If you’re planning to refresh your space, you’ve probably wondered how to choose wallpaper. At first glance, it seems simple — you like the design, buy it, and install it. But in reality, there are a lot of factors to consider: roll sizes, pattern matching, room type, and wall preparation. To avoid costly mistakes and wasted material, check out our Wallpaper guide: Sizes, repeats & materials explained for everything you need to know before making your purchase.
In the US, people often confuse single roll and double roll.
Single roll refers to the standard measurement, not an actual physical roll. Its dimensions are typically 21″ x 16.5′ (about 0.53 m × 5 m).
However, most manufacturers sell wallpaper in double rolls — which is one roll measuring around 10 meters in length. The price listed may be for a single roll, but you’re purchasing a minimum of a double roll.
If the price is listed for a single roll, multiply it by two for the actual cost.
Wallpaper with a pattern includes a “pattern repeat” — the distance between each repetition of the design.
For example:
2″–3″ (5–7 cm) — small pattern, minimal waste.
10″–20″ (25–50 cm) — large pattern, requires extra material.
📐 The larger the pattern, the more material you’ll waste due to matching the design. If you don’t account for this, you might end up short on wallpaper, and finding the same pattern later could be impossible.
Wallpaper isn’t just about aesthetics. It needs to be appropriate for your space, conditions, and needs.
Here’s what to consider:
Kids’ room — eco-friendly and washable wallpapers.
Bathroom — moisture-resistant vinyl.
Living room — designer and textured wallpapers.
Laundry room — durable, moisture-resistant options.
Furniture and nooks — choose based on color and texture.
Also, think about where the wallpaper will be used — walls, ceilings, or furniture. The number of people in the room matters too, as commercial spaces have stricter requirements.
Wallpaper comes in various types:
Paper — lightweight and requires perfectly smooth walls.
Vinyl — thicker, hides imperfections but is heavier.
Non-woven — easy to install and versatile.
Textile — requires experience and clean conditions for application.
Different types require different preparation. Sometimes, a perfectly smooth wall is necessary, while other wallpapers just need a basic level of smoothing.
For example, expensive wallpaper may require smoothing, priming, and additional prep work, while simpler types can be applied directly to painted surfaces.
If you’re aiming to style your stairwell with wallpaper that reflects the cozy, timeless aesthetic of Pottery Barn, consider collections from brands like York, Farrow&ball, Brewster, Thibaut, Wallquest.
These brands offer beautiful designs and dependable quality that align with classic American interiors.
From years of hands-on experience, we know this for sure: material durability and installer expertise are the two key ingredients for a wallpaper project that truly lasts — especially in high-traffic areas like staircases.
Explore our four main services and make the right decision to start cooperating with us. Choose professionals and get high-quality services. We are proud of the trust of our clients and appreciate mutually beneficial cooperation! Contact us and get to know our approach to each client!
The most important thing is not to choose wallpaper blindly. What looks good in the picture may not fit your room type, texture, or even climate.
💬 A consultation with our designer or manager will help you:
Accurately calculate the number of rolls you need.
Choose wallpaper based on room type, load, and humidity.
Account for pattern matching and minimize waste.
Properly prepare the walls.
Find the best solution for your budget, work, and results.
📞 Call or email us today to pick the perfect wallpaper for you — based on taste, budget, and minimal waste. Wallpaper guide: Sizes, repeats & materials explained will help you make the right choice without any guesswork!
