Guide written by:
Pauline, Self-taught DIYer, Leeds
It's important to note that wallpaper usually comes in two standard dimensions which can be used to calculate the correct quantities of wallpaper:
wallpaper width: 53 cm;
wallpaper length: 10.05 metres.
The height of the wallpaper pattern repeat is noted on the product packaging. This measurement is used to ensure the pattern of the wallpaper lines up perfectly between strips. Patterned wallpaper will always entail more waste than plain wallpaper.
Now let's learn how to quickly calculate the correct number of wallpaper rolls required for your redecorating project. You will need to know the perimeter you want to cover, the measurements of all doorways and windows and the height of the walls.
We'll use the following example to demonstrate how to calculate wallpaper quantities:
The room measures 6 metres by 3 metres with a ceiling height of 2.4 metres.
Add together the length and width of the room and multiply the result by two.
This gives us: (6 + 3) x 2 = 18 metres.
Take the perimeter of the room as worked out above and divide it by the width of the wallpaper (53 cm for standard wallpaper).
This gives us: 18 / 0.53 = 33.96 or 34 strips of wallpaper
The length of the strips must always correspond to the ceiling height plus an additional 10 cm to give you extra margin for making cuts. For a ceiling height of 2.4 m, add on 10 cm.
This gives us: 2.40 + 10 = 2.50 m
Please note: you may need a greater margin for wallpapers with pattern repeats.
Using the measurements worked out above, you can now work out how many strips of wallpaper you can get out of a single roll of wallpaper. To do so, take the length of the roll and divide it by the height worked out in the last step.
For our example, this gives us: 10.05 / 2.50 = 4.02 strips
Divide the total number of strips by the number of strips provided by each roll of wallpaper.
For example: 34 / 4.02 = 8.46 meaning 9 rolls
Quick tip: don't forget to subtract surfaces such as doorways and windows when calculating.
In short, you just need five quick calculations to work out the correct number of wallpaper rolls to cover a room.
Hanging wallpaper isn't a very difficult process but removing the air bubbles from the paper as you hang it does require some skill and the use of a decorating knife.
So, what do you need to wallpaper a room?
a wallpapering table to coat the wallpaper with adhesive;
a decorating knife;
wallpaper adhesive;
a bucket;
a wallpaper brush;
a utility knife;
a sponge;
dust sheets;
a seam roller;
a wallpapering kit;
a sink within reach or several large water containers.
So, there you have it – you now hold the key to calculating just the quantity of wallpaper every time! Are you ready to get wallpapering?
Guide written by:
Pauline, Self-taught DIYer, Leeds
With a handyman-father, I grew up with the soft sound of the sander and hammer on weekends. I am both manual and cerebral, I learned the basics of DIY and the customisation of furniture because I was passionate. The salvage mentality is a true way of life that allowed me to know how to use all the tools and products needed to give something a second life, from a sander to varnish. I have two favourite activities: the transformation of old furniture and decoration tips. I am always ready to lend a helping hand to revamp a table or to restore a mirror that was intended for the tip that will become a friend’s centrepiece. I’m convinced that it’s possible to reinvent an interior by small, regular modifications and I constantly research low-cost ideas.