Practical information

Pattern repeat refers to the horizontal alignment of adjacent strips of wallpaper. Properly following the pattern repeat is crucial for correct hanging and to avoid disappointing results. There are three main types of pattern matches in wallpaper: free (random) match, straight match, and drop match.

Free Match

With a free or random match, the wallpaper pattern does not require alignment at the seams. This makes installation easy.

Straight Match

A straight match means the pattern matches horizontally across adjacent strips at the same height. Each strip aligns exactly with the one next to it, creating a continuous horizontal flow.

Drop Match

A drop match shifts the pattern vertically between adjacent strips. The most common type is the half-drop match, in which the pattern on every second strip aligns at the ceiling line. The design appears to run diagonally, and it typically takes three strips for the full vertical repeat. If you numbered the strips, odd-numbered strips (1, 3, 5, etc.) would be identical, and even-numbered strips (2, 4, 6, etc.) would match each other.

There are also multiple drop matches, which require four or more strips before the vertical design fully repeats. These create a more intricate visual effect.

We strongly recommend always ordering a little more than you need. Mistakes can happen during wallpapering, or over time some damage may occur to your walls. In these cases, it’s handy to have some extra wallpaper on hand. When reordering, colors might differ slightly, and we are not liable for any color differences between batches. The amount of wallpaper you need depends on the pattern repeat and drop size of your chosen design.

Wallpaper with a pattern with a straight match

In the following example, the wall is 420 cm wide and 270 cm high. The roll of wallpaper is 48.7 cm wide and 10 meters long. The pattern repeat is 32 cm.

Step 1: Calculate the number of strips of wallpaper needed
Measure the width of the wall or walls.
Divide the width of the wall by the width of the roll and round up the result.
This will give you the number of strips you need.
420 cm (wall width) ÷ 48.7 cm (roll width) = 8.62 strips.
Rounded up, you will need 9 strips.

Step 2: Calculate the number of patterns per roll of wallpaper
Divide the length of the roll by the pattern repeat and round down the result.
This will give you the number of patterns per roll.
1000 cm (10 m. roll length) ÷ 32 cm (pattern repeat) = 31.25 patterns.
In this example you get 31 patterns from 1 roll of wallpaper.

Step 3: Calculate the number of patterns per strip
Divide the height of the wall by the pattern repeat and round up the result.
270 cm (wall height) ÷ 32 cm (pattern repeat) = 8.4 patterns.
Rounded up, this is 9 patterns per strip.

Step 4: Calculate the number of strips you get from one roll
Divide the number of patterns per roll (Step 2) by the number of patterns per strip (Step 3) and round down the result.
31 patterns (on the roll) ÷ 9 patterns (per strip) = 3.44 strips.
So you get 3 strips from one roll of wallpaper.

Step 5: The number of rolls needed
Divide the outcome of Step 1 by Step 4 and round up.
This will give you the number of rolls needed.
You need 9 strips of wallpaper for the entire wall (Step 1).
You will get 3 strips from 1 roll. (Step 4)
9 strips ÷ 3 strips per roll = 3 rolls

Wallpaper with a pattern with a half drop

In the following example, the wall is 420 cm wide and 270 cm high.
The roll of wallpaper is 48.7 cm wide and 10 meters long. The pattern repeat is 32 cm (half drop).

Step 1: Calculate the number of strips of wallpaper needed
Begin by measuring the width of your wall or walls. Next, divide this width by the width of a single wallpaper roll, rounding up the result to determine the number of strips needed.
420 cm (wall width) ÷ 48.7 cm (roll width) = 8.62 strips.
Rounded up, you will need 9 strips.

Step 2: Calculate the number of patterns per strip of wallpaper
Divide the height of the wall by the pattern repeat, rounding up to determine the number of patterns per strip.
270 cm (wall height) ÷ 32 cm (pattern repeat) = 8.4 patterns.
Rounded up, this is 9 patterns per strip.

Step 3: Visualize the Strip Layout
With half-drop patterns, every second strip requires an additional pattern. Create a simple sketch showing the strips and the number of patterns needed for each.
– Every second strip has 10 patterns, and so on.
– Every first strip has 9 patterns

Step 4: Calculate the number of patterns per roll
Divide the length of the roll by the pattern repeat and round down the result.
This gives you the number of patterns per roll.
1000 cm (10 m roll length) ÷ 32 cm (pattern repeat) = 31.25 patterns.
In this example you will get 31 patterns from one roll.

Step 5: Calculate the number of strips you get from a roll
Use the number of patterns from Step 4 and divide by the number of patterns per strip, using both 9 and 10 patterns (based on odd and even strips). The sketch you made in Step 3 will help you visualize how many patterns go into a strip and how many strips you need.
– 31 patterns (on the roll) ÷ 9 patterns (per strip) = 3.44 strips
– 31 patterns (on the roll) ÷ 10 patterns (per strip) = 3.1 strip
So, for both odd and even strips, you get 3 strips from one roll of wallpaper.

Step 6: Calculate the required number of rolls
Finally, divide the result from Step 1 (total strips needed) by the result from Step 5 (strips per roll) and round up.
– You need 9 strips of wallpaper for the entire wall (Step 1).
– You get 3 strips from one roll (Step 5)
9 strips ÷ 3 strips per roll) = 3 rolls

Please exercise caution when installing your wallpaper or when enlisting the services of a professional installer, as we cannot reimburse installation fees for tradespeople or third parties, nor can we assume responsibility for any installation errors. All of our wallpapers are designed for Paste the Wall application, meaning the decorator should apply adhesive to the wall and not directly to the wallpaper.

We recommend using a premium-quality tub adhesive or an equivalent high-quality, pH-neutral, solvent-free adhesive with fungicide protection, in a light-grade consistency. Avoid using self-mix adhesives, as they are not suitable for our products. All-purpose and heavy-duty pastes are also not recommended.

Please be careful to prevent adhesive from coming into contact with the printed surface of the wallpaper. If accidental contact occurs, gently remove it with a clean, dry sponge.

Prior to wallpaper installation, it is crucial to prepare the surfaces thoroughly:

• Ensure that the surfaces are clean, smooth, and dry. Remove any pre-existing wallcoverings, loose paint, or dirt. Fill any holes or cracks and make sure they are smoothed down.

• For painted surfaces, use sandpaper to roughen the surface, creating a good key for adhesion. If you encounter powdery or flaky areas on the walls, carefully scrape them clean and apply an oil-based primer. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding.

• If your walls have been freshly plastered, it’s important to ensure they are adequately sealed before wallpaper application.

Supplies

• Wallpaper glue for non-woven wallpaper (preferably ready-to-use)  
• Glue roller and brush  
• Seam roller 
• Wallpaper ruler
• Sharp utility knife
• Soft cloth

Step 1: Preferably use ready-to-use wallpaper glue for non-woven wallpaper. It is important that the glue does not contain too much moisture. Apply glue to the wall with a roller. Use a brush to apply glue in the corners, and at the ceiling and floor. Apply glue approximately 15 cm wider than the width of the wallpaper. Make sure not to use too much glue—excess moisture can cause the wallpaper to shrink slightly. This may result in open seams between the strips once the glue has dried.

Step 2: Cut the first panel of wallpaper to the correct height. Make sure to leave some excess at the top and bottom that you can trim away later. Apply the wallpaper directly to the wall. Start by pasting the top of the panel and let the rest hang freely. Check that the wallpaper hangs straight. Use a soft cloth to smooth it out, pressing from the inside out and from top to bottom. You can use a seam roller to press the seams.

Step 3: Take note of the pattern repeat and cut the next panel accordingly, again leaving extra at the top and bottom. As before, start by pasting the top of the panel and let the rest hang freely. Check that the panel hangs straight and aligns properly with the previous one. The panels should be glued tightly together. Use a soft cloth to smooth out the wallpaper, pressing from the inside out and from top to bottom. You can use a seam roller to press the seams.

Step 4: Trim the wallpaper to size along the ceiling, baseboards, and window frames. This is best done with a wallpaper ruler and a sharp utility knife. Wipe away any excess glue from the wallpaper with a damp cloth before it dries.

Tip: When installing dark-colored wallpaper, take extra care. You may consider coloring the edges of the wallpaper with a decorative crayon for a professional finish without visible seams. For best results, paint the wall dark where the seams meet and keep the seams tight.