1838 wallcoverings

The name refers to 1838, the year in which the first machine technique for printing wallpaper was developed in Lancashire, just a few kilometres from the present-day factory. That heritage is woven into every roll: 1838 Wallcoverings wallpaper is still made in its own factory in Lancashire, run by brother and sister James and Abigail Watson, a family with more than four generations of experience in printing wallpaper.

The story behind 1838 Wallcoverings wallpaper

Where many brands moved their production elsewhere, this company stayed loyal to the North of England. Part of the range is printed on surface-print machines more than a hundred years old, of which only a handful remain worldwide. That technique gives a hand-painted effect and a natural interpretation of the pattern that you simply won't find in flat digital printing. In this way, 1838 Wallcoverings wallpaper combines historic craftsmanship with contemporary design, which explains why the designs look at home in a classic townhouse just as much as in a sleek apartment.

Materials and look of 1838 Wallcoverings wallpaper

The designs draw on the British garden tradition: lush floral motifs, botanical illustrations and classic damask patterns alternate throughout. The brand prints exclusively with water-based inks, non-toxic and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), on responsibly sourced non-woven backings. A non-woven backing is a pleasure to work with: you apply the paste directly to the wall and hang the length straight away, with no soaking time. The surface printing also gives depth and texture, so on the wall 1838 Wallcoverings wallpaper feels like a piece of craftsmanship rather than a print.

Signature collections from 1838 Wallcoverings

The range runs from calm and timeless to rich and decorative. If you love refined, understated designs, take a look at Essence or Pavilion, two collections that radiate calm and character. The Willow collection brings organic motifs with a rural British feel. Especially noteworthy are the collaborations with the world-famous Victoria & Albert Museum: in V&A Decorative Papers, V&A Decorative Papers II and V&A Decorative Papers III the brand reinterprets ornaments and patterns from the museum archives, with designs that date back to the eighteenth century. In this way, 1838 Wallcoverings wallpaper links museum heritage with a contemporary execution.

Where does 1838 Wallcoverings wallpaper work best?

The collections are perfectly suited to the bedroom, the living room and the entrance hall. The botanical and floral motifs combine beautifully with natural materials, such as linen curtains or a textured wooden floor. If you want to accent a single wall, a floral motif or a damask pattern instantly adds depth to the space; for a graphic or playful touch, standalone designs such as Mineral or Crystalline add something contemporary. Thanks to its calm base tones, 1838 Wallcoverings wallpaper is easy to combine with your existing furniture.

Hanging and care

Because 1838 Wallcoverings wallpaper is printed on a non-woven backing, you apply the paste to the wall and hang the length against it dry. If you're unsure about quantities, use the wallpaper calculator for an accurate estimate based on your wall measurements. If you're dealing with relief motifs, larger pattern repeats or a tricky surface, it pays to call in a professional: you'll find all the information on the page for professional wallpaper hangers.

Buy 1838 Wallcoverings wallpaper at Selected Wallpapers

Selected Wallpapers is an official dealer of the brand. If you're unsure about a colour or pattern, order a sample first, so you can assess the wallpaper at home in your own light before buying full rolls. If you have questions about which collection or colourway suits your interior, our team is happy to help you with personal advice. That way you can order 1838 Wallcoverings wallpaper with complete peace of mind. International shipping, duties & taxes included.