One of the most common questions we hear at Nobletts Wallpaper is:
"How many rolls of wallpaper do I need?"
It's a great question because ordering too little can delay your decorating project, while ordering too much can leave you with rolls you don't need.
The good news is that calculating wallpaper requirements is easier than you might think, and if you're unsure, we're always happy to help. Whether you visit us in our Belfast store, give us a call, or contact us online, our team can work out exactly what you need.
Step 1: Measure the Width of Your Walls
Start by measuring the width of each wall you plan to wallpaper.
For example:
- Wall 1: 4 metres
- Wall 2: 3 metres
- Wall 3: 4 metres
- Wall 4: 3 metres
Total wall width = 14 metres
Don't worry about subtracting windows and doors at this stage. In most rooms, it's best to calculate the full wall area as you'll still need wallpaper above, below and around openings.
Step 2: Measure the Height of the Room
Measure from the top of the skirting board to the ceiling.
For example:
- Room height = 2.4 metres
Always add a little extra for trimming at the ceiling and skirting board. Most decorators allow an extra 10cm per drop.
Step 3: Work Out How Many Drops You Need
Most wallpaper rolls are approximately 53cm wide.
To calculate the number of drops:
Total wall width ÷ Wallpaper width
Example:
14m ÷ 0.53m = 26.4
Round up to the next whole number.
You will need 27 drops.
Step 4: Calculate How Many Drops Come From a Roll
Most standard wallpaper rolls are 10 metres long.
If your wall height is 2.4 metres:
10m ÷ 2.4m = 4.16
This means you'll get 4 full drops per roll.
However, this can change dramatically if your wallpaper has a pattern repeat.
Don't Forget Pattern Repeat
Pattern repeat is one of the biggest factors affecting how many rolls you'll need.
Many wallpapers feature repeating designs that need to line up from strip to strip. This creates extra waste when cutting each drop.
For example:
- Plain wallpaper = less waste
- Small pattern repeat = moderate waste
- Large pattern repeat = more waste
A wallpaper with a large repeat may only give you 3 drops per roll instead of 4.
This is why it's so important to check the pattern repeat before ordering.
Step 5: Calculate the Number of Rolls Required
Using our example:
27 drops needed
4 drops per roll
27 ÷ 4 = 6.75
Round up to the next whole number.
You would need 7 rolls.
The Easy Way: Let Us Calculate It For You
Wallpaper calculations can quickly become complicated when you factor in:
- Pattern repeats
- Feature walls
- Staircases
- Sloped ceilings
- Chimney breasts
- Multiple windows and doors
- Wide-width wallpapers
That's why many customers simply ask us to do the calculations.
At Nobletts Wallpaper, we're always happy to help work out your wallpaper requirements.
Simply send us:
- The height of your walls
- The width of each wall
- The wallpaper you'd like to order
We'll calculate the quantity required and help ensure you order enough for your project.
Visit Us In Store
If you're local to Belfast, bring your room measurements into our store and we'll be happy to help.
With over 80 years of experience helping customers transform their homes, we've calculated wallpaper quantities for everything from small cloakrooms to large commercial projects.
Need Help Online?
If you're shopping online, we're only a phone call or email away.
Call us: 028 9024 0678
Email us: hello@noblettswallpaper.com
Our team can help with:
- Wallpaper quantity calculations
- Pattern repeat advice
- Matching paint colours
- Choosing coordinating cushions and fabrics
- General decorating advice
Common Wallpaper Calculation Mistakes
Forgetting the Pattern Repeat
Always check the wallpaper specifications before ordering. Pattern repeat can significantly affect the number of rolls required.
Ordering the Exact Number
It's often wise to order an extra roll, particularly if you're decorating a large room or think you may need future repairs.
Measuring Incorrectly
Measure carefully and double-check your figures before placing an order.
Assuming All Rolls Are the Same
Not all wallpapers come in standard 10m x 53cm rolls. Some designer wallpapers come in different lengths and widths.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rolls of wallpaper do I need for a feature wall?
This depends on the wall width, height and the wallpaper chosen. Contact us with your measurements and we'll calculate it for you.
Should I subtract windows and doors?
Generally, no. Most decorators calculate the full wall area because wallpaper is still required around openings.
Can Nobletts Wallpaper calculate my wallpaper requirements?
Absolutely. We do it every day for customers both in-store and online.
What information do I need to provide?
Simply tell us:
- Wall height
- Wall widths
- Which wallpaper you'd like
We'll do the rest.
We're Here to Help
Wallpaper can completely transform a room, but getting the quantity right is essential for a smooth decorating project.
If you'd rather leave the calculations to the experts, we're always happy to help.
Visit us in Belfast, give us a call on 028 9024 0678, or email hello@noblettswallpaper.com and we'll help you calculate exactly how many wallpaper rolls you need.
