Victorian wallpaper draws from one of the richest and most exuberant periods in the history of decorative arts. The Victorian era — roughly 1837 to 1901 — saw an explosion of wallpaper production and design, driven by advances in printing technology, a growing middle class with disposable income, and a cultural appetite for pattern, color, and ornament that was virtually unlimited. Victorian wallpaper patterns range from elaborate damask and floral chintz to the more restrained, nature-inspired designs of the Arts and Crafts movement. Today, Victorian-inspired wallpaper brings this rich decorative heritage into contemporary homes with a fresh perspective.
This guide covers the defining characteristics of Victorian wallpaper, the best styles and rooms, and how to use it in a contemporary interior. Browse our Modern Heritage collection for the best Victorian-inspired options.
What Makes Wallpaper Feel Victorian?
Victorian wallpaper is defined by a few key characteristics: richness and abundance of pattern; a connection to historical decorative traditions; a color palette that feels warm, deep, and layered; and a sense of craft and detail that references the decorative arts of the 19th century. The most recognizable Victorian wallpaper styles include:
- Damask: Formal, symmetrical damask patterns in rich colorways were among the most prestigious Victorian wallpaper choices.
- Floral chintz: Densely patterned floral prints with overlapping blooms and foliage in warm, rich colorways.
- Arts and Crafts: The more restrained, nature-inspired patterns of William Morris and his contemporaries — stylized botanical motifs with strong outlines and flat color.
- Stripe and geometric: Formal stripe and geometric patterns used in more restrained Victorian interiors.
Victorian Wallpaper Styles
William Morris and Arts and Crafts Victorian Wallpaper
The Arts and Crafts movement, led by William Morris, produced some of the most enduring Victorian wallpaper designs. These patterns feature stylized botanical and animal motifs with strong outlines, flat color, and a graphic quality that feels surprisingly modern. Morris patterns like Willow Bough, Strawberry Thief, and Acanthus remain popular today. Browse our Modern Heritage collection for Arts and Crafts-inspired options.
Victorian Damask Wallpaper
Rich damask patterns in deep Victorian colorways — burgundy, forest green, navy, gold — create the most formal and historically resonant Victorian wallpaper effect. These suit dining rooms, bedrooms, and studies. Explore our Moody collection.
Victorian Floral Wallpaper
Densely patterned Victorian floral wallpaper — chintz-inspired prints with overlapping blooms and rich colorways — creates a warm, layered, historically-inspired atmosphere. Browse our Floral Wallpaper collection and Modern Heritage collection.
Best Rooms for Victorian Wallpaper
Dining Room
The dining room is the most natural setting for Victorian wallpaper. Rich damask and floral Victorian prints create an occasion-worthy dining atmosphere that references the formal dining traditions of the Victorian era.
Bedroom
Victorian wallpaper on the headboard wall creates a layered, historically-inspired bedroom. Arts and Crafts botanical prints and Victorian florals are particularly popular for bedrooms. Browse our Bedroom Wallpaper collection.
Study or Library
Victorian wallpaper in a study or library creates a scholarly, historically-inspired atmosphere. Rich damask and Arts and Crafts patterns suit these spaces particularly well.
Entryway
A Victorian wallpaper print in an entryway sets a warm, historically-inspired tone for the entire home.
How to Use Victorian Wallpaper in a Contemporary Interior
The most successful contemporary uses of Victorian wallpaper embrace contrast. Pair a richly patterned Victorian print with clean-lined contemporary furniture rather than period antiques — the contrast between historical pattern and modern furnishings creates a more interesting, layered result. Choose one Victorian accent wall rather than covering every surface. Let the wallpaper be the historical statement and keep everything else restrained and contemporary.
Shop Victorian Wallpaper at Peel & Pattern
Browse our Modern Heritage collection for the best Victorian-inspired wallpaper options, explore our Moody collection for rich, dark Victorian prints, or shop our Floral Wallpaper collection for Victorian floral options.