698.6: Paper Pushers

Detail from a wallpaper sample in "Wallpaper: what it is and how to use it" by Devoe and Raynolds Co., 1947

Since its earliest use, wallpaper has represented the most “in” trends in interior design,  and the most “out”.  Like fashion, tastes in wallpaper patterns change frequently, and designs inevitably come to be associated with a certain time period.  Unfortunately, this means old wallpaper has the potential to look completely out of style.  However, when used thoughtfully, the ability of wallpaper to create visual connections to the past may be used to the designer’s advantage.  Many designers and historic rehabbers use wallpaper to create period or vintage-inspired rooms that effectively integrate patterns of the past.    

If you’re thinking of using wallpaper, consider a free consultation with your local librarian.  Although we may not be fashion experts, we can certainly recommend resources that will help you decide what designs are right for your project.  For example, Fabrics for Historic Buildings: a guide for selecting historic fabrics by Jane and Richard Nylander, 2005,  is an excellent book that surveys fabric and wallpaper trends from the 1700s to the 1930s.

Detail of a wallpaper sample in "Wallpaper: what it is and how to use it" by Devoe and Raynolds Co., 1947

 The images in this post are from another great St. Louis Public library book called Wallpaper: what it is and how to use it, published in 1947 by the DeVoe & Raynolds Company.  The book is an oversized catalog of actual vintage wallpaper samples.

Of course, we also have many do-it-yourself books about wallpaper installation, magazines about interior design, and we can even help you find wallpaper suppliers.

To do some searching of your own, use “wallpaper” as a “word or phrase” search in our online library catalog.  If you find something you like, you can use your library card to place a hold, and request that the book be sent to your local library branch.

Detail of a wallpaper sample in "Wallpaper: what it is and how to use it" by Devoe and Raynolds Co., 1947