How Much Wallpaper Do I Need for a Room?
The amount of wallpaper you need depends on the dimensions of your walls, the size of the wallpaper roll, and the pattern repeat. Simply calculating the square footage of your walls isn’t always enough.
Wallpaper patterns have to align from one strip to another, which can require additional material.
That’s why it’s important to calculate carefully before placing your order.
Why Isn’t Wall Square Footage Enough?
Imagine that your wall contains 100 square feet of surface.
It might seem logical to purchase 100 square feet of wallpaper. Unfortunately, wallpaper doesn’t work quite that simply.
Material may be needed for:
- Pattern matching
- Cutting and trimming
- Wall dimensions
- Doors and windows
- Installation adjustments
- Pattern placement
Large pattern repeats can require considerably more material than small or random patterns.
What Is a Wallpaper Pattern Repeat?
The pattern repeat is the distance before a wallpaper design repeats itself.
When adjoining strips are installed, the design needs to line up correctly.
For example, flowers shouldn’t suddenly stop at a seam and geometric lines shouldn’t be offset from one strip to another.
The installer may need to move farther down the roll before cutting the next strip so the patterns align correctly. That creates additional material usage.
Should I Subtract Windows and Doors?
Be careful about automatically subtracting every square inch occupied by windows and doors.
Wallpaper still needs to be cut and positioned around these areas, and the pattern needs to remain aligned with neighboring strips.
Large openings may affect your calculation, but calculating wallpaper requirements based solely on net wall square footage can leave you short.
Why Ordering Too Little Can Be a Problem
Running short isn’t just inconvenient.
Wallpaper can come from different production runs or dye lots, and there can sometimes be subtle differences between batches.
If additional wallpaper has to be ordered later, matching the original material may become more difficult.
This is especially important with specialty or limited-availability wallpapers.
Information to Gather Before Ordering
Before purchasing your wallpaper, have the following information available:
- Wall width
- Wall height
- Number of walls being covered
- Wallpaper roll dimensions
- Pattern repeat
- Manufacturer information
- Doors, windows, and unusual architectural features
If you’re uncertain, consider speaking with your wallpaper installer before ordering.
Should I Buy Extra Wallpaper?
Having some additional material can be useful for pattern matching and installation requirements, but exactly how much you need depends on the product and room.
Rather than relying on a universal percentage, calculate based on your specific wallpaper and space.
Keeping some leftover wallpaper after installation can also be useful if a section ever needs attention in the future.
Let Me Help Before You Order
One of the easiest ways to avoid an expensive wallpaper mistake is to plan before purchasing.
At Namaste Design & Painting, I provide professional wallpaper installation throughout Columbus and surrounding Central Ohio.
I can evaluate your space and wallpaper so you can better understand the requirements of your particular project.
Planning a Wallpaper Project?
Schedule an in-home consultation before installation. I’ll help you understand your space, wall condition, and installation requirements so your project gets started on the right foot.
