Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a decorative material used to cover the interior walls of domestic and public buildings.

It is typically sold in long rolls and applied to surfaces using wallpaper paste. Different types of wallpaper serve different purposes in interior design. Lining paper is a plain type used to cover minor wall defects or uneven surfaces. Other varieties include textured papers, plain papers with regular repeating designs, or large non-repeating single designs. A crucial element of patterned wallpaper is the pattern repeat. This is the smallest rectangle of paper that can be tiled to form the entire design.

To ensure a seamless look, designers must carefully manage how the paper is hung. When applying patterned wallpaper, pieces are cut from a roll so they can be placed side by side. This allows the pattern to continue without making the joins between sheets visible. For large and complex images, installers often start the second piece halfway into the length of the pattern repeat. If a pattern repeats vertically after a certain distance, the next piece is cut to begin the pattern from the first position. This technique ensures the horizontal repeat does not disrupt the visual flow. Manufacturers also offer a single pattern in several different colorways to suit different tastes.

There are many technical methods used to create these designs. Historically, the main techniques included hand-painting, stencilling, and woodblock printing. Woodblock printing, which uses hand-carved blocks, is one of the most common traditional methods.

Modern manufacturing has introduced more advanced processes. These include surface printing, rotogravure, screen-printing, rotary printing presses, and digital printing. These various methods allow for a wide range of textures, colors, and levels of detail.

Before wallpaper became common, the social elite used large tapestries to decorate their homes. These textiles provided both color and an insulating layer between stone walls and the room to retain heat. However, tapestries were extremely expensive and difficult to acquire. During the Renaissance, the emerging gentry began using woodcut printmaking to create wall decorations. Some important artists, such as Albrecht Dürer, created ornament prints intended for wall-hanging. One massive example was "The Triumphal Arch," commissioned by Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I. Completed in 1515, this work consisted of 192 sheets and was printed in a first edition of 700 copies.

History shows that politics and trade often influenced the wallpaper industry. In England, wallpaper grew in popularity after Henry VIII's excommunication from the Catholic Church. This event caused a fall in trade with Europe, making imported tapestries from Flanders and Arras harder to get. During the Protectorate under Oliver Cromwell, the government halted wallpaper manufacture because they viewed it as frivolous. However, following the Restoration of Charles II, demand surged as wealthy citizens purchased items previously banned by the Puritan regime. In 1712, England even introduced a wallpaper tax that lasted until 1836.

By the 18th century, various nations led the way in innovation. Britain became the leading European manufacturer by the mid-1700s, despite disruptions from the Seven Years' War and the Napoleonic Wars. In 1785, Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf invented the first machine for printing colored tints on sheets. Later, in 1799, Louis-Nicolas Robert patented a machine for continuous lengths of paper. This was the forerunner of the Fourdrinier machine. Meanwhile, high-quality, hand-painted Chinese wallpaper became available in the late 17th century. These expensive pieces were often up to 36 inches wide and were used in grand palaces like Chatsworth House.

France also became a center for spectacular scenic wallpapers. In 1804, the manufacturer Joseph Dufour et Cie produced a massive panorama titled "Savages of the Pacific." This design, which showed the voyages of Captain Cook, was 20 strips wide. This was the largest panoramic wallpaper of its time and helped the French industry grow. Other famous French firms like Zuber et Cie have continued to operate since 1797. Some of their designs, such as "Views of North America," are still displayed in important locations like the White House.

In the 19th century, the development of steam-powered printing presses in 1813 changed everything. This allowed for mass production, which lowered prices and made wallpaper affordable for working-class people. It became a common way to brighten dark, cramped rooms in urban areas. In the 20th century, wallpaper remained a household staple, with designers like Andy Warhol contributing to its art. While patterns have occasionally gone out of fashion in favor of plain paint, new technology is changing the field again. Today, digital printing and even LED-incorporated wallpaper from companies like Meystyle allow for new ways to enhance the mood and ambience of a room.