What Is Damask Wallpaper? History, Types, and Styles

Wallpaper is one of the most transformative décor elements in interior design. If you want to elevate your home in a classic style, a damask wallpaper may be the perfect choice. This type of wallpaper offers a traditional, luxury feel that works with many aesthetics.

Damask wallpaper is all about symmetry, ornate shapes, and visual flow. Whether you’re tackling a full home renovation or looking for an easy way to enhance your space, a high-quality damask wallpaper provides truly elevated style.

Keep reading to learn all about damask wallpaper, the history of the design, and how to incorporate it into your interiors.

What Are the Elements of Damask?

Damask is characterized by symmetrical, intricate motifs typically arranged in an unbroken vertical layout against a solid background. The mirrored design and ornate shapes you’ll find in damask wallpaper create an elegant visual rhythm that feels upscale. Popular damask wallpaper patterns feature florals, scrolls, and geometrics.

History of Damask

Damask originated as a weaving technique found in China around 300 BC and was typically used in luxury textiles like silk. Through global trade, the damask weaving technique traveled to the Middle East. It found great popularity in the city of Damascus, Syria—which is the source of the word “damask.” 

Throughout the centuries, damask patterned textiles traveled throughout the world. The first documented use of damask wallpaper could be found in 16th century Europe.

Types of Damask Wallpaper

While the basic elements of damask wallpaper are consistent, there’s still a lot of variation in damask. Damask wallpaper can feature different color combinations, scales, imagery, and textures. 

Here are a few examples of popular damask wallpaper styles.

Traditional Damask Wallpaper

Traditional damask wallpaper is designed to closely align with historical patterns. These classic wallpapers, like the drawing room leaf wallpaper, are typically ornate and feature floral or scroll shapes.

Modern Damask

Modern damask wallpapers typically feature the symmetry and intricate shapes found in traditional varieties, but with a contemporary twist. The wallpapers may feature sharp geometric shapes or oversized motifs. The timbre damask stone blue wallpaper is a great example of a modern take on the pattern, with saturated colors and stylish use of empty space.

Floral Damask Wallpaper

Many damask wallpapers include flowers, leaves, or vines. Floral damasks like the parlor paper wallpaper can feature a mix of flowers and foliage, which creates an organic look that combines structure with flow.

Textured Damask Wallpaper

Texture is often used in damask wallpaper to add additional dimension and make the motif stand out against the background. Many damask wallpapers feature metallic or three-dimensional designs. They also come in a wide range of textures including linen and grasscloth. For example the rocco relief faux grasscloth wallpaper is a great choice if you want a traditional damask pattern with added texture.

Eclectic Damask Wallpaper

An eclectic take on damask wallpaper is usually all about bold color combinations and oversized motifs. Take the dragon flower midnight bloom wallpaper as an example. This pattern offers a mid-century-inspired design that feels almost abstract in its presentation. 

Where To Use Damask Wallpaper

Damask wallpaper can look beautiful in any space, but there are a few rooms where it really stands out. This pattern is mostly utilized in formal or traditional spaces that bring out the luxurious vibe of damask weaves.

Living Rooms

Living rooms are the perfect place to use damask wallpaper, especially when used as an accent wall to highlight a couch, fireplace, or architectural feature. 

Bedrooms

Damask is an excellent pattern to use in a primary bedroom or guest room, as it offers an elevated effect that suits both masculine and feminine styles.

Dining Rooms

Install damask wallpaper in a formal dining room to create a sophisticated atmosphere during meals. It looks particularly upscale when paired with a dark wooden table and chairs.

Powder Rooms

You can use damask wallpaper to add a vintage elegance to a powder room or half bath. Consider choosing a pattern in a pastel tone to avoid overwhelming the small space. 

Hallways

A stylish damask wallpaper offers a dynamic, classic look, which compliments transitional spaces like hallways and entryways.

Ways To Style Damask Wallpaper

Styling your damask wallpaper is all about creating a cohesive space that aligns with your personal taste. If you’re looking for some inspiration, consider the following style ideas.

Pair With Antique Elements

You can’t go wrong when you lean into the historical nature of damask wallpaper. Choose a traditional design featuring deep brown, cream, or rich blue and combine it with complimentary décor such as:

• Wooden furnishings

• Classic rugs

• Antique artwork

• Ornate picture and mirror frames

• Delicate materials (porcelain, ceramic, etc.)

• Intricate chandeliers

• Brass candle holders

Choose a Black and White Color Scheme for a Modern Look

To add a contemporary touch to your space, opt for a damask wallpaper in a white and black color palette. Pairing ornate shapes with this stark color combo creates a chic contrast that works well in modern spaces.

Use Damask Wallpaper as a Feature Wall

For a minimal, understated interior, you can use damask wallpaper on just one wall in a room. Accent walls can help frame a feature like a bed or fireplace and help you avoid overwhelming the space. You can even install damask wallpaper in bookshelves or stair risers to create a unique pop of unexpected pattern.

Create a Coquette-Inspired Space

The coquette interior design style is defined by delicate, feminine colors and playful accents. Incorporate a coquette wallpaper in a damask pattern to act as a backdrop for your other romantic design elements.

To create a coquette room, incorporate some of the following elements:

• Soft pink colors (pastel, blush, peach)

• Flowers, bows, and ribbons

• Embroidered fabrics

• Vintage dolls and paintings

• Vanities

• Lace drapes

Go for a Colorful Eclectic Look

If you love bold, maximalist interior designs, a patterned wallpaper is an excellent choice. A colorful damask wallpaper can add eclectic structure to your space. Pair with unique textures like velvet curtains, leather couches, and shag rugs to add additional intrigue.

Transform Your Home With an Aesthetic Damask Wallpaper

Damask wallpaper provides a classic, yet versatile style that truly stands the test of time. If you want to use this stunning pattern in your spaces, you can’t go wrong with high-quality wallpaper. At Mitchell Black, we offer a wide variety of stylish designs in premium paper, type II vinyl, and peel and stick wallpaper varieties. 

Browse our collection or schedule an appointment with a design specialist through our concierge service.