What Downton Abbey Tell Us About Damask Wallpaper

It’s easy to why many people like it. It’s a very classic design that evolves elaborate patterns that can give a home a very elegant look. With a timeless pattern, that was created in the city of Damascus hundreds of years ago, it can easily fit in many traditional and modern decorating schemes. Many of the most well-known interior designers liberally use damask throughout the house when the owner is looking for a classy high fashion theme, be it contemporary or vintage. If a damask is just as popular in 2013 as it was in 1913, it’s a safe bet that this particular style has sticking power and will not be dying out anytime soon!

Okay, let’s be real, if you haven’t at least heard of Downton Abbey by now, where have you been? That show didn’t just sneak onto our screens—it barged in wearing a tailored Edwardian gown and demanded attention. And while the drama, the scandals, and Maggie Smith’s legendary one-liners kept us hooked, there was something else quietly stealing the spotlight: the wallpaper.

Yeah, you read that right. The wallpaper.

Because here’s the thing—Downton Abbey didn’t just give us a masterclass in aristocratic family drama. It also made us all suddenly care about damask-print walls like we were 1912 socialites redecorating our country estates. And honestly? That obsession hasn’t faded one bit.

Why Damask? Because It Screams “Fancy” Without Trying Too Hard

Damask isn’t just some old-fashioned floral print your great-aunt had in her parlor. It’s the OG status symbol of interior design—a pattern so timeless that it’s been making rooms look expensive for literal centuries.

Take Lady Mary’s bedroom, for example. That deep red damask wasn’t just a random choice. It was a power move. Rich, warm, and just a little bit dramatic—just like her. And then there’s the Crawleys’ drawing room, where that turquoise damask made every tea-drinking, gossip-filled scene feel like a painting come to life.

The genius of damask? It’s got range. It can be traditional or modern, bold or subtle, depending on the color and finish. And that’s why designers still can’t quit it.

Here’s the Real Reason It’s Still Everywhere

You’d think a pattern this old would feel stuffy by now, but nope. Because damask has this sneaky way of fitting into any era.

• Want vintage glam? Go for a gold-and-cream damask in a dining room.

• Prefer something moody? Try a charcoal damask in a modern bedroom.

• Feeling bold? Metallic damask in a powder room makes a statement without screaming “look at me!”

It’s like the little black dress of wallpaper—always appropriate, always chic.

The Downton Abbey Effect (And Why We’re Still Obsessed)

Let’s be honest—most of us aren’t living in sprawling English manors (sadly). But that doesn’t mean we can’t steal a little of that Downton magic. And damask is the easiest way to do it.

Since the show aired, demand for damask wallpaper skyrocketed. Suddenly, everyone wanted their home to feel like Highclere Castle—even if they were in a Brooklyn apartment. And that trend? Still going strong.

So, Should You Go for Damask?

If you want a pattern that: 
✔ Never goes out of style 
✔ Works in any room 
✔ Makes your space look instantly more expensive

…then yes. Absolutely.

Because here’s the truth—good design isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about finding what lasts. And damask? It’s been lasting for hundreds of years.

So if you’re still on the fence, just ask yourself: What would the Crawleys do?