BBabushka Market

Practical home guide

How to Measure for Wallpaper

Count usable drops per roll and account for wall height, pattern repeat and openings.

Measure room perimeter and wall height first

Record every relevant dimension in the same unit and separate irregular sections. Small measuring errors multiply across an entire project, so check each figure before adding a waste allowance.

Work in drops

Divide the room perimeter by roll width to estimate required drops. Divide usable roll length by the cut length of each drop to find how many drops a roll provides.

Allow for pattern matching

A large pattern repeat can increase each cut length. Use the product label's repeat and matching instructions rather than a generic percentage where possible.

Practical checklist

  • Check roll batch numbers before opening.
  • Measure above and below large openings separately for complex rooms.