Top European Style Wallpaper Ideas for Your Home

History of European style wallpaper

The history of wallpaper in Europe started in the 16th century. European travelers and traders who went to Asia, specifically China, brought back some intriguing wall coverings. These were the first examples of wallpaper that sparked interest among the European elite.

Later on, Europeans themselves started making wallpaper. Early wallpaper models were hand-painted and block-printed. At that time wallpaper was a cheaper alternative to tapestries so a lot of wealthy Europeans chose to save some money and go for wallpaper as wallcoverings and decor. Popular patterns were damask, heraldic and geometric designs, floral and foliage motifs.

The rise of wallpaper in popularity

The development of block printing in the 18th century moved forward the popularity of wallpaper. Block printing became more refined, allowing for more detailed and complex designs. Wallpaper became especially requested in France and England by the aristocracy. They decorated their palaces and homes with wallpaper. Popular patterns of that time were Chinoiserie, damask, arabesque, floral motifs, and panoramic landscapes.

Machine printing brings wallpaper to the masses

Industrialization in the 19th century made wallpaper not only available to the masses but also allowed them to make a wide variety of designs and elaborate patterns. Wallpaper was in especially great demand during the Victorian era. Patterns like damask, neoclassical designs, Art Nouveau, regency stripes, and floral motifs were in style.

European vs American wallpaper

In the early days of wallpaper manufacturing, America was far behind. While Europeans started using wallpaper as wall decor already in the 16th century, Americans got their hands on their first wallpaper roll just in the 19th century.

The first American wallpaper patterns were influenced by European styles but the production was more localized and adapted to local tastes and materials. Americans also had less advanced printing technologies, which led to simpler designs compared to Europe.

American wallpaper industry grew rapidly in the mid-19th century til the post-war period. America’s wallpaper choices reflected broad cultural trends, midcentury modern and contemporary styles.

Cultural and aesthetic differences

European wallpaper often emphasizes luxury, tradition, and historical influence while American designs tend to focus more on practicality and innovation. European designs frequently draw from a deep historical and artistic heritage, reflecting various art movements and cultural trends. American designs on the other hand often adapt European trends but still incorporate elements that reflect modern American life, culture, and values.

European wallpaper roll

Interesting fact, in Europe wallpaper roll is commonly less wide than a traditional American single roll. European (or Euro) roll is 21 inches wide while the American single roll is 27 inches wide. Learn more about different widths and lengths of wallpaper rolls in our article Rolling Through: Your Complete Guide to Wallpaper Rolls and Buying The Right Amount!

European style wallpaper ideas

Are you excited to try some European-style wallpapers at your home? We have made a selection of European wallpaper ideas that range from historical styles to European vibe creation. Check it out!

Damask

Damask is one of the most popular wallpaper styles in Europe starting from the 16th century till the late 19th century and beyond. The damask pattern was created to mimic the woven patterns of a fabric that was used for tapestries and bedcoverings in the castles. Even though damask wallpaper was a cheaper alternative to luxurious tapestries, it still became a symbol of wealth and sophistication, especially in the homes of the aristocracy.

Dark Luxury – Damask pattern for those who love a gothic or dark interior. This wallpaper is perfect for dark room interiors and will leave a little bit mysterious vibe.

Digital Baroque – This wallpaper features a damask pattern that is created with digital tools. It looks almost three-dimensional. It’s a modern twist on a classical pattern.

Imperial Rococo – Light slightly faded damask print that looks like is taken straight from a castle in Europe. It’s inconspicuous yet royal.

Classical Pattern – Another one of the damask classics that has a brushed-off look making it feel like part of an original, historical wallcovering piece.

Royal Victorian – Very precise, accurate, and bold damask print. It has intricate details, foliage elements, decorations, and perfect pattern size.

Vintage damask – Detailed yet light damask print that could have been taken fresh out of a printing house in the 19th century. Perfect for a royal bedroom or grand living room.

Italy

Italy is one of Europe’s most previous countries. It has a rich history and cultural background and its ancestor, Ancient Rome, has been a cultural and Intellectual epicenter for centuries. Today Italy is famous for its cuisine, art and culture, natural beauty, music and opera, and cultural heritage. If you want to have a sunny Italy feeling in your home every day, check out these wallpapers!

Summer Garden in Italy – Just by looking at this wallpaper you can feel the warm summer breeze of an Italian garden. Perfect background for kitchen or dining room.

Water and sun – mimicking the blue of the Mediterranean Sea and the yellow of a lemon, this wallpaper has an Italy vibe that is reminded to us through splashes of color.

Fresh Lemonade – Italy is quite famous for its alcoholic drink Limoncello. And surprise! It is made of lemons. So this Fresh Lemonade wallpaper is a straight reminder of the good times in Italy spent in the sun drinking limoncello cocktails.

Orange Tree – Italy has some amazing orange breeds that have wowed anyone who has tried them. For example, Sicilian blood oranges are often considered among the best in the world.

Orange Zest – Keeping it fresh! Orange Zest wallpaper makes you almost feel the Italian oranges taste in your mouth.

Lemon Tree – When trying to get the Italian feel, you can never go wrong with a lemon pattern. It’s bright, it’s sunny, it’s delicious. Just like Italy!

Terrazzo pattern – Italy is the home of Terrazzo – originally a flooring and surface material. Nowadays the pattern is admired and used for different things – from coffee tables to walls. Enjoy this part of Italy’s heritage by using Terrazzo print wallpaper!

Portugal

Portugal and particularly its capital Lisbon is famous for their tiles and tile work. Wallpaper is perfect for mimicking this pattern – you get the bright look of Portugal tiles, but not the cold feeling that tiles have. Are you excited?

Lisbon Streets – Tile pattern straight from the capital of Portugal. Feel the sun, buzzing atmosphere, and excitement of traveling to Europe!

Cafe de Belem – Imagine this, you are drinking Portugal coffee with the traditional Portugal pastry pastel de nata in a cafe in the Belem district in Lisbon. And now imagine that you can take this vibe back home! This tile wallpaper can do just that for you.

Current European wallpaper trends

To be fair, with globalization, the interior trends are quite similar in Europe and the USA. But that said, there are still some slight differences in what people prefer in every region. So, here are some topical trends that are currently popular in Europe!

Bold and Eclectic

Europeans are going bold! Minimalism is still a hot trend, but some people are starting to see the fun in bold and dynamic interiors again. Are you ready to join them? Here are a few colorful and wild European wallpaper ideas!

Sweet Strawberry – Oversized strawberries floating around the wall. They definitely draw attention and give a statement.

Decorative Floral – Don’t let the name of the wallpaper fool you. The florals are abstract and the red, blue, and white patterns take the focal point of any room.

Abstract Ditsy – Wallpaper that can make your head spin, but that’s why it is o perfect for eclectic interior design.

Nature inspired motifs

The calming effects of nature are a focal point more than ever. If you don’t get to go out that much, you can try to mimic the feeling of greens surrounding you by choosing a nature-inspired motif for your wallpaper.

Fine Eucalyptus – Watercolor Eucalyptus leaves have a very breezy, light, and fresh look. It will make a room feel modern, interesting, and cozy.

Tropical Elegance – Big tropical leaves will add the right amount of greenery to your home or office. Pair it with real-life plants and you will get a cozy jungle feeling in no time!

Tiny Branch – Light green branches with leaves calmly floating around the wall will make a room feel happy and easy to look at.

Rustic Blooming – Mustard yellow flowers with blue-green stems and leaves have a vintage feel that is inspired by nature.

Ethereal Blooms – Light purple florals will give a room a romantic yet simple atmosphere.

Geometric and Abstract patterns

Geometric patterns can have a very structured and strict effect on a room. It can make the room feel bigger, wider, and taller, or just the opposite. Abstract patterns on the other hand challenge this rigid concept of geometry and bring playfulness to the party. Let’s see what we have in store in this area!

Vertical ribbons – both geometric and abstract this design can elevate the ceiling making a room feel taller.

Symmetric dots – fun wallpaper pattern for a frivolous atmosphere. The symmetric pattern of the dots gives structure but the bright colors make it more abstract.

Modern Zigzag – This wallpaper features the popular mint tone paired with white lines that create a zigzag pattern.

Continuous Lines – Abstract forms, unfinished faces, and leaves mixed with squiggly lines create a very interesting and unique wallpaper design.

In conclusion

Europe can feel like a mysterious land but by exploring closer we can be sure that is still saturated with culture, traditions, and heritage. And that also applies to wallpaper – its history and current trends. We hope you gained some inspiration and that you are ready to explore the European wallpaper traditions at your home!