These are the 14 Most Iconic Wallpaper Designs of All Time

1. William Morris’s ‘Strawberry Thief’

In 1883, William Morris introduced ‘Strawberry Thief,’ a design inspired by thrushes pilfering strawberries from his garden at Kelmscott Manor. This intricate pattern features stylized birds amidst lush foliage, reflecting Morris’s deep appreciation for nature. The design was meticulously crafted using the indigo discharge printing method, a labor-intensive process that made it one of Morris & Co.’s most expensive textiles.

Initially intended for curtains and upholstery, ‘Strawberry Thief’ has since been adapted into wallpaper, maintaining its popularity in both historic and contemporary interiors. Its enduring appeal is evident in prestigious collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum. (en.wikipedia.org)

2. Cole & Son’s ‘Woods’

Introduced in 1959, Cole & Son’s ‘Woods’ wallpaper features a serene birch tree motif, capturing the elegance of nature. This design has become synonymous with modernist interiors, frequently adorning the walls of upscale hotels and contemporary homes.

Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to complement various color schemes and interior styles, making it a versatile choice for designers and homeowners alike. The ‘Woods’ wallpaper is available in multiple colorways, including taupe/white, taupe/cream, and lilac/charcoal, allowing for customization to suit different aesthetic preferences. (cole-and-son.com)

3. Scalamandré ‘Zebra’

Scalamandré’s ‘Zebra’ wallpaper, introduced in 1945, features prancing zebras set against vibrant backgrounds, capturing a playful yet elegant aesthetic. Originally designed for New York City’s Gino of Capri restaurant, the pattern gained widespread recognition after being featured in Wes Anderson’s 2001 film, ‘The Royal Tenenbaums,’ adorning Margot Tenenbaum’s bedroom.

Its distinctive design has since appeared in various films and upscale interiors, solidifying its status as a pop culture icon. The ‘Zebra’ pattern remains a beloved choice in interior design, reflecting its enduring popularity and whimsical charm. (scalamandre.com)

4. Fornasetti’s ‘Nuvole’

Piero Fornasetti’s ‘Nuvole’ wallpaper, introduced in the 1950s, presents a surreal and ethereal depiction of clouds, transforming any space into a dreamlike environment. The design showcases billowing clouds rolling across a romantic sky, capturing the transient beauty of the atmosphere.

This whimsical pattern has gained popularity among avant-garde designers for its ability to add depth and drama to interiors. Available in various colorways, including ‘Nuvole al Tramonto’ (Dusk and Dawn), the wallpaper offers a unique ombré effect that mirrors the changing hues of the sky. For more details, visit the official Fornasetti website. (fornasetti.com)

5. Graham & Brown’s ‘Frames’

Graham & Brown’s ‘Frames’ wallpaper, designed by Taylor & Wood in 2004, transforms walls into interactive canvases. The design features hand-drawn picture frames awaiting personalization, inviting individuals to add their own photos, drawings, or doodles. This innovative concept has resonated with both children and adults, making it a popular choice for nurseries, playrooms, and creative spaces.

Available in various colorways, including black with white frames, white with gold frames, and pink with white frames, ‘Frames’ encourages creativity and self-expression, allowing each installation to be uniquely tailored. For more details, visit the official Graham & Brown website. (grahambrown.com)

6. Sanderson’s ‘Chelsea’

Introduced in 1957, Sanderson’s ‘Chelsea’ wallpaper showcases a vibrant rose bouquet pattern, epitomizing classic floral design. Its exuberant motifs have adorned country homes and chic interiors for decades, adding a touch of vintage glamour to various spaces.

The design is available in multiple colorways, including Pink/Celadon, White/Pink, and Forest/Indigo, allowing for versatile applications in different interior settings. For more details, visit the official Sanderson website. (en.wikipedia.org)

7. De Gournay Hand-Painted Chinoiserie

De Gournay’s hand-painted Chinoiserie wallpapers epitomize luxury and artistry, offering bespoke designs that transform interiors into opulent spaces. Founded in 1986 by Claud Cecil Gurney, the company specializes in recreating traditional Chinese motifs, such as birds, flowers, and landscapes, through meticulous hand-painting techniques.

Each panel is crafted by skilled artisans in China, often taking over 50 hours to complete, ensuring unparalleled quality and attention to detail. These exquisite wallpapers have adorned grand estates, palaces, and high-end hotels worldwide, reflecting a timeless elegance that appeals to discerning clients. For more information, visit the official De Gournay website. (degournay.com)

8. Florence Broadhurst’s ‘Japanese Floral’

Florence Broadhurst’s ‘Japanese Floral’ wallpaper, introduced in 1959, showcases bold, graphic lotus motifs inspired by her travels in the Far East. The design’s vibrant colors and retro glamour have made it a standout in both mid-century and contemporary interiors. Available in various colorways, including black, green, and pink, ‘Japanese Floral’ continues to captivate design enthusiasts worldwide. (mysmallspace.co.uk)

9. Osborne & Little ‘Papilio’

Osborne & Little’s ‘Papilio’ wallpaper features a subtle, textured basket weave pattern, adding depth and sophistication to any space. Available in various colorways, including beige, grey, and taupe, ‘Papilio’ complements both modern and traditional interiors. Its understated elegance makes it a versatile choice for enhancing the ambiance of living rooms, bedrooms, and corridors. For more details, visit the official Osborne & Little website. (osborneandlittle.com)

10. Laura Ashley ‘Cottage Rose’

Laura Ashley’s ‘Cottage Rose’ wallpaper, introduced in the 1980s, features romantic, timeless rose motifs that have become synonymous with English country style. Its delicate design and soft color palette have made it a staple in both traditional and contemporary interiors, adding a touch of vintage charm to any space. The enduring popularity of ‘Cottage Rose’ reflects its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while remaining relevant in modern design. For more details, visit the official Laura Ashley website. (lauraashleyusa.com)

11. Timorous Beasties ‘Glasgow Toile’

Timorous Beasties’ ‘Glasgow Toile’ offers a provocative reinterpretation of the traditional French ‘Toile de Jouy’ wallpaper. While classic toiles depict idyllic pastoral scenes, ‘Glasgow Toile’ integrates contemporary urban life, portraying vagrants, misbehaving youths, and iconic Glasgow landmarks.

This design challenges conventional aesthetics, blending historical patterns with modern societal themes. Its bold approach has garnered both admiration and debate, reflecting the duo’s commitment to merging traditional techniques with avant-garde concepts. For more details, visit the official Timorous Beasties website. (timorousbeasties.com)

12. Marthe Armitage Linocut Wallpapers

Marthe Armitage’s hand-printed linocut wallpapers are celebrated for their intricate designs and artisanal craftsmanship. Born in 1930, Armitage studied fine art at the Chelsea School of Art and later embraced linocut printing to create unique wallpaper patterns. Her designs often draw inspiration from nature, featuring motifs like birds, flowers, and landscapes.

Each piece is meticulously hand-printed using a century-old lithographic press, ensuring a distinctive and personal touch. Armitage’s work has garnered international acclaim, with her wallpapers adorning both private residences and public spaces. For more information, visit the official Marthe Armitage website. (marthearmitage.co.uk)

13. Andy Warhol’s ‘Cows’

In 1966, Andy Warhol introduced his ‘Cow’ wallpaper, a bold fusion of pop art and interior design. Inspired by art dealer Ivan Karp’s suggestion to depict pastoral themes, Warhol transformed the traditional cow image into vibrant, fluorescent pink and yellow screen prints.

These were used to cover the walls of the Leo Castelli Gallery during his exhibition, creating an immersive environment that blurred the lines between art and space. This innovative approach challenged conventional aesthetics and is frequently cited in discussions of contemporary art’s influence on everyday décor. For more details, visit The Andy Warhol Museum’s collection. (warhol.org)

14. Brunschwig & Fils ‘Les Touches’

Introduced in 1965, Brunschwig & Fils’ ‘Les Touches’ wallpaper features a distinctive spotted pattern reminiscent of abstract animal prints. Its versatility allows it to serve as a bold accent wall or as sophisticated upholstery, adapting seamlessly to various interior styles.

The design has been embraced by designers and homeowners alike for its timeless appeal and ability to add depth and interest to any space. Available in a range of colorways, including blue, pink, and tangerine, ‘Les Touches’ continues to be a staple in luxury decorating. (architecturaldigest.com)

Conclusion

The enduring appeal of these 14 iconic wallpaper designs underscores their significant influence on both residential and commercial interiors. From William Morris’s ‘Strawberry Thief’ to Brunschwig & Fils’ ‘Les Touches,’ each pattern has left an indelible mark on design history. Their timeless aesthetics continue to inspire and shape contemporary spaces, reflecting the evolving interplay between tradition and innovation in interior design.