The Historic Wallpaper Trend Is Making A Comeback In A Big Way

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Paint is an easy way to perk up a space, but reaching for a roll of wallpaper works even better when you really want to make an impact. There are countless Instagram-worthy wallpaper brands out there, offering a variety of design options that can add color, pattern, and texture to your favorite rooms. Whether you're drawn to classic Victorian scrollwork, stylized Arts and Crafts foliage, or exotic Chinoiserie birds, you'll quickly notice many modern wallpaper designs are rooted in nostalgic, seemingly outdated patterns of the past. In an exclusive interview with House Digest, design historian Sarah Bilotta said historic wallpaper designs are making a comeback in a big way because the patterns are timeless while offering ornate details that help you bring a variety of colors into your home.

"A heritage wallpaper is usually an older, well-recognized pattern being reproduced by a contemporary manufacturer," Bilotta explained. "The most well-known example is William Morris, a British arts and crafts-era designer who produced many patterns that have exploded since entering the public domain." A prolific artist, Morris was inspired by English gardens, capturing their flora and fauna in his most famed designs including "Strawberry Thief," "Chrysanthemum," and "Trellis." According to Bilotta, "Heritage wallpapers are a great choice for almost any home, as they are well-recognized and thus can fit comfortably into a variety of design schemes. Most European heritage designs have a classic and timeless feel, which can contribute to an effortless-looking elegance."

Choosing the right wallpaper for your space has always been challenging, but following historic wallpaper trends can help guide you toward a look that stands the test of time. "Heritage patterns have always been popular, which is what has helped them maintain that established, traditional feel they are known for," Sarah Bilotta told House Digest during her exclusive interview. Color is one factor you should carefully consider while making your historic wallpaper selection. "One common characteristic of many European heritage patterns is that they have a lot of ornate detail, thus you can bring colors and designs you might not normally choose into your home," Bilotta said. Historic patterns that incorporate several different colors can be especially effective in rooms with neutral flooring, upholstery, or other features, balancing controlled palettes with sumptuous designs to avoid overwhelming the space. "Texture is also a major consideration. For an authentic antique look, try a fabric wallpaper," Bilotta suggested. "For a pop of shimmer, try a gold foil paper."

Unlike a simple can of paint, hanging wallpaper can be an expensive proposition. "If you are new to heritage wallpapers, try scanning the Victoria and Albert Museum's wallpaper collection for inspiration," Bilotta advised. "Many of the older papers (1800s and earlier) in their collection can be purchased from home décor stores in the US as well as the UK." You can find some moderately priced options on Amazon, like the HAOKHOME Vintage Floral Peel and Stick William Morris Botanical in Sage Green. Bilotta also suggested shopping at Graham & Brown.

From lining a bookshelf to sprucing up your dresser drawers, there are several innovative ways to use wallpaper that don't involve covering an entire room with a bold historic pattern that costs hundreds of dollars per roll. "The wonderful thing about heritage wallpapers is that they can fit into almost any space," Sarah Bilotta explained during her exclusive interview with House Digest. The design historian said you shouldn't worry too much about getting the period exactly right. "Instead stand back and consider the overall impact of the pattern, the shades, and the texture," she recommended.

When we asked Bilotta how to make sure historic wallpapers will feel cohesive with the rest of the space, she offered some important advice: "My number one tip whenever you're considering adding wallpaper to your home, especially some of these more ornate heritage patterns, is to get samples and look at them in the room of your choice at different times of day." The amount of natural light coming in through your windows, the temperature of your lightbulbs, and the type of fixtures you have can dramatically impact the finished look of your room. You should also avoid other mistakes everyone makes when buying wallpaper by measuring your space multiple times to make sure you order enough rolls, paying attention to patterns (especially if your selection is a double roll), and correctly prepping your walls prior to hanging your new wallpaper.