Everything You Need to Know About William Morris Wallpapers

1. History of William Morris and His Wallpapers

The story of Morris wallpaper begins in 1861, when William Morris founded Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. (later Morris & Co.) with a revolutionary vision: to bring beauty, craftsmanship, and nature-inspired design into everyday homes. Born in 1834 in Walthamstow, England, Morris became one of the most influential figures in decorative arts, and his wallpaper designs remain as captivating today as they were over 160 years ago.

The Birth of the Arts and Crafts Movement

William Morris was deeply troubled by the Industrial Revolution's impact on craftsmanship and design quality. Mass production had led to poorly made, aesthetically inferior goods that lacked the soul and beauty of handcrafted items. In response, Morris championed the Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized traditional craftsmanship, natural materials, and designs inspired by the natural world. His philosophy was simple yet profound: surround yourself with objects that are both beautiful and useful.

Since William Morris founded Morris & Co in 1861, the company has been at the forefront of decorative arts, championing nature-inspired design and exceptional craftsmanship. Morris created over 50 wallpaper designs during his lifetime, each one a masterpiece of pattern-making. His designs brought over 160 years of design excellence into homes worldwide, offering authentic Arts and Crafts heritage that celebrates both botanical accuracy and decorative beauty.

Design Philosophy and Legacy

Morris believed that good design should be based on nature, and he spent countless hours studying plants, flowers, and trees. Each pattern was meticulously crafted, with Morris often creating multiple versions and colorways to achieve the perfect balance of beauty and functionality. He was not only a designer but also a technical innovator, reviving traditional block-printing techniques and experimenting with natural dyes to achieve the rich, subtle colors that characterize his work.

Morris died in 1896, but his legacy lives on through Morris & Co., which continues to produce his designs. Today, Morris wallpapers grace homes around the world, from historic properties to contemporary apartments, proving that great design transcends time and trends. All of these iconic wallpapers, along with complementary fabrics, are available in the US market exclusively through MorrisWallpaper.com, offering American homeowners access to authentic Morris & Co. designs with competitive pricing.

2. The Designs of William Morris Wallpapers

Morris & Co. offers an extensive collection of wallpaper designs, each with its own character and story. Available through MorrisWallpaper.com, these patterns are offered at some of the lowest prices in the US market, with rolls ranging from $177 to $300. Below is a comprehensive guide to the iconic designs available for American homes.

Daisy Wallpaper

The Daisy wallpaper celebrates Morris & Co's iconic floral design, created in 1864 as one of William Morris's earliest and most beloved patterns. This pattern features cheerful daisy blooms arranged in a flowing, naturalistic composition that captures the simple beauty of English meadows. Available in five charming colorways including Midnight, Moonlit, Blue/Ivory, Coral/Manilla, and Strawberry Fields, Daisy brings fresh, optimistic spirit indoors. At $240 per roll, this classic design offers excellent value and is perfect for creating welcoming atmospheres in kitchens, breakfast rooms, and children's spaces. The pattern's unpretentious charm and botanical accuracy exemplify the Arts and Crafts movement's celebration of nature.

Wandle Wallpaper

Named after the River Wandle in South London, this sophisticated pattern features flowing, organic forms inspired by riverside flora and aquatic plants. The intricate, layered composition brings the beauty of natural waterways indoors with timeless elegance. Available in five colorways including Blue/Stone, Wine/Saffron, Indigo/Madder, Grey/Stone, and Forest/Mustard, Wandle is priced at $296 per roll. This design works beautifully in bathrooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms where its sophisticated beauty can create enveloping, elegant atmospheres. The pattern's connection to a specific place in Morris's life adds authenticity and meaning to any space.

Brer Rabbit Wallpaper

Featuring playful rabbits among lush foliage and flowering plants, Brer Rabbit combines whimsy with Morris & Co's characteristic botanical accuracy. This delightful pattern appeals to both children and adults, available in five colorways: Blush, Gilver, Leaf Green, Linen, and Ink/Gold. At $280 per roll, it's perfect for nurseries, children's bedrooms, and adult spaces where a touch of whimsy is desired. The flowing composition brings the enchantment of woodland stories indoors, making it especially suited to creating spaces that feel both joyful and beautifully designed.

Lemon Tree Wallpaper

Capturing the sun-drenched beauty of Mediterranean citrus groves, Lemon Tree features lemon trees laden with golden fruit and delicate blossoms. This fresh, optimistic pattern is available in three colorways: Sage, Wedgewood, and Bay Leaf, priced at $240 per roll. The design's cheerful quality works beautifully in kitchens, breakfast rooms, and dining areas, where the pattern's association with abundance and hospitality creates inviting atmospheres perfect for gathering and entertaining. It brings year-round sunshine into American homes with authentic Morris & Co sophistication.

Larkspur Wallpaper

The Larkspur pattern captures the elegant beauty of delphinium flowers with their distinctive tall spires of blooms. Available in four colorways—Olive/Lilac, Slate/Russet, Green/Coral, and Manilla/Old Rose—this sophisticated design is priced at $240 per roll. The pattern's vertical emphasis naturally draws the eye upward, making it especially suited to spaces with good ceiling heights. It works beautifully in bedrooms, sitting rooms, and hallways, where its cottage garden charm can create enveloping, romantic atmospheres that promote relaxation.

Willow Wallpaper

Featuring graceful willow branches with their characteristic flowing leaves and delicate catkins, this elegant pattern evokes the peaceful atmosphere of riverside landscapes. Available in four colorways including Olive, Yellow, Slate, and Russet, Willow is offered at $219 per roll—one of the most competitive prices in the collection. The design's gentle, rhythmic quality creates a sense of calm and continuity, making it particularly effective in bedrooms, sitting rooms, and hallways where you want to promote relaxation and tranquility.

Mallow Wallpaper

The Mallow pattern features delicate mallow flowers with soft petals and graceful stems in a flowing, naturalistic composition. At just $177 per roll, this is one of the most affordable options in the Morris & Co collection, making authentic Arts and Crafts design accessible to more American homeowners. Available in five colorways—Weld, Soft Gold, Dusky Rose, Apple Green, and Powder Blue—Mallow's light, airy quality works beautifully in smaller spaces where heavier patterns might overwhelm, bringing fresh, natural atmospheres to any room.

Montreal Wallpaper

Representing a departure from traditional botanical patterns, Montreal features a bold geometric design inspired by Art Deco architecture. This striking pattern showcases angular, symmetrical motifs in three sophisticated colorways: Charcoal/Bronze, Forest/Teal, and Grey/Charcoal. Priced at $249 per roll, Montreal brings urban sophistication and timeless elegance to dining rooms, hallways, and powder rooms. The design's strong architectural quality creates memorable, sophisticated atmospheres that work beautifully in both traditional and contemporary American interiors.

Borage Wallpaper

Capturing the delicate beauty of the borage plant with its star-shaped blue flowers and distinctive foliage, this charming pattern celebrates humble herb garden plants. Available in four colorways—Sunflower, Leafy Arbour, Red House, and Inky Fingers—Borage is priced at $219 per roll. The fresh, botanical quality brings the simple elegance of kitchen garden plants indoors, working beautifully in kitchens, breakfast rooms, and dining areas where the pattern's association with herb gardens creates welcoming, lived-in atmospheres.

Bower Wallpaper

The Bower pattern captures the enchanting beauty of a garden bower with intricate compositions of intertwining vines, lush foliage, and delicate flowers. Available in three colorways—Herball/Weld, Boughs Green/Rose, and Indigo/Barbed Berry—this sophisticated design is priced at $270 per roll. The rich, layered quality brings the abundant beauty of established gardens indoors, working beautifully in dining rooms, bedrooms, and sitting rooms where its lush composition can create enveloping, elegant atmospheres.

Woodbell & Anemone Wallpaper

Featuring an elegant ogee pattern with anemones as the central motif surrounded by delicate bluebells, this sophisticated design showcases surface printing techniques that create ink marks similar to original block-printed wallpaper. Available in four colorways—Woad/Nettle, Rose/Sage, Indigo, and Bayleaf/Manilla—Woodbell & Anemone is priced at $300 per roll. The graceful composition brings the beauty of woodland flowers indoors, working beautifully in bedrooms, sitting rooms, and dining areas where its elegant composition can create sophisticated atmospheres.

Emery's Willow Wallpaper

Named to honor the design's heritage, Emery's Willow captures the graceful beauty of willow branches in an elegant, refined composition. Available in four colorways—Emery Blue, Herball, Chrysanthemum Pink, and Citrus Stone—this pattern is priced at $219 per roll. The gentle, rhythmic quality creates a sense of calm and continuity, making it particularly effective in bedrooms, sitting rooms, and hallways where you want to promote relaxation and tranquility with refined elegance.

Middlemore Wallpaper

Featuring an intricate, densely patterned design that showcases Morris & Co's mastery of botanical composition, Middlemore combines flowing foliage, stylized flowers, and decorative elements in a rich, layered arrangement. Available in five colorways—Chalk Charcoal, Antique Gold, Sage Grey, Moss Gold, and Linen Chalk—this sophisticated pattern is priced at $262 per roll. The complex composition works beautifully in dining rooms, libraries, and formal living spaces, where the pattern's detailed beauty can be appreciated and creates an atmosphere of refined elegance.

Pure Acorn Wallpaper

Capturing the timeless beauty of oak trees with their characteristic acorns and leaves, Pure Acorn features graceful arrangements that evoke the enduring strength and natural beauty of these beloved trees. Available in five colorways—Blush, Fennel, Indigo, Lemon, and Denim Blue—this classic pattern is priced at $280 per roll. The elegant composition creates visual interest without overwhelming, making it particularly effective in bedrooms, sitting rooms, and dining areas where you want to combine natural beauty with refined sophistication.

Apple Wallpaper

The Apple pattern captures the timeless beauty of apple orchards with characteristic fruit and foliage in an elegant, naturalistic composition. Available in five colorways—Rust Gold, Chalk Ivory, Indigo Antique, Honey Gold, and Bay Leaf—Apple is priced at $240 per roll. The warm, inviting quality works beautifully in kitchens, dining rooms, and breakfast rooms, where the pattern's association with harvest and abundance creates welcoming, lived-in atmospheres that celebrate the beauty of fruit-bearing trees.

Bachelors Button Wallpaper

Capturing the cheerful beauty of cornflowers (bachelor's buttons) with their characteristic blue blooms and delicate foliage, this charming pattern evokes the simple beauty of summer meadows. Available in five colorways including Ecru, Silver, Olive/Turquoise, Leaf Green/Sky, and Burnt Orange/Sky, Bachelors Button brings the unpretentious charm of wildflowers indoors. The fresh, optimistic quality works beautifully in kitchens, breakfast rooms, and children's spaces, creating welcoming, happy atmospheres.

Bamboo Wallpaper

Featuring elegant bamboo with characteristic tall stems and delicate leaves in an Eastern-inspired composition, Bamboo showcases Morris & Co's openness to Asian aesthetic influences. Available in two colorways—Sunflower and Thyme/Artichoke—this refined pattern brings the tranquil beauty of bamboo groves indoors. The vertical emphasis and serene quality work beautifully in bedrooms, sitting rooms, and hallways, creating peaceful, enveloping atmospheres that promote relaxation and contemplation.

Bird Wallpaper

Capturing the enchanting beauty of woodland birds perched among lush foliage and flowering branches, Bird features graceful arrangements in a naturalistic composition. Available in four colorways—Wooded Dell, Webbs Blue, Madder/Weld, and Boughs Green—this sophisticated pattern celebrates wildlife alongside botanical subjects. The elegant quality works beautifully in bedrooms, sitting rooms, and dining areas, where its graceful composition can create enveloping, elegant atmospheres that celebrate the beauty of birds and nature.

Brophy Trellis Wallpaper

Featuring an elegant geometric trellis design that combines architectural structure with botanical inspiration, Brophy Trellis showcases a lattice framework adorned with delicate foliage. Available in four colorways—Ivory Sage, Russet Gold, Sage Linen, and Deep Teal—this sophisticated pattern brings both order and natural beauty indoors. The balanced composition works beautifully in dining rooms, hallways, and sitting rooms, creating sophisticated, enveloping atmospheres that celebrate both geometry and nature.

Campanula Wallpaper

Capturing the delicate beauty of bellflowers (campanula) with their characteristic bell-shaped blooms and graceful stems, this elegant pattern features flowing arrangements in a naturalistic composition. Available in four colorways—Sunburst/Ebony, Peacock/Opal, Sunburst, and Autumn Garden—Campanula brings the charm of English gardens indoors. The refined quality works beautifully in bedrooms, sitting rooms, and dining areas, creating enveloping, elegant atmospheres that celebrate the beauty of cottage gardens.

Compton Wallpaper

Featuring an intricate, densely patterned design that showcases Morris & Co's mastery of botanical composition, Compton combines flowing foliage, stylized flowers, and decorative elements in a rich, layered arrangement. Available in four colorways—Spring, Summer Yellow, Brown/Orange, and Indigo/Russet—this sophisticated pattern creates depth and visual interest. The complex composition works beautifully in dining rooms, libraries, and formal living spaces, creating refined elegance and abundant beauty.

Cornflower Wallpaper

A bold floral design by John Henry Dearle featuring tulips, acanthus, daisies, and cornflowers in his signature vine-like style, this magnificent pattern captures the exuberant beauty of an English garden in full bloom. Available in four colorways—Madder/Forest, Russet/Teal, Rose/Woad, and Lemon/Sage—Cornflower is priced at $375 per roll. The rich, layered quality brings the abundant vitality of summer borders indoors, working beautifully in dining rooms, libraries, and formal living spaces where dramatic presence and sophisticated vitality are desired.

3. Application of William Morris Wallpapers

Understanding Wallpaper Specifications

Morris & Co wallpapers are produced to exacting standards that ensure both beauty and durability. Most patterns feature a standard roll width of 20.5 inches and a roll length of 11 yards (33 feet), providing approximately 56 square feet of coverage per roll. Pattern repeats vary by design, ranging from 9 inches to 24 inches, with design matches that can be straight, half-drop, or offset. Understanding these specifications is essential for calculating the correct amount of wallpaper needed for your project.

Calculating Wallpaper Requirements

To determine how many rolls you'll need for your American home, measure the height and width of each wall in feet. Multiply height by width to get the square footage, then add all walls together. Subtract the square footage of doors and windows. Divide the total by 56 (square feet per roll) and round up to the nearest whole number. It's recommended to add 10-15% extra for pattern matching and future repairs. For patterns with larger repeats (like Cornflower at 24 inches), you may need additional material to ensure proper pattern alignment.

Surface Preparation

Proper wall preparation is crucial for achieving professional results with Morris wallpapers. Walls should be clean, smooth, dry, and free from any loose paint, wallpaper, or debris. Fill any holes, cracks, or imperfections with spackling compound and sand smooth once dry. If walls are freshly painted, allow at least 30 days for paint to cure completely before hanging wallpaper. For previously wallpapered walls, remove all old wallpaper and adhesive residue. Prime walls with a quality wallpaper primer to ensure proper adhesion and easier removal in the future.

Tools and Materials Needed

Professional installation requires specific tools: a wallpaper table or clean, flat surface for cutting and pasting; sharp scissors or a wallpaper knife with fresh blades; a metal straightedge or ruler; a plumb line or level; a smoothing brush or plastic smoother; a seam roller; a sponge and clean water for cleanup; and appropriate adhesive. Morris & Co wallpapers typically require a heavy-duty, non-staining wallpaper paste suitable for non-woven or traditional wallpapers, depending on the specific product. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations on the product label.

Installation Process

Begin by establishing a true vertical line using a plumb line or level, starting in an inconspicuous corner. Measure and cut the first strip, adding 2-4 inches extra at top and bottom for trimming. If using paste-the-wall adhesive, apply paste evenly to the wall section where the first strip will hang. If using traditional paste, apply paste to the back of the wallpaper strip, fold it book-style (paste to paste), and allow it to relax for the time specified by the manufacturer (typically 5-10 minutes).

Position the first strip at the ceiling line, allowing excess to overlap onto the ceiling. Align the edge with your vertical guideline and smooth from the center outward using a smoothing brush or plastic smoother, working out any air bubbles. Trim excess at ceiling and baseboard with a sharp knife. For subsequent strips, carefully match the pattern at eye level before smoothing the entire strip. Butt edges together without overlapping—Morris wallpapers are designed for butt seams. Use a seam roller gently on seams after 15-20 minutes, being careful not to squeeze out adhesive.

Pattern Matching

Morris wallpapers feature various pattern matches that require attention during installation. Straight match patterns align horizontally across strips at the same height. Half-drop patterns offset by half the pattern repeat, requiring careful planning to minimize waste. When cutting strips, always cut from the same end of the roll to maintain pattern consistency. Lay out several strips before pasting to ensure proper pattern flow, especially important with complex designs like Bower, Middlemore, or Cornflower.

Special Considerations for American Homes

American homes often feature different wall constructions than traditional British homes. Drywall is standard in the US, which provides an excellent surface for wallpaper when properly prepared and primed. In older American homes with plaster walls, ensure the plaster is sound and well-adhered before papering. For homes in humid climates (like the Southeast), proper ventilation during and after installation is essential to prevent mold growth. In dry climates (like the Southwest), maintaining consistent humidity during installation helps prevent premature drying of adhesive.

Modern American homes often feature open floor plans, making pattern selection and placement particularly important. Consider how patterns will flow from room to room and whether you want continuity or contrast. The architectural style of your home should also inform your choice—Arts and Crafts bungalows are natural settings for Morris wallpapers, while contemporary homes can use these patterns as dramatic feature walls to add character and historical depth.

Corners and Obstacles

For inside corners, overlap strips slightly and cut through both layers vertically in the corner, removing the waste pieces to create a perfect seam. For outside corners, wrap the paper around the corner by about 1 inch, then start the next strip with a slight overlap. Around windows and doors, hang full strips and carefully cut away excess, leaving a small overlap to trim precisely. For electrical outlets and switches, turn off power, remove cover plates, hang the wallpaper over the opening, and carefully cut an X from corner to corner, trimming excess and replacing cover plates.

Drying and Curing

After installation, allow wallpaper to dry naturally for 24-48 hours. Avoid using fans or heaters to speed drying, as this can cause seams to lift or gaps to appear. Keep the room at a consistent temperature (65-75°F) and moderate humidity. Don't be alarmed if seams appear slightly raised or if the paper seems loose during drying—this is normal and will resolve as the adhesive cures. Avoid touching or cleaning the wallpaper for at least 48 hours after installation.

Maintenance and Care

Morris & Co wallpapers are designed for longevity when properly maintained. Most patterns can be gently cleaned with a soft, dry cloth or vacuum with a soft brush attachment. For marks or stains, test any cleaning method in an inconspicuous area first. Some patterns are