Wallpaper Measurement Guide
Helping you order the correct amount of wallpaper
Understanding Our Wallpaper Specifications
Each wallpaper roll in our collection has standard dimensions:
Roll width: 75cm
Roll length: 7 metres
Installation: Butt joint (edges meet seamlessly without overlap)
Pattern match: Straight match (pattern aligns horizontally across drops)
Vertical pattern repeat: Varies by design (typically 38cm-75cm)
The pattern repeat is the vertical distance before the design starts again. This determines how much wallpaper you'll need for your space.
Measuring Standard Walls
For straightforward rectangular walls
Single wall:
Measure width and height from edge to edge. Ignore skirting boards and coving unless wallpaper will cover them.
Multiple measurements recommended:
Walls aren't always perfectly straight. Take three measurements (left, centre, right) and use the largest.
Obstacles (windows, doors, switches):
Include the full wall area in your measurements. You'll trim around obstacles during installation rather than calculating complex shapes beforehand.
Complex Spaces
For walls that don't fit a simple rectangle
Conjoined Walls
When wallpaper spans multiple connected walls or wraps around corners, measure the full combined width as one continuous surface. Include internal corners in your measurement.
Measure height from the highest point across all walls to ensure complete coverage.
Pitched Walls & Sloped Ceilings
Measure the highest and widest points. Wallpaper is printed as rectangles, so angled sections get trimmed during installation. This approach ensures full coverage even on irregular surfaces.
Staircase Walls
Measure the full diagonal span from lowest to highest point, plus total width.
Helpful: Take a photo and sketch a simple diagram showing dimensions. This clarifies complex spaces when discussing your project with us.
Calculating Quantities
Working out how many rolls you need
Formula:
(Wall height + pattern repeat) × number of drops = total length needed
Number of drops:
Wall width ÷ 0.75m (our roll width) = drops needed (round up)
Example using our standard specifications:
- Wall: 2.5m high × 3m wide
- Pattern repeat: 50cm (0.5m)
- Roll width: 75cm (0.75m)
- Roll length: 7m
Calculation:
Drops needed: 3m ÷ 0.75m = 4 drops
Length per drop: 2.5m + 0.5m = 3m (height + pattern repeat)
Total length needed: 3m × 4 drops = 12m
Rolls needed: 12m ÷ 7m = 1.71 rolls (round up to 2 rolls)
⚠️ CRITICAL: Always add 10% extra
2 rolls + 10% = order 3 rolls for this wall
This extra material accounts for pattern matching at corners, cutting adjustments, and potential future repairs. This isn't optional padding — it's essential allowance that prevents mid-project shortages.
Quick Reference Table
Approximate rolls needed for standard rooms (2.4m ceiling height, 50cm repeat)
| Wall Width | Rolls Needed (incl. 10% extra) |
|---|---|
| 2m | 2 rolls |
| 3m | 3 rolls |
| 4m | 4 rolls |
| Full room (12m perimeter) | 10-12 rolls |
This table provides estimates only. Use the calculator or manual calculation for accurate quantities.
Use Our Wallpaper Calculator
Let us do the mathematics for you
Our website includes a wallpaper calculator that determines exact quantities based on your wall dimensions and chosen pattern.
Calculate your wallpaper needs →
Simply enter your measurements and the calculator accounts for:
- Pattern repeat specific to your chosen design
- Number of drops required
- Total rolls needed
- Recommended extra for matching and waste
Before You Order
Final checks before purchasing
Check your measurements twice.
Measure in the morning and again in different light. Walls reveal irregularities depending on shadows and sight lines.
Consider professional installation.
Pattern matching requires precision. If you're uncertain about installation, factor professional help into your budget. Beautifully printed wallpaper badly hung is opportunity wasted.
Questions?
Email us your measurements and room photos. We'll verify quantities and suggest approach for complex spaces.
Pattern Match Explained
Understanding how designs align
Straight match (all our wallpapers):
Pattern aligns horizontally across adjacent drops. The design on one strip lines up with the design on the next at the same height. This creates seamless visual flow across your wall.
When hanging straight match wallpaper, you match the pattern at each seam by aligning horizontal elements before trimming top and bottom.
Butt Joint Installation
How edges meet seamlessly
Our wallpapers install using butt joint method: edges of adjacent strips meet precisely without overlapping.
This creates invisible seams when properly aligned. The 75cm width and straight match pattern make butt joining straightforward with careful measurement and plumb lines.
Pattern Repeat Considerations
How repeat size affects your order
Different designs have different vertical repeats (shown in each wallpaper's specifications):
Smaller repeats (38-50cm):
Less waste, more economical for standard ceiling heights, easier to match
Larger repeats (64-75cm):
More dramatic pattern, requires more material per drop, beautiful impact worth the extra
The pattern repeat affects how many usable drops you get from each 7m roll. Larger repeats mean more waste per drop, so always calculate carefully and add that 10% buffer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' errors
Forgetting pattern repeat:
The most expensive error. Always factor repeat into drop length calculations.
Measuring in inches when ordering in metres:
Double-check units. Confusion means wrong quantities.
Assuming walls are straight:
They're usually not. Measure in multiple places and use the largest dimension.
Not accounting for obstacles properly:
Include full wall area even with windows or doors. You'll trim during installation.
Ordering exact amounts:
Always add 10% minimum. Pattern matching, mistakes, and future repairs require extra.
Ignoring natural light:
Pattern and colour appear different in morning versus evening light. View samples in your actual space at different times before committing.
Sustainability Note
Printed responsibly in Cornwall & London
All our wallpapers are printed carbon-neutral in Cornwall using water-based inks on FSC-certified paper. Ordering the correct amount first time reduces waste and unnecessary shipping. Accurate measurement serves both your project and environmental responsibility.
Need help? Send your measurements and room photos to info@sisuverse.com. We'll verify your calculations and ensure you order correctly the first time.
