What does pattern repeat and pattern match mean?

Dear Marianne,
The pattern repeat and pattern match are important pieces of information about the size of the repeating wallpaper pattern and the way the pattern transitions from one strip (or length of wallpaper) to the next on the wall. With the help of this info, the number of required rolls can be calculated much more accurately.

In simple terms, what is a “wallpaper repeat”?

“Wallpaper with repeat” refers to a wall covering with a repeating pattern. The repeat height indicated on the rolls is the distance at which a pattern is repeated in the longitudinal direction of the wallpaper. This distance, also known as the running length of the wallpaper pattern or pattern height, is best visualised as follows: Let's assume the wallpaper you have chosen has a floral pattern. The pattern repeat is the distance between the beginning of the floral pattern on the wallpaper and the next beginning of the same pattern (the same flower). I like to call it the "rhythm of the wallpaper". If the pattern repeat is large, you will see fewer flower repetitions on each strip of wallpaper. If it is small, you will see more flower repetitions. Depending on the origin of the wallpaper, the pattern repeat is given in centimetres or inches.

In wallpaper terms, what does “pattern match” mean?

To ensure that the pattern aligns properly on several adjacent strips of wallpaper, you need to consider another factor: the pattern match. This indicates whether and by how many centimetres (or inches) the pattern on two adjacent strips must be match from each other so that the printed elements fit together correctly. The following 3 variants are available, each with a specific symbol printed on the insert of the wallpaper roll:

Free match (random pattern)

A random pattern means that the lengths of wallpaper can be put up next to each other without having to pay attention to the pattern. Basically, it's like working with plain-coloured wallpaper without a pattern: You simply cut all the strips to match the height of the wall.

Straight match

If your wallpaper has a straight match, the matching part of the pattern is always at the same horizontal height of the strips. This also means that each individual strip will look the same at the ceiling line.

Offset match

An offset match means that only every second length of wallpaper looks the same. As the pattern is not always at the same horizontal height of the individual strips, they must be put up in an "offset” manner. The size of this offset is indicated next to the repeat on the wallpaper insert. Example: 52/26 means that the wallpaper with a repeat of 52 cm is offset by 26 cm along the wall for the second strip so that the pattern aligns correctly.

Your wallpaper expert
Isabel