Whether you're new to wallpaper or just need a refresher, this glossary breaks down the most common terms you'll come across during your project.
Wallpaper Formats & Types:
Single Roll
Half of a double roll. Often used for pricing, but wallpaper is sold in double rolls.
Double Roll
The standard unit sold. One long roll (not two separate rolls), usually 20.5" x 33' or 27" x 27", covering 50–60 sq ft.
Bolt
A large commercial roll, often 30 yards long. Used for big projects or commercial spaces.
Wallpaper Sidewall
The main wallpaper type used for walls—sold in double rolls, hung vertically.
Mural
A large image printed across multiple strips to form one complete scene or motif.
Unpasted
No adhesive—paste must be applied before hanging.
Pre-pasted
Has dried adhesive on the back. Activate with water.
Peel and Stick
Self-adhesive wallpaper that sticks to clean, smooth surfaces. Easy to remove.
Paste-the-Wall
Paste is applied to the wall, not the wallpaper. Faster and less messy.
Fabric-Backed Vinyl
Durable wallpaper ideal for commercial or high-traffic areas.
Grasscloth
Handmade from natural fibers with a textured, rustic look. Best in low-moisture areas.
Liner Paper
Thick paper used under decorative wallpaper to smooth surfaces or hide imperfections.
Design & Color Terms:
Color Way
The specific color variation of a wallpaper pattern.
Pattern Repeat
The vertical distance before the design repeats. Larger repeats may require more wallpaper.
Match Type
How the pattern lines up from strip to strip:
- Straight: Aligns evenly at the ceiling line
- Drop: Staggered design, needs offset placement
- Random: No alignment needed (e.g., stripes)
Matching
The act of aligning patterns across seams for a clean look.
End Point
Where the last strip meets the first—usually hidden in a less visible corner.
Booking
Folding a pasted strip glue-to-glue and letting it rest so it relaxes before hanging.
Scoring
Perforating old wallpaper to help removal solution soak through.
Sizing
A wall treatment that improves wallpaper grip and helps with future removal.
Primer
Seals and preps the wall for wallpaper. Especially important on porous or repaired walls.
Pre-trimmed / Untrimmed
Pre-trimmed: Edges are already removed.
Untrimmed: Installer trims edges before hanging.
Cross Seaming
Applying liner paper horizontally to prevent underlying seams from showing through.
Washable
Can be gently cleaned with a damp cloth.
Scrubbable
More durable—can be cleaned with a sponge and mild soap.
Strippable
Removes cleanly and dry from the wall without leaving residue.
Crocking
In darker wallpapers, some color may transfer to cloth or sponge during install. This is normal and won’t affect the final appearance.
Dye Lot / Run Number
A number indicating when the wallpaper was printed. Always match run numbers to ensure color consistency across rolls.
Sample
A small piece (usually 8x10") sent to preview the pattern and color. May not match the roll's exact dye lot.
Border Spool
A short decorative strip (usually 15 ft) used at chair rail height or along ceilings.