Accurate measuring is the foundation of a successful wallpaper installation. Whether you’re working with a decorator, installer, or managing a project yourself, understanding how to measure a room properly ensures you order the correct amount of wallpaper—avoiding costly shortages or unnecessary excess.
This guide walks through how to measure rooms for wallpaper with clarity and confidence, using the same principles relied on by design professionals.
Before you begin, gather:
A measuring tape (preferably metal)
Paper and pencil
A calculator
A step stool for higher measurements, if needed
Measurements are typically taken in feet and inches, though they may be converted to yards for ordering purposes.
Start by measuring the height of each wall from floor to ceiling.
Measure in several places, especially in older buildings
Use the tallest measurement as your reference
Include baseboard-to-ceiling height unless otherwise specified
Important: Do not subtract for crown molding, baseboards, or chair rails unless the wallpaper will stop at those elements.
Next, measure the width of each wall individually.
Measure from corner to corner
Record each wall width separately
Do not assume opposite walls are the same length
Older homes and apartments—especially in New York—often have subtle variations that matter when calculating wallpaper.
Add the widths of all walls to determine the total perimeter of the room.
Example:
Wall 1: 12 ft
Wall 2: 10 ft
Wall 3: 12 ft
Wall 4: 10 ft
Total perimeter: 44 ft
This number is the basis for determining how many wallpaper panels or yards you’ll need.
Doors, windows, and large openings may or may not be subtracted.
General guidelines:
Small openings are usually not subtracted
Large windows or multiple doors may be subtracted
Pattern repeat often offsets any subtraction
Most professionals recommend measuring the full perimeter and allowing the installer to manage waste during installation.
Pattern repeat significantly affects how much wallpaper is required.
Larger repeats require more material
Drop or half-drop patterns increase yardage
Complex motifs require additional allowance for matching
Always factor in pattern repeat before finalizing quantities. This is one of the most common sources of under-ordering.
Wallpaper is installed in vertical panels.
To calculate panel length:
Use the wall height plus extra for trimming
Add at least 2–4 inches for top and bottom adjustments
Higher ceilings require longer panels, which directly impacts total yardage.
Some areas should be measured independently:
Accent walls
Alcoves or niches
Chimney breasts
Stairwells or double-height spaces
These spaces often require custom calculations.
It’s wise to order additional wallpaper for:
Installation waste
Pattern matching
Future repairs or touch-ups
Luxury wallpapers—especially hand-printed designs—may vary slightly between production runs, making reorders difficult to match exactly.
Measuring becomes more complex when dealing with:
Large-scale or hand-printed patterns
Irregular room shapes
Historic or pre-war architecture
High ceilings or detailed moldings
In these cases, consulting with your wallpaper supplier or a professional installer can prevent expensive mistakes.
Measuring rooms for wallpaper is both practical and precise. Careful measurements, thoughtful allowances, and respect for pattern repeat ensure a smooth installation and a beautiful final result.
At Quadrille Fabrics, we’re always happy to assist with measuring questions and ordering guidance. With accurate preparation, wallpaper becomes one of the most rewarding elements of interior design—adding character, depth, and timeless appeal to any space.