Wallpapers from the 1940s and 1950s

1940s Wallpapers

Wallpapers with uncoloured beige backgrounds and simple floral garlands were common during the war years of the 1940s. As life returned to normal after the war, 1940s wallpapers introduced slightly bolder patterns and colours, though small-scale functionalist designs in soft, light tones (often pastels) remained popular for a long time.
Despite functionalism’s dominance, this era also embraced floral patterns with a softer, more inviting look. During the war years, demand for cosy, homely wallpapers increased. One of the most influential wallpaper designers of the 1940s was Josef Frank, whose iconic patterns feature colourful, lush motifs – a vibrant and playful counterbalance to functionalism’s strict ideals.

1950s Wallpapers

Many of the most beloved wallpapers of the 1950s were created by renowned designers like Josef Frank, Arne Jacobsen, and Stig Lindberg. The entire industry was filled with optimism and creativity after the hardships of the war.
A typical functionalist wallpaper from the 1950s was adorned with abstract, playful geometric patterns. The colour palette was often light, with pastels set against grey backgrounds.
Some daring designs from this decade were remarkably innovative for their time. Expressive feature wallpapers gained popularity in Swedish homes – a retro trend that grew stronger over the following decades.
Many 1950s wallpapers were also designed to match the room’s function. A stylish home of the time might have kitchen wallpapers with wine bottles or roasted chicken motifs and children’s rooms decorated with animal or fairy tale characters.