A Brief History of Wallpaper

Wallpaper originated in China as early as the 2nd century, where artisans hand-painted designs on rice paper to decorate walls and mimic more expensive materials. These intricate patterns often featured landscapes, floral motifs, and scenes of daily life.

By the 16th century, wallpaper spread to Europe, where artisans hand-painted and later block-printed designs to imitate luxurious tapestries. During the Victorian era, wallpaper became widely popular, with bold patterns and ornate designs decorating homes across England, France, and beyond.

Today, wallpaper combines centuries of craftsmanship with modern innovation, offering endless options from textured finishes to large-scale murals.

At Spencer James Wallcovering, Spencer aims to bring this beautiful craft and tradition to life!