Victorian style wallpaper is a unique way to incorporate a sense of history into your home. The intricate patterns and heavy colors characteristic of Victorian wallpapers can add a dramatic and impactful focal point to any room. They also offer the opportunity to showcase your own personal style and to experiment with unconventional design pairings.

During the Victorian period, wallpaper became perhaps the most important element of interior decoration. This was partly due to lower production costs, making wallpaper accessible to the middle class for the first time. In addition, the Victorians were influenced by the Aesthetic Movement which embraced artfully ornamented spaces. Designers such as Christopher Dresser were among those who promoted the notion that a room should be decorated with the best of taste, regardless of the financial status of the homeowner.

Victorian wallpapers were typically printed using a technique called flock printing. This involved the use of powdered wool which was shaken over a printed sheet of paper. The powdered wool accumulated into a thick pile that adhered to the surface of the pattern. Flock wallpapers often featured motifs derived from existing textile designs, with floral, leaf, and bird patterns being particularly popular.

Another common motif was the depiction of historical events. This was especially true following Napoleon’s expedition to Egypt, when Egyptian motifs were all the rage. In the Victorian era, pastoral scenes were also popular on wallpaper, along with scenes derived from Gothic and Rococo styles.

In addition to patterned wallpapers, Victorians also produced relief papers that imitated textured materials such as leather or wood panels. These were typically installed over plaster cornices or between dado and picture rails.

There were also a variety of non-patterned, solid color wallpapers in the Victorian era. These were usually printed with gilded detailing to create an elegant and luxurious effect. The emergence of synthetic dyes in the Victorian era allowed for a wide range of colors to be used on wallpaper, with earthy shades such as olive, russet, and deep red being the most popular. They were frequently paired with a gold or silver foil border.

Detailed floral patterns, often with a rich and complex symmetry were very popular during the Victorian era. Other popular patterns included toile de Jouy, harlequin, and chevron stripes.

Flock patterns were also popular, with the varying textures of these prints offering the illusion of depth and luxury. Many of these patterns also had a symbolic meaning and could be used to convey one’s social standing or personal values.

Victorian Wallpaper Trends

The popularity of Victorian wallpaper continues to grow, largely because of its ability to complement and enhance other design elements within a room. Its dimensionality and complexity can add drama to a space and provide balance to a crowded room. It can also work well as an accent wall, drawing the eye and introducing a contrasting texture to a plainer room. In addition, its color palette can be matched with modern furniture to bring a sense of historical elegance to a contemporary setting.