What is a pattern match in Wallpaper?
Wallpaper is an excellent way to add style and character to your home. However, before you begin, it is essential to understand the different types of wallpaper pattern matches and how to hang them correctly. In this article, we will provide a beginner-friendly guide on the three most common wallpaper pattern matches and share some useful tips on how to hang them successfully.
The first and most common wallpaper pattern match is the straight match. With this type of match, the pattern repeats at the same level across the width of the wallpaper. To hang a wallpaper with a straight match, measure the height of your wall and add a few extra inches to allow for trimming. Then, unroll your wallpaper and cut it into strips that are slightly longer than the wall's height. Start at the top of the wall and work your way down, aligning the pattern at the top of each strip before smoothing it out and trimming any excess.
The second wallpaper pattern match is the offset (or drop) match, which is more complex than the straight match. In this type of match, the pattern repeats at a specific interval, usually every other strip. The pattern on each strip is shifted up or down so that it lines up with the pattern on the adjacent strip. To hang wallpaper with a drop match, identify the repeat interval of the pattern, and cut the wallpaper into strips slightly longer than the wall's height plus the repeat interval. Start at the top of the wall and work your way down, aligning the pattern and matching the drop at the appropriate interval before smoothing it out and trimming any excess.
Thirdly we have the free match, this is the easiest to instal with no matching required. You have free rein to install this wallpaper as you’d like however the most efficient way to avoid loss of wallpaper is to cut slightly larger than the wallpaper height and hang each strip as directed on the label (top down or bottom up).
Lastly we have reverse alternate, this means that each drop must be hung opposite of the previous drop. If the first drop is hung with the roll at the ceiling and paper down the next must be hung with the roll starting at the bottom and paper pulled up, this is usually common on no pattern wallpapers to help blend in the colour and ensure you cannot easily see the joins. Tip, right on the wall an up or down arrow where you expect the rolls to be hung to ensure you don’t loose track of which way to hang.
To ensure a successful installation, it is essential to prepare the walls correctly before hanging wallpaper. It really is all in the prep… fill any holes or cracks, sand rough areas, and clean the walls thoroughly. Use a good quality wallpaper paste and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Finally, take your time and work carefully, especially when matching the pattern at each seam.
In summary, by understanding the three most common types of wallpaper pattern matches and following our tips on how to hang them successfully, you can create a beautiful and unique look for your home with wallpaper. Remember to prepare your walls correctly, use high-quality materials, and take your time to ensure a flawless finish. Wallpaper can transform a room in less than a day, its the perfect way to elevate your home.