Measuring For Wallpaper
Estimating Rolls, Materials & Supplies To Paper Your Walls
Measuring for wallpaper isn't rocket science...don't let it scare you! Just a few simple tips can help make sure you have the right amount the first time around
Getting it right the first time
Measuring for wallpaper really isn't difficult. Actually, the measuring is probably the easiest part of your project as long as you have first determined what wallpaper you're going to hang, and how you want it to look.
Wallpaper is sold by the roll
Each contains approximately 72 square feet. The lengths of the rolls vary depending upon the width. The most commonly sold widths are 20.5" and 27", although they can run anywhere from 18" for custom papers, to 54" wide for commercial wallcoverings. For instance, a roll of 20.5" wide wallpaper is about 21' long, while a paper 27" wide will have length of approximately 16', even though they have the same square footage.
There are two ways to measure your room for wallpaper:
These are the square foot method, and the strip count method. Measuring by square footage is the easiest way to get an estimate of how much you need, but it can be fairly inaccurate if your pattern repeat is large or you have very many – or very few – openings in the room, such as doors, windows, and archways.
- Square Foot method: The square foot method is relatively simple. Let’s say your room is 10’ wide, 14’ long and the ceiling is 7’ high. This is the square foot formula:
Find the perimeter by taking the length (14’) + Width (10’) Length x 2 = 48. Multiply times the wall height of 7” and you would have 336’ square feet. Divide that by the number of usable feet in a SINGLE ROLL (30) and you get 11.2, or 12 single rolls (6 double).
If there is a significant number of doors and windows, you can subtract that square footage by the same method using the height and width of each opening. For instance, if you have two standard windows and a double patio door, you would determine the square footage of each and subtract it from the total.
- Strip Count method: This is exactly what it sounds like. You can make a physical count by walking around the room with a tape measure, or you can use the formula:
Simply determine the perimeter of the room – in this case 48’ – and divide by the width of the wallpaper. Paper that is 20.5” wide divided by 12” equals 1.71’ in width. Divide the perimeter (48’) by the wallpaper width (1.71’) and you come up with 28.07 strips, which rounds up to 29.
Counting the strips right at the wall can also be more accurate if there is a large opening, archway or doorway. You can measure around it, not including it in the count.
Measuring for wallpaper correctly the first time will ensure you can complete your project uninterrupted. When in doubt, always order more than you think you need; just be sure your vendor will let you return whatever you don't use. Make sure to check out these other helpful articles as well:
- Thinking of hanging wallpaper? The addition of wallcoverings to your home or office can drastically change both the appearance and feel of a room.
- Choosing your wallpaper is easier when you know what's out there. Paper? Vinyl? Natural fabrics? Find what will work best for your particular needs.
