single roll) for the number of single rolls needed, which is about 16.

When measuring for wallpaper It is a good idea to always allow a little extra for the unexpected. Do not assume that a doorway will indeed save you any paper.  Depending on how each sheet and pattern fall as you hang a room; generally, it will still require 2 full length sheets to get around the door and stay consistent. Having a layout fall where a small header will occur exactly above a door more than one time in a room is unusual and considered darn lucky.

Pattern Repeat

The length between a particular place in a pattern and its next occurance on a roll is called a repeat

The repeat length is generally printed on the outside of the roll

Repeat Length to usable feet is as follows:

0″ to 6″…… 23 sq. ft.

7″ to 12″……. 22 sq. ft.

13″ to 18″ …….19 sq. ft.

19″ to 23″ ……17 sq. ft.

Role width and length: 

 The wider the roll does not mean it will cover more walls.  Wider rolls are shorter and actually can give you less coverage in some cases.

For instance, a double roll of wallpaper that is 36 inches wide is only 24 feet long and can, at best, only give you three strips on an 8 foot wall.  To cover a wall over 8 feet in height and you can only count on two strips out of a double roll or one strip per single roll.

27 inch wide paper is 27 feet in a double roll

21 inch wide paper is 33 feet in a double roll

It is for these reason that I suggest taking a few minutes before going to the wallpaper store and counting out your room, sheet by sheet, to get a more accurate roll count.

Then you can contact your local retailer to double check your totals before you order