How to Choose a Great Wallpaper Installer

While there does seem to be fewer and fewer installers to choose from these days as more installer retirements happen, there are some ways to make sure that you are getting the best of the bunch that are left.

You are always looking for someone with a depth of experience. I have 42 years of experience, for example. You can look at the Google reviews that they have as well. (I have 132 5-star Google reviews, more than any one else in Colorado.)

But beyond these obvious methods, its important to look at photos of work they have done - either on their website, Google or on social media. You are looking for signs that show that they are taking the time to fine tune their installs. 

Part of the process a good wallpaper hanger does is to take the time "to walk the wall." This is planning where to put each sheet so that the pattern looks planned and placed while keeping in mind the size of the room and complementing features, such as mirrors, lighting, fireplaces, etc. An installer that's in a hurry may just start a wallpaper in a corner and run it down the wall, with no thought of whether it lands asymmetrically around a bookcase or the TV. I always take these things into consideration, which may lead to me adjust the placement of the paper in order get a symmetrical end result.

A symmetrical installation - the fans are cut off at the same part of the pattern on the left and right, and the fans at the top were kept whole. (Urban Walls - Flourish)

Another symmetrical Installation, with the round balls of the pattern kept whole and the splaying gold lines complementing the placement of the windows. (Wonder Mural - Abstract Watercolor)

Another important part of a high quality install is where the wallpaper "dies." In a full four wall install, there will almost always be a corner where the pattern doesn't match. I always plan out the placement so that this mismatching corner is in the least visible place. For example in a powder room, this mismatching corner would be behind the toilet, and if possible, around the corner from the door.

Wallpaper can also draw even more attention to focal points in the room. In this dining room, the chandelier was complimented by carefully placed wallpaper that centered around the flower pattern as it flowed outward. It was also nicely centered in the tray ceiling.

(Schumacher- Feather Bloom)

Make sure to look closely at the portfolio photos of the installer you are considering for these fine details - and ensure your wallpaper install is the best it can be!