100 Years of Wallpaper: From the Era of the Titanic to Modern Interiors

History of Wallpaper

The history of wallpaper can be a little misleading. People have always been interested in decorating their walls. Think of cavemen with their thoughtfully drawn images, or of China around 200 BCE, where rice paper was applied to interior walls. However, when we talk about traditional wallpaper, we are referring to sheets of decorated paper (or later, other materials) specifically manufactured for covering and decorating walls, usually applied using paste. This is different from earlier wall decorations, such as murals painted directly onto stone or rice paper applied as simple wall coverings, in ancient times. The first thing that often comes to mind is historical films set in the late 18th century, with ornate patterns adorning the walls of places like Versailles, Buckingham Palace, and the grand homes of dukes and duchesses.

However, the history of wallpaper does not begin there; it goes back even further. Think more like the 16th century. As the Victoria and Albert Museum notes, wallpaper at that time was primarily used to decorate the insides of cupboards and smaller rooms in merchants’ houses, rather than the grand residences of the aristocracy. For example, in 16th-century England, block-printed wallpapers featuring simple repeating floral and pomegranate patterns became popular among merchants. These early designs were often made with black ink on small sheets of paper, pasted together to cover an area, and sometimes hand-colored to add visual richness. Seeing one of these delicate patterns in a preserved cabinet or room gives a real glimpse into the decorative tastes of everyday people at the time.

After the Industrial Revolution, however, this began to change, as materials became cheaper, production faster, and people's living conditions generally improved. As wallpaper became more accessible, its patterns and styles often mirrored the social and artistic movements at the time. For example, the Arts and Crafts movement in the late 19th century inspired wallpapers with handcrafted, nature-inspired motifs, in reaction to mass production. Soon after, the sweeping lines and floral patterns of Art Nouveau also left their mark, filling homes with elegant, organic designs. By the early 20th century, wallpaper could be found everywhere, from the homes of the wealthiest families to even the poorest households.

The history of wallpaper in America, however, is a bit trickier to pinpoint. Although early wallpaper in America was likely imported from Europe, records suggest it began appearing in American homes by the early to mid-18th century, particularly in the East Coast colonies.  That said, the oldest and largest wallpaper manufacturer in the United States is York Wallcoverings, which was founded in 1895.

While some wallpaper trends have remained nearly identical to what we see today, other decades are entirely unique in their color combinations and patterns. For example, the 1970s were famous for bold, geometric designs in bright oranges, browns, and yellows, capturing the era's eclectic and playful spirit. These unmistakable retro patterns set the decade apart and still inspire designers today.

Let’s dive deeper into the ever-changing world of wallpaper patterns to learn more about the history of wall coverings.

1910's wallpaper  

The 1910s were a decade during which the United States became the richest nation in the world. While Europe was plagued by war, America initially prospered. However, it was later drawn into the conflict, which significantly affected its economy, as U.S. businesses relied on foreign trade. This period of economic growth, followed by uncertainty, directly influenced American homes and interior design. As prosperity increased, more families, especially in the upper and emerging middle class, had the resources to invest in stylish decor such as wallpaper. The desire to showcase status and optimism was reflected in the patterns and quality of wallpapers chosen, making ornate,  elegant designs a symbol of modernity and success during this era.

Early 1910s wallpaper leaned into the late Victorian aesthetic, with Damask prints and a variety of botanicals becoming popular features in homes. Damask patterns were often intricate and symmetrical, featuring swirling floral motifs and ornate scrollwork in rich, deep colors such as burgundy, forest green, or navy blue, set against creamy ivory or gold backgrounds. Botanical prints brought a fresh, lively touch, featuring detailed renderings of roses, lilacs, ferns, and foliage in soft greens, dusty pinks, and delicate yellows. These wallpapers created a mood of elegance and refinement, bathing rooms in patterns that felt both sumptuous and optimistic.

Let’s take a look at the rooms aboard the Titanic to help illustrate these social distinctions in design. In upper-class rooms, the Damask pattern was a popular feature, highlighting the most modern interior design of the time. In contrast, the lower-class rooms were bare and lacked decorative designs, suggesting that wallpaper was an upper-class item in America at the time. That said, by the 1910s, wallpaper was also becoming increasingly accessible to the middle class. Many middle-class homes featured simpler patterns or printed imitations, such as floral or geometric designs, which offered a luxurious look at a more affordable price. For those who could not afford wallpaper, alternatives such as painted walls and inexpensive borders, and stenciling were common ways for middle-income families to add decorative appeal.

1920's wallpaper

The time of the economic boom. An era of jazz, flapper fashion, and the golden age of American music, literature, and art. These cultural trends shaped the way people decorated their homes. Modernism encouraged bold colors and geometric patterns in interiors. Flapper style, with its sense of liberation and glamour, inspired bolder and more decorative choices. People’s standard of living skyrocketed after the war, and with it, interior design flourished.

Wallpaper from the 1920s was kept relatively simple, as the decade's design trends were shaped by Art Deco. This style was already sleek and characterized by geometric shapes, bold colors, symmetry, and stylized motifs. Embracing the machine age, it combined modern technology with opulent materials. However, some 1920s wallpaper patterns still featured some botanical elements.

1930's wallpaper

The time of the Great Depression, when the world economy crashed, leaving millions unemployed. These economic hardships meant that most households had very limited resources for home decor, which deeply influenced interior design choices. Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany, and the Spanish Civil War began. Such global events led to material shortages and a focus on practicality in homes, with families prioritizing affordability and durability over decorative trends.

There's not much to add about wallpaper patterns in America at the time, as interior design was not a priority for most families. However, after 1933, a slight shift became apparent. Firstly, wood paneling became popular. Secondly, geometric designs, such as those of the Art Deco movement, were scaled down and applied to wallpaper. 

Typical 1930s wallpaper often featured geometric shapes, chevrons, and stylized florals. Color palettes tended to be muted earth tones, soft greens, creams, and ochre, but sometimes included richer colors like burgundy or navy for added contrast. Materials were usually inexpensive paper, sometimes with a semi-gloss finish. 

1940's wallpaper

World War II was raging on. But in interior design, linoleum flooring was rising in popularity – it was cheaper and available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. As mentioned in the January 1940 issue of Architectural Forum, a magazine which helped set the tone for home design trends throughout the decade, grasscloth wallpaper was noted as an emerging trend. Later in the 1940s, attention shifted to war housing, with practicality taking precedence over aesthetics. 

In the late 1940s, however, the focus shifted, and 1940's kitchen wallpaper featured interior designs and layouts we all know today.

1950's wallpaper

The 1950s were marked by the rise of consumer culture. As people embraced new forms of entertainment, such as rock and roll, and experienced significant social change in both Europe and America, home décor trends shifted to reflect these new attitudes. The desire to express individuality, optimism, and modern living directly influenced interior choices.

The kitchen became the focal point of 1950s home decor, reflecting both the era's fascination with modern appliances and the rise of family-centered living. Vibrant and cheerful, kitchens often featured bold colors such as cherry red, mint green, and sunny yellow. 

The popularity of mid-century modern style brought sleek lines and playful patterns into homes – a look that remains sought after today. While wood paneling was still common, what truly defined the decade was the widespread use of colorful wallpaper. As the 1952 issue of the American Home Journal demonstrated, homeowners favored larger botanical prints featuring oversized flowers and leaves, as well as eye-catching geometric patterns such as starbursts, polka dots, and atomic motifs. These distinctive wallpapers not only livened up spaces but also expressed the optimism and individuality that defined the 1950s aesthetic.

1960's wallpaper

In the groovy 1960s, while we still didn't seem to have gotten rid of the wood paneling, we saw and increase in significantly darker color combinations and bolder, more colorful patterns. As Anthony Little pointed out in The International Collection of interior design, interest in wallcoverings really shifted in this decade because there had been little innovation in the years prior. Key colors of this time featured included green, teal, mustard yellow, burnt orange, chocolate brown, and vibrant shades such as turquoise and pink.

As seen in the American House Journal throughout the 60s, certain wallpaper styles were especially popular. Many issues showed stripes, both wide and narrow. These stripes usually came in beige or other muted tones. 

Another trend was color blocking. This meant decorating a room in a single color, covering everything from curtains and walls to couches, carpet, linoleum, and even tiles. Iconic patterns of the decade included retro florals, colorful swirls, and bold geometric prints.

1970's wallpaper

Bell-bottoms and the rise of disco. The most common image we associate with the 70s is bright or dusty orange patterns or prints, as seen in the April 1970 issue of House & Garden. In one of the advertisements mentioned in this article for Thibaut wallcoverings, we can see them advertising a unique wallcovering that is green and resembles a fidget spinner. 

There were many interesting patterns and color combinations throughout the 70s that haven’t truly made a comeback yet. However, as mid-century modern interior design gains popularity, this could soon change. The use of color during this decade was unlike any other - bright rooms, bold patterns, and spaces filled with personality and fun. Geometric prints, of course, and florals, were especially popular back then.

1980's wallpaper

The 80s saw a rise in conservatism, with the likes of Reagan and Thatcher in the UK becoming the next political leaders. This brought a sense of conservatism to interior design; design can often be viewed through a political lens as well. Decor and design in the 80s highlighted tradition, with brick taking a prominent role in homes. Walls were mostly kept bare, with maybe some crown molding or paneling, but the interior elements used were mostly rugs, plants, and big furniture. 

1990's wallpaper

A decade that seems closer than it actually is, simply because it remains so iconic. Looking at Sears' 90s decorating book, the decade featured bold furniture, track lighting, heavy wood frames, nightstands, and closets, often mixed with. metal and different fabrics.

Imagine walking into a room and being greeted by bold, cheerful stripes or delicate florals – especially those classic rose prints that everyone remembers from the 90s. You might even spot wallpaper designed to look like wood paneling, perfectly split in half by a crisp line that separates two totally different patterns. This touch, that distinctive border running across the wall, was everywhere, giving the decade its own unique character.

2000's wallpaper

When people think of 2000s interiors, they often picture bright Y2K colors, metallic finishes, and futuristic decor. But the reality of early 2000s home design was often much softer and more traditional. Warm, sun-washed beige walls gave rooms a gentle, inviting glow, while textured decorative molding added a subtle elegance to living spaces. Rich wood paneling brought a sense of coziness, and wallpaper often featured classic damask or floral patterns with a touch of Tuscan charm, such as faux-finished ochre or muted, earthy hues. Ornate, curling ironwork and terracotta tile accents completed the look, filling homes with an atmosphere that felt both timeless and comfortable.

By the mid-to-late 2000s, interiors shifted toward darker wood finishes and a slightly more aged look. Espresso-stained cabinets and mahogany tables became increasingly popular, often paired with deep leather sofas and overstuffed armchairs inspired by traditional or transitional styles. Color palettes on walls moved toward chocolate brown, sage green, and slate blue.

2010's wallpaper

With advances in printing technology, the 2010s saw major developments in wallpaper design. One of the defining features of early 2010s interiors was the rise of modern wallpaper designs featuring black and white stripes, geometric patterns, metallic accents, and teal tones. Accent walls became extremely popular, allowing homeowners to experiment with dramatic colors.

By the mid-to-late 2010s, interior design took another major turn with the explosion of modern farmhouse style. Suddenly, shiplap was everywhere. No room in the house was safe from this wall trend. Living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, hallways – nearly every space featured white horizontal wood paneling.

Wallpaper today

As we are now well over halfway through the 2020s, we’ve already seen the rise of curved furniture, bold wallpaper, and nature-inspired interiors. But trends are constantly evolving. One moment, limewash walls dominate interiors, and the next, classic stripes return as the newest obsession.

At the same time, interior design – especially wallpaper – has become far more accessible to a wider range of people. Homes no longer have to fit into one specific style or trend cycle. Instead, they are becoming more personal, layered, and reflective of the people living in them. From playful maximalist prints to calming organic textures, wallpaper is helping homeowners create spaces that feel unique, expressive, and individual.

What can we learn?

Wallpaper has never been just a simple trend. It shifts with changes in people's lifestyles, political eras, and economic conditions. From the delicate, hand-painted florals that seem to whisper across powder-blue backgrounds to the attention-grabbing metallic geometrics shimmering in gold and emerald, and on to the cool, serene touch of minimalist designs in pale gray, trends are forever shifting. Some wallpapers offer the soft brush of textured linen under your fingertips, while others dazzle with glossy finishes or the tactile intrigue of raised flocking.

Today, wallpaper continues to reinvent itself. Vintage-inspired florals, Art Deco patterns, retro geometrics, and textured wall panels are all making modern comebacks, often blending nostalgia with contemporary design. Leading designers like Kelly Wearstler, whose bold, graphic collections for Porter Teleo and Voutsa's hand-painted murals, have brought artistic influences to the forefront. Renowned brands such as Cole & Son and House of Hackney are well known for their statement-making heritage prints, while Scandinavian designers like Sandberg and Ferm Living introduce subtle, minimalist patterns that feel fresh and modern. With people caring less about what others think, we can once again see individual personality reflected in interiors. But trends have a way of not letting us go.