Measuring up your walls for wallpaper can be a tricky job. We have provide some top tips and tricks so you don’t make any costly mistakes when it comes to buying rolls of wallpaper.
You will need:
– A measuring tape that is long enough to run across the longest, or highest wall, or laser measuring equipment
– A pencil
– Paper
– Calculator
– Time (do not rush this job)
1. To begin
Sketch out a plan of your wall (or each wall if you are doing multiple walls) onto paper. Include windows, radiators, alcoves, permanent shelving etc.
2. What unit should I measure in?
To ensure maximum accuracy measure your walls in millimetres, but you should always measure in the unit you find easiest. It is better to have the measurement right than to try measuring in a unit you are not used to using and get it completely wrong. You can always convert your unit measurement to another using a unit converter online if your maths isn’t brilliant.
3. Measure the width
Firstly measure the width of your wall. Buildings don’t always have straight walls, even in modern builds, so don’t just measure at one point, measure at several points and record the largest number to ensure that your wall covering will fit. Note these measurements down on the plan you drew in step one.
Then divide the width of the room and divide by 53cm, the width of a standard roll of wallpaper. This will give you the number of drops you need.
4. Measure the height
Then measure the height of the room, excluding skirting boards and cornicing. As per step three, take multiple measurements and record the largest number to ensure that your wall covering will fit. Note these measurements down on the plan you drew in step one.
With the final height measurement add about 15cm to allow for trimming.
5. The maths
Multiply the height by the number of drops and you’ll get the total number of metres you need.
Standard wallpaper comes in rolls of 10m x 53cm, so check your rolls and adjust your maths if you’re using a wider roll. To prevent wastage, you should also try to subtract the area of the windows and doors.
Wallpaper buying top tips
When buying wallpaper, select from the same batch number as there may be slight variations in pattern and colour in different batches. It’s always better to buy more of the same batch number in case something goes wrong as you can always return unused rolls. You might want to keep one back in case you need it for future repairs.
Calculators for buying by the roll
If you are not confident in your maths, I have included some links to some wallpaper calculators. Just type in the measurements they ask for and they will tell you how many rolls you need.
B&Q – https://www.diy.com/ideas-advice/calculators/wallpaper-calculator
Wallpaper Direct – https://www.wallpaperdirect.com/wallpaper-calculator
