Want to redecorate your bedroom with wallpaper, but don’t know if you can afford it?
Budgeting for a wallpaper project can be a daunting task. Between material and installation costs, and hidden expenses along the way, it’s easy to overspend before you even start.
But here’s the thing…
Most people underestimate how much bedroom wallpaper hanging costs. They focus on the material cost per roll but forget about the labor, preparation work, and unexpected surprises that add up quickly.
In this guide, we’ll give you the insider info you need to budget for your bedroom wallpaper project — and avoid any nasty cost surprises along the way.
So let’s jump right in.
Here’s the Breakdown:
- How Much Does Wallpaper Hanging Really Cost?
- Installation Cost Breakdown
- Hidden Costs To Know About
- Save Money On Your Wallpaper Project
- The Ultimate Budget Plan Formula
How Much Does Wallpaper Hanging Really Cost?
The first step in budgeting is understanding the actual costs of hanging bedroom wallpaper.
Wallpapering prices can range from £325 to £825 on average, with most homeowners spending around £600 for a standard bedroom installation. But here’s the thing…. The price tag can swing dramatically based on your choices.
The material cost can range from £20 to £250+ per roll, depending on the quality, style, and complexity of the wallpaper you choose. And that’s just the beginning. Before we get into the labor and additional expenses, it’s important to understand what makes up your final cost.
Why such a huge range in cost?
The final cost of your project depends on a variety of key factors:
Room Size & Wallpaper Type Room size and square footage of your walls, type of wallpaper you choose, condition of your walls, and whether you’re hiring a professional or doing it yourself all influence the total cost.
Wallpaper Hanging Cost Breakdown
Installation costs are where most people fall short.
Professional wallpaper hangers charge between £3 and £7 per square foot in labor. Others charge by the hour at £30 to £80, while some go by the roll at £25 to £35 per piece.
Here’s a breakdown of what drives these costs:
Room Size & Complexity: A small bedroom with 100-120 square feet of wall space is obviously less expensive than a larger master bedroom with vaulted ceilings and multiple windows. But size isn’t the only factor.
High ceilings, large windows, columns, alcoves, arches and other architectural features all increase installation time — and cost. Pattern matching and precise alignment for detailed or wood patterns takes more time and skill.
Material Choices Matter. Not all wallpaper is created equal when it comes to installation.
Peel-and-stick vinyl is the fastest, easiest and least expensive to install. Traditional paper and non-woven wallpapers fall in the middle. But wallpaper with texture, 3D embossing, grasscloth or hand-painted custom murals? All require special skills and significantly increase labor costs.
Pro Tip: On a budget? Vinyl wallpaper in a solid color or simple pattern will get you the most value.
Wallpaper Hanging Hidden Costs To Know About
Where most people blow their budget…
You’ve got the basics of materials and installation under control. But what about everything else? Here are all the expenses that surprise people.
Wall prep work needs to be in top condition before wallpaper goes on. Old wallpaper removal runs £0.80 to £3.00 per square foot. Surface repairs to patch cracks and holes is another £50-£75 per square foot. While many pros include basic prep in the overall quote, significant repairs will cost extra.
Supplies & Tools, don’t forget about paste, primer, sealing supplies, not to mention the actual tools. Budget at least £50 to £100 for these extras if you’re hiring a pro. But DIY? You’ll still need to factor in the cost of proper tools and supplies.
20% RuleIt’s a cardinal rule of wallpaper: Always buy 20% more material than your wall measurements require.
Why? Pattern matching, cutting waste and future repairs all eat into your supply. This extra roll or two is not optional — it’s essential insurance for the life of your investment.
Save Money On Your Wallpaper Project
Ok, but what if you’re trying to save money on the project?
Look, we’re all on a budget at some point. But here are some proven strategies that actually work.
DIY: Installing wallpaper yourself can save you £3 to £7 per square foot in labor. But be realistic.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper in a small bedroom? Perfect DIY. Ornate grasscloth wallpaper in a room with vaulted ceilings and 10-foot high windows? Call a pro.
Accent WallOne of the smartest budget moves is installing wallpaper on a single accent wall instead of the entire room.
You’ll need less material and labor, plus you can choose a more expensive or higher-quality wallpaper if you want. Interior painting for the remaining walls only costs £1 to £3 per square foot, a fraction of wallpaper costs.
Go To Sales & SampleYes, there is such a thing as good sale-bait. Wallpaper suppliers have free or low-cost samples available. Order these before you commit to a full roll.
Wallpaper goes on sale all the time. Sign up for newsletters from your favorite wallpaper suppliers, then wait for the next seasonal clearance sale. You can often get designer wallpaper for 30-50% off if you’re patient.
Creating Your Wallpaper Budget Plan
Let’s get down to business and put it all together into an actual budget plan.
Start by calculating the square footage of your bedroom. Measure the length and height of each wall, multiply them together, then subtract out windows and doors. Add 20% for waste and pattern matching.
Ready for the formula?
- Calculate the square footage of all walls
- Add 20% for waste
- Divide by coverage area per roll (usually 25-35 square feet)
- Multiply by cost per roll
- Add installation costs if hiring a pro
- Add 10-15% for contingency and surprises
Let’s work through an example….
A 12×12 bedroom with 8-foot ceilings has about 320 square feet of wall space (minus windows and doors, maybe 280 square feet total). Add 20% for waste, and you’ll need 340 square feet of coverage.
At our average of £600 for materials and installation, you’re looking at very close to a standard bedroom wallpapering cost. But if you choose a high-end grasscloth with a complex pattern, or have lots of architectural features? Then bump up your budget to £1,000-£1,500+.
Always Build In A Buffer
Add 10-15% to your final estimate to create a contingency fund.
Wall prep, extra materials, and installation surprises all happen. When you have this buffer in place, it doesn’t ruin your budget when reality diverges from your spreadsheet.
Get Multiple Quotes Always
Always, and we mean always, get multiple quotes for your project.
Don’t just take the first one you get! Get at least three estimates from qualified installers, then compare. Compare cost, but more importantly, compare what’s included. Prep work, materials, clean up, warranties, they all vary.
The cheapest quote is not always the best value.
The Bottom Line
Budgeting for bedroom wallpaper hanging is easy once you know what to expect.
Start with realistic cost estimates, account for those sneaky hidden expenses, and then pad the budget with a safety cushion. Whether you’re spending £325 on a simple vinyl wallpaper DIY project or £1,500 on a designer installation with complex wallpaper, a clear budget keeps you in control.
The key is planning ahead. Measure accurately, choose materials that fit your budget and skill level, and never skimp on the prep work.
Properly installed wallpaper can last 10-15+ years or more. Way longer than paint. That makes it a smart long-term investment if you plan and budget correctly from the start.
