Wallpaper Buying Guide: How to Choose Durable and Beautiful Wallpaper

ow to Measure and Budget for Wallpaper: Avoid Buying Too Much or Too Little

One of the most common challenges when purchasing wallpaper is ensuring you order the right amount. Too little means running out mid-project, while too much leads to unnecessary waste. Follow these steps to accurately calculate your wallpaper needs.

1. Measure Your Walls Correctly

To determine how much wallpaper you need, measure your wall space carefully:

• Step 1: Measure the Width & Height – Use a measuring tape to get the width and height of each wall.

• Step 2: Multiply to Find the Area – Multiply the width by the height to get the total surface area (in square meters or feet).

• Step 3: Subtract Doors & Windows – If you have doors or large windows, subtract their areas from the total.

💡 Example Calculation:

• Wall width = 4 meters

• Wall height = 2.5 meters

• Total area = 4 × 2.5 = 10 square meters

• Door area = 2 × 1 = 2 square meters

• Final area = 10 - 2 = 8 square meters

2. Check the Wallpaper Roll Size

Wallpaper rolls come in standard sizes, usually:

• 53 cm (21 inches) wide × 10 meters (32.8 feet) long (Standard European size)

• 68 cm (27 inches) wide × 8 meters (26.2 feet) long (Larger prints or US sizes)

💡 Formula to Determine Rolls Needed:

1. Find the area covered by one roll: Multiply roll width by roll length.

2. Divide total wall area by one roll’s coverage.

3. Round up to the nearest whole number to account for trimming and pattern matching.

3. Consider Pattern Matching & Waste

Some wallpapers require extra material due to pattern alignment. Factor in these adjustments:

• Straight Match (Minimal Waste) – Simple patterns with little waste.

• Drop Match (Extra Waste) – Offset patterns need additional rolls.

• Random Match (No Waste) – Free-form designs require no matching.

📌 Tip: Always add 10-15% extra for cutting errors and future repairs.

4. Budgeting for Wallpaper Costs

Wallpaper prices vary based on material and brand. Estimate your budget by:

• Calculating the total rolls needed (using the steps above).

• Multiplying by the cost per roll.

• Adding for adhesive, tools, and professional installation (if needed).

💰 Example Budget:

• Needed rolls: 4

• Cost per roll: $50

• Total wallpaper cost: $200

• Adhesive & tools: $30

• Professional installation: $100

• Final estimated budget: $330

Final Thoughts

Proper measurement and budgeting ensure your wallpaper project goes smoothly, avoiding unnecessary expenses or shortages. By taking accurate wall dimensions, considering pattern repeats, and accounting for waste, you can confidently purchase the right amount of wallpaper and transform your space efficiently.