Specialized Wallcovering for Historic Homes
The greater Boston area is home to some of New England's most architecturally significant properties, from Federal-era townhouses in Cambridge to Victorian mansions in Newton and early 20th-century craftsman homes in Somerville. These historic properties require a wallpaper installer who understands the unique challenges of older construction and approaches every project with a preservation mindset.
At Boston's Wallpaper Installers, our historic home specialists have extensive experience working with plaster walls, horsehair lath, uneven surfaces, and period architectural details. We combine traditional techniques with modern materials to deliver installations that honor your home's heritage while providing lasting beauty and protection.
Own a Historic Home?
Schedule a specialized consultation for your historic property.
Get Free Quote or call (781) 785-8987Client Testimonials
Ready to Get Started?
Request your free wallpaper installation quote today.
Get Free Quote or call (781) 785-8987What Is Included in Our Historic Home Service
- Specialized assessment of plaster walls, lath condition, and surface stability
- Gentle removal of existing wallpaper layers without damaging original plaster
- Plaster repair and stabilization using compatible materials
- Period-appropriate wallpaper selection guidance
- Expert installation adapted to uneven surfaces and unique architectural features
- Preservation-conscious techniques throughout the entire process
Ready to Get Started?
Request your free wallpaper installation quote today.
Get Free Quote or call (781) 785-8987Our Historic Home Process
- Assessment: We carefully evaluate your walls, identifying plaster type, condition, previous wallpaper layers, and any structural concerns.
- Stabilization: Loose plaster is secured, cracks are filled with compatible materials, and surfaces are gently prepared without aggressive sanding.
- Priming: We use primers specifically formulated for plaster walls that promote adhesion without introducing excess moisture.
- Installation: Our installers work methodically around period moldings, picture rails, chair rails, and other architectural features.
- Detailing: Every edge, corner, and transition is finished with the precision that historic homes demand.
Working with Plaster Walls
Plaster walls are fundamentally different from modern drywall, and they require an installer who understands their behavior. Plaster can be brittle, uneven, and sensitive to moisture. Aggressive preparation techniques that work on drywall can cause catastrophic damage to historic plaster.
Our team uses gentle preparation methods: careful scraping rather than power sanding, plaster-compatible fillers rather than standard joint compound, and moisture-controlled primers that bond without saturating. We have successfully installed wallpaper on plaster walls dating back to the 1800s, and we bring that experience to every historic project.
Preservation Mindset
We approach every historic home with respect for its original character. Our goal is to enhance your home's beauty without compromising its architectural integrity. We work carefully around original moldings, medallions, and trim, and we select adhesives and techniques that allow for future removal without damaging the underlying plaster.
Preserve Your Home's Character
Get expert wallpaper installation that respects your home's history.
Get Free Quote or call (781) 785-8987Materials for Historic Homes
- Traditional paste-the-wall papers: Classic application method ideal for plaster surfaces
- Lining paper: Creates a smooth, stable base on uneven plaster
- Breathable non-woven: Allows moisture to pass through, reducing plaster damage risk
- Period reproduction papers: Historically accurate patterns from specialty manufacturers
- Grasscloth and natural fibers: Organic textures that complement period architecture
Areas We Serve
Our historic home wallpaper specialists serve properties throughout the greater Boston metro area:
- Lowell, MA
- Cambridge, MA
- Brockton, MA
- Quincy, MA
- Lynn, MA
- Newton, MA
- Somerville, MA
- Lawrence, MA
- Framingham, MA
- Waltham, MA
Historic Home Wallpaper FAQ
Will wallpaper damage my plaster walls?
Not when installed correctly. Our preservation-conscious techniques and plaster-compatible materials protect your walls throughout the installation and allow for clean future removal.
Can you match period-appropriate wallpaper patterns?
Yes. We work with specialty manufacturers who produce historically accurate reproduction wallpapers suitable for homes from every era.
How do you handle uneven plaster surfaces?
We use lining paper and specialized preparation techniques to create a smooth, stable base on uneven plaster without aggressive sanding or skim coating.
Do you remove multiple layers of old wallpaper?
Yes. Many historic homes have accumulated multiple wallpaper layers over decades. We carefully remove each layer using gentle steaming and scraping techniques that protect the underlying plaster.