The Comeback: Anaglypta

Remember that textured wallpaper in your Grandparents’ house? Well, it’s back!

You know Anaglypta. It’s that textured, paintable wallpaper that was all the rage from the latter part of the 19th century, right through to the 1970s – it was everywhere. Chances are, you probably encountered it in your parents' or grandparents’ home, and the naughtier children among us will know how satisfying it was pressing the patterns down with your fingernail…

Made from paper or vinyl, Anaglypta has been around since 1887. It was an instant success with the Victorians as it was the first washable wallcovering and offered durability as well as an ornate effect.

In the last few decades however, it’s gradually fallen out of favour and resigned to the graveyard of decor (along with other unfortunate throwbacks such as the Lava Lamp and the antimacassar). But don’t get that wallpaper scraper out just yet – it seems there’s a revival for Anaglypta on the horizon.

The beauty of these wallcoverings is that they’re paintable, of course, so whichever design you choose (and there’s over 100), you can still add your own twist to your space. They add texture and personality to a room without becoming too overwhelming, and as a result makes a bland space feel instantly warmer and more inviting – so they work really well in new-build properties that lack a little character. Oh, and it hides any imperfections on walls.

The brand has recently relaunched designs from its archive, with original motifs from the Victorian era, to the Art Deco designs of the 1920s right up to the 1970s.

Given a lick of paint, you’d be surprised how contemporary Anaglypta looks. The designs above are Egon painted in Striking Cyan, Derby (painted in a metallic paint) and Deco Paradiso in Breton Blue. Maybe Granny was onto something…

www.anaglypta.co.uk