Wallpaper is primarily sold by the roll, which is the standard unit for purchase, allowing consumers to acquire the precise amount needed for their decorating projects.
Understanding a Standard Wallpaper Roll
When purchasing wallpaper, you'll generally find it packaged in rolls with specific dimensions and coverage capabilities. These characteristics are crucial for planning and budgeting your project.
- Dimensions: A typical roll of wallpaper measures approximately 27 inches wide by 4.5 yards long.
- Coverage: One standard roll is designed to cover about 30 square feet of wall space. This figure is an estimate and can vary slightly based on the pattern repeat and any necessary trimming.
For a quick reference, consider the following breakdown:
| Characteristic | Standard Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 27 inches | Approximately 0.68 meters |
| Length | 4.5 yards | Approximately 4.11 meters |
| Coverage | 30 square feet | Roughly 2.79 square meters, accounting for waste |
Cost Considerations for Wallpaper
Wallpaper can be a significant investment, with prices varying widely based on material, design complexity, and brand. Generally, wallpaper is considered an expensive decorative material.
- Entry-Level Pricing: For more basic designs and materials, you can expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $50 per roll.
- Luxury and Specialty Papers: High-end options, such as silk-coated, hand-painted, or custom-designed papers, can command prices reaching thousands of dollars per roll.
Several factors influence the overall cost of wallpaper:
- Material Composition: Vinyl, non-woven, paper-backed, fabric-backed, and specialty materials like grasscloth or silk all have different price points.
- Design and Print Method: Intricate patterns, custom designs, and traditional printing methods can increase cost.
- Brand and Origin: Premium brands or papers from renowned designers often come with a higher price tag.
- Durability and Features: Washable, scrubbable, or pre-pasted wallpapers might fall into a slightly different price bracket.
Calculating Your Wallpaper Needs
To avoid over- or under-purchasing, accurate measurement is key. Since wallpaper is sold by the roll, calculating the number of rolls needed ensures efficient use of your budget and minimizes waste.
- Measure Your Walls: Calculate the total square footage of the walls you intend to cover (height x width for each wall).
- Account for Openings: Subtract the square footage of windows, doors, and other large openings.
- Consider Pattern Repeat: If your chosen wallpaper has a large pattern repeat, you'll need extra material to ensure the design aligns correctly, which may require purchasing an additional roll.
- Add for Buffer: It's always wise to purchase an extra roll or two beyond your calculated needs to account for errors, future repairs, or unexpected pattern matching challenges. Most retailers recommend having 10-15% extra.
Where to Purchase Wallpaper
Wallpaper can be found at various retail outlets, catering to different budgets and aesthetic preferences.
- Home Improvement Stores: Large chains like The Home Depot or Lowe's offer a wide selection of styles and price points.
- Specialty Wallpaper Boutiques: These stores, often found in design districts or online, provide unique, high-end, and custom options.
- Online Retailers: Websites such as Wayfair or Amazon offer vast selections, often at competitive prices, with convenient delivery.
- Interior Design Studios: Many designers have access to exclusive collections not available to the general public.
