Are you looking for inspiration to decorate your Victorian home with wallpaper? Look no further! The 1800s were a crucial time in the development of wallpaper production, with the introduction of continuous paper reels and roller-printing revolutionising the industry. From flamboyant Regency stripes to Arts and Crafts-style florals, here are our Top 10 favourite wallpapers that capture the essence of Victorian style.
Lower George St
Lower George St: This abstract design dates back to the early 1800s, featuring orangey stars on a pinky yellow ground. Discovered on the upper floor of a commercial property, this wallpaper brings a touch of contemporary flair to any Victorian home.
Lauderdale
Lauderdale: Found in a property overlooking Hampstead Heath, this design was created using stencilling rather than block printing. A plain green paper was cut up on a hessian scrim, stretched over the wall, and then stencilled in situ, resulting in a unique, handmade look.
Wrest Trail
Wrest Trail: Featuring a structured wandering stem adorned by relaxed, almost sketch-like interpretations of leaves and fruit, this design has a mid-twentieth-century feel despite its actual origin of 100 years earlier. The all-over trail effect is created with a relaxed quality of drawing, making it perfect for a more modern Victorian home.
Brodsworth
Brodsworth: Based on early 18th-century French textiles, this pattern originally imitated stamped leather. The design was used in both the library and the morning room at Brodsworth Hall in reverse colour ways, creating a subtle yet elegant statement.
Poppy Trail
Poppy Trail (Felbrigg Hall) c.1890-1900: This flamboyant floral design features large, stylised poppies, a classic example of those in production during the late 19th century. Coloured in five tonal colour ways, each with statement grounds, this wallpaper is sure to make a bold statement in any Victorian home.
Briar Rose
Briar Rose (Oxburgh Hall) c.1845-1915: Characterised as being in the ‘Arts and Crafts’ style, this wallpaper features densely stylised natural motifs originally designed by children’s book illustrator Walter Crane. Little is known about where in the house the wallpaper was used, as much of the original exists today only as loose samples. The paper was originally produced by the London firm Jeffrey & Co. and has been reproduced today in three gentle combinations and three vibrant colour ways.
Upper Brook St
Upper Brook St. c.1920: Featuring brightly coloured kniphofia flowers, this design was recorded as having been hand-painted and stuck over a pre-hung wall covering in a late 18th-century Upper Brook Street house as a bespoke decoration. The pokers repeat every drop, but the full background scene is only completed when all three drops are hung, creating a stunning natural scene.
Lovers’ Toile
Lovers’ Toile (Oxburgh Hall) c.1950: This contemporary take on a classic pattern is a post-WWII reinterpretation of an 18th-century French Toile de Jouy design. Featuring vignettes of people in activity including fishing, dancing, and gardening, this single-colour design has been printed in five modern colour ways, perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia to a modern Victorian home.
Dahlia Scroll
Dahlia Scroll (Newark Park) c.1890-1900: This scrolling floral design is reminiscent of the early work of Voysey, featuring an enlarged Dahlia, a motif typically found in Japanese design, and sinuous plant forms based on a single flower, characteristic of Art Nouveau. Coloured in seven different ways, including elegant neutrals, bold blue, and vibrant yellow, this pattern would have originally been block printed possibly by Jeffrey & Co.
Hoja
Hoja (Oxburgh Hall) c.Late 1890s:
This striking paper features an all-over design of large, stylised leaves arranged in rows. The pattern, which is thought to have been produced by Jeffrey & Co., was found in Oxburgh Hall, a National Trust property in Norfolk. The green and gold colour way of this paper would have added a touch of opulence to a Victorian home, while the intricate design is perfect for showcasing the advancements made in the wallpaper industry during the late 1800s.
Facts and Questions
What makes Little Greene wallpapers suitable for a Victorian home?
Little Greene wallpapers are inspired by historical designs and are perfect for a Victorian home. They offer a range of patterns and colour schemes that are reminiscent of the era, from intricate damask and floral designs to bold stripes and geometric patterns.
What types of Little Greene wallpapers are available for a Victorian home?
Little Greene offers a variety of wallpapers that are suitable for a Victorian home, including traditional patterns such as damask, florals, stripes, and geometric designs. The wallpapers are available in a range of colours and textures to complement any Victorian interior.
How do I choose the right Little Greene wallpaper for my Victorian home?
When choosing a Little Greene wallpaper for your Victorian home, it's important to consider the overall aesthetic of your space. Take into account the colours and patterns already present in your room and select a wallpaper that complements and enhances the existing decor.
Can Little Greene wallpapers be used in all rooms of a Victorian home?
Yes, Little Greene wallpapers can be used in all rooms of a Victorian home. From grand entrance halls to cozy bedrooms, there is a wallpaper design to suit every space. Little Greene wallpapers are also suitable for high-traffic areas such as hallways and staircases.
How do I care for Little Greene wallpapers in my Victorian home?
Little Greene wallpapers are easy to care for and can be cleaned with a damp sponge or cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that could damage the wallpaper. It's also important to avoid exposing the wallpaper to direct sunlight, which could cause fading over time.
In conclusion
In conclusion, Victorian wallpapers are a wonderful way to add character and charm to any home, whether it be a faithful restoration of a period property or a contemporary take on Victorian style. With so many designs to choose from, ranging from bold florals to subtle geometric patterns, there is something to suit every taste and interior style.