Peel and stick wallpaper is a wonderful way to give your space a fresh look. Whether you want to bring in more color, texture, or pattern, this removable wallpaper is simple to apply and easy to take down when you’re ready for a change. But before you start decorating, it’s important to know exactly how much wallpaper you’ll need. Buying too little can interrupt your project, and buying too much can waste your budget. In this guide, I’ll show you step by step how to work out the right amount, so your wallpapering goes smoothly.
Measure the Height and Width of Your Walls
Begin by carefully measuring the height and width of each wall you plan to cover. Take your time and note both the height and the width clearly. If you are covering more than one wall, measure each wall separately and keep all your notes organized.
For example, if a wall is ten feet wide and eight feet tall, you would multiply the width by the height to get the total square footage of that wall.
Do this for every wall you want to decorate and then add all the areas together. This gives you the total amount of wall space that will need wallpaper.
Subtract the Areas of Doors and Windows
Most walls have doors, windows, or other areas that don’t require wallpaper. To avoid buying more wallpaper than you need, subtract these spaces from your total wall area.
Measure the width and height of each door and window, calculate their area, and then subtract these amounts from your overall total.
For example, if a door covers twenty-one square feet and a window covers twenty square feet, together they take up forty-one square feet. You would subtract this from your total wall space.
This step helps you get a more accurate idea of how much wallpaper is truly needed.
Factor in the Pattern Repeat
If you’re choosing wallpaper with a pattern, especially something stylish like orange peel and stick wallpaper designs, you need to think about pattern repeats. A pattern repeat is the distance before the design starts over again.
Matching patterns means you may need extra wallpaper. To be safe:
- For small pattern repeats, add about one-tenth extra wallpaper.
- For medium pattern repeats, add about one-sixth extra.
- For large pattern repeats, add about one-fifth extra.
These additions help you line up the patterns neatly so everything looks smooth on your walls.
Check the Roll Coverage
Each roll of peel and stick wallpaper will tell you how much area it can cover. Most wallpaper rolls cover about thirty square feet, though this can vary slightly between brands.
Once you know your total wall area (after subtracting windows and doors and adding extra for patterns), divide that area by the amount covered by one roll. This gives you the number of rolls you’ll need to buy.
For example, if your adjusted area is about one hundred square feet and one roll covers around thirty square feet, you would need about four rolls. It’s always smart to round up so you don’t run short.
Always Order an Extra Roll (Just in Case)
Even with careful measuring, it’s a good idea to order at least one extra roll. Mistakes can happen — maybe a piece gets cut wrong or damaged. Having an extra roll gives you peace of mind and keeps your project moving without delays.
Also, if you ever want to fix a part or make updates later, having extra rolls from the same batch means the colors will match perfectly. Wallpaper from different batches can have slight color changes, so it’s safer to plan ahead.
Double-Check for Sloped Ceilings or Odd Corners
Some rooms have sloped ceilings, unusual corners, or other tricky spots. In these cases, measuring gets a bit harder. It’s best to slightly overestimate how much wallpaper you’ll need just to be safe.
Make a simple sketch of your room and divide it into smaller sections to measure carefully. Adding a little extra to your estimate will save you trouble later.
Use Online Wallpaper Calculators
If doing all these measurements feels overwhelming, many wallpaper brands offer free online calculators. You simply type in your wall sizes and the calculator will tell you how many rolls to buy. This makes it easier to double-check your numbers and feel confident about your purchase.
Conclusion
Figuring out how much peel and stick wallpaper you need doesn’t have to be difficult. With careful measuring, clear calculations, and a little extra planning, your decorating project can go smoothly and look amazing.
Take your time measuring each wall, remember to include space for pattern repeats, and don’t forget to order an extra roll. Once you have everything you need, you’ll be ready to give your space a fresh, beautiful look with confidence.
With a Master in Architectural Studies from University of Pennysylvania, Marwa Haydar has pioneered living spaces since 2005. Her expertise, initially honed in a prestigious architectural firm, is evident in her approach to creating environments. Marwa became part of our team in 2019 and has since been a driving force in our home improvement section, known for her practical yet stylish solutions. She’s been spearheading our design workshops since then, infusing her passion for teaching into her work. In her leisure time, Marwa enjoys exploring historic architecture and is an enthusiastic pottery hobbyist, further enriching her understanding of form and texture.
