The Real Reason Vintage Wallpapers Are Trending (And How To Snag The Look)

It seems like the label of "vintage" can drastically increase a home decor item's value these days. Between vintage IKEA furniture returning back to stores and the resurgence of the cottagecore aesthetic, it seems that everyone is turning to old, familiar looks in this increasingly modern world. This zeitgeist habit is now making its way to the art of wallpapering: an age-old trend that allows homeowners and renters alike to add patterns in place of paint or tile on a wall. According to experts, the vintage wallpaper trend is in full swing for a few different reasons, and it's mostly due to the fact that other trends, like biophilic decor and maximalism, are surging. 

Design historian Sarah Bilotta, who holds a Master's of Design History from Oxford University, spoke exclusively with House Digest about the increase in demand for vintage wallpapers. First, she established what even makes a wallpaper "vintage." "Vintage wallpaper typically refers to designs reproduced based on vintage patterns, or direct reproductions of famous wallpapers designed in the mid-20th century," Bilotta said. And two parts of history that these modern-day designs are pulling from are the mid-20th century as well as the Victorian era. "From the 1940s through the 1970s, floral wallpapers were extremely popular, as were papers with a Victorian revival look, like brocades and pinstripes," Bilotta added. She said that these can be found from designers like "Laura Ashley (known for her cottagecore look, before it was called cottagecore) and David Hicks (famous for his repeating geometric patterns)."

In an exclusive interview with House Digest, Sarah Bilotta spoke about the trending vintage wallpapers and how they tie into other current decor trends. For instance, biophilic design has become a Pinterest-approved design trend that brings the outdoors in – it's a way for decorators to allow more light and greenery into their space to make the room feel flowy and comforting. That trend seamlessly ties into vintage wallpapering, says Bilotta. "Botanical prints are increasingly popular and lean heavily on the rustic look that was popular in the 1970s," she told HD. "These prints are popular both with devotees of that cottagecore lifestyle and with lovers of biophilic decor."

Another modern trend is the monochrome look, in which decorators coordinate a lot of decor around the same hue. "Monochromatic geometric prints are also very popular, as they can be woven into almost any setting with seamless chicness. (For example: a dark green repeating diamond motif on a sage green ground is a David Hicks-inspired success)," Bilotta told House Digest. And finally, we'd be remiss not to mention the ever-popular maximalist decor trend, which features eclectic patterns and tons of quirky knick knacks, making a space feel "lived in" and exciting. Bilotta says that this, too, is reflected in vintage wallpapers making a comeback. "I've also heard murmurings that textured wallpapers are back (which is a delight to hear)," she said. "From linen to velvet, texture will help imbue a sense of dynamism and depth that echoes the maximalist vibes of the 1970s and 1980s."

Bringing a new wallpaper into your home is a little more complicated than simply applying it like a sticker. In her exclusive interview with House Digest, expert Sarah Bilotta offered some simple tips for wallpapering your home like a professional. "As with any wall covering, you should make sure the tone and shade are right for your room," she said. She recommended getting samples to place on the wall in different spots to see how they hold up at different times of the day. She continued, "Also, take into consideration the overall palette of your room. Wallpaper is a great way to bring color into a neutral space in a non-obtrusive way, by — for example — selecting a small-scale floral with hints of bold color."

If you're aiming to go the vintage route, Bilotta recommends sticking to simple and timeless wallpapers that you won't have to change out after a few years. "Wallpaper can be difficult to install yourself, making it worthy to invest in a look that you'll enjoy for years to come... Go for more classic and traditionally-minded patterns, like dainty florals and subtle geometric patterns," she said, meaning that those simple cottagecore picks might be just perfect for hopping on this trend. Try to avoid over-the-top patterns that might go out of trend quickly: "While an Atomic Age paper design may feel fun and funky right now, it could spell out the direction of your decor for the duration of its installation," Bilotta told HD.