Wallpapering
Patterned wallpaper: repeat, start point, waste
Patterned wallpaper gives a room character but is less forgiving than plain paper. The pattern has to match at every seam and start in the right place on the wall. That needs planning before the first cut.
The pattern repeat
The repeat is the distance after which a pattern recurs. It is shown on the label, together with the match type: straight match, where the pattern continues at the same height, or offset match, where adjacent lengths are shifted by the offset stated on the label.
The pattern repeat and match type affect the amount of waste. Calculate the quantity from the room dimensions, roll length and manufacturer’s information; a flat allowance of one or two extra rolls does not suit every room.
The right starting point
A large motif should not be cut off randomly at the ceiling or end crookedly above the sofa. Professionals decide where the pattern is visually centred: often in the middle of the main wall or above a piece of furniture.
Work proceeds from there in both directions. The point where the pattern no longer quite matches at the end then lands in an inconspicuous corner.
Material and paste
Most modern patterned wallpapers are non-woven. With these, the paste is rolled directly onto the wall and the dry length is applied. Paper wallpapers, by contrast, are pasted and need to soak briefly.
All rolls should have the same batch number. Keep the label and a spare roll: if there is damage later, a length can be replaced.
- Repeat and match type from the label
- Extra rolls for waste
- Same batch number
- Keep the label and an offcut
Related service
Wallpapering in Riesa
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