I don’t know about some of you but I am struggling to stay focused and motivated these days, especially as my city of Toronto has entered another lockdown. I want to blog so much because I love sharing fun content with all my readers, but I am just finding it hard. BUT today…I struck jackpot while mindlessly, sort of looking for blog ideas on the web….A 1940 Montgomery Ward Interior Design Catalog for Wallpaper.

Source: Archive.org

I LOVE looking at how people decorated their homes in the past. Sometimes it seems super busy and sometimes it just works. Everyone’s style is different and some of these wallpapers featured in this very detailed catalog might just be something that you might want to have designed for your own home (or go on the hunt for).

Even if it’s not something you want, trust me when I say it’s fun to see what was stylish and popular in 1940 (especially since we were in the middle of a war).

Let’s open it up and see what we find……

Vintage Wallpaper Ideas from a 1940 Montgomery Ward Catalog

First up! What is the “1760 Women create Wards” all about?

Well according to the page above Montgomery Ward conducted a Wallpaper survey to understand what housewives tastes were. Members of MW staff went into their homes with a 300-pattern sample book. From it, women selected papers in favorite colours and designs and said why they liked them. They told the staff that there was “Wallpaper WANTS” and this is what they all agreed on:

All women want:

• Savings
• Quality that gives dependable service
• Papers harmonizing in colour and design with each other and with furnishings.

Montgomery Ward then took these ideas to the best designers and colorists in America. The result is Wards 1940 Wallpapers created by women just like you (well 1940s you). And on each of the pages you will see how the “Wants” have been used.

Here are 3 Qualities to choose from when picking your wallpaper in 1940:

• 31% wanted Fadeproof paper
• 44% wanted Fadeproof, Washable paper
• 25% wanted Fadeproof, Washable paper that is Embossed or Calendered.

Side Note: I’m going to be honest..while I love this winter wonderland wallpaper I’m not 100% sure if its practical for a room all year around. Share what you think in the comments section below!

More Tips! How to use Color and Design when designing your room:

Keep color schemes simple-a room in good taste has two predominting colours with accents of one or two others.

Wards show 5 basic colours: Blue, Green, Beige, Cocoa and Rose. You can mix or match them in everthing from draperies to paint. You then chose a Companion paper (which will be the examples I show below), harmonizing in colour and design.

The 2 pages below are three harmonized room schemes featuring companion paper.

To Keep Adjoining Rooms Harmonious…Choose a Companion Paper (as discussed above).

Oh I love a good tropical print (“A Smart New Design” to be exact). Here is the 1940s version of the palm leaves wallpaper you see on some many Instagram accounts these days.

Quaint Design, Sparkling Color-A Delight to Every Eye! Pretty floral wall paper design for your bedroom.

Do you have kids or maybe grandkids? How about this Mother Goose themed wallpaper? Featuring Peter Rabbit, Jack and Jill with a puppy, mary and her lambs. It’s sure to bring some fun to a child’s bedroom or playroom.

A Paper Reminiscent of Yesterday-For Your Modern Kitchen. The yesterday being plate-rails with quaint flowered plates and pots of trailing ivy. Banjo clock, clipper ships and old leather-bound books.

Warm Colors and Picturesque Scenes: Make Halls Say “Welcome”.

Smart, Practical and Economical-A New Varnished Paper. The colours in this wallpaper are of the popular kitchen combination of red, gray and black. This pattern reminds me SO MUCH of a blog post I did on 1940s Linoleum flooring.

Anyone interested in some Scrubbable Wallpaper? You can scrub it like tile! This is very handy especially in those places like around the stove that get stained alot. I like it.

How to pay for all this wallpaper? Simple! Use the Time Payment Plan. $2 down and the $2 monthly payment. Enjoy while you pay!

Please make sure you check out the rest of the Catalog yourself because there is 161 pages and I cannot possibly share everyone of the wallpapers featured (even though I really really wanted to!).

Share your favourites in the comment section below.

FURTHER READING: Check out my archive of ‘Vintage Home Decor’ Posts HERE.

Stay Safe Friends!

Liz