Oh, the miracle of 21st Century digital printing: It is allowing companies in many decorative industries to bring us an expanding variety of small-run, or even printed-to-order, wallpapers, laminates, and more. Latest example: Bradbury and Bradbury Art wallpapers has just introduced 48 new designs of reproduction vintage wallpapers from the 1940s, with designs suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and bedrooms too. The wallpapers from this era are super delightful, and Bradbury has chosen their selection well. Let’s take a look at some of my favorites >>
Above: This Bradbury design — I’ll call it “handkerchiefs” is one of the 41 overall designs that come in an additional one or two colorways.
Bradbury sent me a sample of the french gray-and-red colorway, and I pretty much adore it. While I am generally skeptical of digital printed wallpaper, I would be hard pressed to distinguish this from silk-screened or rotogravure-printed wallpaper. The great thing: Bradbury has captured, in their digital printing, the “whoopsies” — that is, where the registers from the old-style printing were off… imperfect.
My sample of this colorway also was uncoated, which I associate with 1940s paper. I realize, thought, that some people may prefer coated paper so it’s easier to wipe down. The coated samples they sent me also look fine. Talk to Bradbury about the pros and cons, and of course, always get samples before you buy.
Above: I love that B&B is reproducing some novelty wallpaper designs!
I asked Bradbury how they made their selection and also asked about the digital printing process vs. old skool process. They wrote back:
Our “Fabulous Forties” collection was chosen out of the dozens of patterns culled from period sample books in our archives. We tried to pick not only beautiful eye-catching patterns, but ones that discriminating customers might readily identify with that decade. Both florals and formal geometric patterns were popular then, along with tropically-themed motifs, Proto-Deco styles and designs inspired by Hollywood.
Digital printed wallpaper:
The company added:
One of the benefits of digital printing is being able to reproduce these machine printed papers exactly as they appeared, smudges and all. Silkscreen printing only works when solid lay downs of color are desired. Our digitally printed inks are also more “washable” than the flat oil pigments used in our silkscreen papers. The only thing we can’t do with digital printing are the metallic effects.
Above: Oh those loverly 1940s yellows! Including paired with rosy beige — who would have thought that would look so great!
And 1940s apple green — take a bite!
Pretty in pink was pretty much never prettier!
Oooooh, this tropical stripe is a real winner!
Update: 1950s collection now also available!
In Aug. 2021, Bradbury amped up its game and also introduced a new collection of 1950s wallpaper — 52 designs in all! Very nice!
- Check out the 1940s collection of wallpaper from Bradbury & Bradbury
Shari D. says
I’ve always been convinced somehow that my last “previous existence” was during the 1940’s – now I’m REALLY sure of it! Just looking at these patterns – some of them, anyway – gave me such a feeling of “familiarity” that I can’t explain it any other way! I know I’ve seen them before, and I’m not one to page through wallpaper sample books, or have had extensive contact with homes decorated in such fashion. Being born (this time) in 1957 surely allows me plenty of time! ? No, I’m not some kind of a nut, but I can’t deny what I feel, either.
My husband gifted me with a (very expensive) ride one year for our anniversary in one of the few remaining functional B-17’s, and as I absorbed the smells and sounds of that aircraft as the engines roared and the fuselage vibrated, with my eyes closed or open, it gave me absolute bone shaking chills and such an intense feeling of deja vu, I’ve never had before or since.
ANYWAY, the patterns and prints they’ve chosen are quite charming, and if I were redecorating, with a healthy budget, of course, I’d be all over these! But, at $175.00 per double roll, their use here would be rather limited. I’ve always regretted that their prior 1940’s selection was so limited, although they’ve always had one particular pattern, in red and gray, that would look awesome in the dining end of our eat-in kitchen. I’m very happy they have chosen to expand that particular section of their inventory! At the very least, maybe I can use their wallpaper as “wallpaper” for my phone and tablet! ??♀️
Mary Jo Winnie says
You definitely will be hearing from me soon…..love the wallpaper!
Nanette Wallace says
Just FANTASTIC!!! I already ordered samples. I’ve been contemplating which vintage wallpaper to tackle next for the kitchen and office. Using this new but perfectly vintage looking paper may be much easier to apply. I’m pretty darn excited, can you tell?! Those 40s post war ones … OH MY! Thanks for posting.
carolyn says
The tropical looks like something Grace did on HGTV’s “One of a Kind” this season. She did only a panel which made it look like art.
I agree with Carol – homey and snazzy (BTW – the word snazzy may be making a comeback. My 15 yr granddaughter said my tropical leaves shorts looked “snazzy” – couldn’t believe my ears!)
Carol says
Cathie is dead on with using this paper as framed art. You could also line behind bookshelves or in upper kitchen cabinets. At 175.00 a double roll, a room could get pricey fast. It is worth the money for small areas. Another consideration; I noticed Spoonflower is selling some of the Bradbury patterns for $17.50 per yard. Now that’s a bargain! Inexpensive framed art and curtains, placemats, tablecloths etc. I will be making small appliance covers with the teapots from the postwar collection. Maybe the geramiums from the same collection for the curtains. I’m so excited! Thanks Pam. This collection doesn’t appear on Spoonflower yet, or I just missed it in my excitement. There are four I would love to get. These are so reminiscent of my grandmother’s house when I was very small. She is 97 now and I find myself leaning towards both of my grandmothers kitchen designs. Classic, homey and snazzy all rolled up into one.
Pat says
How do you make appliance covers out of wallpaper? For that matter, you also mention curtains.
Pam Kueber says
Hi Pat, I’m not sure what text you are referring to.
That said, Bradbury also has some of their designs available as fabrics on spoonflower.
Debbie in Portland says
There are some stunning patterns in their vintage 1930s collection, too. So many beautiful choices, how could one actually make a decision?
Kara says
Those are amazing
Chris says
Oh my goodness! The cherries! The “fruit salad!” LOVE!
cathie says
They are indeed, just lovely. I’m not sure I’d want to have a whole room in this but I’d frame a big piece or one strip and display it as art. That last one, with the ferns, is just fabulous. I could see that in a sunroom with wicker furniture.
Dan says
Aren’t these glorious! Especially fond of 112 and that glamorous 130. Bravo, Bradbury!