The most popular wallpaper from the decade you were born

During the early 1940s, the realities of World War II influenced interior trends – not least because design schemes understandably weren't a high priority. But as the decade progressed and the war came to an end, wallpaper designs became increasingly vibrant and expressive.

Reflecting a renewed sense of optimism and possibility, late-1940s wallpapers featured bold florals and geometric patterns reminiscent of the Art Nouveau era, with a blend of traditional and modern influences.

Many designs offered a sense of escapism and elegance, helping to create interiors that felt both uplifting and aspirational: qualities exemplified by this dreamy wallpaper featured in the April 1946 issue of House Beautiful US.

Still on the post–World War II upswing, wallpaper designs only grew busier and bolder. Many a whimsical, novelty theme can be found in wallcoverings of the time, such as boomerang motifs, aquarium designs and utensil patterns. These began to lean into the classic mid-century style that was garnering popularity (oh, just you wait 'til the 2020s, mid-century).

On the other hand, pastel hues and floral patterns were just as popular. Maximalist bursts of blowsy bouquets would decorate the walls, like in this room from the June 1954 issue of House Beautiful US, as people became more experimental in their styles.

Mod style was all the rage in the 1960s, and it was characterised by bold geometric patterns, graphic florals and contrasting colours. Oranges, browns, and greens were popular hues, and all of these aspects came together in the wallpapers of the time.

This graphic floral wallpaper featured in the February 1962 issue of House Beautiful US perfectly encapsulates the trendy style. In a sunny yellow, it's clearly synonymous with beloved '60s fashion designer Mary Quant. Indeed, this was also the decade when psychedelic swirls and experimental abstracts were starting to be commonly seen.

In the 1970s, wallpaper didn’t fade into the background – it made a statement. Many of the elements that defined 1960s wallpaper trends were present in the 1970s too, but they were just turned up by one notch.

Bold prints became bolder, and the psychedelic touches moved from free-spirited swirls to geometric, repeating patterns. Designs became large-scale and highly detailed, like in Barbra Streisand’s dining area featured in the August 1974 issue of House Beautiful US. There was a lot of repetition in patterns as well as textured wallcoverings, such as vinyl and grasscloth, during this era.

This decade was all about drama and unapologetic visual statements — in this bathroom alone (featured in the March 1982 issue of House Beautiful US), there’s wallpaper, a wallpaper border along the ceiling, wooden trim and another wallpaper border to mimic the look of wainscoting. Minimalism wasn’t even part of the picture.

For popular wallpaper designs, chintz were beloved, as was softer prairie-like floral patterns. On the other side of the spectrum, the Memphis Group inspired vibrant, abstract designs that are commonly associated with the loudness of the 1980s now.

Things became more muted in the 1990s. Neutral tones, simple patterns, and country cottage aesthetics were what people were yearning for. While there was still some of that boldness from the ’80s, the more popular designs leaned into traditional and romantic elements.

In this living area from the August 1994 issue of House Beautiful US, there’s still a wallpaper border, for example, but it isn’t as loud as the one from the ’80s. The main wallpaper is simple and light, with a very subtle floral pattern that looks like it came from a cottage garden. Though not pictured here, there was a notable resurgence in damask wallpapers during this time, too.

In interior design (and many industries), the beginning of the 2000s looked quite different than the end of the decade.

On one hand, shabby chic florals and a resurgence of traditional motifs, like toile print, were extremely trendy. This elevated rustic style can be seen here in this bedroom from the January 2006 issue of House Beautiful US. Nevertheless, the digital age made way for brighter, more abstract patterns designed via the computer.

Similarly to the 2000s, the 2010s experienced a lot of technological advances, some of which involved wallpaper. Peel-and-stick wallpaper became an option, making this design element more accessible to renters or DIY fanatics. When it comes to actual designs, however, wallpaper in this decade focused a lot on trompe l’oeil techniques, textures and loud florals.

Maximalism and biophilic design have boomed ever since, so it makes sense to see oversized florals and richly hued botanicals in wallpaper designs, like in this bedroom by Parris McKenna.

We’re also seeing wallpaper murals rise in popularity, as they create an immersive, almost one-of-a-kind experience within the home.

We’re only just over halfway through the 2020 decade, and while we can't say for certain what wallpaper styles will come to epitomise this era, we can pull from what we do know. Namely: borders have been massive.

Sitting somewhere between wallpaper and details associated with period properties – as impactful as cornices, dado rails, the works – borders draw attention to a home's natural architecture, or even helps introduce it in blockier, new-build spaces.

Here, our columnist Africa Daley-Clarke's home, which featured in House Beautiful UK's October 2025 issue, showcases one of our favourite uses of borders, bringing structure, texture and the same delicious palette Africa masters throughout her home.

It's no wonder, then, that in this decade – a time when personality-filled homes are quite literally a few taps away – homeowners are looking to creative ways to add flair that feels ultra contemporary.