How to Measure for Your Wallpaper Project

A Comprehensive Guide on How to Measure Square Footage

A wallpaper transformation is an exciting endeavor that can breathe new life into any space. Whether you're looking to create a bold accent wall or a subtle backdrop that complements your home decor, the right wallpaper can redefine the ambiance of a room.

To ensure a seamless transformation, begin by measuring the square footage for wallpaper. Multiply the wall height by the total length and then subtract the square footage of any openings (ie doors, windows). This foundational step sets the stage for a well-executed project.

While exploring our collection of patterns and colors, it's important to consider a few things before your transformation, like your existing design elements, lighting conditions, and overall aesthetic goals.

The Importance of Accurate Measurements

Don’t overlook the foundational step of accurate measurements. Precise measurements determine the quantity of wallpaper needed, so you can be certain that you have enough paper for your project. It also ensures the wallpaper comes from the same production batch (also known as lot), which guarantees color consistency.

A well-measured space sets the foundation for a smooth installation process, allowing the chosen wallpaper to showcase its full potential and transform the room into a captivating visual masterpiece

If you encounter any uncertainties while placing your order, feel free to reach out to us directly. Our team is always ready to answer any questions, helping you avoid the need for reordering.

Tools and Tipse You Need for Accurate Wallpaper Measurements

Before beginning a wallpaper project, it's important to ensure you have the right tools at your disposal to guarantee accurate measurements:

• good-quality tape measure
• a level and a pencil and paper
• and/or a digital device for jotting down measurements to help you stay organized throughout the project

Investing in a laser measure can also enhance the accuracy of your measurements. Laser measurers provide quick and precise readings, allowing you to measure longer distances with ease. This tool is particularly useful for larger spaces or when dealing with high ceilings. 

Gathering these tools before you begin your wallpaper project helps lay the groundwork for success.

Calculating Square Footage Like a Pro

The measurement process for wallpaper installation may seem intricate at first glance but we are breaking it down into simple steps below.

Simply calculate your square footage using inches.

Height (inches) x Width (inches) = Total Inches Total Inches / 144 = Total Square Footage.

To determine the number of square feet you will need for your project please follow the steps below:

1. Measure the height of your space in inches.
2. Measure the width of your space in inches.
3. Multiply the height in inches by the width in inches.
4. Divide the number you calculated above by 144 (this converts the square inches you just determined to square feet)
5. Take this number and round it up to the nearest whole number.
6. If you have additional spaces, follow steps 1-5, and add all the rounded numbers together to determine your total square footage.

Measuring Square Footage for Custom Wallpaper - Doors and Windows Not Included

When we refer to "custom wallpaper" we are referring to any wallpaper design that is sold-by-the-square-foot (ie. chinoiserie, custom print your own wallpaper, custom recolor our design wallpaper, and murals). When measuring, navigating the presence of doors and windows requires attention to detail to ensure a seamless and visually appealing installation.

Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving precision when measuring for custom wallpaper in rooms with doors and windows: 

1. Measure the Overall Wall Area: Begin by measuring the entire wall area, including the space above doors and windows. This gives you the baseline square footage for the entire wall without accounting for the openings.

2. Measure the Width and Height of Doors and Windows: For each door and window, measure both the width and height. Be sure to include any trim or molding surrounding these features. Record these measurements separately for each opening.

3. Calculate the Square Footage of Openings: Multiply the width and height of each door and window to determine their individual square footage. Subtract these values from the overall wall square footage to account for the areas that won't be covered by wallpaper.

4. Adjust for Repeat Patterns: If your custom wallpaper features a pattern, consider the pattern repeat. This is crucial for ensuring that the pattern aligns seamlessly around doors and windows. Adjust your calculations accordingly to accommodate the pattern repeat.

5. Consider Corners and Adjoining Walls: When dealing with corners or walls adjoining doors and windows, measure the width of each section separately. This step helps avoid miscalculations and ensures that the custom wallpaper fits precisely around these architectural elements.

6. Document and Double-Check: Record all measurements meticulously and double-check your calculations. This documentation will serve as a crucial reference point when ordering custom wallpaper, helping you communicate accurate dimensions.

7. Consult With Us If Needed: If you're uncertain about any aspect of the measurement process, feel free to contact us directly. We can provide guidance to ensure that your measurements align with the specific requirements of your wallpaper design.

Taking the time to measure accurately and account for these architectural elements ensures that the final installation seamlessly integrates with the unique features of the room, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the space. 

Ensuring Accurate Measurements Every Time

Before finalizing your measurements, revisit each step to verify their accuracy. We provided some tips to follow:

• Pay special attention to the dimensions of doors and windows, confirming that their heights and widths are correctly recorded.
• Utilize a level to ensure that vertical measurements are plumb, preventing any visual irregularities in the final installation.
• Consider enlisting a second set of eyes to review your measurements. Fresh perspectives can catch potential errors or oversights that might have been overlooked.

In essence, avoiding measurement missteps requires a combination of vigilance, attention to detail, and a commitment to double-checking.

Understanding How Wallpaper is Sold

Wallpaper is typically sold in various formats. Understanding the importance of this measurement is valuable for homeowners and designers alike, as it can influence the quantity needed, pattern placement, and overall visual impact.

Single rolls are a practical choice for smaller spaces or projects requiring a specific amount of wallpaper. Our single rolls cover roughly 28 square feet. The flexibility of single rolls allows for creative freedom, making them popular for DIY enthusiasts and those seeking to experiment with different patterns within a room.

On the other hand, double rolls are a strategic choice for more extensive applications. Double rolls cover anywhere from 56 square feet to 60 square feet. They are especially valuable for larger projects.

Beyond rolls, the availability of wallpaper in panels and custom measurements by the square foot adds layers of flexibility to the selection process.

Panels are pre-cut sections of wallpaper designed for specific dimensions, offering convenience for those who prefer a more straightforward approach. Our standard panel sizes are small panels (2 feet by 4 feet) and large panels (2 feet by 8 feet).

Custom wallpaper is sold by the square foot, however, takes personalization to the next level. Tailored precisely to the measurements of the walls, this option minimizes waste and ensures a perfect fit, making it an ideal choice for unique spaces or unconventional layouts.

Whether choosing single or double rolls, pre-cut panels, or custom measurements, a clear comprehension of square footage ensures that the transformative power of wallpaper is harnessed to its fullest potential.

Ensuring You Have Enough Wallpaper for Your Project

As you start your wallpaper project, it's important to grasp the idea of material wastage for both cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Reducing material waste is not only economically savvy but also aligns with environmentally friendly practices.

These insights will help you to factor in and effectively reduce material loss during your wallpaper installation:

1. Consider Pattern Matching: When working with patterned wallpaper, accounting for pattern matching is crucial. The repeat pattern may necessitate additional wallpaper to ensure that the design aligns seamlessly across the entire wall. Factor in this matching requirement during your measurements to avoid underestimating the quantity needed and subsequently reducing wastage.

2. Accurate Measurements are Key: The foundation of minimizing waste lies in accurate measurements. Precise measurements ensure that you order just the right amount of wallpaper, preventing excess material that might otherwise go unused. Take extra care when measuring around obstacles, corners, doors, and windows to account for irregularities in the wall surface.

3. Order a Little Extra: While the goal is to minimize waste, it's important to order a slight surplus of wallpaper. Having a small reserve can be invaluable in case of unexpected mishaps during installation, such as cutting errors or unforeseen damage. This precautionary measure ensures that you have ample material to address any unforeseen challenges without having to order an entirely new batch. 

4. Plan for Matching Lot Numbers: If your wallpaper has a distinct color or pattern, consider the importance of matching lot numbers. Ordering enough from the same batch ensures consistency in color and pattern throughout the installation. While this might result in a slightly higher initial cost, it can significantly reduce waste by preventing the need to discard unmatched rolls.

5. Creative Use of Offcuts: Wallpaper offcuts don’t have to go to waste. Get creative and explore ways to repurpose them. Small leftover sections can be utilized for accenting smaller spaces, creating coordinated home decor elements, or even crafting complementary accessories. This mindful approach not only minimizes waste but also adds a unique touch to your overall design scheme.

By factoring in pattern matching, accurate measurements, ordering a modest surplus, planning for batch consistency, and creatively using offcuts, you can embark on your wallpaper project with a mindful approach that optimizes resources and enhances the overall success and sustainability of the endeavor.

Choosing the Perfect Wallpaper

Once you determine the square footage of your space, you are ready to pick your print and place an order.

Discovering the perfect wallpaper sometimes requires consideration of various factors.

Begin by evaluating the scale of the pattern in relation to the size of the room; larger patterns can overwhelm smaller spaces, while smaller patterns may get lost in larger rooms. 

Color plays a pivotal role in setting the tone of a space. Neutral tones offer versatility and a timeless appeal, while bold colors can make a statement or create a focal point.

Additionally, consider the existing color palette and furnishings in the room to ensure a cohesive look. Sample swatches are invaluable in this process, allowing you to visualize how the wallpaper will interact with the lighting and other elements in the room. Did you know that Tempaper & Co. wallpaper swatches ship free?

Always remember to consider the mood and function of your space when exploring these options. For a serene bedroom, soft and textured wallpaper might be ideal, while vibrant and patterned wallpaper could inject energy into a living room.

Exploring the diverse world of wallpaper types and textures allows you to tailor your selection to both the aesthetic and practical needs of the space.

At Tempaper & Co., we take pride in our commitment to using safe and clean materials. The faux textures and metallics on our products is crafted without the use of any harsh topcoats or chemicals.. We embrace change and encourage you to decorate adventurously. Balancing your personal style with the enduring appeal of the design ensures that you find the perfect print for your space.

To help get you inspired for your next project, consider incorporating one of the colors of the year into your space. Learn more about the colors that are here to stay.

If you are ready to take the next step in the installation process, check out our helpful how-to videos to learn more about prepping your surface for wallpaper.