A custom wall mural is printed to the exact centimeter of your wall, so measuring correctly is the most important step of the entire order. You don't need to be an expert: with a tape measure and ten minutes, you will have the correct measurements. This guide explains how to do it step-by-step, with a real-life example and the most common mistakes.
What you need
- A tape measure (preferably 5 meters or longer).
- A pencil and paper, or your phone, to write down each measurement.
- A ladder or step stool if the wall is high.
Step 1: Measure width and height at three points
Hardly any wall is perfectly square, which is why a single measurement is not reliable. Measure in centimeters:
- The width: at the top, in the middle, and at the bottom.
- The height: on the left, in the middle, and on the right.
Write down all six measurements and always use the largest one from each set. It is much easier to trim a little extra than to come up short.
Step 2: Add a 6 to 10 cm margin to each measurement
Add between 6 and 10 cm to the width and height. This margin is trimmed at the end of installation and is what accounts for walls that aren't square, which is almost all of them. The more irregular your wall is, the closer to 10 cm you should aim.
Step 3: Decide how far the mural should extend
- Baseboard: if the mural reaches it, measure to the floor and then trim it during installation. It's easier to remove than to add.
- Doors and windows: if there is one on the wall, measure the entire wall as if they weren't there. The openings are trimmed during installation.
- Ceiling: measure to where you want the mural to end. The paper is hung allowing for excess at the top and bottom, and is trimmed afterward.
An example with numbers
Imagine a living room wall. You measure the width and get 296 cm at the top, 298 cm in the middle, and 300 cm at the bottom. The height: 247 cm on the left, 248 in the middle, and 250 on the right.
- Take the largest measurement: 300 cm wide and 250 cm high.
- Add an 8 cm margin to each: 308 × 258 cm.
- These are the figures you enter into the calculator on the mural product page.
With those measurements, it's about 7.95 m². With the paste-the-wall paper (€47/m²), it would cost around €374; the calculator shows you the exact total before you pay.
Step 4: Check the limits
The configurator accepts murals from 100 to 400 cm high and 100 to 700 cm wide. If your wall falls outside those measurements, email us at info@tailormurals.com before placing your order and we will look into it with you.
Step 5: Choose which part of the design is printed
On each mural's page, the preview shows a clear area: this is exactly the portion of the design that will be printed with the measurements you entered. If there is extra design area, you can drag it to choose which part you want on your wall. For example, to center a branch, an animal, or a marble vein.
Common measuring mistakes
- Measuring only once. Walls are not the same at the top as they are at the bottom. Always measure at three points.
- Forgetting the margin. Without those 6 to 10 cm, there is nothing to compensate for a crooked wall.
- Subtracting doors or windows. No need: they are trimmed during installation.
- Measuring in meters and writing in centimeters (or vice versa). The calculator requires centimeters.
- Not double-checking before paying. The guarantee covers cases where the mural measurements don't match those you confirmed in the order, so it's best to review them before confirming.
Frequently asked questions
How much margin should I add?
Between 6 and 10 cm to the width and height. This is the margin that is trimmed at the end of installation.
Do I have to subtract windows and doors?
No. Measure the entire wall and the openings will be trimmed during installation.
What if my wall has a baseboard?
If the mural reaches it, measure to the floor. It can be trimmed later during installation.
What is the minimum measurement?
One square meter, which costs €47 for paste-the-wall paper. You can see the full calculation in the pricing guide.
Can I see how it will look before ordering?
Yes. The physical sample pack arrives printed on the same paper and allows you to see the color in your home's lighting. And if you upload a photo of your wall, we will prepare a free simulation via Design your mural.
You have your measurements: choose your design
Once you have the width and height, all that's left is to choose. You can start with marble and textures, florals and leaves, tropical and palms, landscapes and mountains, Japanese style or Art Déco. For installation, you have our step-by-step mural installation guide.