Measuring for wallpaper in a small bathroom demands precision because every inch counts. Unlike a large living room, the margins for error here are slim, and a miscalculation can lead to frustrating waste or a frustrating last-minute trip to the store. This guide cuts through the guesswork, providing a clear, step-by-step method to determine exactly how much wallpaper you need.
Understanding the Unique Challenges of a Small Bathroom
The primary obstacle in a small bathroom is the presence of fixtures. Outlets, switches, the toilet, sink, and shower or bathtub all interrupt the wall space, creating a calculation puzzle. You cannot simply measure the perimeter of the room and multiply it by the wall height. Furthermore, the typical small bathroom's dimensions mean that pattern matching becomes more critical; a misaligned repeat on a small scale can look disjointed and unprofessional.
Step-by-Step Measurement Process
Accuracy begins with the right tools: a tape measure, a notepad, a pencil, and a calculator. The process requires you to treat each wall as a separate entity. You must measure the height from the floor to the ceiling and the width of each wall individually. Crucially, you must also meticulously measure the position and dimensions of every fixture that will interrupt the wallpaper, from the center of a switch plate to the height of a bathtub.
Mapping Out Your Walls
To visualize the process, it helps to sketch a simple diagram of your bathroom. Draw each wall as a rectangle and label the dimensions. Then, draw the fixtures within their respective walls. This map serves as your working document. For each section of wall, calculate the square footage by multiplying the width by the height. Next, subtract the square footage of any fixtures located within that section. The resulting number is the exact amount of wall space that needs to be covered.
| Wall Section | Width (ft) | Height (ft) | Total Section Area (sq ft) | Fixture Area (sq ft) | Net Wall Area (sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall 1 (toilet) | 5 | 8 | 40 | 4 | 36 |
| Wall 2 (shower) | 3 | 8 | 24 | 18 | 6 |
| Wall 3 (sink) | 4 | 8 | 32 | 2 | 30 |
| Wall 4 (door) | 6 | 8 | 48 | 0 | 48 |
Accounting for Waste and Pattern Matching
Once you have the total net wall area, adding a buffer for waste is non-negotiable. Trimming wallpaper around edges, corners, and fixtures results in unused pieces. For a standard, non-directional pattern, a 10% waste factor is standard. However, if you are using a large or complex pattern—common in decorative papers—you should increase this to 15% or even 20% to ensure you can match the design seamlessly without running out.
The Final Calculation and Purchasing Strategy
To find your final number, multiply your total net wall area by 1.10 (for 10% waste). For example, if your net wall area is 120 square feet, you would calculate 120 x 1.10, resulting in 132 square feet needed. Now, check your chosen wallpaper roll specifications. If a roll covers 36 square feet, you would divide 132 by 36, which equals approximately 3.67. Since you cannot purchase a fraction of a roll, you must round up to the next whole number—in this case, four rolls.
This calculation ensures you have enough material to complete the job without being left with a single, unusable strip. While it might seem like an upfront cost, buying the correct amount the first time is far more economical and time-efficient than dealing with a mid-project shortage.
