Whether it’s fashion, web design or home decor, everything goes through trends and what was all the rage one year can become dated and old fashioned the next.
Things that were once seen as old fashioned or outdated can also come back in vogue.
But some things never go out of style, they just keep evolving...like jeans for example.
So is wallpaper old fashioned? Absolutely not! Old fashioned wallpaper is old fashioned, but modern wallpapers have evolved with new materials, ways to apply and hang as well as a staggering array of designs & styles. Many interior designers still love working with modern wallpapers.
If you were hesitant to use wallpaper, rest assured it’s a modern, relevant and fabulous choice for wall decor.
You can confidently go ahead and start decorating your home, or stick around to read the rest of this article and learn why wallpaper is a fabulous decor choice.
There are affiliate links in this article. They are for a fantastic wallpaper company WallRepublic.com
This simply means you don't pay a cent more, I just receive a small commission .. it all helps to keep the lights on!
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A Short History of Wallpaper
Historic records show that wallpaper was first used in China around 200 BC.
Images of landscapes, flowers and birds were printed on rice paper.
Chinese prisoners in the Battle of Talas supposedly passed on this knowledge of making wallpaper to their Middle eastern captures.
The Middle Eastern people then took it a step further by using linen.
Then in the 16th century, China started importing wallpaper to Europe.
Wallpaper then evolved again as a method was devised to imitate cut velvet and these wallpapers were known as flocks.
Silk or woodpile was shaken on a varnished or glued design and wallpaper manufacturing became a recognized trade.
We can probably thank the French for the wallpapers we have today.
The Dominotiers were a guild of painters and paperhangers set up in 1599.
The methods they used then are similar to today's methods.
Later in the late 17th century by demand of Louis XVI, wallpaper was made in longer rolls.
Then a Frenchman named Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf invented the first machine for printing wallpaper.
Wallpapers kept evolving throughout Europe and the rest is history.
Today, wallpaper manufactures incorporate many different materials for producing a wide range of papers with different characteristics and applications.
Wallpaper Through the Years
A few hundred years ago, wallpaper was seen as an elegant decor to adorn the walls of the royal and the rich, the patterns exuding elegance and wealth.
The 1930’s and 40’s saw floral designs and pastel colours.
The 1950’s and 60’s saw braver and funkier use of patterns and colour.
The 1980’s brought us orange and brown! But there were also very colourful, graphic and even new wave designs that continued into the 90’s.
Into the noughties wallpaper took on more modern and contemporary designs.
These days, modern wallpaper can still be bought with these vintage patterns and designs.
Retro is big, but modern wallpaper is representing these eras with more subtlety and finesse.
The latest wallpapers are also made from better and more durable materials.
Popularity of Modern Wallpapers
In many ways, wallpaper is probably more popular today than ever, especially amongst interior designers.
Even if it’s not as widely used as it was back in the 1950’s and 60’s, it’s certainly far more accepted.
Modern wallpapers are a far cry from the old floral styles that your grandma may have loved.
Not just in design, but the materials used.
Papers today are far easier to hang as gone is the need for slapping glue everywhere.
They’re also more durable and fade resistant.
Many papers today are simple to apply and there’s even removable wallpaper with many beautiful designs.
Newer materials and manufacturing techniques means there’s a wallpaper to suit various applications, let’s take a quick look -
Traditional Wallpaper - these are made from paper, which is cellulose derived from plant fibres and are very popular due to their affordability and vast range of designs. This type of paper will either require pasting or soaking to activate the adhesive.
Non-woven - these are also extremely popular as these papers are made from a mix of natural and synthetic fibres. Much easier to hang than cellulose papers as the adhesive paste is applied directly to the wall.
Bamboo, Grass and Burlap - another plant based product that is very popular because it’s environmentally friendly. But it does stain easier and not as hard wearing.
Textile - Made from various textiles such as linen, cotton, velvet and felt, they can be luxurious but are more expensive. But still a very popular choice.
Embossed - as the name implies, these papers are embossed with designs and can be made from vinyl, linoleum as well as certain fabrics. They definitely have a look of yesteryear and offer a more classic look. But used in the right context can work extremely well.
Grass Cloth - made from fibreglass, it’s extremely long lasting, flame resistant and highly durable. These papers come in many contemporary and modern styles.
Vinyl - another long lasting paper that’s highly durable and washable. Available in many patterns and designs as well as a full wall mural. You can get faux brick, tiles and other things too. It’s also available as a removable paper, sometimes referred to as “peel and stick”.
Liquid - a solution of cellulose and cotton fibres is applied directly to the wall. It has become quite popular and the video demonstrates just what a unique product it is.
Bringing Old Fashioned Wallpaper Back to Life
Even though we now have many modern designs and materials, vintage and retro is still in.
Retro wallpapers are made with more durable materials and the colours can really pop.
When retro designs are used well and correctly paired with more contemporary furniture and other decor, it can be a fantastic look.
It’s possible to buy new furniture with a hint of mid century/past eras, so you can create a wonderful vintage look without looking dated.
If you live in an older home that’s been renovated with more modern architecture and styling, using a style of wallpaper sparingly from that era is a great way to give a nod to its history. Perhaps a single feature wall may be enough.
Many wallpapers are also paintable these days.
This means you can find a retro pattern you love, then update it through the years as colour trends change.
Old Fashioned Wallpaper Trends to Avoid
Personal taste is just that .. personal. If you like the look of something & it makes you happy, well enjoy!
But there are some wallpaper trends that for me, I could live very happily knowing they'll never come back into style.
Wallpaper borders - believe it or not, these aren't totally gone & rumour has it they're making a comeback. But even with modern patterns they still look dated to me.
Plaid - this style of wallpaper can still be purchased. But why would you? It looks like you've a table cloth stuck on your walls!
Eggshell Wallpaper Finish - this always reminds me of my shared house days when I lived in the UK. It was always painted beige too!
Final Thoughts
Wallpaper is far from being old fashioned and will continue well into the future of interior design.
Certainly modern paper designs look current and contemporary, but the new retro papers are pretty cool.
Personally, I love the look of a splash of retro, as long as it’s not overdone, otherwise it can just look cheesy and somewhat kitsch.
Thanks for sticking around to the end of this article. Sharing is caring, so feel free to spread the love.
Leave a comment below if you’ve got your own old fashioned wallpaper stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Paint Over Wallpaper?
It's usually best to remove wallpaper, but sometimes this isn't always possible. So yes, with the right approach you can paint over wallpaper. Learn more ..
Can You Hang Art Over Wallpaper?
Yes & it can be done with minimal to no damage to the wallpaper. Learn more ..
Does Wallpaper Fade?
Like anything exposed to prolonged sunlight, it can fade. But that doesn't mean it will. Learn more ..
How Long Does Wallpaper Last?
Wallpaper can be made from various materials, some more fade & damage resistant than others. So how long can you expect your wallpaper to last? Find out ..
Is Wallpaper a Good Idea?
Some people can still be on the fence when deciding to decorate with wallpaper. There are pros & cons. Learn more ..
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