Wallpaper Printing Dubai: How to Measure Your Walls Correctly
Artplus dubai provides custom wallpaper printing in Dubai with a free measurement guide and digital proofing — ensuring your wallpaper fits perfectly without costly gaps or overlaps.
Measuring for custom wallpaper sounds simple. But I've seen it go wrong more times than you'd believe. Too short. Too long. Pattern misaligned. Seams in the wrong place. The good news? It's completely avoidable. This guide walks you through exactly how to measure your walls correctly — the first time.
Why Correct Measurement Matters
Let me be direct.
A measuring mistake means wasted money. Custom wallpaper isn't returnable. If it doesn't fit, you're ordering a second batch.
Common measuring errors:
Forgetting about windows and doors
Assuming walls are perfectly square (they're not)
Measuring only one spot (walls bow)
Not accounting for pattern repeats
The fix? Follow these steps carefully.
"Fifteen minutes of careful measuring saves fifteen hundred dirhams of reprint costs."
Tools You'll Need
Nothing fancy. Just the right stuff.
Steel tape measure (fabric ones stretch)
Notepad and pen (or phone notes)
Laser measure (optional but helpful for large walls)
Ladder (for high ceilings)
Level (to check wall straightness)
Pro tip: Don't use a cloth or plastic tape measure. They stretch and give false readings. Steel only.
Step-by-Step Measuring Guide
Step 1: Measure Wall Width
Measure at three points: top, middle, and bottom.
Why? Walls aren't always straight. A wall might be 300cm at the top but 298cm at the bottom.
Record all three measurements. Use the largest one. Add 5–10cm extra for trimming.
Step 2: Measure Wall Height
Measure at left, center, and right.
Same principle. Walls bow. Floors aren't perfectly level. Ceilings slope.
Use the largest measurement. Add 5–10cm extra at top and bottom.
Step 3: Note Obstacles
Mark every obstacle on your wall:
Windows (width, height, distance from floor and corners)
Doors (same details)
Electrical outlets and switches
Light fixtures
Baseboards and crown molding
Photograph the wall with measurements written directly on the image. Send this to your printer. It eliminates confusion.
Step 4: Calculate Total Area
Width × Height = Square meters.
Example: 4m wide × 2.5m high = 10 square meters.
Add 10–15% waste factor for pattern matching and trimming mistakes.
Step 5: Account for Pattern Repeats
This is where people mess up.
Patterned wallpaper needs extra material so patterns line up at seams. A "pattern repeat" is the vertical distance between matching design elements.
Small repeat (under 25cm): Add 10–15% extra
Medium repeat (25–50cm): Add 15–20% extra
Large repeat (50cm+): Add 20–30% extra
Random/non-repeat pattern: Add 5–10% extra
Ask your printer: "What's the pattern repeat on this design?"
"Skipping the pattern repeat calculation is the fastest way to have misaligned seams and wasted material."
Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Measuring Only Once
One measurement isn't enough. Walls aren't perfect rectangles. Measure three times in each direction.
Mistake #2: Forgetting About Baseboards
Some people measure from baseboard to baseboard. Others measure from floor to ceiling. Decide one method and stick with it. Tell your printer which you used.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Corners
Corners are rarely 90 degrees. If your wall is wider at one end, order for the larger size. You'll trim the extra.
Mistake #4: Not Photographing the Wall
A photo with measurements saves endless back-and-forth. Send it to your printer before they print.
Mistake #5: Guessing
Don't guess. Don't estimate. Don't approximate. Measure.
Wallpaper Quantity Calculator
Here's a simple formula.
Step 1: Wall width ÷ roll width = number of drops
Example: 400cm wall ÷ 53cm roll = 7.5 drops (round up to 8)
Step 2: Drop height (wall height + 10cm trimming) × number of drops
Example: 260cm × 8 = 2080cm
Step 3: Add pattern repeat waste
Example: 30cm repeat × 8 drops = 240cm extra
Total needed: 2080cm + 240cm = 2320cm (23.2 meters)
Better yet: Use an online wallpaper calculator or ask your printer to do the math.
When to Call a Professional Measurer
Some walls need expert eyes.
Hire a professional if:
Your walls are over 4m high
You have multiple windows, doors, and angles
The room is irregularly shaped
You're ordering expensive custom wallpaper
You've made measuring mistakes before
Sample Measurement Sheet
Use this template when measuring.
| Wall | Width (T/M/B) | Height (L/C/R) | Obstacles | Pattern Repeat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall 1 | ___ / ___ / ___ | ___ / ___ / ___ | _________ | _________ |
| Wall 2 | ___ / ___ / ___ | ___ / ___ / ___ | _________ | _________ |
| Wall 3 | ___ / ___ / ___ | ___ / ___ / ___ | _________ | _________ |
| Wall 4 | ___ / ___ / ___ | ___ / ___ / ___ | _________ | _________ |
Largest width: _______
Largest height: _______
Total area (with waste): _______
Take a photo. Send everything to your printer.
"Once your measurements are correct, a trusted wallpaper printing dubai service will help you with material selection, proofing, and installation guidance."
FAQ – Quick Answers
How much extra wallpaper should I order?
10–15% for straight walls. 15–20% for patterned wallpaper. 20–30% for large pattern repeats.
What if my walls aren't straight?
Measure at top, middle, and bottom. Use the largest width. Professional installers can trim uneven edges.
Do I need to remove existing wallpaper before measuring?
Yes. Measure bare walls. Existing wallpaper adds thickness and hides imperfections.
Can I use a laser measure?
Yes. Laser measures are accurate for large walls. But still verify with a steel tape at corners.
What information should I send my printer?
Photos with measurements written on them. Largest width and height. Obstacle locations. Pattern repeat if known.
Conclusion
Correct measurement is the difference between perfect wallpaper and expensive waste. Measure three times in each direction. Photograph everything. Account for pattern repeats. Add waste factor. Send it all to your printer for confirmation.
Take your time. Do it right once. Your walls — and your wallet — will thank you.
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