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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DJ Sparkles says
The first example turned so the diamonds face up is my favorite by far. But check out the Atomic Kitten wallpaper in gray! I’m going to find a project that needs this just because it’s so fabulous: https://www.spoonflower.com/wallpaper/4848774-atomic-kittens-3-by-hollywood_royalty
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
Natasha Loop says
Hi there,
Great choices! I myself am partial to authentic vintage wallpaper. Here are a few more choices that you might want to consider:
https://hannahstreasures.com/collections/bathroom/products/1950s-bathroom-vintage-wallpaper-dx119
https://hannahstreasures.com/collections/bathroom/products/1950s-bathroom-vintage-wallpaper-dx114
JaneH says
Oh those fish! That would be my choice in a heartbeat!
Tom says
Found an amazing vintage trim in your colors 10 rolls available
has the diamond pattern you like it’s vintage and it’s hand screened
NOS trim (affiliate link)
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
Pam Kueber says
Gorgeous border!