Vintage Wallpaper Decorating

Many of today's homeowners feel a rush of nostalgia when passing by old homes. In an age of consumerism, there is something reassuring about homes that have lasted for decades. Old homes that have retained their original woodwork and charm have often been stripped of other interior personality. One way to preserve the look and feel of an old house, or to give a new house the charm of an older home, is by vintage wallpaper decorating.

The term "vintage" covers a wide expanse of time. For some, vintage means the turn of the twentieth century. While for others, vintage takes them back no further than the 1970s. The best way to be true to the home being decorated, is to explore the wallpapers that were common when the house was built. Although many retailers do not carry vintage wallpapers, there are quite a number of online retailers who specialize in vintage wallpaper prints.

Vintage wallpaper decorating for an older home offers homeowners a vast array of possible patterns and textures. Many vintage wallpapers have elaborate designs that are not common in today's wallpaper offerings. Detailed scenes of children playing or a woman tending her flower garden, are all typical of the intricacy of vintage wallpaper patterns.

Flowers are also a common theme for vintage wallpapers. Rose patterns are especially popular and add a Victorian feel to any room. Small, delicate bouquet patterns can be found in pinks, lavenders and blues. Even the larger flower patterns with their gentle, flowing lines are not like those of today's modern wallpaper designs. Vintage wallpapers almost seem to have a hand-painted quality to them which makes them truly unique works of art.

Some vintage wallpaper is also flocked, or textured with a soft, fuzzy type of material. They create a unique look and feel in any vintage home. Flocked, vintage wallpaper was often found in formal dining rooms when it was first created and hung in older homes.

Although it may be difficult to find authentic vintage wallpaper, some wallpaper companies specialize in producing vintage wallpaper patterns and textures using modern technology. These newer vintage wallpapers are more durable and feature the benefits of newer paper. Whereas original vintage wallpaper required actual wallpaper paste to hang it, today's newer versions come pre-pasted and ready to hang. There are, however, online vintage wallpaper sellers that actually have wallpaper from the early 1900s through the 1970s on hand and available for purchase.

If deciding to decorate with vintage paper and only the original paper will do, be sure to order extra. The wallpaper is rare and difficult, if not impossible, to repair or replace after the initial order. Due to the limited quantity of vintage wallpaper, it does come with a higher price tag. A typical, modern roll of wallpaper may cost a little over twenty dollars, but a smaller roll of vintage paper can cost up to two or three hundred dollars. The supplier options are limited, so while it is wise to check around for pricing, do not wait too long to purchase the desired pattern and quantity.

Decorating with vintage wallpaper is a great way to bring back the character and charm of an older home. It is also a wonderful way to add old world charm to a newer, more modern home that may be lacking in character. Be sure to choose a pattern with enough available yardage to complete the room and a pattern that will complement the home.

Home decor specialist, Alyssa Davis, is a regular writer for Metal-Wall-Art.com, and she offers many ideas on how to design your favorite rooms with outdoor metal wall decor and tropical metal art.

Vintage Wallpaper Decorating