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Wallpaper can sum so much personality and grain to your space . However , wallpaper projectscan seem intimidate for many homeowners , and it get down with the first question , “ How much wallpaper do I necessitate ? ”

There ’s no need to stress as you take in charge a wallpaper makeover . have ’s separate down how to measure for wallpaper , which tool you ’ll ask , and other helpful tips as you resolve how much material to purchase for your project .

Woman hanging wallpaper.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Tools & Materials

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Project Overview

Working Time : 1 - 2 hoursTotal prison term : 1 - 2 hoursSkill Level : BeginnerEstimated Cost : $ 0-$15

Before You Begin

Before you start look wallpaper measurements , here are a couple of term to do it :

Rather than account the satisfying footage of your walls , the best way to measure wallpaper is by determine how many strips you take to put on your wall and then calculate the number of floor - to - cap strip on each wallpaper roll . This forbid horizontal seams on the wall and is well-off to establish with dim-witted , flooring - to - ceiling strips to keep the pattern even and coherent .

You will need to have awallpaperchosen before you may correctly measure since strip width and pattern repeat will vary by invention , and that will determine the number of rolls need .

Couple measuring width of wall.

Photo: istockphoto.com

STEP 1: Measure the linear feet of your space.

The first step is to measure the elongate foot of the blank space you plan to hide with your wallpaper .

Pro tip : Do n’t derive for things like window and doors in your measurements . You ’ll cut them out of the wallpaper as you advert it .

STEP 2: Review wallpaper measurements.

Now it ’s time to check the measuring of the wallpaper . allot to Elizabeth Grace , interior room decorator and father ofDream Homemaking , the most common wallpaper roll typically measure about 20.5 inch wide by 33 feet long , but householder should always double - insure the precise measurements of their select wallpaper . The manufacturing business or retailer should lean the wallpaper dimensions on the roll ’s label , including length , width , and figure repeat .

Here are sample wallpaper measurements :

Width : 30 in ( 2.5 feet)Length : 33 feetDesign repeat : 36 inch ( 3 feet )

Roll of wallpaper.

Photo: istockphoto.com

commend , you ’ll require to delineate up each strip of wallpaper with the design of the old strip to match the pattern .

STEP 3: Determine how many floor-to-ceiling strips you need.

It ’s time to do some more math , but do n’t erode . Make it easier on yourself by using the same whole of mensuration for each number ( e.g. , 30 inches is 2.5 feet ) . Use your estimator to help you through these next steps .

Divide the total breadth of your walls by the wallpaper ’s width . For example , 44 feet divided by 2.5 feet equals 17.6 feet . Then , round up to the near whole number ( in this cause , 18 ) to find the number of strips require to deal your walls .

STEP 4: Account for pattern repeat to determine strip length.

You know how many funnies you call for , and now it ’s metre to see how long each strip needs to be to continue your wall from ceiling to base .

“ If using patterned wallpaper , account for approach pattern repetition , ” Grace says . “ sum extra wallpaper to allow for pattern matching and trimming , insure a unlined and ordinate destination . ”

To answer for for pattern repeat in your measurements , add the height of your wall to the pattern repeat number to set the length of each wallpaper strip . For example , 8 - foot ceiling plus a 3 - foot pattern repeat match 11 understructure . This Modern length accounts for potential waste as you run along up the practice on the paries and trim off any excess paper .

Two people pointing at interior design plans.

Photo: istockphoto.com

STEP 5: Determine the number of strips per roll.

Divide the distance of the wallpaper coil by the cartoon strip tallness from Step 4 . Round down if you do n’t have an even number . For example , 33 feet divide by 11 feet equals 3 floor - to - roof strips per wallpaper roll .

STEP 6: Calculate how many wallpaper rolls you need.

Divide the issue of funnies you need ( Step 3 ) by the routine of usable strips on each roll ( footprint 5 ) . attack this number up to determine the number of roll you need to buy . In this example , 18 divided by 3 equals 6 , which mean you would postulate to order six paradiddle for your labor .

Final Thoughts

While wallpaper sizing and measuring sounds unproblematic , it can be a little trickier than anticipate for homeowners new to this project , specially if your home has unique features like vaulted ceilings andtextured walls . When in doubtfulness , Grace commend enlisting the help of an interior room decorator or professional installer .

“ Consulting with experient wallpaper installers or interior interior decorator can furnish valuable guidance to accurately measure wallpaper , especially when divvy up with intricate pattern or ambitious wall layouts , ” saving grace says .

We recommend measuring your space ’s linear feet and calculating the total needed flight strip , but many retail merchant or wallpaper manufacturers also offer anonline toolthat calculates the square footage of a room that can help you check your own math and judge number of wallpaper rolls .

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Another helpful tip is to always purchase one or two more rolls than you think you ’ll necessitate to account for any error in your mensuration or during installment . Do n’t let the wallpaper cost curb you back . Most retailers will accept return of idle rolls still in the promotion .

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