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Matching Repeated patterns


Patterns on paper repeat themselves every few feet or inches along the length of the roll.

This is called a vertical repeat. The pattern on one strip may align with another adjacent pattern horizontally or at an angle. How the designs on one strip are positioned in relations to the same designs on adjacent strips is called the pattern match.

There are basically five types of pattern matches.

Random, random texture, straight across, half drop and multiple drops

Ask your dealer about the implications of the pattern for your particular job and about any special cutting and installation requirements.
  1. In a Random match such as a vertical strips, you don't need to match patterns but you do need to install each drop the same edge always on the left.

  2. Random texture coverings such as grass cloths don't have a pattern, therefore matching is not necessary.

  3. Straight across patterns line up and match horizontally but may also be laid diagonally on a wall. The pattern always looks the same on every drop from the ceiling or other horizontal elements such as chair moldings and the tops of windows.

  4. Half Drop patterns line up on at a 45degree diagonal line rather than a horizontal one. Each strip is positioned so that it's above or below the adjoining strips at a distance equal to one half the vertical repeat.

  5. A multiple drop is similar to a half-drop, the difference being the amount you offset on each strip varies. The higher the multiple the less often a design repeats itself at the ceiling line. This type of pattern can be very confusing to the hang for the amateur.


Buying Wall covering
To figure out how much paper you will need simply figure out the area to be covered and divide the number by the area that each roll covers.
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