The time it takes to wallpaper a room depends on a few key factors:
✔️ The size of the room
✔️ The type of wallpaper
✔️ Whether you’re a DIYer or using a professional
✔️ How much wall prep is needed
✔️ And importantly — whether it’s paste-the-wall or paste-the-paper
Here’s a practical guide to help you plan your project.
General Time Estimates
| Project Type | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Feature wall (1–2 rolls, DIY) | 1–2 hours |
| Small room (e.g. toilet or laundry) | 3–5 hours |
| Medium room ( bedroom or office) | 1 full day |
| Large or complex room (multiple doors, windows, corners) | 1–2 days |
How Long Does It Take to Hang a Roll?
As a rough guide for DIY:
- Paste-the-wall wallpapers: allow 60 minutes per roll
- Paste-the-paper wallpapers: allow 90 minutes per roll
(This includes measuring, cutting, applying paste, matching patterns, and trimming.)
Of course, this will vary depending on the complexity of the pattern, wall layout, and your experience level — but it's a useful starting point for planning.
Paste-the-Wall vs Paste-the-Paper — What’s the Difference?
This is one of the biggest time factors — here’s why:
Paste-the-Wall Wallpaper
- You apply adhesive directly to the wall.
- The wallpaper can be hung dry, straight from the roll — no measuring or booking time needed first.
- Much quicker and cleaner to install, especially for beginners.
- Great for murals and modern non-woven wallpapers.
Paste-the-Paper Wallpaper
- You apply adhesive to the back of the wallpaper before hanging.
- Each strip needs to be measured, cut, and pasted individually.
- After pasting, many wallpapers require a short wait (called booking time) to allow the paper to expand properly — the time varies depending on the product (can be up to 15 mins)
- The extra steps mean paste-the-paper installations usually take longer and require a bit more planning.
Murals vs Patterned Wallpaper
- Murals often arrive in pre-numbered panels that are hung in order — usually quicker to install than traditional pattern repeat wallpapers.
- Patterned wallpapers (especially with offset matches) take longer because the patterns must be carefully aligned across each drop.
DIY vs Professional
- An experienced DIYer can usually wallpaper a feature wall or small room in a day.
- A professional installer will be at significantly faster than a DIY. A quality hanger can complete a feature wall in a hour and half and or a standard-sized room in half a day, depending on layout and prep.
- If you're new to wallpapering or using expensive designs, giving yourself extra time (and a backup plan) is smart.
Other Factors That Affect Timing
- Wall prep — stripping old wallpaper, patching, sanding, or priming will add several hours.
- Complex layouts — rooms with lots of corners, windows, powerpoints/light switches, or alcoves take longer to measure and cut.
- Pattern match — offset matches or bold geometric prints increase install time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a project:
- Start small if you’re new — a feature wall is a great way to build confidence.
- Allow a full weekend for DIY medium-sized rooms.
- Paste-the-wall papers are quicker and easier if you want a faster project.
- Always factor in extra time for setup, clean-up, and a coffee break!
Still unsure how much time to allow for your specific wallpaper?
Contact us — we’re happy to help you plan your project! 🚀
Would you like me to move on to the next missing FAQ now: "Can I wallpaper over existing wallpaper?"
(It’s another very commonly asked DIY question!) 🚀