Historic Home Wallpaper Installation

Challenges Unique to Historic Homes

Working in older homes presents challenges that require specialized knowledge and careful technique:

• Plaster walls: Unlike modern drywall, plaster can be uneven, have hairline cracks, and react differently to adhesives. We use appropriate primers and adhesives formulated for plaster surfaces.
• Multiple wallpaper layers: Many historic homes have 3-5 layers of old wallpaper accumulated over decades. Removal must be done carefully to avoid damaging the plaster beneath.
• Uneven surfaces: Walls in older homes are rarely perfectly flat. We use lining paper and skim-coating techniques to create smooth surfaces without altering the wall's original structure.
• Ornate moldings and trim: Crown moldings, chair rails, picture rails, and baseboards require precise cutting and fitting that respects the existing woodwork.
• Irregular room geometry: Walls that are not perfectly plumb or square require careful planning to maintain pattern alignment throughout the room.
• Lead paint concerns: Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint under existing wallpaper. We follow EPA guidelines for safe handling and containment.

Our Approach to Historic Homes

1. Detailed Assessment: We examine wall composition, existing layers, moisture levels, and structural integrity before recommending any approach.
2. Gentle Removal: If old wallpaper must come off, we use low-pressure steam and careful scoring to protect the plaster. We never use aggressive scraping that could gouge soft plaster surfaces.
3. Plaster Repair: Hairline cracks are stabilized, loose areas are re-adhered, and damaged sections are patched with compatible plaster compounds — not modern joint compound that can crack over time.
4. Appropriate Priming: We use primers specifically designed for plaster, creating a stable base that prevents adhesive from being absorbed unevenly into the porous surface.
5. Lining Paper: For walls with significant texture or imperfections, we apply lining paper first, creating a perfectly smooth canvas for the decorative wallpaper.
6. Careful Installation: We work slowly and methodically, ensuring each strip is positioned correctly before final adhesion, especially around period moldings and trim.

Period-Appropriate Design Options

If you want your wallpaper to complement your home's architectural era, we can guide you toward historically appropriate patterns and materials:

• Victorian (1860-1900): Rich florals, damasks, and William Morris-inspired designs
• Arts and Crafts (1880-1920): Nature motifs, geometric borders, and muted earth tones
• Spanish Colonial Revival (1915-1940): Textured grasscloths, warm terracottas, and Mediterranean patterns
• Art Deco (1920-1940): Bold geometric patterns, metallic accents, and dramatic contrasts
• Mid-Century Modern (1945-1970): Abstract patterns, atomic-age motifs, and bold color palettes

Of course, many homeowners prefer a contemporary look in their historic homes — and that works beautifully too. We are happy to install any wallpaper style you choose, ensuring it works harmoniously with your home's existing architectural features.

Pricing Considerations for Historic Homes

Historic home projects often require more time and specialized materials than standard installations. Factors that affect pricing include:

• Number of existing wallpaper layers to remove
• Extent of plaster repair needed
• Whether lining paper is required
• Complexity of moldings and trim work
• Lead paint testing and containment (if applicable)
• Accessibility of the work area

We provide detailed written estimates after our on-site assessment, so you know exactly what to expect before work begins.

Why Choose Us for Your Historic Home

• Experience with plaster walls, lath-and-plaster, and aged surfaces
• Gentle removal techniques that protect original substrates
• Knowledge of period-appropriate designs and materials
• Proper plaster repair using compatible compounds
• EPA-compliant lead paint handling when required
• Respect for your home's irreplaceable architectural details
• Free on-site consultations throughout Los Angeles

Areas We Serve

We provide historic home wallpaper services throughout the greater Los Angeles area, including neighborhoods known for their architectural heritage: