Looking for Wallpaper Inspiration

[oldhouseluvr]

I would like to wallpaper my foyer and first and second floor hallways this winter but I am struggling to find just the right paper. I would like something suitable to the period, but not necessarily a reproduction or authentic, for a rural Folk Victorian, built and owned by a developer/general contractor in the early 1890s. The space has very little natural light, so the paper has to be light enough or have reflective qualities to avoid darkening the space even further. Budget and function are also considerations. I doubt that any Bradbury or William Morris papers would be in my budget and whatever we choose can't be too fragile, since we share the house with kids and pets and we like to entertain.

Does anyone have period appropriate sources they would recommend?

[dpsours]

This site might help:
http://www.historicwallpapering.com/links.htm

[S Melissa]

I'd also look at http://www.americanblinds.com and Ebay might also be a good source. I got my last wall paper from ebay - looked at "vintage wall paper" or something like that. had no problems.

Oh to afford the bradbury papers - but I doubt that's ever in my future. The one thing about them is that they have to be pasted and trimmed - they come with the salvages still on them - which would not be fun AT ALL to trim all that - yikes!

Some things to consider - damasks; stripes; toile;

I can't wait to see what you find!

[rehabbingisgreen]

I'm trying to figure out the easiest method of reaching the tallest walls and ceiling in the stairway so we can paint or wallpaper over the not so nice PINK someone painted. I swear every house I looked at has crazy color.

[melissakd]

Yay, someone asked about wallpaper! I've spent HOURS shopping for wallpaper for a house we didn't buy. I looked through a bunch of web sites. I never ordered any wallpaper, though. It's all expensive.

House Vernacular and Aesthetic Interiors offer their patterns in paper or vinyl, but still for $10 a yard.
http://www.housevernacular.com/

http://www.aestheticinteriors.com/sc/store.php

You can find certain types of patterns in modern wallpaper, namely damasks, and the Federal sort of little wreaths or plain broad stripes. Out of time; got to go now.

MKd

[oldhouseluvr]

dpsours - thanks for that link. It contains a wealth of information!

melissakd - I found the aesthetic interiors site on dpsours' link and really liked those papers. The patterns and colors seem to fit the period and style of my house and I really like the vinyl option. For some reason the kids would rather hold the wall than the railing. At least with vinyl, I can wipe it down without worrying about ruining the paper.

rehabbing - I have never papered a stairway wall, but my b-i-l has. He explained to me that he created a scaffolding using a ladder and a board to reach the highest part of a staircase wall. I think he propped the ladder between a step and the second floor wall above the stairs. Then he rested a board on one of the steps and a rung of the ladder to create the scaffold platform. He seemed to think it was safe, but I am not about to try it. A few years ago, I found an excellent paperer who did my dining room and I am planning to use him again.

Mel - a damask or stripe is what I have been thinking, maybe in a tone-on-tone. The good news about price is that there are 13 doors in this space, one window, a transom and a half wall, so not quite as much wall space to cover as in other rooms. I haven't measured yet - I'm waiting to find the paper first. That way I am less likely to talk myself out of something I really like to avoid paying a little more.

I'll be back with pics after I collect some samples.

Thanks again!

[Nettie]

I have one room that has original wallpaper in it- at least I assume it is because there is just bare plaster underneath. Inside the closet is a contrasting paper. I love wallpaper, can't wait to see what you pick out.


That's Grandma's old fur coat hanging inside- seemed appropriate.

[oldhouseluvr]

Nettie - Nice paper! Someone did a nice job coordinating the papers in that bedroom and they look like they are still in perfect shape. Thanks for sharing.