Retro Renovation

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Choosing wallpaper for Matt’s new blue and gray bathroom designed to look like it’s always been there

Pam Kueber - Updated: August 13, 2021

Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.

blue tile bathroom 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.

wallpaper for a blue gray tile bathroom

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

Fun wallpaper, Matt, and what a job on that bathroom — kudos!
 
But to answer your question(s) directly: (1) No, I do not think your wallpaper choice has the look of actual wallpaper you would have seen in the 1940s, 1950s or 1960s or even earlier. My reasons are technical rather than color-related. And (2) The colors are fine — except for that bright white field.
 

“The look” of vintage wallpaper vs. much of today’s wallpaper

I am not expert on the technical language, but here goes:

  1. Old paper was printed using actual rollers — actual ink laid down, layer after layer until the desired design was achieved.
  2. 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.
  3. From a design perspective, old wallpapers also often had metallic inks…
  4. They often had striations in their background…
  5. More typically than not, I’d say, they had relatively small patterns… and, I’ll say:
  6. Few bright (blue) whites / mostly yellowed pinked off-whites.
bradbury atomic doodle wallpaper in a bathroom
Bradbury’s Atomic Doodle in Turquoise has on off-white field in a smaller pattern, and it’s hand-printed.
Many of today’s widely available wallpapers, on the other hand, are digitally printed on paper that is more water-fast. That means, you don’t see, so finely, the laid-down layers of paint. The finish is more washable — typically a vinyl coating with satin finish; this also makes it stronger so the paper is easier to install. Regarding the aesthetics: The patterns may be larger — as with yours.

A vintage bathroom wallpaper from Rosie’s Vintage Wallpaper

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.

Update: Bradbury and Bradbury now has introduced a new line of 1950s wallpaper — reproductions of originals. It’s available in 52 patterns, some in multiple colorways. More choices! 
 
Link love:
ALL THAT SAID, unlike tile — which is forever — wallpaper is jewelry — it can be changed out at far less cost and hassle. And, it folks did change their wallpaper out over time. So if you like the “new retro” aesthetic and don’t mind if a super-expert knows in a glance that it’s not true “time capsule”, go for it!

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107 comments

Comments

  1. Carm says

    I would stick to a plain light blue. I think this would be more authentic as they would have had plain wallpapers originallly. Your choices compete with the tiles for attention rather than making the tiles the focus of the decorations.

  2. Kim Evans says

    Love the fist one, but the third looks more “original” to the period. You might also check Spoonflower — they have awesome mid-century fabric and wallpaper.

  3. Cara says

    I like Matt’s choice; It definitely has the retro vibe & I think the diamonds and flowery-strabursty things are cool. They remind me of a friend’s vintage china, or a George Nelson clock.
    The others are very nice, too, though.

  4. Nina says

    Like them all but if you want something that looks like it’s been there since 1959, I’d go with the last one with the fishes. The muted colors are typical of that era.

  5. JS says

    I vote for paint and no wallpaper! I think that will compliment the tile and flooring the best and let them stand out. You could always throw in vintage towels, rugs, and other accessories and change them out. I would not use wallpaper in a room with no window.

    • Fran says

      I agree with JS. We just sold my mother-in laws 1953 house. blue tile with maroon trim. Walls painted off white . Also pink tile with gray trim .off white walls. Beautiful! I am a midcentury lady. 1860 and 1950. I live in an 1860 victorian all gaudy. But I love the 50’s kitchen and baths. Since I lived in a 50’s era house when I was young. My vic has a somewhat 50’kitchen which we are going to restore to a 50’s kitchen. And my husband insists he has his boyhood blue and maroon bathroom. I love you site. Very fun since I remember those days.

  7. Beth Pierce says

    You have done a wonderful job and I like your wallpaper choice, but is your home atomic mid century? I grew up in a mid century modest home built in 1953. My mother took her early American decorating style into the 80 s. I never knew atomic mid century existed until I bought my own mid century modest granny ranch. I think my mother only painted her pink and black tile bathroom walls. She had a window and used her curtains, shower curtain and towels as accents. It is your bathroom so do what makes you happy, most mid century women did not use interior decorators they just chose things they liked

  10. Tom says

    Could also pick one of the blue gray colors out of this border and only use a wallpaper border
    high gloss paint below the border with one wall mirrored would look cool
    No wallpaper
    Lots of these incredible hand screened borders show up on ebay and etsy
    Just an idea

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Wallpaper-Border-Trim-Mermaids-3-x-12-ft-Eagle-Decal-Inc-NOS/142887848648?hash=item2144c78ac8%3Ag%3AO6gAAOSw4fZbVSRV&_sacat=0&_nkw=vintage+wallpaper++border+trims&_from=R40&rt=nc&LH_TitleDesc=0%7C0