First, you will want to document the paper with photographs, in color and black and white, and then research to determine the style, motif, country of origin, pattern and possible maker. Wallpaper can help date architectural changes to a structure, and provide clues to the taste of past owners and when they may have redecorated their rooms. Wallpaper is a valuable part of the history of your house and may interest the next owner of the house as well. It often reveals the popular style and technological advancements of a specific time period throughout the life span of the house.

Information is scarce on the intended use of eighteenth and early nineteenth century wallpaper patterns; probably most could be used interchangeably in the rooms of the house. The only exceptions were the pillar and arch and masonry papers. Because of their grand scale, both styles were typically hung in entryways or stair halls. Instruction manuals on interior decoration began to be published for a popular audience in the 1850s. It wasn’t until the late nineteenth century that wallpaper companies began to recommend to the consumer appropriate patterns for specific rooms.

Often a paper provides a variety of clues which may help date it. A bit of sleuthing and deduction will provide some answers.

1. Paper type - Is the paper handmade or machine made?
2. Printing process - Is the paper block printed, machine printed, screen printed, or hand painted?
3. Pattern/Style - There are specific pattern and styles that were popular during certain time periods.
4. Color - This is a more difficult indicator, but some decades are distinguished by specific colors.
5. Date of construction of the house - This will give you a good starting point but remember to take into account additions done to the house, if any.

The selvedge -- the unprinted margin on both sides of the roll of wallpaper -- sometimes contains production information which may reveal the manufacturer, pattern name or number, register marks and instructions for the paper hanger (such as "up" and "join").

If your paper looks generally sturdy you can use soft-bristled brushes to remove surface dirt and dust, but do not scrub vigorously or use water as this can loosen or smear pigments. If you are concerned about damaging the paper you may want to consult books on wallpaper conservation, or consult a conservator.

To ease the guilty feeling, you may want to do a little research on what you have found, for you may have purchased a roll of antique paper which could be unique and have historical significance. Papers of a more current vintage are more available and therefore could be used.

Whether found as a roll in the attic or removed from the wall, if the wallpaper is attractive and appeals to your personal taste, you can always frame or mount it as artwork or compile a wallpaper scrapbook documenting a part of the history of the house.