How to Measure and Order Wallpaper Murals: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ordering a custom mural is simple once you know how to measure correctly. Follow this step-by-step guide to get accurate dimensions and order with total confidence.
By Brightwall
A custom wallpaper mural is one of the most transformative things you can do to a room — and ordering one is far simpler than most people expect. The key to a flawless result is accurate measuring. Follow these steps and you will order with complete confidence.
What you will need
Grab a metal tape measure, a pencil, a notepad and, ideally, a second pair of hands. Work in centimetres throughout to keep things consistent and avoid conversion errors.
Step 1: Measure the width
Measure the full width of your wall from corner to corner. Because walls are rarely perfectly square, measure in three places — near the top, the middle and near the bottom — and write down the largest figure. This ensures full coverage edge to edge.
Step 2: Measure the height
Do the same for height, measuring from floor to ceiling on the left, centre and right of the wall. Again, record the largest measurement. If you have skirting boards or coving, measure to the very edge of the surface you want covered.
Step 3: Add a trimming allowance
Always add a small allowance — around 5 to 10 cm — to both the width and the height. This gives your installer a margin to trim for a crisp, precise fit against ceilings, skirtings and corners. It is far better to have a little extra than to come up short.
Step 4: Handle windows, doors and obstacles
Measure the wall as though windows and doors were not there — to its full width and height. Murals are printed to cover the entire area and then trimmed around openings during installation, which keeps the artwork properly aligned. Note the position of any light switches or sockets so your installer can plan around them.
Step 5: Double-check, then order
Re-measure everything once more before ordering — it takes two minutes and removes all doubt. When you place your order, enter your final width and height (including the trimming allowance) and choose your material finish. Your mural is then printed to your exact dimensions.
A few common mistakes to avoid
Do not measure only once or in a single spot — walls are deceptively uneven. Do not forget the trimming allowance. And do not subtract for windows and doors. Get these three things right and your mural will fit beautifully.
Still unsure?
If your wall is an unusual shape or you would simply like a second opinion, get in touch before ordering. A few minutes of advice up front guarantees a result you will be delighted with.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure a wall for wallpaper?
Measure the full width and height of your wall in centimetres at several points, then use the largest measurement for each. Always add a small allowance (around 5–10 cm) on each edge for trimming during installation.
What if my wall is not perfectly square?
Very few walls are perfectly square. That is exactly why you measure width and height in several places and use the largest figures, plus a trimming allowance. Your installer trims the excess for a clean, precise fit.
Do I measure around windows and doors?
Measure the wall as if the window or door were not there — to the full width and height. The mural is printed to cover the whole area and then trimmed around openings on site, which keeps the design aligned correctly.
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