Q. How do I know how much wallpaper to order?
Our Wallpaper is supplied in several sizes :
Single Drop Panel : 62 cm wide x 250 cm high
Double Drop Panel : 62 cm wide x 500 cm high
Full roll: 62 cm wide x 1000 cm long
If you have a standard ceiling height, usually around 220-240cm (86″-94″), then you may find the 250cm drops a very convenient and simple way to install the wallpaper, as you then only need to measure your wall width and divide this by 62cm to find out how many rolls you will need. Only minimum trimming will then be required.
If you have a more unconventional ceiling height or a non-square or unusual space to paper, then you may prefer the 5 or 10 meter rolls, as this give you more flexibility to trim the paper to the length as required. Calculating your requirements for the longer rolls is a little more complex, but if you need any help then just get in touch and we’re happy to help you with your calculations!
If you have any questions about roll requirements or wallpaper options, then just use our free calculating service and we are happy to do the calculations for you!
Q. What is the best way to measure my space?
Here is our guide to measuring your space. You will need a tape measure or laser measure
- Measure the width of the wall from corner to corner.
If the wall is straight then this measurement should be fine. If it is an older building however, it is very common for walls to not be completely square or plumb, so therefore it is best to take a measurement at the bottom and the top and use the largest of the two.
- Measure the height of the wall from the ceiling to the edge of the skirting board or the floor.
- Calculate how many rolls you need to create the wall (see below).
Measure this in 3 places – the left corner, the middle and the right corner. Do not add in skirting unless you plan to remove it. Add 5-10 cm allowance for trimming off.
An example of wall calculation :
Height = 240 cm + 10 cm allowance = 250 cm
Width = 250 cm + 10 cm allowance = 260 cm
Make sure the height fits, then add any extra height to allow for pattern matching (see next question for more details on this).
Then take the width and divide it by 62cm
eg. 260 cm / 62 cm = 5 Single 250cm Panels (50cm will be trimmed of the right edge)
Width Of Wall | Single Panels |
50 cm | 1 |
100 cm | 2 |
150 cm | 3 |
200 cm | 4 |
250 cm | 5 |
300 cm | 5 |
350 cm | 6 |
400 cm | 7 |
450 cm | 8 |
500 cm | 9 |
550 cm | 10 |
600 cm | 10 |
Q. How do I calculate pattern matching?
If you choose the single 250cm drops of wallpaper, then no pattern matching calculation is required, as each panel is a straight match so will line up evenly along the width as long as the paper is hung correctly.
For the full 5m or 10m rolls, you will need to make sure that you trim each section correctly to minimise waste and so that the full seamless pattern matches on each drop.
Therefore, on each wallpaper design, we have included the pattern match measurement, so that you can then calculate this for each drop accurately.
To do so, just take your ceiling height and divide it by the pattern match measurement. You need then need to round that number up to a number that is evenly divisible by the pattern match.
e.g. Ceiling height: 250cm / Pattern match: 62cm
245 / 62 = 3.95
Round this number up by going to the nearest full number (3.95 rounded up = 4)
The calculate 4 x 62 = 248cm.
Now if you trim each drop to 248cm, then this will mean that each drop will perfectly match and line up.
If you are unsure about any of this, I’d recommend using a professional decorator as they will be able to work all this out for you and give you the most professional finish possible too!
q. How do I install my wallpaper?
Click here to see our comprehensive guide to the installation of your wallpaper.
Please note: Using a professional decorator will always give you the most professional finish and ensure your wallpaper lasts for as long as possible.
Surface preparation
- Scrub the wall area you are covering with a stiff bristle brush to remove all dirt and loose material.
- Clean your walls, using a detergent or sugar soap solution to remove any grease or surface marks.
- Allow to dry thoroughly before applying wall covering.
- Any holes, cracks or defects in the surface should be filled with good quality filler, smoothed out and allowed to dry. Make sure your wall is completely dry before continuing.
- New or unpainted walls must be sealed with a wallpaper primer or similar wall sealant.
Wallpaper paste
For best results use Polycell, Solvite Extra Strong or Murabond wallpaper pastes and follow the instructions on the pack.
Hanging your wallpaper:
CREATE A START LINE
- The first “drop” of wallpaper is key as all others will align to it, so it is important to ensure it is “plumb” otherwise your wallpaper could look wonky.
- Few walls are truly square or perfectly vertical. To overcome this, use a plumb line or spirit level and draw a vertical pencil line from ceiling to floor at a set distance from the left hand edge of your wall. A plumb line is a vertical straight line, from which you will hang the first “drop” of wallpaper against and ensure it is hangs straight down.
- From the left-hand corner of the wall you are about to decorate measure the width of your wallpaper roll (depending on the wallpaper width you have ordered) and make a pencil mark to give you your starting point.
- Use a plumb line or spirit level and draw a vertical pencil line from ceiling to floor at this starting point.
- Start With Panel 2. Line the left hand edge of Panel 2 to the plumb line you have drawn.
- Continue with Panel 3 on the RHS making sure the pattern repeat or image is matching across the edge so the design continues seamlessly.
- Finish finally with Panel 1 on the LHS once all others have been fitted. Trim any adges with a sharp knife and a metal ruler to get a clean, neat edge.
STANDARD WALLPAPER (INCLUDING MURALS)
- Apply undiluted adhesive onto the back of the wallpaper using a medium-pile paint roller. Only paste one drop (one length) at a time.
- Use a damp sponge to apply the wall covering to the prepared surface using a smooth up-and-down motion. Take care not to squeeze the adhesive out at the edges.
- Let your wall covering settle for about 15 minutes before trimming the top and bottom.
- To butt join drops of the wall covering, align the design top to bottom and work away from the butted edge with the same up-and-down motion using your soft sponge. You can also safely seal the butt joins using a small rubber roller along the join. Go easy with the roller, as overworking the join could cause damage to the edges.
- Wipe over the surface with a damp sponge to remove any adhesive residue.
HOW TO WALLPAPER AROUND SOCKETS AND SWITCHES
- Switch off the mains power in your home before starting. Unscrew the socket and pull away from the wall a centimetre.
- Paste the wall as previously and smooth the wallpaper into place.
- When the wallpaper meets the socket try to hang the paper over it. The socket will protrude under the paper. Mark the four corners of the socket on the paper and score an “X” diagonally joining the corners and taking care not to damage the faceplate of the socket.
- Using your knife or scissors cut along the two lines that form the “X” and peel back from the centre point to reveal the socket underneath.
- You should now have 4 upstanding triangles on each edge. These can be cut down and any excess paper can be pushed behind the socket fitting to ensure a seamless finish. The socket can then be screwed back down.
Aftercare
- Should your Wallpaper become dirty, wipe clean with a sponge and mild, soapy water. Clean only when necessary, and use as little moisture as possible. Do not rub hard: the inks will not run, but a gap in the paper may become apparent.