Wallpaper Pattern Repeat – Why Is It Important?

So, What Exactly is a Pattern Repeat?

Put simply, the pattern repeat is the distance down a strip of wallpaper before the design starts again. This length can vary widely depending on the wallpaper: some designs might repeat every few inches, others every half-metre or more, and some may not repeat vertically at all (but we’ll get to those shortly).

Pattern repeat matters for a couple of reasons—primarily for visualising the design scale—but most importantly, it helps calculate the amount of wallpaper you’ll need and the potential wastage (unused paper) as you line up each strip. For example, a pattern with a 25-centimetre repeat means you might lose up to that much with each strip, as you align the design on each drop. With a 60-centimetre repeat, you may end up losing up to that amount on each strip to match the pattern across the wall.

Here’s a helpful video from Ashley at @underthesycamore, who explains how pattern repeat impacted her installation of the Geometric Illusions wallpaper.

Why Accurate Pattern Repeat Matters

To avoid unnecessary wastage and ensure enough wallpaper to cover your space, it’s essential to input the correct pattern repeat into any wallpaper calculator you’re using. Calculating based only on surface area can lead to underestimating the amount needed, as it doesn’t account for the paper lost when aligning the pattern between strips. If you run out, ordering another roll later may result in a slight colour difference, as it can be difficult to match with a different batch—definitely something you’d want to avoid.

Murals and Horizontal Repeats

While most wallpapers feature a vertical repeat, some murals repeat horizontally every few panels. For instance, the South Asian Subcontinent tropical jungle mural repeats every three panels horizontally but has no vertical repeat since it features a single large image. To calculate how much of this wallpaper you’ll need, ensure your walls aren’t taller than the mural’s height (around 3 metres), then measure the width of your wall. Each roll usually provides three panels, or 184.5 cm in width. So, if your wall is 3.69m, you’ll need two rolls (369 cm ÷ 184.5 cm = 2 rolls).

**Note: this calculation applies to this specific mural; for other designs, consult the product details to confirm the requirements.

Free Match Patterns and Minimal Wastage

If your wallpaper design is a Free Match—common in striped or wood-effect designs like the White Washed Timber wallpaper—you won’t need to align the pattern between drops. This means you can apply each strip without worrying about matching at the seams, using the entire roll with minimal wastage.

We strongly encourage using our wallpaper calculator to ensure you order the right amount. Be sure to check that the correct pattern repeat is entered into the calculator, though it should be filled in automatically from the product details. You’ll find the pattern repeat listed under each design on our site, along with other key information like roll size and pattern match.

Now that you’re well-versed in wallpaper pattern repeats, you’re all set to shop with confidence, knowing you’ll have everything needed to make your wallpaper project a success!