Measuring a Room for Wallpaper: Let's
Get It Right and Have Some Fun!
Are you ready to embark on a wallpaper installation adventure in Denver? Well, before we dive into this “how-to-install-a-wallpaper” creative journey, let’s ensure you order the right amount of wallpaper for your room. Accurate measurements are our compass, guiding us through this exciting process while preventing any wallpaper shortages or excessive leftovers. So, grab your measuring tape, and let’s add some fun to the equation!
First, there are some things I want to talk about. Wallpaper, while fun and whimsical, is not like measuring and ordering for paint. We need to account for the pattern repeat, where to stop and start, and the overall layout of the design. It is more akin to measuring and planning a tile project. So a few questions to ask:
- Does the paper have a specific layout (like a mural)? If so, you will need to decide where that image needs to go and center. Then move out from there. Drawing it all out on paper will help with the measurements.
- The repeat pattern? Most papers have a repeat, and so we need to make sure this lines up from one panel to the next. Because of this, you may have some paper that you simply cannot use. The bigger the repeat, the more waste you will have.
- Where to stop and start? No matter how good the installer is, if there is a repeat, and the installation wraps around the whole room, there will be a spot where the pattern will not connect. So be strategic in where that corner is…behind a door is usually best.
OK, NOW LET’S GET TO MEASURING…
- Gear Up for the Quest
First things first – gather your tools of the trade. You’ll need:
- A flexible measuring tape (it’s your magic wand).
- A notepad and pen to record our treasure hunt findings.
- A trusty calculator to do the math for us.
- Unveil the Walls: Your wallpaper specifications (roll size, pattern repeat, etc)
Let’s begin by measuring the height and width of each wall you’re planning to wallpaper. Let’s go ahead and measure in feet and inches.
- Calculate the Number of panels
First measure how many linear feet left to right in the room or on the specific wall. Let’s say you have three walls, one is 12 feet 2 inches, one is 20 feet 6 inches, and one is 12 feet 2 inches. You have a total of 44 feet and 10 inches. I like to add an inch on either side for a safety margin, so that gives us a total width of 45 feet. Then we need to know how wide your roll is. This will be on the paper’s data sheet or specification sheet. I have selected a pattern from York Wallcovering called Candice Olson After Eight for our example.
The roll width is 27 inches. Transposing our wall width into inches, we have 540 inches. Dividing that by our 27” width, we need 20 panels. And unless a door is floor to ceiling, you do not remove for openings.
- How many feet of paper do we need?
Now, we need to know how high our ceiling is. Let us assume that the ceiling is all one height to keep this to a more remedial level…adding a vault would be more of a 200-level class. So, let’s say we have an 8-foot ceiling. Before taking into consideration the repeat pattern, this means we need 8 feet X 20 panels. When we multiply this out, we need 160 feet of paper. Our rolls are 27 feet long, so dividing that out, we need 5.9 rolls, and rounding that up we get 6 rolls. But this amount does not take into account our beautiful pattern.
- Add Extra for Pattern Magic
In our example, our paper has a 25.25 in repeat pattern, and if we assume a need to line that up on top and on the bottom, we will be figuring too much, so to be safe, I would add 25 inches for each panel for waste. That comes to an additional need of 41 feet of paper, or 1.5 rolls.
- Determine the Number of Magical Rolls
Adding everything up and rounding up, that comes to 8 rolls of paper. If the paper is super expensive, I would leave it at that, but if you are able to return any unused paper, I would double that 2 extra rolls to 4, and order a total of 10 rolls of paper. Mistakes happen, and the last thing you want to do is run out of paper on your last wall.
- Consider Matching Dye Lots
If you’re ordering multiple rolls of the same wallpaper to weave the same spell across your room, make sure they come from the same dye lot. The dye lot information is usually hidden in plain sight on the label or packaging. This is why it is so important to order enough paper in the beginning and get the measurements right.
- Summon the Wallpaper Wizards
If you’re feeling a bit like a wizard juggling spells, don’t worry! If you’re unsure about measuring or calculating your wallpaper needs, consider consulting with a professional wallpaper installer or contacting the manufacturer’s customer service. They’re the real wizards when it comes to wallpaper magic! At Walls by Design, it is fairly standard for us to help our customers figure out how much paper (even when we work with interior designers). You just need to know what paper you are looking to buy and call us for an estimate before ordering the paper.
Tips for a Magical Wallpaper Project
Always order a bit more wallpaper than you think you need…we can’t stress this enough. Extra rolls can save the day if you make mistakes during installation or need to perform some wallpaper wizardry for future repairs.
Before ordering, double-check the dimensions and pattern requirements of your chosen wallpaper. Different wallpapers may have different coverage areas per roll. REMEMBER: Measure twice, order ONCE!
Keep in mind that walls can be tricky – they’re not always perfectly square or even. So, measure multiple points along a wall to account for any unexpected surprises.
Measuring your room for wallpaper is not just about numbers; it’s about adding a touch of magic to your living space. With accurate measurements and a sprinkle of creativity, your wallpaper project will be a delightful journey, transforming your room into a magical realm of beauty and style!
For more help on planning your wallpaper project, please reach out to us at Walls by Design. We would love to help you turn that space into something Magical with wallpaper installation in Denver.
Who are Walls by Design?
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Their team of skilled professionals combines expertise with creativity to deliver flawless finishes that breathe new life into any kitchen space. From meticulously preparing the surfaces to utilizing top-quality paints and techniques, Walls by Design ensures that each cabinet is treated with the utmost care and attention. Whether you desire a modern, sleek look or a timeless, classic aesthetic, Walls by Design will work closely with you to bring your vision to life, resulting in a kitchen that exudes beauty and elegance.