How to Measure for Wallpaper: A Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking of transforming your room with beautiful wallpaper from Magicdecor? You’re on the right path. But before diving into our wide range of premium, VOC-free, eco-friendly wallpapers, there’s one thing you must get right first: measuring your walls accurately.

Getting your measurements right is not just about numbers—it ensures you get the perfect fit, avoid costly reorders, and enjoy a smooth installation without awkward gaps or wasted material. Whether you’re opting for a bold mural or a timeless repeat-pattern wallpaper, this guide will walk you through how to measure for wallpaper like a pro.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following simple tools:

• Measuring tape (preferably steel or laser for accuracy)
• Pencil and paper or a notes app
• Calculator or online square footage calculator
• Step stool or ladder (especially if you have high ceilings)

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring for Wallpaper

Getting your measurements right is the first and most important step for a perfect wallpaper fit. Whether you’re planning to wallpaper an entire room or just a feature wall, this quick guide helps you avoid guesswork and waste. Here’s how to measure like a pro.

Step 1: Measure the Wall

Start by measuring:

• Height: Measure from floor to ceiling at 2–3 different points. Walls may not be perfectly straight, so always go with the tallest measurement.
• Width: Measure the wall from edge to edge (left to right) at the widest point.

Note: For Magicdecor wallpapers, we recommend you measure the full wall area, even if there are doors or windows. We will print the wallpaper as one continuous piece, and the cut-outs will be handled during installation.

Step 2: Calculate Square Footage

Use the basic formula:

Height × Width = Total Sq. Ft.

Example:

• Wall Height = 9 ft
• Wall Width = 12 ft
• Total Square Feet = 9 × 12 = 108 sq. ft.

If you’re measuring in inches, convert to feet before calculating. (Divide inches by 12.)

Tip: Use Magicdecor Wallpaper Calculator

Step 3: Account for Extra Wallpaper

Always add 10–15% extra to your final square footage to cover:

• Trimming
• Uneven walls
• Pattern matching
• Installation errors

So if your wall is 108 sq. ft., order for around 118–124 sq. ft. to be safe.

For patterned wallpapers, also check the pattern repeat length. Magicdecor’s design team can help you calculate how much extra is needed for seamless pattern alignment.

Special Cases & How to Measure Them

Magicdecor provides custom-sized wallpapers, but special wall shapes need a bit of extra attention:

1. Sloped Walls

• Measure the tallest height and widest width.
• Ignore the slant for now. We’ll send a rectangular wallpaper, and you can cut along the slope during installation.

2. Multi-Sloped Walls

• Measure the wall’s longest height and width.
• Like above, wallpaper will be printed as a rectangle for easy trimming on-site.

3. Walls with Doors or Windows

• Measure the entire wall as if the door/window wasn’t there.
• Our team recommends ignoring openings while measuring. Better to have more than less.

4. Multiple Walls / Rooms

• Measure each wall separately, then add all measurements together.
• Enter the combined square footage at checkout when ordering.

5. Staircase Walls

• Measure the height from the highest point to the lowest.
• Measure the full width at the longest span.
• Again, we’ll print a rectangle, and you trim to fit.

Murals vs. Regular Wallpaper: What’s Different?

While both murals and wallpapers dress up your walls, they serve different design purposes. Murals often create a dramatic, full-wall visual, while regular wallpapers focus on patterns or textures that repeat. Let’s break down the key differences so you choose the right one.

Murals (like Magicdecor’s custom wall art)

• Exact fit is crucial
• Usually non-repeating, panoramic designs
• We add an extra inch on all sides to account for wall imperfections

Regular Repeat-Pattern Wallpaper

• Patterns may need to align horizontally/vertically
• Consider pattern repeat size for accuracy
• Less concern with exact sizing, but still add 10–15% extra

Pro Tips & Tricks

A few expert moves can make your wallpaper installation smoother and your space more stunning. From handling corners to choosing the right paste, here are some tried-and-true tricks from designers and installers that can make all the difference.

• Double-check all measurements—mistakes can be expensive!
• Round up rather than down to avoid shortfalls
• Use Magicdecor’s Wallpaper Calculator Tool for convenience
• Order a sample if you’re unsure about the design or material
• Contact our design assistance team for personalized guidance

Measuring is Simpler Than You Think

Once you understand the basics, measuring your wall for wallpaper becomes a stress-free, 10-minute task. And with Magicdecor’s custom sizing, you don’t need to do any complex conversions. Just give us the dimensions—we’ll handle the rest.

Ready to Put on Wallpaper?

Now that you know how to measure for wallpaper, explore our beautiful collection of murals, textures, kids’ designs, and more—all made to fit your wall perfectly. No rolls. No rough guesses. Just made-to-measure magic.

Browse Magicdecor Wallpapers and turn your walls into art.