Have you ever stood in front of a stunning wallpaper design, picturing it transforming your room, only to be overwhelmed by the seemingly complex task of figuring out how much to order? You’re not alone! Many DIY enthusiasts and even seasoned decorators stumble when it comes to accurately measuring for wallpaper. Underestimating can lead to frustrating delays and mismatched dye lots, while overestimating means wasted money and excess rolls cluttering your storage space. Getting the measurements right is the critical first step to ensuring a smooth and successful wallpapering project.
Accurate measurements are essential for several reasons. Firstly, they allow you to calculate the exact square footage of your walls, which directly translates into the number of wallpaper rolls you’ll need. Secondly, knowing your wall dimensions helps you account for pattern repeats, ensuring a seamless and professional finish. Finally, precise measurements allow you to factor in any tricky areas, such as windows, doors, or oddly shaped walls, preventing costly mistakes and material shortages. Investing a little time upfront to measure correctly will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
What common measuring questions do people have?
How do I measure around windows and doors for wallpaper?
Measuring around windows and doors for wallpaper requires treating them as areas you *won’t* be papering, but that still contribute to the overall wall space you need to account for. Measure the total width and height of the wall *including* the window/door, then measure the width and height of each window/door opening. Subtract the areas of the window/door openings from the total wall area to determine the wallpaper needed, remembering to add extra for pattern matching and trimming.
To elaborate, imagine the wall as if the windows and doors aren’t there initially. Get the complete width of the wall from corner to corner, and the height from floor to ceiling. This provides your initial ‘gross’ wall area. Next, carefully measure the width and height of *each* window and door opening, measuring from frame edge to frame edge. Accurate measurements are crucial here because these areas will be subtracted from your total.
Once you have the gross wall area and the areas of all window and door openings, calculate the net area by subtracting the sum of the window/door areas from the gross wall area. This resulting net area gives you the *minimum* amount of wallpaper you need to cover the visible wall surface. Remember to always add extra wallpaper (typically 15-20% or more) for pattern matching, trimming, and potential errors. For complex patterns or large repeats, consult the wallpaper manufacturer’s recommendations for calculating pattern matching waste.
Is it better to round up or down when calculating wallpaper needs?
It is almost always better to round *up* when calculating wallpaper needs. Underestimating can lead to significant frustration, delays, and potential color-matching issues if you need to order more wallpaper later. Running slightly over ensures you have enough to complete the project, handle pattern matching, and account for any errors during installation.
Rounding up provides a crucial buffer for several reasons. Firstly, wallpaper has a “pattern repeat,” meaning the design must align vertically when hanging adjacent strips. This often leads to waste, as you need to cut more than just the height of the wall from each roll to achieve perfect alignment. Secondly, even experienced installers can make mistakes. Having extra wallpaper provides a safety net in case of miscuts or damage. Finally, dye lots can vary between production runs. If you run short and need to order more, the new rolls might have a slightly different color, resulting in visible inconsistencies on your walls. Calculating accurately is still vital to minimize unnecessary waste. Measure each wall’s height and width carefully, accounting for doors, windows, and any other architectural features. Add a few inches to each measurement as a cushion. Use a wallpaper calculator (available online or at most home improvement stores) that factors in pattern repeat and roll dimensions to determine the number of rolls needed. After getting the calculated number of rolls, it’s always prudent to round *up* to the nearest whole roll. This small investment can save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
Do I measure wall height before or after removing baseboards?
It’s generally recommended to measure wall height *after* removing the baseboards. This provides the most accurate measurement for your wallpaper, ensuring you order enough to cover the entire wall surface you intend to decorate.
Removing the baseboards first allows you to measure the wall height from the floor directly to the ceiling without any obstructions. If you measure before removing the baseboards, you’ll need to subtract the baseboard height, which introduces a potential source of error. Furthermore, the wallpaper is typically installed *down to* the floor, where the baseboard will eventually cover the bottom edge. Measuring without the baseboard already removed guarantees that your wallpaper panels extend far enough down for a clean and finished look once the baseboards are reinstalled. However, if removing your baseboards isn’t feasible or desirable before measuring, be sure to take very precise measurements of the baseboard height at several points along each wall. Subtract the *largest* of these measurements from your floor-to-ceiling height to determine your wallpaper height. Still, removing the baseboards first is the preferred method for wallpapering success. This ensures that any slight imperfections in the floor or discrepancies in the baseboard height won’t affect the final appearance of your wallpapered walls.
And that’s all there is to it! Measuring for wallpaper might seem a little daunting at first, but with these tips, you’ll be ordering like a pro in no time. Thanks for reading, and we hope this helps you transform your space! Be sure to check back for more decorating advice and DIY inspiration!