Wallpaper has long played a pivotal role in interior decoration, evolving from a modest alternative to luxurious wall hangings into a significant design element that reflects cultural and artistic trends.
Originating in the 16th century, early wallpapers were used to decorate the interiors of cupboards and modest rooms within merchants’ residences. These early designs often mimicked fabrics like damask, serving as decorative liners for armour and chests.
As printing techniques advanced, wallpaper became more affordable and widespread, allowing middle-class Europeans to embellish their homes with intricate patterns and vibrant colors. During the Renaissance, wallpaper emerged as an alternative to costly tapestries, with early varieties imitating luxurious fabrics.
By the 18th century, wallpaper had become a popular decorative choice, with designs ranging from simple repeats to elaborate scenic landscapes. The Victorian era saw a surge in wallpaper usage, with mass production making it accessible to a broader audience.
The mid-20th century was a period marked by rapid technological advancements and a burgeoning sense of optimism post-World War II. This era saw a shift towards simplicity, functionality, and a connection to nature in design. Wallpapers from this period often featured bold geometric patterns, abstract forms, and organic motifs, reflecting the innovative spirit of the time. Colors ranged from earthy tones to vibrant hues, catering to a variety of tastes and interior settings.
In contemporary interior design, wallpaper continues to be a versatile interior decoration tool, offering endless possibilities for texture, pattern, and color, thus improving the aesthetic appeal and character of spaces.
Today, several companies continue to produce wallpapers that capture the essence of mid-century design, allowing homeowners and designers to infuse spaces with retro charm.
Modern Companies Embracing Mid-Century Wallpaper Designs
Several contemporary companies have embraced the timeless appeal of mid-century wallpaper designs, offering collections that pay homage to the original aesthetics while incorporating modern sensibilities.
Bradbury & Bradbury Art Wallpapers
Founded in 1979, Bradbury & Bradbury specializes in reproducing historic wallpaper designs. Their collections include mid-century modern patterns that reflect the geometric and abstract styles of the era. The company employs traditional screen-printing techniques to ensure accuracy in color and pattern reproduction, making their wallpapers suitable for restoration projects and period-specific interiors.
Established in 1860, Sanderson is a British wallpaper and fabric manufacturer with a long history of producing designs based on archival patterns. Their collections include wallpapers from the mid-century period, often adapted to contemporary production methods. Sanderson’s approach combines historical research with modern color applications, maintaining the integrity of original designs while making them compatible with current interior trends.
Little Greene is known for its work with historical wallpaper designs, including mid-century styles. The company collaborates with institutions such as English Heritage to research and reproduce authentic patterns from different design periods. Their mid-century collection includes wallpapers from the 1950s and 1960s, printed using modern materials while retaining the original aesthetic characteristics.
Founded in 1889, Schumacher has an extensive archive of wallpaper and textile designs, including mid-century patterns. Their collection includes geometric, abstract, and nature-inspired motifs from the 1950s and 1960s. Schumacher reintroduces these designs using contemporary printing techniques and materials while maintaining the defining features of the original patterns.
Graham & Brown is a British wallpaper manufacturer that produces both historical reproductions and contemporary designs inspired by mid-century aesthetics. Their wallpapers often incorporate geometric shapes and color palettes associated with the 1950s and 1960s. The company utilizes modern production methods, including digital and traditional printing, to offer a range of mid-century-inspired options suitable for contemporary interiors.
Using Mid-Century Wallpaper in Modern Interiors
Integrating mid-century modern wallpaper into contemporary spaces requires a thoughtful approach to ensure harmony between retro elements and modern aesthetics. Here are some tips to achieve a cohesive look:
1. Accent Walls
Using mid-century patterned wallpaper on a single wall can create a focal point without overwhelming the space. This approach allows for the bold designs characteristic of the era to shine while maintaining balance within the room.
2. Coordinated Color Schemes
Selecting wallpapers with colors that complement existing furnishings ensures a cohesive design. Mid-century palettes often include mustard yellows, olive greens, and burnt oranges, which can be paired with neutral tones for a balanced look.
3. Mixing Patterns and Textures
Combining mid-century wallpaper with contemporary textures, such as sleek metals or soft fabrics, can create a layered and dynamic interior. This fusion of old and new elements adds depth and interest to the space.
4. Complementary Furnishings
Pairing mid-century wallpaper with furniture and décor items that echo the design period enhances the overall theme. Pieces with clean lines, tapered legs, and organic shapes work well in such settings.
How to Apply Wallpaper Yourself
Applying wallpaper yourself can be a fun DIY project to transform your space. Below is a concise guide to help you through the process:
Tools Needed:
- Wallpaper Paste or Adhesive: Choose one suitable for your wallpaper type.
- Paste Brush or Roller: For evenly applying adhesive to the wall or wallpaper.
- Wallpaper Smoother: To eliminate air bubbles and ensure a smooth application.
- Utility Knife or Snap-Off Blade: For trimming excess wallpaper at edges and corners.
- Measuring Tape: To measure walls and cut wallpaper accurately.
- Level or Plumb Line: To ensure the wallpaper is applied straight.
- Seam Roller: To press down seams between strips for a seamless look.
Application Steps:
1. Prepare the Walls: Ensure walls are clean, dry, and free from imperfections. Fill any holes or cracks and sand smooth.
2. Measure and Cut: Measure the height of your walls and cut wallpaper strips accordingly, adding a few extra inches to the length for adjustments.
3. Apply Adhesive: Depending on your wallpaper type, apply adhesive to the wall or the back of the wallpaper using a brush or roller.
4. Hang the Wallpaper: Starting from the top, align the wallpaper with your marked guideline (using a level or plumb line) and gently press it onto the wall. Use a wallpaper smoother to eliminate air bubbles and ensure adhesion.
5. Trim Excess: Use a utility knife to trim excess wallpaper at the top and bottom edges for a clean finish.
6. Repeat: Align the next strip, ensuring patterns match at the seams. Use a seam roller to press down seams for a seamless appearance.Mid-century kitchen cabinets bring a functional yet stylish heritage into your home. From steel to wood, each material carries its own vintage appeal, reflecting an optimistic era bent on efficiency and design. Whether you restore authentic cabinets or install modern replicas, embracing this look connects you with a vibrant tradition of form, color, and practicality.