You ordered wallpaper and it arrived — but what do you do with the extra length? How do you measure correctly in advance? In this article: everything you need to know about measuring a wall before ordering wallpaper — with common mistakes and what to do if your wall isn’t perfectly square.
The most important tool: a tape measure or a laser measure
A regular tape measure works great for walls up to 3 meters. A laser measure is recommended for taller walls — it gives you an accurate measurement without climbing a ladder or asking for help.
4 steps to a perfect measurement
1. Measure the width — at three points
Measure the wall at 3 different heights: top, middle and bottom. If the measurements differ, you know the wall isn’t straight and you’ll need to order by the largest measurement.
2. Measure the height — from floor to ceiling
Measure from the ceiling to the floor on 2 sides. Again — if the heights differ, go by the taller one.
3. Fixtures that may get in the way
Watch out for: electrical outlets, curtain rod screws, intercoms, light switches. Mark them on paper with their exact position in mm.
4. Margins and fit
Always add 3-5 cm extra to each panel. It’s better to trim the excess than to be left with a white strip.
Common mistakes that cost money
| Mistake | What happens | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Measuring at only one point | Uneven wall → panels don’t line up | Measure at 3 points |
| Forgetting margins | A white strip along the edge | Always add 3-5 cm extra |
| Not accounting for plaster | The wall is slightly thicker than planned | Measure after prepping the wall |
| Not checking the plaster itself | Fragile plaster → wallpaper peels | Repair flaws before hanging |
How do you order from StickDecor?
On products in our shop, you enter the width and height in cm. The system shows you the exact price right away. Production takes up to 5 business days.
Frequently asked questions
What if my wall isn’t a rectangle?
Use the maximum measurement on each axis. You’ll trim the excess during installation. It’s better to trim extra than to reorder.
How do you measure a wall with a door or window?
Measure the full wall as if there were no openings. During installation, you’ll cut around the door or window. The wallpaper is made to the full size and isn’t reduced for openings.
What if the wall is very large (over 5 meters)?
For large projects, contact us and we’ll help you plan your measurements.
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