There's something about the patterns, details and materials that go into vintage wallpaper. It truly is a chapter in Decorative Arts.
The English and French influenced American walls. Wall paper became a big part of this influence. Of course the wealthy started the decorating of walls. Murals, tapestries and then, paper for walls.
The Victorians loved wallpaper. Through the 1870's and 1880's the more intricate and fancier the better. That began the height of popularity of wall paper in the United States.
Flocked, floral, architectural, landscape or scenes. Art Deco, Midcentury, baroque, pillars and columns. 1960's were big on Baroque and 1970's were big on geometrics.
One wall of the perfect vintage paper can be all it takes to make a standout room.
I found a great wallpaper sample book from Lenox Wallpaper Corporation, 402 West 25th Street, New York, New York. It is from the late 1930's to early 1940's. This would have been located in the Chelsea neighborhood. Their business name was filed in 1936. I've included all the wallpaper images from the book, enjoy!
The last wall paper images are from rolls i have acquired. The bottom 4 are all 1950's wall paper. Flocked, guest bathroom and boy's bedroom.
I will add more wall paper samples to the page as I acquire them.
Melissa
PS- I found a couple of cool sites that offer vintage wallpapers. I haven't purchased anything from any of them and those are at the bottom along with some research sites as well!
Resources
Victoria and Albert Museum History of Wallpaper
Wallpaper Wiki
Resource page for wall paper covering
Rosie's History of Kitchen Wallpaper
Selling
Vintage Wall Papers
Rosie's Vintage Wall Paper
Hannah's Treasures Vintage Wallpaper
The Chicago Vintage Clothing and Jewelry Show will take place March 1, 3pm to 8pm, March 2, 2019. 10am to 5pm at 5649 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60660. St. Andrews Greek Orthodox Church at the corner of Hollywood and N. Sheridan Road. The official website is www.vintageclothingandjewelry.com
The 2018 Vintage Garage dates are April 22, May 20, June 17 , July 15, August 19, September 16, and October 21. There will be 100 vendors offering cool vintage and antique pieces every 3rd Sunday, April to October. Vintage Garage is located at 5051 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640. Hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm with a $5 admission. Official website is www.vintagegaragechicago.com.