Transforming a space with wallpaper is always exciting. Whether you want to add personality, create a feature wall, or refresh an entire room, wallpaper offers an elegant and versatile solution. For anyone planning a renovation or move, especially while juggling a home office or kids at home, one crucial question arises: How long does it take to install wallpaper per room?
Understanding realistic timelines, which include not only installation but also preparing the space, is essential for stress-free planning. At Cover Up, interior solutions specialists, we know clarity and precision matter. This detailed guide will help you estimate how long wallpaper installation takes and what factors influence the process.
Factors That Influence Wallpaper Installation Time
There is no single answer because several elements can speed up or extend the process. Understanding these factors is the first step to an accurate estimate.
- Room Size and Layout
Small, simple rooms. Nurseries, powder rooms, or pantries with few interruptions such as doors and windows tend to be faster.
Large or complex rooms. Spacious living rooms, long hallways, or spaces with many corners, niches, columns, or sloped ceilings require more time for measuring, cutting, and precise application.
- Wall Condition
This is often underestimated but is crucial for success and durability.
Walls in excellent condition. Smooth, clean, dry, and flaw-free surfaces usually need only light cleaning and possibly a primer.
Removing old wallpaper. If old wallpaper is present, removal can be time consuming and delicate depending on the paper type and adhesive. This alone can take 2 to 8 hours per room or more in complex cases.
Walls with imperfections. Cracks, holes, peeling paint, moisture, or uneven areas require sanding, patching, and sealing. Skipping these steps compromises adhesion and the final finish.
- Type of Wallpaper
Different wallpapers behave differently during handling and application.
Traditional paper cellulose. More delicate, requires paste on the back and can tear if mishandled.
Vinyl or non-woven TNT. Generally sturdier and easier to handle. Many allow paste to be applied directly to the wall, which speeds up the process.
Peel and stick. Appears faster but demands high precision for alignment to avoid bubbles and misregistration, especially on larger surfaces.
- Pattern Complexity and Matching
Plain or random patterns. Do not require matching between drops and are quicker to cut and apply.
Patterns with repeats to match. Require precise measuring and cutting so the design aligns perfectly from strip to strip. This consumes more time and material.
- Installer Experience
Experienced professionals. A qualified Cover Up installer brings technique, tools, and efficiency for impeccable results, minimizing errors and rework.
DIY installation. Without experience, the process can take much longer, be frustrating, and sometimes yield an unsatisfactory finish that requires correction or reapplication.
- Details and Cutouts
Every interruption in the wall requires careful cutting.
Doors and windows
Outlets and switches
Baseboards and crown moldings
Built-in niches and shelves
AC wall sleeves or boxes
The more details, the more time is needed for precise cutouts.
Wallpaper Installation Stages. A Detailed Look
To provide a clearer estimate, here are the main stages and the average time each can take per room.
- Site and Wall Preparation 0.5 to 4 hours per room or more
Protecting the space. Move furniture and protect flooring with drop cloths or plastic. 0.5 to 1 hour.
Removing old wallpaper if needed. This can be the most time consuming step. 2 to 8 hours, depending on difficulty.
Cleaning and treating walls. Remove dust, grease, mold. Sand irregularities, fill holes and cracks, and apply a sealer or primer. This is crucial for adhesion and durability. 1 to 2 hours.
With walls free of old paper and few imperfections, prep may take 1 to 2 hours. In more complex scenarios, it can extend to a full day or more. - Measuring and Cutting the Wallpaper 0.5 to 2 hours per room
Measure wall height and cut drops with a safety margin.
Identify and align patterns so the repeat matches perfectly across all drops.
Number the drops to maintain correct sequence.
This is faster for plain papers and longer for complex patterns that require matching. - Pasting and Hanging 2 to 8 hours per room
Paste application. Depending on the wallpaper, paste goes on the back of the paper or directly on the wall.
Hanging the drops. Usually starting at a discrete area such as near a door or corner, drops are applied, aligned, and smoothed with a tool to remove air bubbles.
Cutouts. Precise cuts for outlets, switches, windows, and doors require time and care.
Installer skill is decisive here. A Cover Up professional will ensure perfect alignment and a flawless finish. - Finishing and Clean Up 0.5 to 1 hour per room
Trim excess wallpaper at ceilings, baseboards, and around casings.
Clean paste residue from walls and floors.
Final inspection to ensure no bubbles or lifting.
Average Time Estimates by Room Type with a Professional
These estimates assume basic wall prep and a partially cleared room.
Small bedrooms up to ~108 ft² (≈ 15,500 in²). Nursery, powder room, small office
Estimated time. 4 to 8 hours including basic prep and clean up.
Notes. Usually few interruptions. Time increases with numerous cutouts or pattern matching.
Medium bedrooms ~108 to ~215 ft² (≈ 15,500 to 31,000 in²). Standard single bedroom, typical office
Estimated time. 6 to 12 hours.
Notes. Two or three walls, one or two windows, one door. Variation depends on wall condition and paper type.
Living or dining rooms and large bedrooms ~215 to ~323 ft² (≈ 31,000 to 46,500 in²)
Estimated time. 8 to 16 hours.
Notes. More wall area, often more windows, doors, shelving, or architectural details. Time can extend beyond a full working day.
Hallways and powder rooms
Estimated time. 3 to 7 hours.
Notes. Although small, hallways can have many doors and corners and powder rooms often have many fixtures, which increases cutting time.
Kitchens and bathrooms where the material is appropriate
Estimated time. 6 to 10 hours.
Notes. Cabinets, tile edges, sinks, and plumbing add complex cutouts. Intrinsic humidity may require vinyl wallpaper and extra wall preparation.
Important note: These are estimates for one professional working alone. A two-person Cover Up crew can optimize total time, especially in larger or more complex rooms.
Cover Up Tips to Optimize Time and Ensure Success
Planning is essential. Choose the wallpaper in advance, confirm required quantity, and assess wall conditions. Preparation makes installation smoother.
Hire qualified professionals. DIY may look like a time or money saver, but errors can lead to rework and extra costs. A Cover Up pro not only installs faster but also delivers a perfect finish without bubbles, misalignment, or waste.
Prepare the room before the team arrives. Move furniture and remove artwork and valuables. The less the crew needs to do before starting, the faster the job finishes.
Have extra material. Keep an extra roll for contingencies such as cutting mistakes or future repairs.
Clear communication. Align expectations, specific details, and concerns with your installer. Good communication avoids misunderstandings and saves time.
Post-installation care. Wallpaper needs time to cure, generally 24 to 48 hours. Avoid touching or moving furniture too close to the wall during this period. Keep the room ventilated.
Planning Is the Key to Your Wallpaper Installation
Wallpaper installation is an investment that transforms your home. Timelines vary by the factors discussed, but early planning and choosing qualified professionals are the pillars of an efficient process and a stunning result.
Cover Up is ready to transform your spaces with the beauty and practicality of wallpaper. We offer high-quality products and expert installation so your project succeeds on time and on budget. Do not let uncertainty about time derail your plans. Count on Cover Up for a worry-free experience.
Ready to start your transformation? Contact Cover Up for a personalized quote and expert guidance on the best wallpaper for your project and the estimated installation time for your room.