Yowza: Thibaut wall murals on sale for just $50 at Steve’s Blinds and Wallpaper. There are 11 different designs — most in several different color ways — many of them go back decades (these murals were super common from the 1950s through the 1970s, we’d say) — and they are on sale for more than 94% off.
UPDATE: Supply long gone, but I’ll leave this 2014 up for historical reference.Yes, these are supposedly $850 retail murals. Limited quantities remain — could it be they are being discontinued by Thibault, and they’re clearing out their vaults? Yikes: If you’ve been longing for some vintage style wallpaper mural action for that long lonely wall in your bedroom, dining room, living room, basement or den, now seems like the perfect time — the last time? — to score one — and for a steal. Thanks to reader Rhonda for this awesome tip.
The mural, above: Perhaps the most popular of all time — Memory Lane. It was installed in the LBJ Ranch in Texas — and President Johnson once addressed the nation on television with it in the background. Presidential provenance!
There are several different types of scenes available, from southern plantations to New England harbor views similar to the original nautical wallpaper murals found in this 1956 time capsule home and this 1960 time capsule gem in Laramie, Wyoming.
These Japanese mountain scenes would be perfect in an Asian inspired midcentury home — like the original Oriental style wallpaper mural in this 1956 time capsule home. Hmmmm…. One of these might even work for a wall of that far eastern-themed tiki lounge you’ve been hoping to create.
For those who like their flowers inside as well as outside, there are several color ways and styles showcasing artfully rendered botanical designs.
Need something to cover a bare wall in your Colonial style home? This charming, colorful wallpaper mural with hot air balloons could do the trick.
Even Roman style columns and a distant island would be a welcome view in a room decorated in the Hollywood Regency style.
We’ll say it again. Yowza! Pam bought one for her master bedroom. She wants to buy them all, she says. For her collection hoard. Alas, DH amused. Not one bit.
lisa in Seattle says
I love the balloons. Doubt I can convince my husband it is a good idea, though.
Andrea says
Thank you for the tip! I just ordered the first one pictured on your blog. I can hardly wait to receive it!
amypie says
I just bought 2 of the Japanese (cause I couldn’t pick just one!) and one of the 5 panel floral. Like I don’t have enough projects (sigh)
kelly brickey says
Thanks for the tip! Just ordered two different mountain scenes for our modest mid century house in the California desert. We’ve been working to play up the oriental vibe in this house, and these will really do the trick in the bedrooms. So excited!
Linda says
Very cool. My friends Aunt had a hunt scene mural in her dining room back in the 70’s and I loved it. I worked last year as a temp at York Wallcoverings and they still make and carry wall murals. Some stock closeouts but most are special order. And they aren’t really expensive once you understand how they are made.
ineffablespace says
Not expensive at all considering that the typical non-repeating mural wallpaper is more along the lines of $850 a panel, and a full room mural (granted a much larger set of panels) can be $50K and up.
Lynne says
I just bought two. Why? I have no idea. I guess because they are just so stinkin’ cool!
pam kueber says
Alas, this is the blessing and the curse.
Lynne says
Alas, yes. Which is why I bought yet another Danish Modern lamp at a garage sale for $2.00. It is now in the closet with the other light fixtures I couldn’t resist buying. Is there a 12 step program for this disease?
Mary Elizabeth says
Yes, Lynne, there is. Unfortunately, the first step is “Admit you have a midcentury knick-knack acquisition problem,” and the second step is “Click ‘Unsubscribe’ at the bottom of RetroRenovation.com e-mails.” So this will never happen at my house, I assure you. 🙂
pam kueber says
oopsy, yes, I am an enabler. But at least … I am in the same boat!
Lynne says
Hello, my name is Lynne, and I am a Mid-Century addict…..
pam kueber says
No, it’s just that we have exceptional “visual intelligence”…. https://retrorenovation.com/2012/01/30/are-you-a-vintage-hoarder-12-ways-to-deal-when-your-blessing-becomes-your-curse/
ineffablespace says
I just ordered Ch’Ing in grey and may order it in gold. Even if I paper closets with it, it will be great.
I had suggested Ships Haven to a client who had a similar mural in a bathroom that couldn’t be salvaged. At $850 it was a no go; maybe $50 will convince her
I am holding out for a Paul Montgomery Studios or DeGournay mural somewhere in my house.
Jacki says
Just now ordered mine. Originally $850; I didn’t know you could still buy them until now.
midmichigan says
As you mentioned, Kate, these were very common, especially in restaurants and lobbies, like doctor offices where I lived. Some people had them in their dining rooms as well. I’m definitely going to check them out.
midmichigan says
Thanks for the heads up, Kate! I bought a “Memory Lane” from them.
linda h says
Can’t wait to see Pam’s bedroom with mural. My dream bedroom would be the hotel room with the cherry blossom mural above the bed in the movie ” North by Northwest”.