How do you measure for repeating wallpaper?

Putting up wallpaper can make a room look amazing, especially when you use patterns that repeat. At Wall Mastery, a top wallpaper business in Florida, we know that measuring correctly is super important to get that perfect look. Whether you’re decorating one room or your whole house, knowing how to measure for repeating wallpaper can make all the difference.

What is Repeating Wallpaper?

Repeating wallpaper patterns are designs that repeat at regular intervals, making your walls look continuous and neat. These patterns can be simple like stripes or complex like flowers and geometric shapes. The repeat distance, or pattern repeat, is how far apart the same points in the pattern are. Knowing this is key for putting up wallpaper correctly.

Why Accurate Measurement is Important

1. Avoid Waste: Measuring right means you buy the right amount of wallpaper, saving money and reducing waste.
2. Seamless Alignment: Correct measurements help line up the patterns perfectly, so there are no mismatched designs.
3. Professional Finish: Being precise ensures a polished look, making your space look fantastic.

Tools You’ll Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil and paper
• Level
• Straight edge or ruler
• Calculator

Steps to Measure for Repeating Wallpaper

1. Measure Wall Dimensions

   • Measure the height and width of each wall you want to wallpaper. Use a tape measure for accuracy and write down the measurements. For walls with windows or doors, measure the whole wall and then measure these features separately.

2. Calculate the Total Area

   • Multiply the height by the width of each wall to get the total area. Add these together for the total square footage. For example, a wall that is 8 feet high and 12 feet wide has an area of 96 square feet.

3. Determine the Pattern Repeat

   • Check the wallpaper roll label or description for the pattern repeat measurement, usually in inches or centimeters. This is important for figuring out how many rolls you’ll need and for matching the design perfectly.

4. Calculate the Number of Rolls Needed

   • Wallpaper rolls are often 20.5 inches wide and 33 feet long. Use this formula to find out how many rolls you need:

     $$\text{Total Area}÷(\text{Roll Width}\times \text{Roll Length})$$

     If your total area is 300 square feet and a roll covers 56 square feet, you would need about 5.36 rolls. Always round up, so you would need 6 rolls.

5. Consider Pattern Matching

   • When matching patterns, you might need extra wallpaper. Add 10-20% to your total area calculation to account for this.

6. Mark the Walls

   • Use a level and pencil to lightly mark vertical and horizontal lines on the walls where the wallpaper will go. These lines help ensure the wallpaper is straight and the patterns align correctly.

7. Cut the Wallpaper

   • Roll out the wallpaper on a flat surface and cut it into strips, making sure each strip matches the pattern repeat. For example, if the pattern repeat is 18 inches, each strip should start and end at the same point in the pattern.

8. Apply the Wallpaper

   • Starting from the top of the wall, apply the wallpaper strips, aligning the patterns as you go. Use a wallpaper smoothing tool to remove air bubbles and ensure a smooth application. Be patient and take your time to match the patterns perfectly for a professional finish.

Tips for a Successful Installation

1. Work in Small Sections

   • This helps maintain control and accuracy. Apply adhesive to one section at a time and carefully align the wallpaper strips before moving on.

2. Use a Wallpaper Smoother

   • A smoother is essential for removing air bubbles and ensuring the wallpaper sticks properly. Smooth each strip from the center outward.

3. Trim Excess Wallpaper

   • Once the wallpaper is up, use a straight edge and a sharp knife to trim any excess along edges, corners, and around obstacles like windows and doors.

4. Clean Up Immediately

   • Clean any extra adhesive right away with a damp sponge. If it dries on the wallpaper, it can damage the design and be hard to remove later.

Conclusion

Measuring for repeating wallpaper is key to getting a flawless look. By understanding the pattern repeat, calculating the total area, and considering pattern matching, you can achieve a seamless and professional finish. At Wall Mastery, we’re proud to offer expert wallpaper installation services in Florida. With the right tools, techniques, and some patience, you can turn your walls into stunning art.

If you’re in Florida and want professional wallpaper installation, contact Wall Mastery today. We’re here to help you every step of the way and ensure your wallpaper project is a success.