Old engraving style, with retro patterns (Art Deco, 70s, etc.) or pastel colors, vintage wallpaper is a fairly economical way to bring a retro touch to your interior without having to redo the entire decor. Being rented, I have not yet given in to the vintage wallpaper trend, even if I gladly admit having some favorites and ideas to adopt it.
Indeed, there are no less than 20 vintage wallpaper inspirations that we have grouped together to give you some ideas, if you want to take the plunge in your interior. From the living room to the bedroom, discover here the most original ways to put it – passing through other rooms of the house, you will see that adopting this vintage element is easier than it seems.
1. An old engraving pattern wallpaper to dress a wall in black & white
Inspired by old engravings found in botany or geography books, this type of wallpaper is very graphic and decorative . Use it in a large living room to highlight a specific place in the room : lounge area, office area, dining area… Black & white also has the advantage of being timeless and of being able to be easily combined with other styles of furniture.
2. Art Deco wallpaper to furnish a chic dining area
Composed of many golden geometric patterns , Art Deco-inspired wallpapers can quickly overwhelm the space. To adopt them, two solutions: either focus on the walls by covering them with this pattern and adopting furniture in the same colors, or by applying this wallpaper only on a single section of wall in the manner of ‘a painting.
3. Retro wallpaper to enhance an office area
Wallpaper can be used as a real element of wall decoration. Place it on the wall (s) where your office is located, then install your shelves and furniture. Create a contrast between the furniture and the wallpaper used, to make them stand out.
4. Floral wallpaper to display a large painting in the living room
Vintage wallpapers often have heavy graphics. Here’s a tip for adopting them without finding yourself in a room with a total flowery look: make it a big picture. It is a real element of wall decoration, inspired by the tapestries of the Middle Ages.
5. Geometric wallpaper to decorate a living room in a total 70’s look
In the 1970s, wallpapers with geometric shapes and garish patterns were the order of the day. If prints don’t scare you, go ahead and play the total look card !
To have a harmonious decoration, match the wallpaper with your furniture . The latter must obviously be inspired by the 70’s (even period!). Because this is the only concern of 70’s wallpaper: it does not match other styles of decoration, unlike other vintage wallpapers.
6. Asian-inspired wallpaper to break up the wise side of an entryway
Like paint, wallpaper can be used to break codes . In a classically furnished entrance, this can be chosen in pop and garish colors . As soon as you enter the house, you demonstrate originality and surprise your guests. Another advantage: it allows you to keep classic furniture.
7. Floral wallpaper to highlight an old parquet floor
The old parquet floors are full of charm. At a time when our interiors are in search of authenticity, highlight them. And for that, nothing beats walls covered with a retro wallpaper, to maintain a vintage atmosphere. Complete with antique furniture.
8. Several printed wallpapers to decorate an interior in a row
If you have a walk- in apartment, the wallpaper can be used to create a style per room. Get inspired by houses from the 70s or flea markets, with their colorful interiors. To maintain a certain uniformity in your interior, favor a type of pattern (flowers, geometry, etc.) that you will decline in each room with different shapes and colors.
9. A watercolor style wallpaper for a soft decoration
Take inspiration from the kitchens of the 50s , in pastel shades . Watercolor-style wallpaper, whether with floral or abstract patterns, quickly achieves this effect. You can play the total look card, by installing it on all sections of the kitchen walls (excluding the cooking / crockery area), or use it to delimit a dining area in the room.
10. A tropical wallpaper to create a 1950s style kitchen
Let yourself be inspired by the Miami of the 50s to design your kitchen. And for that, vintage jungle / flamingo print wallpaper is the solution! Pair it with black and white tiles and vintage-style furniture in golden brass. This retro-pop vibe is suitable for any kitchen size, as long as you aren’t afraid of overcrowded interiors.
11. Wallpaper associated with tiling to bring originality to a classic kitchen
Think of the wallpaper to cover part of the walls, fresco style. In the kitchen, you can use it above a splashback. To give your kitchen a vintage look, choose a slightly faded pattern. Hang a few retro decorative items on the walls, such as copper pots, linen linens or even posters.
12. Floral wallpaper to create a retro splashback
Retro wallpaper can be used to create a splashback in the kitchen . However, remember to avoid the cooking area or the area around the sink , as wallpaper is not compatible with these areas. Do not hesitate to hang a wallpaper with a colorful and loaded pattern, to create a real contrast with the furniture.
13. A floral wallpaper to have a vacation-style room at grandma’s house
To furnish the children’s room in a vintage style, remember the room in which you slept at your grandparents’ house. Play the total vintage look card with metal beds, raw wood furniture and bed linen in floral patterns or in the same range of colors as the wallpaper.
14. Plant-printed wallpaper to decorate baby’s Scandinavian room
Retro wallpaper can be used in children’s rooms and nurseries. If you have gone for a Scandinavian decor, this one can contribute to the soft look of the room. For this, opt for a watercolor wallpaper or with slightly faded patterns, which do not visually overload the room.
15. 70’s style wallpaper to create a headboard in a bedroom
In a small bedroom, the entire wall behind the headboard can be covered with vintage wallpaper. Like a headboard, the wallpaper can thus highlight the chosen furniture or architectural elements, such as a concrete ceiling or a herringbone parquet floor.
16. A floral wallpaper for a bathroom with a total retro look
Wallpaper is often forgotten in favor of tiling in bathrooms. And yet, nothing like it to bring a vintage touch to this room of the house. Play the total look card , opting for retro furniture and decorative elements , whether they are lights or mirrors (see our article on barber mirrors ).
17. Give a chic look to your bathroom
Often seen in castles, the toile de Jouy is an Indian canvas on which is represented a decoration with characters or landscapes. Traditionally, it is red or blue. In the wallpaper version, the toile de Jouy brings a chic style to the bathroom in the blink of an eye . Combine it with the white porcelain enamel of sanitary ware and golden decorative items for a chic look.
18. A drawing-style wallpaper to add color to the bathroom
The bathroom is a room perfectly suited to the massive use of colors. Traditionally white, sometimes with hints of blue and green, the bathroom can also be a cheerful and artistic room. Especially if you have a small bathroom.
On a white base, use wallpaper to paint the walls with color. A few colorful decorative items (paintings, lighting, mirror) and a pretty shower curtain will complete the set. If possible, create a happy mess in harmony, keeping the same range of colors.
19. Dark floral wallpaper for a baroque bathroom
If you don’t mind dark interiors, especially in small rooms, the Baroque style is for you. Break the dark and slightly oppressive side of the wallpaper with golden brass elements (taps, mirror, decoration…). Favor this style of decoration all the same for quite bright bathrooms, with a window.
Vintage wallpaper is more trendy than ever. Whether you use it on the whole wall or put it in a small touch in your interior, it is an interesting alternative to paint to decorate your walls. At the head of the bed, as a wall decoration or as a total look, the choice is yours according to your desires.
20. A landscape wallpaper to obtain an effect of depth in a small living room
By an optical effect, the wallpaper can create the illusion of having a deeper room. For this, use the wallpapers illustrated with landscapes: mountains, forests, panoramic landscapes, etc. You can also install a mirror on the wall where the wallpaper is located to increase the effect of depth.
