 | Pick up the color scheme with wallpaper and use the brightest accents in artwork and accessories.
Photo c.2003 Glenna Morton, About.com |
A simple how to on things you'll need to know when purchasing wallpaper.Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies Here's How: - Measure the room to be wallpapered. Make a sketch of each wall, noting the overall wall size (height and width).
- Then draw in all openings that will not be papered (doors, windows, and closets), noting the size and placement of each.
- Finally measure the width of each wall section (for example from the corner to the closet door, then from the closet to the window, etc.)
- Use an online wallpaper estimating tool (see "Related" link section below) to give you a rough idea of how many rolls you need for your project.
- Take your room diagram and measurements to the store. Ask the salesperson how much paper to purchase. (Compare this to your estimate.)
- Wallpaper is generally priced as Single Rolls, though it is manufactured and sold in Double Rolls. (Some papers are also sold in Triple Rolls.)
- European and Metric Double rolls are generally 20.5" wide and contain 56 square feet of paper.
- American Double rolls are wider, at 27" wide with about 70 square feet of paper.
- Papers are available in double and triple rolls in order to get more useable "lengths" from each roll.
- Pricing can be confusing since you must purchase a double roll, but the prices are usually listed by the "single roll".
- Therefore, if the price of a Single Roll is $20 you'll spend twice that -- $40 for one "double" roll.
- Find out if your paper has a drop match or a straight match, and keep this in mind when you decide how much paper to buy. (longer drop matches will have more unused pieces.)
- Find out the store's policy on returns, including any time limit, restocking fees, or if returned rolls can be opened.
- If possible order one extra double roll if you can return it unopened (if not needed), to be assured of having enough paper in the same dye lot.
- When your paper comes in, check the run number (dye lot) on each roll to make certain they are identical.
Tips: - Order more than you'll need to allow for mistakes, wasted sections, and proper matching.
- Read manufacturers suggestions regarding measuring, ordering, and hanging paper, including paste requirements.
- Don't open any rolls until you've checked the quantity received and all pattern and dye lot numbers match.
- Go online for advice on hanging paper. (See "Related" links below for some good sites.)
More How To's from your Guide To Interior Decorating
~ Glenna Morton |
