The availability of reproduction wallpapers from 1700-1950 in America

by Schueneman, Dawn Johnson

In the restoration of a historic house or building the issue of how the walls will be treated or decorated requires careful consideration. In many historic buildings, especially those constructed after the eighteenth century, wallpaper was a common decorative wall treatment. Therefore, to retain historic integrity in such spaces it is desirable replicate this treatment in a manner that will be appropriate for the historic period of the structure. This study evaluates the availability of reproduction wallpapers that retain historic integrity and are currently commercially accessible for the period in America from 1700 through the 1950s. A brief history of American wallpaper development and period characteristics are followed by a catalog of accurate reproduction wallpaper patterns and an analysis of the availability of reproduction wallpapers by period and type.