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Home décor: Vintage and Antique Finds vs. Bold Wallpaper Patterns (e.g., Sanderson x Morris & Co.)

Quick Verdict

Vintage and Antique Finds offer a unique glimpse into the past, with value tied to historical significance and rarity. Bold Wallpaper Patterns (e.g., Sanderson x Morris & Co.) provide a blend of historical design and modern application, with prices varying by pattern and retailer.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeVintage and Antique FindsBold Wallpaper Patterns (e.g., Sanderson x Morris & Co.)
Era or Period of OriginVintage (20 to 100 years old), Antique (at least 100 years old)Morris & Co. was founded in 1861. Sanderson acquired Morris & Co. in 1940. Sanderson began in 1860 as an importer of French wallpapers. Some Sanderson wallpapers date back to the 1930s.
Wallpaper Pattern Designer/CollectionNot availableExamples include Acorn, Marigold Umber, Chrysanthemum, Snakeshead, Chiswick Grove, One Sixty Wallpapers, Arboretum collection, Glasshouse Collection, Elysian Wallpaper Collection, Embleton Bay Wallpaper Collection, Disney Home x Sanderson, Simply Morris Wallpapers, and Picture Gallery. Designers include William Morris, J.H. Dearle, Kate Faulkner, May Morris and Kathleen Kersey.
Material CompositionVintage/Antique Items: bone, bone china, brass, bronze, cast iron, cloisonne, copper, earthenware, ebony, mahogany, malachite, marble, mother of pearl, oak. Wallpaper: paper (often, not vinyl)Often paper. Some are surface printed. Some may be vinyl or coated materials.
Item ConditionCondition is a significant factor in determining valueCan be new or vintage. Vintage rolls may have darkened ends due to storage.
Wallpaper Durability/WashabilityVinyl wallpaper is durable and washable. Most vintage wallpaper is paper, which can't be applied with modern paste.Some wallpapers are washable, often those made from vinyl or coated materials. Washable wallpapers can be gently wiped with a damp cloth or sponge.
Rarity/UniquenessRarity and demand significantly impact value. Limited editions and unique pieces are often more valuable.Vintage Sanderson x Morris & Co. wallpapers can be rare.
Color Palette and TonesWarm, earthy tones (sepia, ochre, mustard), soft pastels (blush pink, baby blue), muted tones, faded hues, nostalgicVaried, including green, umber, and charcoal/spice. The Sanderson archives offer a wide range of colors. Examples of colors found in specific patterns include: yellow ochre, jade green, bright blue, light pink-brown, light grey, deep purple-blue, deep jade green.
Scale and Repeat SizeNot availableVaries depending on the pattern. For example, Snakeshead has a pattern repeat of 34.3cm. Marigold Umber has a 10" repeat. Standen has a pattern repeat of 30.5 cm. Annandale Wallpaper has a pattern repeat of 24.02". Picture Gallery has a pattern repeat of 30.0".
Dimensions and SizeNot availableStandard roll length is often 10.05 meters (11 yards) and width is 52cm, unless otherwise stated. Some rolls are extra wide, such as the Snakeshead pattern at 68cm. Marigold Umber has a 20.5" panel width and 33' roll length.
Historical SignificanceReflects cultures and societies, embodies design, craftsmanship, and culture of their eraSanderson and Morris & Co. are historically intertwined giants of British interior design. Arthur Sanderson & Sons Ltd played a pivotal role in defining English interior decoration tastes. Sanderson received The Royal Warrant in 1924.
Application MethodTraditional wheat paste, sizing walls with diluted paste before hangingTypically involves paste the paper or paste the wall application. Using a good quality lining paper is recommended.
Price and ValueInfluenced by age, condition, rarity, historical significance, and provenance. eBay can be a resource to find out what similar items have recently sold for.Prices vary widely depending on the pattern, rarity, and retailer. Examples: Marigold Umber and Chrysanthemum are listed at $345.00. Calathea and Bird of Paradise are listed at $324.00 per double roll.

Overall Comparison

Vintage Era: 20-100 years old, Antique Era: at least 100 years old; Sanderson x Morris & Co. Wallpaper Price: $324.00 - $345.00 per double roll

Pros and Cons

Vintage and Antique Finds

Pros:
  • Reflects cultures and societies of the past
  • Unique and rare items can be valuable
  • Offers insights into the design, craftsmanship, and culture of their era
Cons:
  • Vintage wallpaper is often paper and not washable
  • Condition is a significant factor in determining value
  • Environmental factors like humidity and sunlight can damage vintage wallpaper
  • Vintage wallpaper often requires traditional wheat paste for application

Bold Wallpaper Patterns (e.g., Sanderson x Morris & Co.)

Pros:
  • No notable advantages reported.
Cons:
  • No major disadvantages reported.

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