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How Much Fabric or Wallpaper Do You Really Need?
If you’ve ever stood in front of a roll of wallpaper or bolt of fabric and thought “How much do I actually need?”—you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get. This guide walks you through exactly how to calculate your fabric and wallpaper needs without the guesswork (or panic scrolls through Reddit).
✨A Beginner’s Guide to Measuring Like a Pro
→ Fabric Yardage: Quick Estimates by Project
Fabric is typically sold by the yard (usually 54" wide), and how much you’ll need depends on the size of the item and the pattern.
Here are some cheat-sheet estimates:
Project | Estimated Yardage |
|---|---|
Dining Chair Seat | ¾ – 1 yard each |
Accent Chair (upholstery) | 5 – 7 yards |
Sofa | 12 – 20 yards |
Drapes (1 standard panel) | 3 – 5 yards |
Roman Shade (medium window) | 1.5 – 3 yards |
Throw Pillows (18") | ½ yard per pillow |
Tip: Always round up if you're unsure—extra fabric is better than not enough, especially for pattern matching or reupholstery touch-ups.
→ Wallpaper: Roll vs. Yard Explained
At NestJoy, we often carry both types—and yes, it can get confusing.
Here’s how to approach each:
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By the Roll: Standard wallpaper (often double or triple rolls), usually 20.5" or 27" wide
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By the Yard: Often sold in continuous yardage, commonly used for boutique or fabric-backed wallpapers
➤ If sold by the roll:
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Measure the height and width of each wall in inches
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Calculate the total square footage (height × width)
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Divide by coverage per roll (usually noted in the product description—e.g. 56 sq ft)
➤ If sold by the yard:
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Treat it like fabric—54" width is standard
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Multiply your height in inches by the number of panels needed
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Divide by 36 (inches in a yard) to get yardage needed
Tip: Always check the pattern repeat. Larger repeats mean you’ll need more to match designs across seams.
→ What Increases Yardage Needs?
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Pattern repeat: A 24” repeat could add 15–20% to your total
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Multiple surfaces: Ceilings, niches, stair risers
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Sloped or curved walls: Always round up
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Matching across panels: Especially important for bold or graphic prints
→ How to Measure Like a Pro
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Use a metal tape measure for accuracy
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Write it down as Width × Height (not the other way around!)
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Triple-check tricky areas like windows, corners, or stairs
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Consult with your installer (or reach out to us—we’re happy to help)
→ Final Tip: Use Our Free Estimators
Soon, you’ll be able to plug your measurements into NestJoy’s quick estimator tool and get instant yardage suggestions based on your project type. Until then, feel free to email us your numbers—we’ll help you double-check before you click “add to cart.”
✨Need Help Figuring It Out?
We’ve got your back. Whether you’re wallpapering a full room or reupholstering a vintage chair, NestJoy makes it simple to get the quantity right.
How Much Fabric or Wallpaper Do You Really Need?
How to Choose the Right Wallpaper for Every Room
