There’s something truly special about a damask wallpaper — it’s elegant, rich in history and gives a room instant character. As a family-run shop with four generations of interior-obsession behind us, we at Nobletts Wallpaper couldn’t resist sharing a deep dive into this classic style, how to use it in modern homes, and showcasing a few picks we’re excited about.
What is “damask” anyway?
Despite being everywhere now, the word “damask” actually has some very old roots. The technique—and the name—originate from the city of Damascus (hence “damask”), a major Silk Road hub. Wikipedia
Originally it described a fabric woven in silk (or other fine materials) where the pattern is created by the structure of the weave (warp and weft) rather than simply printed on. Wikipedia The effect: one part of the weave catches light differently, giving a subtle pattern effect within the fabric. Pattern Observer
Over time the pattern language of damask—the symmetrical medallions, scrolling foliage, lozenges—was adopted into wallpapers. According to the Victoria and Albert Museum and others, some of the earliest European wallpapers had damask-style motifs. Fabrics and Papers
In short, when you choose a damask wallpaper you’re linking with centuries of design—think sumptuous fabrics, stately houses, artistry in texture.
Why it still works today
So why does damask keep showing up in interiors? Several reasons:
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Heritage meets versatility. While the motif is historic, its symmetrical, repetitive nature means it can be scaled up or down, modernised in colour, or given metallic touches to feel fresh.
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Pattern with elegance. Unlike loud florals or geometric prints that dominate a space, damask offers ornamentation that can feel luxurious yet not overwhelming. Even designers say it’s “hard to beat”.
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Mix-and-match friendly. Because damasks often appear in tone-on-tone or with just subtle colour shifts, they pair well with fabrics, furnishings and painted walls without clashing.
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Feature-friendly. The nature of the motif means you can paper a whole room… or just create a feature wall with impact. (More on that in a sec.)
How to use damask wallpaper in your home
Here’s how to make the most of this design treasure in a way that feels current—not stuck in a period drama:
1. Decide your mood
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For sophisticated classic, choose a damask in neutrals or metallics (think soft greys, silvers, golds) and pair with elegant furniture and clean lines.
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For glamorous drama, go for high contrast (deep blacks + golds, jewel tones) and rich materials (velvet cushions, dark woods).
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For soft and contemporary, pick muted colours, smaller scale motifs or try a pastel base for a fresh twist.
2. Pick your placement
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Full room wrap: If you’re confident, paper the whole room for maximal effect.
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Feature wall: If the pattern is bold, consider using it on one wall (behind the bed or sofa) and complementing with a solid painted wall. Many design resources recommend this to get big impact without overwhelming. grahambrown.com
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Ceiling or accent: Why not the ceiling? It adds drama and draws the eye upward.
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Don’t forget scale: Big patterns suit larger spaces; smaller scale designs can work in more modest rooms.
3. Pairing & finishes
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Match with plainer carpets, rugs or curtains to let the damask stand out.
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Introduce metallics (brass, chrome) or textured fabrics for contrast.
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Paint colours: pick from the wallpaper’s motif for harmony, or choose a subtle contrasting tone.
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For modern homes: combining the heritage motif with minimalist furniture or industrial touches can make the style feel fresh and not too traditional.
Four favourite damask wallpapers we’re loving
Here are some of the designs we have at Nobletts that embody different takes on damask — each with its own personality:
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Nobletts Wallpaper “History of Art 2 – Damask Blue & Silver Wallpaper” – This one layers a refined blue background with a silver damask motif. Perfect if you want classic elegance with a cool-toned twist. View it here
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“Azara Damask Rose Wallpaper” – A softer, more romantic interpretation: rose tones, elegant patterning — ideal for bedrooms or feature walls where you want warmth and a feminine touch. View it here
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“Amie Damask Dusky Blue Wallpaper” – Deep dusky blue meets damask texture: moodier, contemporary and bold. Great for living rooms or dining rooms that welcome a statement. View it here
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“Vasari Sienna Damask Black/Gold Wallpaper” – For maximum impact: black ground, gold motif, high contrast. Think dramatic entrances, sophisticated lounges, spaces that want a luxury vibe. View it here
And if you’d like to explore more styles in one place, check out our full Damask Wallpaper collection.
A few tips before you roll that wallpaper on
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Pattern match & repeat: Ensure you understand the pattern repeat and structure — damasks often have symmetrical large motifs.
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Light & room size: Darker damasks or high contrast ones can make small rooms feel cozy but might feel heavy in a tiny space.
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Complement with furnishings: If the wallpaper is luxurious, keep other elements a bit simpler to avoid visual overload.
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Maintenance & longevity: A well-chosen damask wallpaper can last years and still look fresh; it’s not just a trend.
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When in doubt, talk to us: As a fourth-generation, family-run business, we’re always happy to help you pick the right paper for your space.
Final word
Damask wallpaper stands the test of time — heritage meets versatility, drama meets subtlety, classic meets contemporary. Whether you go for soft rose tones, cool silvers and blues, or bold black and gold, you’re choosing a pattern with depth and character.
Take a wander through our Damask Wallpaper collection, imagine it in your space, and if you’d like a sample, chat colour combos or see how it might pair with cushions and soft furnishings, just drop us a line. We’re always delighted to help.
Thanks for reading — happy papering!
– The Nobletts Wallpaper Team
