Are Retro Wallpapers Making a Comeback?

Let’s preface this post by defining: what do we mean by retro? It is a bit of a vague time period. Especially with how quickly fashions and technology are currently progressing. Vintage and retro are also very much in vogue at the moment, but each has a different meaning to different people. The technical definition of Retro is ‘fashion or design of the recent past’ so we could, justifiably, use the term ‘Retro’ to describe the early 2000’s right back to the early 1900’s.

However, when most people say retro they are typically imagining the pinup style of the 50’s, or the free lovin’ 60’s. In this particular post, however, I would like to focus on designs of the 60’s and 70’s, mainly because of their influence on current interior design.

So, what do papers from the 60’s and 70’s look like?

As we can see by the images above, they are typically bold, repeating patterns that can either be geometric or swooping, or sometimes even damask patterns. They usually have a certain colour pallet made up light browns, tans, dark greens, reds and oranges.

In the past few years we have noticed a huge resurgence of small businesses moving away from mass production and back to craftsmanship and making things by hand. There is a small but thriving niche of people keeping old manufacturing methods alive. Retailers like The New Craftsmen and Etsy are helping to get these wonderful products into the world. And wallpaper is no exception.

Companies like Little Greene, Cole and Son and Timorous Beasties have stood by time honoured principles and the highest levels of craftmanship. Some of the papers are exquisitely detailed, and have a depth that you could only get printing by hand.

Timorous Beasties Diamond Agate

So, are these Retro Wallpapers making a comeback? Well, kind of. Though the exact patterns and colours are not directly and readily available, their influence can definitely be seen.

Timorous Beasites – Medium Dame Red

Little Greene – Lavaliers Atomic

Bold repeating patterns are definitely on trend at the moment. This is in no small part due to the popularity of statement walls.

Timorous Beasties – Birdcage Superwide

Little Greene – Bonaparte Pure Gold

They allow for these bold, strong patterns to be used without becoming overbearing, as they would if they were on all four walls.

Timorous Beasties – Chic Blotch Mustard on Pearl

Little Greene – Albemarle Street Gold

The colour theme is also on trend as well. It differs somewhat as it is not the exact same colours that are currently being used, but muted, matching tones are definitely in fashion. Which is a complete contrast with the 90’s and 2000’s which was full of bright, attention grabbing colours.

Little Greene – Starflower Original