Matt has been constructing this blue and gray tiled bathroom in his 1959 home — all from scratch — oh my — it’s fabulous! Now, it’s time to choose wallpaper. He’s found a contender but sends in this question: Does his wallpaper choice have an authentic midcentury look? I opine.
Matt writes:
I’ve been recreating a blue / gray bathroom since early last year, and I’m finally at the point where we choose wallpaper. We found a pattern we really like that has a blue / gray scheme that’s similar to our tile and fixtures with a yellow accent.
You would have to see the colors (I have a couple of pictures) but I’m wondering how authentic this might be? I don’t see very many blue bathrooms, let alone blue with a hint of yellow anything mixed in there. For what it’s worth If we go with this I’m thinking white towels so it would be just a pop of color.
Our goal is something that looks like it’s been there since the house was built in 1959. It’s basically down to wallpaper, building the hamper, someone changing our salvaged green bathtub to blue, and small details so we’re getting really close to the end!
The bathroom is changing quickly though, for example if our two year old cooperates the countertop may be tiled by the end of the weekend. Likewise the tub I’m hoping can be enameled in blue soon.The tile and plumbing supply fixtures are new. Cabinets, lighting and other fixtures are salvaged. We’ve used a lot of the resources available here for tile and fixtures, by the way. We’re definitely glad all of it was available.
Choosing wallpaper that looks authentic to the midcentury era
“The look” of vintage wallpaper vs. much of today’s wallpaper
I am not expert on the technical language, but here goes:
- Old paper was printed using actual rollers — actual ink laid down, layer after layer until the desired design was achieved.
- The paper stock also was — pretty paper-y — they can be tricky to install for that reason — they may tear or otherwise be brittle or fragile.
- From a design perspective, old wallpapers also often had metallic inks…
- They often had striations in their background…
- More typically than not, I’d say, they had relatively small patterns… and, I’ll say:
- Few bright (blue) whites / mostly yellowed pinked off-whites.
So… If you want a paper that looks truly authentic to the time — if you want time-capsule look — look for vintage or a paper that’s still printed with real inks using rollers or similar technology.
- 7 places to buy vintage wallpaper
- Bradbury & Bradbury Art Wallpaper still does old-fashioned printing with inks and has retro designs
- See all my wallpaper stories / research here
- Tip: Get samples of true-vintage or layered-ink and you compare them with digital, and you will see the difference
dk says
What will be the material of the countertop? A printed laminate might influence the choice of wallpaper. Either way I like the ubiquitous construction boombox in the photo, mine is identical.
Pam Kueber says
I believe Matt said the counter will be tiled.
Debbie in Portland says
I LOVE your blue-and-gray color combination! I’m not sure I’d go with wallpaper at all. All of your gorgeous tile work should be the “star” of this room, and I think a patterned wallpaper would detract from that.
Tarquin says
I remember walking into a bathroom like this when I was a kid. The wallpaper was off-white with small Dixie cup symbols all over it. I thought it was interesting that someone would want their bathroom to match a Dixie cup. When I got older I learned that the Dixie cup symbol was a fluer de lis.
Pam Kueber says
Great story!
Ranger Smith says
I too like the look of all three of these. My parent’s home was built just a couple of years later, in 1961. One of the bathrooms has a very similar blue tile and originally had floral wallpaper. That said, if Matt likes geometric, I don’t think it would mitigate the authenticity. Personally, I think there are advantages to a vinyl paper in a bathroom in that it might stand up better to moisture. As Pam notes above, many times the non-vinyl paper has also proven to be durable in when exposed to moisture.
Joe says
I do love the blue and charcoal combo, as well as the mosaic floor. Excellent taste and workmanship! Now, about that wallpaper, Matt. I do like that pattern you selected, but it’s not appropriate for that bathroom. It’s really a 2018 vision of 1950’s style. Also, you have plenty going on already with busy tile patterns, so you don’t need the visual mayhem of flying geometric modernism. You need something soft in pattern. May I suggest a pattern that combines water lilies & swans; or Asian-themed pagodas, cherry trees and birds? Those two patterns were THE look of the early-50’s thru early-60’s, and were the pattern of choice for bathrooms where folks didn’t want a heavy feminine or masculine look. I’m certain you can find these made today, in prepasted vinyl. White towels are always appropriate, but may I suggest a nice medium gray?
Matt says
That’s a good point… also besides from being the closest bathroom to the kitchen it’s what our little ones will use at least until they move upstairs if that’s what they want to do. Gray towels would survive all of that a lot better than white!
Brenda says
I like me all the samples, but none of them seem right. What about the atomic starbursts shown in Pam’s June 4th post?
BobinAlabama says
I am currently restoring a mid century modern home that has had almost nothing changed since it was built over fifty years ago (I’m the second owner). Lucky for me, I’m old enough to remember the era. Before starting each design project I ask myself, “Would this design element have been in the home when it was built, or is it a stereotypical, iconic representation of the period.” The latter often comes across as overtly faux, rather than integral and authentic. Aside from the jarring bright white fields of the other examples, I favor the “Rosie’s Vintage” paper. It looks like a wallpaper my Mom would have chosen back in the day! You can protect it from moisture by applying multiple coats of decorator’s varnish over it, available in gloss, satin, or matte at arts & crafts stores.
upstatenow says
Googieland in Gray from Bradbury and Bradbury looks like it would be a nice accent.
Carol says
I almost think the wallpaper takes away from your beautiful tile job (mud set!!!). I would either use a subtle patterned wallpaper or just paint and accessorize so not to compete with the floor. You could even use some “atomic” stencils seen on this site if you like that kind of pattern. Whatever you end up doing, it’s going to end up beautiful! You have done a great job recreating the space. I can’t wait to see it finished!
Matt says
My secret for recreating the look of mudbed tile is to install a layer of 1/4″ cement board before you put up the base and field tile. If you do that the trim at the top fits perfectly. It’s all Daltile, vintage 2017. Next year I’m doing the same thing with a Ming Green bathroom and tile from B&W.
At this point I’m leaning towards this pattern as an accent in a bedroom / office.
Carol says
Brilliant! I will remember this trick! One reason I have not wanted to change my bathroom is that I didn’t want to get rid of my mudset tile (not in good shape and pretty ugly color combo) but now I might just do it! I love how it looks!
Laura says
I love the yellow in the wallpaper. Who cares if it is historically correct. If YOU love it, then it’s perfect. Are the vintage police going to arrest you if you select something not of the period? I don’t think so.
L says
I agree with this. Maybe it’s not authentic, but choose what you like! You’re the one who will be looking at it daily!
Diane in CO says
I agree with this as well! And I would keep the pattern on the horizontal — horizontal is more mid-century. Look at all those fence styles in vintage books – horizontal boards and slats.