Art Deco Wallpaper: Bring A Sense Of This Era's Excitement Into Your Own Home

Add a little Art Deco wallpaper to your décor and take a step back in time to a period of prosperity, social change, and artistic freedom.

Does the sound of jazz music excite your imagination and conjure up pictures of big bands, lavish nightclubs, Charleston dancing flapper girls, glamorous fashion, or Greta Garbo and Rudolf Valentino? Does this era intrigue you because of the freedom, fun, and futuristic optimism it seemed to depict? The rigid rule and tight social constraints of the Victorian age gave way to a more relaxed individuality that created controversy yet captivated a younger, hopeful generation and set the stage for all things 'modern'.

You can capture some of this excitement and exuberance with Art Deco wallpapers (even if limited to just a single feature wall) … that will bring the era of change right into your own home.

Although wallpaper has existed for thousands of years, it wasn't until the 1920s that it really gained popularity, becoming such a common decorating choice that this decade was eventually referred to as 'the golden age of wallpaper'. The development of pasting machines and mechanical silkscreen machines allowed for mass production, making it an inexpensive alternative to the more costly silk and tapestry coverings favored by the wealthy upper class.

'Artiste decorateurs', or interior decorators, set up shops in major department stores or opened design studios that employed artists who created books of patterns for customers to choose from. Purchasing wall coverings became easy and affordable, and provided more home decorating options.

Art Deco wallpaper, also known as 'style moderne', had very distinct designs that reflected the social, economic, and technological changes indicative of this time period. The clean simple lines of Art Deco architecture seen in the Chrysler building, the Empire State Building, or London's Hoover Building, was also evident in fashion, fine art, and home decorations. The style permeated all creative areas, making this age one of the most artistically recognizable eras in history.

Wallpapers of the Art Deco period were vibrant and elegant with bold, contrasting colors and strong lines. Zigzags, geometric patterns, sweeping curves, and sunbursts blended with animal prints, foliage, pyramids, sphinx, and even airplanes. Textured coverings were popular and were created using stenciling, splattering, sponging, or flocking, and the desire for the extravagant and luxurious was shown in the silver and gold metallic patterns.

Although it is difficult to find any original Art Deco wallpaper that is still in good condition, due to the intrigue and fascination this era incites, many manufacturers have created designs reminiscent of these times. The uniqueness and beauty of these styles make them popular even today, and the distinct artistic quality will give your home individuality while keeping this amazing and revolutionary time alive in the hearts and minds of future generations.