Wallpaper has played a significant role in shaping the interiors of century homes, reflecting shifts in taste, technology, and social trends over time. From the intricate floral patterns of the Victorian era to the sleek geometric designs of the Art Deco period, wallpaper has been more than just decoration—it has been a statement of style, craftsmanship, and cultural identity.
Understanding how wallpaper evolved in different eras provides insight into the changing aesthetics of historic homes and how homeowners expressed their personalities through interior design.
The Evolution of Wallpaper in Century Homes
The Victorian Era: Opulence and Ornate Patterns
During the late 19th century, wallpaper became a defining feature of Victorian interiors, symbolizing wealth and refinement. Designs were elaborate, often featuring bold floral motifs, intricate damasks, and gilded details. Many wallpapers were inspired by nature, with roses, ferns, and birds appearing frequently in repeating patterns. Darker color palettes such as deep reds, greens, and golds were popular, reflecting the grandeur of the era.
Wallpaper was commonly used in parlors, dining rooms, and bedrooms, often paired with wainscoting or heavy drapery. The introduction of machine-printed wallpaper in the mid-1800s made it more accessible, allowing middle-class families to bring Victorian elegance into their homes. Some high-end wallpapers even featured embossed or flocked textures, creating a luxurious, velvety effect.
The Arts and Crafts Movement: Simplicity and Handcrafted Beauty
By the early 20th century, the Arts and Crafts movement rejected the excess of Victorian design in favor of simpler, nature-inspired patterns. Wallpaper designs from this period featured stylized floral and geometric patterns, often in earthy tones like muted greens, browns, and soft blues.
Notable designers like William Morris helped popularize wallpaper as an art form, with hand-printed patterns that celebrated craftsmanship. Many Arts and Crafts homes incorporated wallpaper sparingly, using it for accent walls or above wainscoting rather than covering an entire room.
The 1920s and Art Deco Glamour: Bold and Geometric
The Art Deco period brought a complete shift in wallpaper design, embracing bold geometric shapes, metallic accents, and high-contrast color schemes. Designs featured zigzags, sunbursts, and stylized floral motifs, often in gold, silver, black, and jewel tones.
This era’s wallpaper reflected the modernity and luxury of the Roaring Twenties, complementing sleek furniture and streamlined interiors. Bedrooms, dining rooms, and even bathrooms featured wallpapers with glossy finishes, giving spaces an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere.
The 1930s-1940s: Soft Florals and Cottage Charm
During the Great Depression and World War II, wallpaper trends shifted toward softer, nostalgic patterns that evoked a sense of comfort and warmth. Delicate floral prints, pastel colors, and gingham patterns became common, particularly in kitchens and bedrooms.
Cottage-style wallpaper featuring roses, ivy, and lace-like designs became popular, reflecting a desire for simpler, more traditional aesthetics. Many homes of this era had wallpapered ceilings, often with subtle textures or floral borders to soften the room’s appearance.
The Mid-Century Modern Era: Abstract and Atomic
By the 1950s and 1960s, wallpaper designs embraced the futuristic optimism of the post-war era. Abstract shapes, atomic-inspired patterns, and bright, playful colors became widespread, reflecting the rise of mid-century modern design.
Popular motifs included boomerangs, starbursts, and stylized botanical prints, often in shades of turquoise, mustard yellow, and coral. Many homeowners used wallpaper to create bold accent walls, while others experimented with textured wallpapers such as grasscloth to add depth and warmth to interiors.
The 1970s: Earth Tones and Maximalism
The 1970s saw a return to bold, oversized patterns and earthy tones, with wallpapers featuring paisley prints, oversized florals, and swirling psychedelic designs. Browns, oranges, and avocado greens were dominant, reflecting the influence of nature in design.
Foil and vinyl wallpapers became popular, adding a shiny, reflective quality that was often paired with shag carpets and wood paneling. These dramatic, statement-making wallpapers became a defining feature of the era’s interior design trends.
The 1980s and 1990s: Subtle Textures and Borders
By the late 20th century, wallpaper designs became more subdued and textured, with a focus on muted florals, pastel stripes, and faux finishes. Many homeowners favored wallpaper borders instead of covering entire walls, using them to accent rooms without overwhelming the space.
Some wallpapers mimicked faux marble, brick, or plaster textures, creating a more understated look. The rise of wallpaper removal techniques also made temporary wallpapers more popular, giving homeowners more flexibility in design choices.
Final Thoughts
Wallpaper has been a defining element of century home interiors, evolving with changing styles and cultural influences. From the rich, ornamental patterns of the Victorian era to the sleek geometrics of Art Deco and the playful prints of mid-century modernism, each period tells a unique story through wallpaper design. Whether restoring an old home or drawing inspiration from the past, understanding these historical trends can help bring authentic charm to any space.