In prehistoric times, their walls were mostly covered with furs and various animal skins, but already in 200 BC we could meet Chinese wall coverings that can be called wallpaper. At that time, wall coverings made of rice paper were not yet equipped with patterns or various decorative elements, but rather aimed at functionality.
The advent of ornate wallpapers had to wait until the post-medieval period of European culture. As the southern trading cities emerged, wealthier people began to cover their walls with textiles and tapestries. In terms of patterns, they generally relied on Arab culture, with brightly colored and symmetrical patterns visible on the wallpapers.
However, it must be said that only wealthier citizens could afford to buy these textiles. At that time, materials were very difficult to obtain, as the previously known trade routes were periodically blocked by the wars of the time.
People from lower social strata also liked wallpapers, which were already created by reproduction at that time, so graphic elements could be made individually. The most popular and simple were symmetrical and bright patterns.
Last but not least, let's say a few words about the ingredients. Satin leather was most commonly used. This material was taken by Europeans from the conquerors who arrived on the continent centuries earlier. At first, they were decorated with embossing or a special process called die-cutting. Later, with the spread of printing technology, various wall coverings and wallpapers became available to poorer families.