Measuring for Wallpaper

Adding wallpaper to your space adds instant personality, and you only need a few quick measuring tips to assure your install goes smoothly. Read on for three tips on how to measure your home and order the right amount of wallpaper.

1. Measure your walls

This may sound obvious, but understanding the measurements of your room can help you to make the best choices when it comes to choosing your wallcovering. For example, if you're considering a repetitive pattern, it's helpful to know the printed width when deciding whether the wallcovering will look good in your home.

Generally speaking, you can make most wallpaper types and patterns work in most rooms; but knowing your measurements and being thoughtful about scale will help you choose the best wallpaper for your space.

2. Order extra

When you measure a room, you want to calculate the total surface area in square feet. Once you have calculated your total square footage, you should add 15-20% for overage, just in case. Then divide your total covered area by the roll length to determine how many rolls of wallpaper you will need. Always round up!

Including extra for overage is essential, especially when ordering specific or hard to find patterns. You always want to have extra wallpaper on hand in case you need to replace a segment, mistakes are made when installing, or any other wallpapering mishaps occur!

3. When all else fails, go with a professional

If you're planning on having your wallpaper professionally hung, many installers will include measuring your space as part of their overall services. You may want to consider going this route to ensure the most accurate measurements, which can be especially helpful if you have oddly-sized doors or windows. While measuring isn't complicated, there's nothing wrong with recruiting the assistance of a professional if you're unsure about how to calculate coverage for your space!

For more tips, check out our Buying Guide.