Ultimate Guide: How to Perfectly Measure Walls for Your Wall Mural Wallpaper Projects

Photo by Meruyert Gonullu

Thinking about transforming your walls with a stunning mural or wallpaper? It’s an exciting project, but figuring out how to measure your walls can feel a bit overwhelming. Where do you even start? Getting those measurements right is the key to a flawless fit and avoiding frustrating issues like gaps or wasted material.

Materials And Tools Needed

Getting the right materials and tools makes measuring faster and more accurate. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Measuring tape: Pick one with clear markings. A 25-foot retractable tape works well for most walls.

• Pencil: Use this to mark reference points lightly on the wall. Avoid pens that could stain.

• Paper or notebook: Record the dimensions here to keep everything organized.

• Level: Ensure straight and even measurements for irregular walls or slanted surfaces.

• Step ladder: Reach higher sections easily, especially for taller walls.

• Masking tape: Temporarily mark specific areas or hold the measuring tape in place.

Check these tools beforehand to avoid interruptions while measuring.

Preparing To Measure Your Walls

Getting ready to measure your walls starts with gathering the essentials. Accurate and efficient measurements depend on having the right tools and setting up the space to work smoothly. Here's how you can prepare:

• Gather your tools. Grab a measuring tape, a pencil for marking points on the wall, a notepad to jot down numbers, a digital level for straight measurements, and a step ladder if you need to reach higher areas. Don't forget a chalk piece for marking temporary key points without leaving permanent marks.

• Clear your workspace. Move furniture or decorations blocking the walls. This gives you full access to measure without interruptions. If possible, ensure the floor is clear of clutter to avoid tripping while you work.

• Check your walls. Quickly inspect the surface for irregularities like slopes or uneven sections. If your wall has these features, make a mental note to include them while measuring.

• Have a backup. Keep an extra pencil and additional paper nearby in case you misplace anything mid-measurement. A phone camera can also be helpful for taking quick photos of measurements as a reference.

Once you’re set, you’ll be ready to measure without hassle.

How To Measure Different Wall Types

Not all walls are created equal, and the way you measure them depends on their design. Whether your walls are standard, sloped, or have obstacles, following the right approach helps ensure the perfect fit for your mural wallpaper.

Measuring a Standard Wall

Take the guesswork out by measuring the full width and height of the wall. Start with the width by taking measurements at the top, middle, and bottom. Then, measure the height on the left, center, and right sides. Always choose the largest numbers from each set—walls are rarely perfectly straight. Add about 2 inches (5 cm) to your final measurements for some extra wiggle room during installation. Skip baseboards and moldings, as these aren’t part of your wallpaper area.

Measuring Uneven or Sloped Walls

For sloped walls, measure as though the slope doesn’t exist. Take the width at the base and the height from the base to the highest point of the wall. Adding 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) to your measurements offers enough excess material to cut away the sloped section after installation. This ensures your mural or wallpaper aligns properly without gaps.

Measuring Multiple Walls

If you’re covering more than one wall in a room, measure each wall individually. Measure the width and height at multiple points, just like you would for a standard wall. Write down the largest dimensions for each wall, and calculate a total, including a 2-inch (5 cm) buffer for each. This method ensures every wall is included and avoids mismatched panels. 

If you want your wallpaper or mural to continuously flow across and cover multiple adjacent walls, handle it as if it was one wall only. Simply combine the width of each wall and submit it as a single wall when ordering. 

Measuring Staircase Walls

Staircase walls can be a bit tricky, but it’s manageable with the right method. Measure the longest part of the wall at the top and bottom of the stairs for the width. For the height, measure from the highest point of the incline to the lowest point. Just like with sloped walls, add 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) for extra material to adjust for the angled surface. This prep provides the flexibility you need for a clean, polished look.

NOTE: Your measurements should form a rectangle. The excess (which can be a lot when using a wall mural along stairs) will be cut away during installation, so take this into consideration when choosing your design.

Helpful Measuring Tips

Accurate measurements are the key to a successful wall mural or wallpaper project. Here are some friendly tips to keep your measuring stress-free and precise.

1. Measure Twice, Confirm Once

Always go over each measurement at least twice. This helps catch any errors and prevents surprises when it's time to install the mural. Even the smallest mistake can make a difference in fit.

2. Use the Right Tools

Grab a good-quality measuring tape or a laser distance meter for accurate readings. A digital level helps ensure precise verticals, and a pencil or chalk is great for marking walls. Keep a notebook handy for jotting down your measurements.

3. Check for Irregularities

Walls can have quirks, like unsightly curves or slopes. Double-check by measuring both the top and bottom for width, and the left and right for height. If the numbers differ, go with the largest measurement to ensure full coverage.

4. Account for Obstacles

When walls include windows, doors, or other features, measure as though they aren’t there if you install a wall mural. This ensures the wallpaper design stays seamless. You can trim around obstacles during installation.

5. Add a Little Extra

Add 2 inches or 5 cm to each measurement. This extra material acts as insurance for slight measuring errors or uneven walls. It's better to have too much than too little.

6. Ignore Baseboards and Moldings

Focus on the wall area you plan to cover and leave out baseboards, crown moldings, or trim in your measurements. Measure only the flat sections for accurate calculations.

7. Enlist a Helper

If possible, ask a friend or family member to hold the measuring tape or review your numbers. A second set of eyes might catch something you've missed.

8. Mark Key Points

Use chalk or a pencil to lightly mark important spots as you go. These marks help you keep track of where different measurements belong, especially for larger or more complex walls.

By sticking to these tips, you'll save yourself time and frustration and set yourself up for a perfectly measured and amazing-looking wall mural project.

Understanding Wall Mural Sizes And Printed Measurements

Getting the right size for your mural is all about understanding your wall’s dimensions and how murals are printed. Wall murals are custom-made based on the measurements you provide, so precise numbers are key to a smooth installation process. Let’s break this down step by step.

Measure Proper Dimensions First

Start by measuring the height of your wall. Take the measurement from the top of the baseboard (or skirting) to the ceiling or the cornice if one is present. You’ll also measure the width from one corner to the next. It’s a good idea to measure at multiple points and note the largest measurements, as walls can sometimes be uneven.

Decide on the Right Mural Height

For walls up to 240 cm or 94.5 inch tall, a mural with a similar height is a safe choice. If your wall height is between 240 cm and 280 cm or 94.5 and 110 inch, you can choose a 280 cm or 110 inch mural where excess material gets trimmed during installation. Adding a few extra inches for overprint ensures that slight unevenness in the wall won’t lead to gaps.

Account for Obstacles and Features

Measure your wall like it’s one smooth surface, even if there are windows, doors, or sloped areas. The mural will come in a rectangular shape and details like these are trimmed away during installation. This keeps the design seamless and ensures no part of your wall is left exposed.

Add Overprint for Stability

Including about 2 extra inches or 5 cm to both your height and width measurements gives room for uneven surfaces. Excess material can be trimmed once the mural is in place. This little adjustment can save you a lot of stress when cutting to fit your walls.

Getting your wall measurements right is the foundation of a successful mural wallpaper project. With the right tools, careful planning, and attention to detail, you can avoid common pitfalls and make the installation process much smoother. Whether you're dealing with standard walls, tricky obstacles, or unique shapes, taking the time to measure thoroughly pays off in the long run.

Remember, a little extra effort now saves you from unnecessary stress later. So grab your tools, double-check your dimensions, and get ready to transform your space with confidence! 

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@fineartprintz.com