Since 1997, HomeTips has guided millions of homeowners with original, expert advice for DIY home improvement and repair. Founder Don Vandervort, a nationally recognized authority, has written more than 30 books and countless magazine articles, been a host on HGTV, and served as MSN's home improvement expert. MORE
Ideally, you want all of your wallpaper to come from the same lot to minimize color variation. To achieve this, you’ll need to accurately estimate your wallpaper needs by calculating the area to be covered. Once you have made your purchase, store the rolls horizontally rather than upright
to avoid damaging the edges.
The repeat length This is the measurement between repeating elements in the wallpaper pattern. Patterns can either be a straight match, where the repeating elements are level with each other, or a drop match, where they are staggered. You can usually find the repeat length printed on the wallpaper though it’s always a good idea to measure it yourself to double-check it.
The repeat length will help you determine a roll’s usable area. The shorter the repeat length, the larger usable square footage a roll will yield. Use the following as a guide:
0 to 6 inches = 25 square feet 7 to 12 inches = 22 square feet 13 to 18 inches = 20 square feet 19 to 23 inches = 18 square feet
To determine how many rolls you’ll need, divide the combined square footage of the walls to be covered by the usable yield. Round up to the next even number as rolls are sold in pairs.
Drop match: The wallpaper pattern alternates between adjacent strips—the pattern on one strip's edge is jogged down 1/2 step from the one next to it.
Wall measurements To determine the wall area to be papered, measure the walls from floor to ceiling, then corner to corner, rounding to the nearest foot or half foot. Don’t include baseboards or mouldings in your height measurement. Multiply the width and height, then add 15 percent to account for waste. Subject the square footage of large windows or doors.
Multiple papers & borders Use the same formula to find the covered area of separate spaces if you’re working around a chair rail. If your using a border, divide the length you’ll need by 3, since most borders are sold in 5-yard pieces. Add a little extra for borders around windows or doors so you have enough to miter the corners (cutting the paper at a 45-degree angle).
