South Kensington Living

Wall coverings

Wainscoting

In early Georgian houses the entire interior (except the garrets whether servants lived) would be panelled – wainscoted – rather than plastered. Frames were constructed from imported deal and fixed to the bare brickwork. They were then nearly always painted, mainly in light colours. Shades of green were popular. Or they might be grained to look like expensive wood.

Frescos

The wall next to the staircase was sometimes covered with a painted fresco rather than a panel.

Bolts of cloth

Decoration consisted of bolts of cloths, such as red or green damask silk, which would be hung like a tapestry.

Wallpaper

In the late 18th century, wallpaper began to replace hangings. It was cheaper and came to be used even in fairly humble houses.