Little Greene wallpaper

Little Greene wallpaper has roots that reach back to 1773, when a small company operated on the banks of the Manchester rivers Irk and Irwell under the name The Little Greene Dye Works. That centuries-old paint and pigment tradition resonates in every modern design: colours that are never too bright or too washed out, but always have that distinctive saturated depth that responds beautifully to warm light.

The history and British craftsmanship behind Little Greene wallpaper

The present-day brand was founded in 1996 by David Mottershead, a chemist by training, who steered it towards the interiors market in 2001; the company is still based in Manchester. The paint is produced in its own factory in North Wales, at the foot of Mount Snowdon. That background explains why Little Greene wallpaper and the accompanying paint collection are so seamlessly matched: a shade from a pattern can be effortlessly carried through to an adjacent wall or panelling. The brand is known for patterns drawn directly from original designs from 18th- and 19th-century England, reproduced with contemporary precision using both traditional and digital printing techniques.

Materials and look of wallpaper by Little Greene

What stands out about this wallpaper is how it behaves in a space. Up close you see the texture of the surface, from a distance the pattern speaks for itself. Many designs have a matte, paper-like appearance that gives the saturated colours extra depth. That makes wallpaper by Little Greene particularly suited to spaces where you want one wall to make a statement without shouting. A dramatic dark-green panelled design and a subtle cream-white stripe both have that same colour depth, always present and faithful to the paint tradition from which the brand emerged.

Signature collections of Little Greene wallpaper

The range is built from collections, each with its own story. The collaboration with the British National Trust runs like a thread through it all: for these series, original patterns from historic estates are tracked down and redeveloped, from fragments in archive drawers to rolls rediscovered in attics. The designs span roughly the 18th to early 20th century.

• In the Garden — botanical motifs full of colour depth, inspired by English garden culture
• 20th Century Papers — geometric and graphic designs drawn from twentieth-century British heritage
• Storybook Papers — playful, narrative patterns with timeless charm
• National Trust Papers IV — the newest series from the collaboration with historic British estates
• National Trust Papers III — classic archive designs revived in contemporary colourways
• National Trust Papers II — rich patterns drawn directly from original 18th- and 19th-century designs

Little Greene wallpaper in your interior: where it works

Thanks to the saturated, warm colour palette, this wallpaper sits beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms and hallways where you want one wall to stand out. Botanical designs such as Rhododendron Walk or Moon Daisies work especially well as an accent wall behind a bed or sofa. More classic patterns such as May's Tulip or Rose Garden are versatile enough for both a traditional and a contemporary home. Want something a little more layered? Combine a wall of Mr Straw's Greenhouse with a solid shade from the same colour card for a cohesive atmosphere.

Applying and maintaining wallpaper by Little Greene

Unsure about colour or pattern scale? Order a sample first, so you can see how a design responds to the light in your space before you make a final choice. How many rolls you need is easy to work out with the wallpaper calculator. Bear in mind that patterns with a large repeat require extra allowance. For technically demanding designs or walls with many corners, we recommend working with a recognised professional; via the professional wallpaper hangers page you can find a specialist near you.

Buy Little Greene wallpaper at Selected Wallpapers

Selected Wallpapers is an official Little Greene dealer and carries an extensive range of collections and individual designs. Ordering samples online is simple, so you can compare at your leisure before you decide. Have questions about combinations, pattern repeat or the right colour? Our team is happy to advise you personally. That way you can be sure you choose the Little Greene wallpaper that suits your interior and the light in your space.

International shipping, duties & taxes included.