Thinking about revamping your walls with wallpaper? Before you get started, it’s important to make sure you’ve measured everything correctly. Whether you’re using peel-and-stick wallpaper or traditional rolls, getting the right measurements is crucial for a flawless application. Here’s a simple guide to help you measure your walls for wallpaper and ensure you have everything you need for a smooth installation.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
First, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You’ll need a tape measure, a pen or pencil for note-taking, and some scrap paper to record your measurements. Having everything on hand will make the process easier.
Step 2: Measure the Height and Width of the Walls
Now it’s time to measure the actual space. Start by measuring the height of the wall from the floor to the ceiling, taking care to account for baseboards and crown molding. Write down this measurement.
Next, measure the width of the wall. Start from one edge and extend the tape measure all the way across, including any interruptions like doors or windows. Be sure to record this measurement as well.
Step 3: Calculate the Square Footage
To determine how much wallpaper you need, multiply the height by the width of the wall to get the total square footage. This is a key step in calculating how many rolls of wallpaper you’ll need to cover your space.
Step 4: Understand Wallpaper Roll Sizes
Wallpaper typically comes in rolls, and it’s important to know the size of the rolls you’re working with. A standard wallpaper roll is usually 21 inches wide and 16.5 feet long, while a double roll is the same width but twice as long at 33 feet. Don’t worry about doing complicated math just yet—there are tools available that make this step easier.
Step 5: Use a Wallpaper Calculator
Here’s where technology helps! Wallpaper calculators are available online, and they are a lifesaver. Simply input your square footage into the calculator, and it will tell you exactly how many rolls you need. This tool makes estimating the number of rolls much quicker and simpler.
Step 6: Consider Wallpaper Pattern Repeats
If you’re choosing a patterned wallpaper, you’ll need to account for the pattern repeat—the distance between one repeat of the pattern and the next. Some patterns need more wallpaper to ensure a seamless match. A wallpaper calculator should take this into account, but it’s always a good idea to double-check the pattern repeat to avoid any surprises.
Step 7: Measure Multiple Walls
Planning to wallpaper more than one wall? No problem! Repeat the same process for each wall you want to cover. Measure the height and width of each wall, calculate the square footage, and let the wallpaper calculator do the rest.
Step 8: Add Extra Wallpaper
It’s always better to have a little extra wallpaper on hand than to run short. Consider purchasing one or two extra rolls to account for mistakes or future repairs. It’s a small investment that can save you a lot of stress down the road.
Step 9: Start Wallpapering!
Once you’ve got your measurements and wallpaper ready, it’s time to start transforming your space. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying your wallpaper, and watch your walls come to life. With the right prep, you’ll have a beautifully wallpapered room in no time!