Artistic patterns and prints made their way into 1930s wallpaper designs.
Streamlined art deco styles and industry-inspired designs were in the forefront of the 1930s home decor. Unlike the mainly functional bathrooms of the past decades, 1930s bathrooms made high glamour and exotic elegance key. Wallpapers from this period were no exception to the decorating grandeur of the time.
Art Deco
Popularized in the art and architecture of the 1930s, art deco style is known for its clean lines and geometric shapes. Art deco-inspired glamour soon made its way even to the bathrooms of the time period. Glamorous restrooms came complete with fashionable artistic-looking dressing tables and fixtures. Likewise, the wallpaper included clean, stylized deco-type prints and patterns. These often elaborate wall coverings enhanced the deco look with geometric shapes that were reminiscent of the fashionable '30s-era artwork.
Colors
Although there was no steadfast or true color palette for all 1930s bathroom wallpapers, the decade saw a rise in the use of muted or lighter colors. Unlike the midcentury bright and bold colors, '30s-era bathrooms were mostly ivories, sands, roses and neutral blues. While use of these tones was mainly in fixtures and tiling, bathroom wallpaper often matched these unassuming colors. By the end of the 1930s, home design color schemes took a turn for the dark, and deep maroons and greens became popular accents in wallpapers and other bathroom decor.
Florals
Delicate floral patterns were a favorite for designer 1930s bathrooms. These wallpaper styles include everything from ornately curved flowers to geometrically defined flowers. The popular geometric floral was found mostly in the art deco bathrooms of the time. These garden-themed creations were meant to match with existing '30s bathroom tile and fixtures, typically falling into the muted or neutral color palette with light greens, baby blues and soft rose hues.
Innovations
The wallpapers of previous decades were sturdy and decorative, yet lacked washability. The 1930s saw the rise of new technology and easily washable wallpaper. The rigors of steam and dirty bathwater could easily take their toll on wall coverings, making this innovation an easy fit for bathroom decor. With a quick sponging off, homemakers could easily keep their elegant florals or imaginative art deco patterns neat, clean and free from day-to-day bathroom grime.
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