Installing wallpaper can completely transform a room, but figuring out how much you need can be tricky. With the right measurements and a few simple calculations, you can buy the correct number of rolls without wasting money or material. Follow this step-by-step guide to get professional results every time.
Did you know? In colonial times, wallpaper was hung with tacks; pasting came later. Borders made of separate pieces of paper have long been popular because they cover up ragged edges.
Why Measuring Your Walls Matters
Accurate measurements are the key to a successful wallpaper project. Buying too little can leave you mid-wall with no extra rolls, while buying too much is a waste of money. By calculating the total wall area and factoring in doors, windows, and pattern matching, you’ll know exactly how much wallpaper to purchase.
Choosing the Right Wallpaper Pattern
The type of wallpaper you choose affects how much you’ll need:
- Plain or small-patterned wallpaper: Easier to align at seams, creating less waste.
- Large or drop-match patterns: May require extra material to ensure the design matches across strips.
- Horizontal patterns: Often waste less than vertical or alternating designs.
Consider your room layout and pattern repeat when estimating rolls to avoid unexpected shortages.
How to Calculate How Much Wallpaper You Need
Step 1: Measure Your Walls
Start by measuring the length and height of each wall in the room. Multiply each wall’s length by its height to calculate the total square footage. Then add the square footage of all the walls together to get the total wall area.
Step 2: Subtract Doors and Windows
Next, measure all doors, windows, and other openings. Combine their square footage and subtract it from your total wall area. This ensures you only purchase wallpaper for the areas that will actually be covered.
Step 3: Account for Waste
Even with careful planning, some waste is inevitable. Add approximately 15% to your total wall area to account for pattern matching, trimming, and mistakes. Multiplying your total square footage by 1.15 gives you the adjusted number to guide your wallpaper purchase.
Step 4: Determine How Many Rolls to Buy
Wallpaper is sold in single, double, or triple rolls, with coverage varying by manufacturer. Check the label for the square footage each roll covers. Divide your adjusted wall area by the roll coverage, and round up to the nearest whole number. This gives you the total rolls you’ll need.
Tip: Keep any leftover rolls wrapped in their original packaging for future touch-ups or repairs.
Additional Tips for Handling Wallpaper
- Inspect before hanging: Unroll the wallpaper to check for defects and relieve any curls.
- Prep your tools and walls: Make sure the wall is clean, smooth, and primed if necessary.
- Match patterns carefully: Even small misalignments can be noticeable. Take your time with repeating designs.
Knowing how much wallpaper to buy is essential for a smooth, stress-free decorating experience. With accurate measurements, careful planning, and these simple tips, you’ll avoid waste and make your room look professionally done. Whether it’s a bold accent wall or full-room coverage, your wallpaper project will be a success when you follow these steps.
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