6 Pretty Cottage Wallpapers To Elevate A Countryside Home
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4 weeks ago
From chintzy florals to pastoral murals and more, these wallpapers are a cottagecore dream
Besides wooden beams, pocket-sized fireplaces and wellies lining the front door, there’s one thing all quintessentially British cottages have in common: a stunning wallpaper setup. Here’s how to find the perfect one for your home – plus, our edit of the prettiest cottage wallpapers on the market right now.
How To Give Your Walls A Cottagecore Revival
It’s easy to wax poetic about Britain’s stately homes or grand townhouses – especially when we think of them in their ornate Jane Austen-adjacent Regency attire – but for us, the real crowning jewel of Britain’s architectural crown has to be the countryside cottage. With their thatched roofs, lattice windows and rustic brick facades, these chocolate box abodes are wonderfully charming.
And while they look cute on the outside, they’re often even better on the inside. The quintessentially British cottage is often a treasure trove of curated clutter: antique knickknacks on every surface, blankets flung over a squishy sofa, a fire crackling happily in the grate and mismatched Emma Bridgewater mugs stacked in the cabinet.
Morris & Co.
Naturally, with a setup like this, wallpaper (the chintzier the better) is a must. ‘Decorating a traditional English cottage is all about getting the wallpaper right, whether its floral romance and woodland creatures or trailing foliage, simple stripes and checks,’ notes Rebecca Craig, head of design at Sanderson. ‘In these spaces, wallpaper often evokes notions of nostalgia, nature, and softness – with a strong link to the British countryside.’
The designer adds that maximalist wallpapers are ideal for small spaces, as they can help open up a room and make it feel more expansive than a flat surface might. ‘I lean into designs inspired by the natural world for smaller country dwellings, particularly colourful florals or woodland flora,’ she says. ‘Whimsical themes as well as heritage papers which evoke memories of the past, comfort and calm are also a lovely option for decorating rooms with petite proportions. And in terms of colourations, soft and chalky tones are popular.’
‘The key themes we’re seeing now, more than ever, are classic Victorian florals, soft abstracts or block prints that include intricate dot detailing to bring the bolder pattern together,’ she continues. ‘We’ve also seen a return to wallpapering all four walls, rather than selecting a single feature area.’
Harlequin
Expert Tips For Choosing A Wallpaper
Consider The Surface
First things first: check the walls. Most cottages are historic properties that don’t follow a clear-cut build or layout, meaning you might end up with a wonky wall or two. ‘One thing to consider when wallpapering a cottage is the texture you’re applying the paper to,’ highlights Rebecca. ‘If your walls are uneven, use a base paper of heavier weight option to ensure you get a smooth application.’
Investigate The Period
When it comes to choosing paper, a good starting point is the period of the building itself. This can help inform your design choices and room themes, and give your home a greater sense of authenticity. ‘Try to lean into the period of the property,’ suggests Rebecca. ‘Some research before executing your vision is always a good thing.’ This, however, should never be at the cost of a wallpaper you really love. ‘Always go for the designs that sings to you, whatever the period,’ the designer adds.
Layer Patterns
Don’t be afraid to mix and match wallpapers – both across your home and within one room – either. ‘Layer different patterns in different zones using a key colour to thread through the rooms,’ suggests Rebecca. ‘And remember: larger scales can look just as wonderful in small spaces as smaller scale designs.’
Extend The Walls
An all-over look can give your space some real impact, notes Rebecca. ‘Decorating all the nooks and crannies including the ceilings really envelops the room,’ she says. ‘And don’t forget that wallpaper can also be used inside wardrobes, alcoves, as draw liners, or showcased in picture frames.’
