Wallpapering with a repeat

What does repeat mean?

When we talk about repeat in connection with wallpaper, we mean the running length of the wallpaper pattern, i.e. the section of wallpaper within which the complete pattern or motif is reproduced once. The repeat cannot always be recognized by a clear change or clear break in the motif, but only becomes apparent when you see two strips next to each other. The repeat is indicated in centimeters as standard and can look like this: 64/0 or 64 cm, 64/32 or 64/32 cm.
The running length, sometimes also called the pattern height, is the first number in the example, i.e. 64 cm. The pattern is therefore only repeated from a height of 64 cm. Other common repeat measurements are 32/26/16/8 cm for smaller patterns. Occasionally, the repeat is also marked with 0 cm or not noted at all, which is often the case with single-colored wallpapers. Here you do not have to take a repeat into account when cutting and wallpapering.
The different notation is due to the manufacturer's conventions on the one hand, and on the other hand, information on the pattern offset (you will find an explanation of this further down the page).

What do I need to consider when wallpapering with a repeat?

Wallpapers with a pattern must be wallpapered with consideration for the pattern repeat and pattern offset to ensure a seamless overall look. When wallpapering a subsequent strip, the smooth transition of the pattern between the two wallpaper strips must be ensured.
The running length of the pattern and, if applicable, the offset determine where the wallpaper is cut to size; the amount of waste varies depending on the pattern.
Before cutting the strip to size, you should therefore first check, visually or by measuring, where the cut of the wallpaper strip is. Once you have determined the connection, the wall dimensions are taken from this point and then cut to size. The aim is to place the motifs and shapes of the wallpaper strip by strip in such a way that the pattern transitions from one wallpaper strip to the next.

How can I tell if the wallpaper has a repeat?

You can often tell from the product image whether you should consider a pattern for your desired wallpaper, but you can be sure if you look at the insert on the wallpaper roll. In addition to information on the roll format, the article number and production number, you will also find details on the pattern repeat and the pattern attachment.
The repeat is shown as a simple number, such as 64/32 or 32 cm. The running length of the entire pattern in the example is 64cm, a subsequent strip must be glued with an offset of 32cm. You can find out more about pattern offsets in the next section.

What does pattern offset mean?

The clue to the meaning is in the word, meaning the distance by which a wallpaper strip must be shifted so that the pattern of the individual strips creates a seamless overall picture. The pattern offset is stated together with the repeat length in centimeters, e.g. 64/32 cm. The first numerical value describes the total length of the pattern, i.e. the repeat, the second number 32 cm describes the offset of the pattern. This example is a wallpaper with a "staggered pattern", the pattern is shifted by half the pattern height.
In addition, there is also the "straight pattern" where the pattern is always wallpapered at a parallel height. Wallpapers without a pattern repeat and a pattern embossing are "free of embossing".

What do I need to bear in mind when offsetting patterns?

The pattern offset, also referred to as the pattern base, indicates how far the wallpaper needs to be moved up and down in order to achieve a uniform pattern on all wallpaper panels. When cutting the wallpaper strip to size, the distance of the offset must be taken into account, so depending on the starting point, a piece of wallpaper is occasionally wasted. It is helpful to orientate yourself on prominent points of the pattern and to determine the offset points of the pattern before gluing and cutting.

Seamless pattern repeat - correct cutting

In order to create a harmonious overall look, the pattern repeat & pattern of the wallpaper must always be taken into account when wallpapering. If you look at the length of the pattern and the pattern repeat before cutting it for the first time, you will avoid unnecessary waste and can coordinate the pattern exactly. For wallpapering beginners, it is helpful to first lay out two or three rolls of wallpaper next to each other and arrange them in such a way that the design results in a harmonious pattern without interruption; with the help of striking visual features, you can recognize the repeat and also check the offset of the pattern in the case of a wallpaper with a staggered border.

Once you are sure, it's time to cut the wallpaper to size. Wallpapering professionals measure the wall and panels and cut the required number and variations of panels directly. However, beginners can also proceed strip by strip and visually check the correct length and starting height of the subsequent wallpaper. Determining the correct length of the strip depends on the type of attachment:

With offset-free wallpapers, each length of strip corresponds to the wall height including the allowance. The strips can simply be cut in sequence regardless of the pattern, there is no waste.

With a straight pattern, each strip is cut identically, the length corresponds to the wall height including the allowance and always contains the same number of pattern repetitions. If the wall height is shorter than a multiple of the repeat, the rest of the pattern must be cut off. The waste is comparatively small due to the parallel wallpapering, but must be taken into account when determining the roll requirement. We explain how the requirement is calculated in the section "Calculating roll requirements for patterned wallpaper".