Free Guide to Wallpaper Coverage and Measurement

Understanding Wallpaper Coverage and Square Footage Basics

Wallpaper coverage refers to how much wall space a single roll or bolt of wallpaper will cover. Before purchasing wallpaper, you need to understand the relationship between your room's dimensions and the amount of material required. Most wallpaper is sold in rolls, and the coverage varies depending on the width and length of each roll. Standard wallpaper rolls in North America typically measure 20.5 to 27 inches wide, though European wallpaper may have different dimensions. A single roll usually contains enough material to cover approximately 25 to 33 square feet of wall space, though this can vary based on the specific product.

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The key to accurate measurement starts with calculating your room's total wall area in square feet. To do this, measure the height of your walls from floor to ceiling and multiply that number by the perimeter of the room (the total distance around the room). For example, if your ceiling height is 8 feet and your room measures 12 feet by 14 feet, your perimeter would be 52 feet (12 + 12 + 14 + 14). Multiplying 52 feet by 8 feet gives you 416 square feet of wall space. However, this number includes areas where wallpaper typically doesn't go, such as windows, doors, and trim areas. Understanding these basics prevents over-purchasing or under-purchasing wallpaper.

Different rooms require different approaches to measurement. A bedroom with minimal architectural features may have straightforward calculations, while a living room with multiple windows, built-in shelving, and varied wall heights requires more careful attention. Some walls may be sloped, angled, or contain alcoves that need separate measurements. Additionally, certain design patterns on wallpaper require more material than solid or small-pattern designs because larger patterns must be aligned at ceiling and floor lines, which creates more waste.

Practical takeaway: Start by measuring your room's height and perimeter, then multiply these numbers to find total wall square footage. Write these measurements down and keep them accessible while shopping for wallpaper, as you'll use them throughout the selection process.

Measuring Walls Accurately and Recording Your Dimensions

Accurate measurement forms the foundation of successful wallpaper installation. Begin with a tape measure—a 25-foot tape measure works well for most residential rooms. Measure the height of each wall from the top of the baseboard to where the wall meets the ceiling. In most homes built after the 1950s, ceiling height is 8 feet, but older homes or commercial spaces may have 9 or 10-foot ceilings. Measure at multiple points along each wall, as some walls may not be perfectly level. If measurements vary, use the highest measurement for your calculations to ensure you have enough wallpaper to reach the ceiling throughout the room.

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Next, measure the length of each wall. For rectangular rooms, you'll measure two different lengths (the length and width), then multiply each by 2 to account for opposite walls. For irregularly shaped rooms, measure each wall individually. Use a pencil and paper to sketch your room layout, noting the measurements of each wall. Include the locations and approximate dimensions of windows, doors, and any permanent fixtures like radiators, medicine cabinets, or fireplace mantels. This sketch becomes your reference document and helps you understand the layout when you're at a store or browsing wallpaper online.

Many people make mistakes by rounding their measurements incorrectly. If a wall measures 12 feet 6 inches, round up to 13 feet rather than down to 12 feet. This conservative approach ensures you won't run short of material. When calculating perimeter for rectangular rooms, measure at least twice to verify accuracy. For windows and doors, note their dimensions because these areas won't be covered with wallpaper. Standard interior doors measure about 3 feet wide by 6 feet 8 inches tall. Windows vary widely in size, so measure each one individually. Measure from the inside frame to the inside frame, as this represents the actual wall space that won't be wallpapered.

Practical takeaway: Create a detailed sketch of your room with all measurements labeled, including ceiling height, wall lengths, and dimensions of all windows and doors. Keep this sketch in a photograph or document form so you can reference it while shopping or consulting with wallpaper professionals.

Calculating Net Wall Area After Subtracting Openings

Once you have your total wall square footage, you need to subtract the areas where wallpaper won't be applied: windows, doors, and other openings. This calculation gives you your net wall area, which is the actual square footage you need to cover. For each window or door, multiply its width by its height to get the square footage, then subtract that number from your total wall area. For a standard door measuring 36 inches wide by 80 inches tall, the area would be 20.8 square feet. Most windows vary significantly in size—a large picture window might measure 60 inches by 48 inches (20 square feet), while a small bathroom window might only be 24 inches by 18 inches (3 square feet).

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Some decorators and wallpaper retailers use a simplified approach: subtract 15 square feet for each door and 10 square feet for each average-sized window. This method provides a reasonable estimate without measuring every opening individually and works well for rooms with several standard-sized windows and doors. However, for rooms with unusually large windows or glass doors, measuring individual openings provides more accurate results. A room with a patio door or floor-to-ceiling windows may have significantly more open space than typical windows.

Don't forget about other obstacles that affect wallpaper coverage. Built-in bookshelves, closet openings, fireplace mantels, and archways also reduce the wall area that needs wallpaper. Some people choose to wallpaper inside closets, while others leave them plain. If you plan to wallpaper inside a closet, include that square footage in your calculation. Similarly, if you have a walk-in closet or pantry, measure and include those walls if you plan to wallpaper them. Understanding exactly which areas you intend to cover helps you purchase the correct amount of material and prevents waste.

Practical takeaway: List all windows, doors, and openings in your room, record their dimensions, calculate their individual square footage, and subtract the total from your wall area. Use the simplified 15 square feet per door and 10 square feet per window method as a quick verification of your calculations.

Understanding Wallpaper Roll Sizes and Coverage Rates

Wallpaper comes in various sizes and coverage rates depending on the manufacturer and region. In the United States, standard wallpaper is typically sold in single rolls, double rolls, or triple rolls. A single roll usually covers 25 to 33 square feet, though the label always specifies the exact coverage. Double rolls contain two single rolls worth of material and cover approximately 50 to 66 square feet. Triple rolls cover roughly 75 to 99 square feet. European and specialty wallpapers may use metric measurements and different roll sizes. Pre-pasted wallpaper (wallpaper with adhesive already applied) and traditional wallpaper that requires separate adhesive come in the same standard sizes.

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The coverage rate on a wallpaper label accounts for normal installation waste, which typically ranges from 10 to 20 percent depending on the pattern. Patterns with large repeats require more waste because the pattern must align at the ceiling line and where strips meet. A solid-color or small-pattern wallpaper generates minimal waste, perhaps 10 percent, while a wallpaper with a 36-inch pattern repeat might produce 15 to 20 percent waste. The label's coverage estimate already includes this waste, so you don't need to add extra percentages when calculating your needs. However, if you're inexperienced with wallpaper installation, purchasing one or two additional rolls provides a safety margin for mistakes or future repairs.

Grasscloth, textured wallpapers, and vinyl-coated wallpapers sometimes have different coverage rates than standard paper wallpapers because their construction affects how they're measured and cut. Vinyl wallpaper is more durable and moisture-resistant, making it popular for kitchens and bathrooms, but it may have slightly different coverage specifications. Specialty wallpapers, including hand-painted or imported varieties, often come in custom sizes and may not follow standard coverage rates. Always check the specific product's label or description, as this information is crucial for accurate purchasing decisions. Some retailers provide calculators on their websites that account for different roll sizes and coverage rates specific to