One of the most common questions homeowners ask before starting a wallpaper project is, “How much wallpaper do I need?” Ordering too little can delay your project, while ordering too much may leave you with unnecessary extra rolls.
The good news is that calculating how much wallpaper you need is easier than you might think. By taking a few simple measurements and understanding how wallpaper is sold, you can estimate the number of rolls your project requires with confidence.
6 Steps to Find Out How Much Wallpaper is Needed
Step 1: Measure the Width of Each Wall
- Using a tape measure, record the width of every wall you plan to cover.
- If you’re wallpapering an entire room, add the widths of all the walls together to determine the total wall width.
- If you’re creating an accent wall, simply measure that wall by itself.
Step 2: Measure the Height
Next, measure the distance from the floor to the ceiling.
For rooms with standard 8-foot ceilings, this measurement is straightforward. If your ceilings vary in height, always use the tallest measurement to ensure enough wallpaper.
Step 3: Calculate the Total Wall Area
Multiply the total wall width by the wall height. This gives you the approximate wall area you’ll be covering.
For example:
- Wall width (total width of all walls): 40 feet
- Ceiling height: 8 feet
- Total Wall Area: 40 × 8 = 320 square feet
Step 4: Consider Pattern Repeat
Many wallpapers feature repeating patterns. A large pattern repeat means you’ll need additional material to properly align the design from strip to strip.
Always check the manufacturer’s specifications, as pattern repeat can significantly affect how many rolls you’ll need.
Step 5: Account for Doors and Windows
Although doors and windows reduce the amount of wall surface, many professionals recommend measuring the entire wall anyway. The extra material helps account for:
- Pattern matching
- Installation mistakes
- Future repairs
- Extra trimming at ceilings and baseboards
Step 6: Enter Your Measurements In Our Wallpaper Calculator
Go to our wallpaper calculator!
How Much Wallpaper Do I Need for One Wall?
For a single feature wall:
- Measure the wall’s width.
- Measure its height.
- Multiply the Width times the Height to get the Total Wall Area.
- Compare those dimensions with the wallpaper roll’s coverage.
Accent walls are often the easiest projects to estimate because there are fewer variables.
How Much Wallpaper Do I Need for a 12×12 Room?
A kitchen with wallpaper is one story. But a typical 12×12 room with 8-foot ceilings often requires several double rolls of wallpaper, depending on:
- Ceiling height
- Pattern repeat
- Number of doors and windows
- Roll dimensions
Because wallpaper products vary by manufacturer, always verify the coverage of the specific wallpaper you choose.
How Much Wallpaper Do I Need for a Small Bathroom?
We recommend measuring the bathroom as you would any other room. Just keep in mind that small bathrooms can be deceptively difficult to estimate because they often include:
- Doors
- Windows
- Vanities
- Mirrors
- Multiple corners
Even though the square footage is smaller, it’s still important to account for pattern matching and installation waste.
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper vs. Traditional Wallpaper
The measuring process is generally the same for both peel-and-stick wallpaper and traditional wallpaper. However, peel-and-stick wallpaper is commonly sold in different roll sizes, so always review the manufacturer’s coverage information before purchasing.
Don’t Forget Extra Material
If you forget, the vintage wallpaper shop may be in your future. It’s generally recommended to order one additional roll beyond your calculated amount. Having an extra roll can help with:
- Pattern matching
- Installation errors
- Future repairs
- Replacing damaged sections years later
Because wallpaper dye lots can vary between production runs, ordering enough at the beginning helps ensure a consistent appearance.
Get Help Calculating With Loconsolo Paints
If you’re unsure how much wallpaper your project requires, bring your room measurements to Loconsolo Paints.
Our team can help you calculate the correct quantity, explain pattern repeat requirements, and recommend the right wallpaper for your space. Planning ahead can save time, reduce waste, and help your installation go smoothly. Visit any of our store locations throughout NY today!
Want 1-on-1 expert guidance? Book a design consultation with our interior designer today. Consultations can be booked here!