Cole and Son’s New Classics collection features stunning wood-inspired wallpapers that bring warmth and texture to any space. The Woods design is one of the standouts, offering a timeless look perfect for both classic and contemporary homes. Let’s take an in-depth look at what makes New Classics: Woods Wallpaper by Cole and Son such an exceptional choice.
Overview of Cole and Son
Cole and Son has been creating luxurious wallpapers since 1875. The British brand is known for its artistry, attention to detail, and commitment to quality. Their papers are still block printed using traditional methods and custom-carved wood blocks. This gives them a depth and dimension that machine printing simply can’t match.
Cole and Son has decorated some of the most iconic interiors across the globe, from royal palaces to luxury hotels. While they have historical roots, the company continues to innovate with new collections that translate their rich archives into fresh, modern styles. The New Classics collection pays homage to their design heritage in a way that feels distinctly of-the-moment.
Inspiration Behind New Classics
According to Cole and Son, the New Classics collection is inspired by “rediscovered designs from their vast archive of 290,000 woodblocks.” It brings together patterns from different eras and reimagines them in new colorways with contemporary sensibilities.
The collection includes large-scale designs like Woods as well as delicate trailing florals, geometrics, and traditional damasks. While the patterns have a nostalgic feel, the palette focuses on today’s trends like blush pink, deep blue, and moody emerald.
New Classics celebrates Cole and Son’s legacy while moving it into the future. The patterns feel familiar yet surprising at the same time. They bring together history and modernity in perfect harmony.
Details of the Woods Design
The Woods wallpaper is one of the most popular choices from the New Classics collection. It features a painterly depiction of tree trunks in a varied forest landscape. The earthy design has incredible depth and texture that truly brings nature indoors.
Colorways
This woodsy wallpaper comes in four main colorways:
- Neutral – Cream tree trunks on a warm beige background
- Green – Rich green trunks on a jade green background
- Black – Inky black trunks on a charcoal background
- Dove Grey – Grey trunks on a soft dove grey background
The neutral and green options have an organic, peaceful feel perfect for bedrooms and living spaces. The black and grey versions are a bit bolder and modern, ideal for making a sophisticated style statement.
Printing Technique
As with all Cole and Son wallpapers, Woods is exquisitely block-printed by hand. Each color requires its own custom-carved block. The artistry involved results in vivid depth and dimension that is lacking from mass-produced papers.
The organic look of the wood grain comes from using real branches and rubbings taken from actual trees. This allows for incredibly realistic detail. The colors blend and bleed in unique ways from one impression to the next, preventing uniform perfection. The small irregularities give Woods even more character and charm.
Texture
In addition to the visually textured wood grain, Woods has an actual embossed texture as well. This adds shadow and dimension that you can see and feel. It creates almost a faux bois effect on the walls, taking the forest theme to the next level. The texture reflects light beautifully and enhances the layered, lifelike look.
Scale
This showstopping wallpaper has an oversized scale for big impact. The trees span over two feet in width, making a bold artistic statement. The commanding scale transforms the wall into a focal point. It also allows the rich colors and textures to truly shine.
Despite the large-scale pattern, Woods still has an organic look. The trunks are different sizes and placed at varying angles across the paper. This asymmetry keeps the overall aesthetic natural and free-flowing.
Tips for Using Woods Wallpaper
The Woods design is captivating on its own, but choosing the right colorway and accents can take the look even further:
Go monochrome – Use Woods wallpaper in a matching color scheme for a super sophisticated look. Pair green Woods with green velvet furnishings and brass accents. Or create a moody black palette with black Woods, black leather, and black metal finishes.
Make it pop – Woods has enough impact to be the star of the show. Keep furnishings minimal and let the wallpaper shine in a neutral room. A few pops of color in pillows, drapes, and accessories will make the trees pop even more.
Warm it up – The organic nature of Woods calls for lots of other natural textures. Rough woods, woven textures, leather, and sheepskin will all complement the wallpaper perfectly. Brass, copper, and rattan accents also add to the warm, earthy style.
Go bold – For serious drama, use Woods as an accent wall in a brightly colored room. Imagine emerald green or sapphire blue walls contrasting with neutral Woods. The color will intensify the eye-catching wallpaper even more.
Where to Use Woods
The versatility of Woods makes it suitable for all different types of rooms:
Living Rooms – Make a bold living room statement by using Woods on the main focal wall. Its large scale and commanding presence will define the whole space.
Dining Rooms – Bring drama to the dining room with Woods as a backdrop. Set against neutral walls, it will get all the attention without fighting with the food.
Bedrooms – The peaceful, organic vibe of Woods makes it perfect for restful bedrooms. Its texture and color variations are soothing and conducive to sleep.
Studies – For a relaxed and creative vibe in home offices or studies, Woods sets the perfect tone. Its colors evoke nature to keep you focused but calm.
**Entryways **- Make an unforgettable first impression with Woods wallpaper in an entryway. Guests will be amazed before they even see the rest of your home.
Bathrooms – Humidity-resistant wallpaper techniques allow you to use Woods even in damp areas like bathrooms. Imagine soaking in a tub next to those tranquil tree trunks.
Benefits of Using This Nature Wallpaper
From its beauty to its versatility, New Classics Woods offers many benefits:
Visual Impact – The exceptionally detailed wood grain and powerful scale create major visual impact. This wallpaper makes a statement.
Artistic Quality – From the hand carving of the blocks to the subtle variations between prints, Woods is truly a work of art. It elevates any space.
Texture – The combination of visual and actual texture gives Woods incredible depth and dimension. Light plays off the embossed areas beautifully.
Versatility – With colorways suitable for modern, traditional, or eclectic rooms, this wallpaper suits a wide range of tastes and styles.
Durability – Cole and Son’s block printing technique and high-quality materials allow their wallpapers to last for generations, becoming more beautiful over time.
Eco-Friendly – As a nature-inspired, non-woven paper, Woods is an excellent eco-friendly option. It’s breathable, strippable, and cleanable too.
Accenting New Classics Woods Wallpaper
Once you’ve chosen the perfect spot to showcase Cole and Son’s Woods wallpaper, it’s time to consider complementary accents and accessories. Here are some ideas that will truly maximize this stunning focal point:
Textiles – Layer natural textures like linen, velvet, leather, and sheepskin near the wallpaper. Solid colors work best to let Woods take center stage.
Furniture – Woods calls for wood furniture – preferably with live edges or organic shapes. Expand the forest theme with sculptural wooden tables, chairs, shelves, and room dividers.
Lighting – Crystal chandeliers will glitter beautifully against the Woods backdrop. For more ambiance, use sconces, floor lamps, and candles throughout the space.
Window Treatments – Go for rippled, gathered, or pleated curtain styles in natural linen or velvet. Or keep it simple with wooden blinds in a coordinating finish.
Rugs – Luxurious wool rugs with muted abstract designs or animal hide rugs will complement Woods perfectly on the floor.
Accessories – Bring in wood, leather, brass, or copper accessories like vases, bowls, trays, and decorative boxes. Organic shapes and natural materials are key.
When accenting around showstopping wallpaper like New Classics Woods, restrain is essential. Let the breathtaking print be the star and choose complementary accents that enrich without competing. The result will be a serene and utterly captivating space.
Using Woods in Specific Rooms
Now let’s explore how to beautifully incorporate Woods wallpaper into some of the most popular rooms:
Woods Wallpaper in the Living Room
The living room is one of the best places to showcase New Classics Woods. Its large scale and level of detail truly transforms the mood of an entire space. Here are some living room layout ideas:
- Use Woods on the main accent wall behind the seating area. This creates an organic backdrop for furniture.
- Flank the fireplace with Woods for a nature-inspired focal point.
- Add drama by using Woods behind a clear glass partition or room divider.
- For small living rooms, try Woods on an entire wall for one big statement.
- In larger rooms, do Woods on at least two connecting walls so the pattern flows.
Stick to a simple neutral palette for furnishings like linen sofas, light woods, and marble accents. The wooden wall mural will provide all the interest you need. Keep additional accents organic but minimal.
Using Woods in the Bedroom
There’s nothing more peaceful than waking up to the tranquil Woods pattern each morning. Here are some great ways to use it in bedrooms:
- As the headboard wall, Woods sets a restful tone right from the bed.
- On the main wall opposite the bed, it creates a soothing focal point for the eyes.
- Use Woods to define a separate sitting area or reading nook within a large bedroom.
- Try Woods on the ceiling for an unexpected surprise when you wake up or turn in for the night.
- For small bedrooms, use this intimate scale pattern on an entire accent wall as a space expansion technique.
Pair Woods with other natural touches like linen bedding, rattan nightstands, and a jute area rug. The bedroom will feel like a serene forest retreat.
Incorporating Woods in the Dining Room
Using Woods wallpaper in the dining room is a showstopping yet sophisticated idea. Consider these approaches:
- As a dramatic backdrop for the dining table and chairs
- On the wall behind a buffet station or bar area
- Behind a glass partition to divide the dining and living areas
- On the ceiling to add visual interest overhead
- On one entire wall for a bold statement in a small dining space
Set a formal wooden dining table against the forest mural. Add in candelabras, wooden chairs with linen upholstery, and natural centerpieces for the perfect finishing touches.
Woods Wallpaper in the Bathroom
Thanks to moisture-resistant wallpaper technology, you can now use Woods even in damp bathroom spaces:
- Behind the tub for an organic backdrop while you soak
- On one wall to complement marble, granite, or tile on the others
- Used sparingly to accent one portion of the bathroom only
- On the ceiling for an unexpected twist
Pair with rattan furniture, woven trays, and plenty of plants to complement the wooded theme. Woods brings the spa experience home.
Design Ideas Using Woods Wallpaper
The Woods wallpaper is incredibly versatile, suiting all different interior design aesthetics from traditional to modern. Here are just a few ideas:
Modern Rustic – A sleek and contemporary space with Woods as the focal point and minimalist furnishing accents. Think a Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair in tan leather against black Woods walls.
Organic Zen – Serene and calming, with Woods complemented by bamboo, linen, rattan, and neutral accents. Imagine a jute rug, woven stool, and marble tray table.
Scandinavian Chic – Light woods, neutral textures, and organic shapes paired with the cool tones of green or grey Woods. Picture cowhide rugs, woven wall hangings, and a driftwood coffee table.
Industrial Elegance – The bold black and white colorway of Woods contrasts beautifully with metal, leather, and unfinished wood furnishing accents. Think hairpin legs, Edison bulbs, and a chesterfield sofa.
English Manor – For a touch of manor house glamour, pair Woods with antique furnishings, diamond-patterned upholstery, velvet drapes, and brass lanterns.
Bohemian Lodge – Mismatched wood furniture, Pendleton blankets, leather travels trunks, and antique maps fit perfectly with the rustic Woods mural.
Notable Installations of Woods Wallpaper
Some of the most impressive installations of New Classics Woods include:
- The reception area of the Gramercy Park Hotel in New York features an entire wall of the black and white Woods, contrasted with bright pink velvet sofas. This makes the wallpaper truly pop.
- The Library Suite at London’s Cellini Hotel uses Woods above rich mahogany panels for an club-like feel. The deep green colorway enhances the masculine vibe.
- Woods was used in the 2020 Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse Palm Beach on the ceiling of the entryway. During the day, sunlight streaming through the front door highlighted the texture beautifully.
- The Campton Private Members Club in New York chose Woods in dove grey for the main restaurant. The organic pattern is the ideal backdrop for an upscale dining experience.
- In a recent episode of HGTV’s My Lottery Dream Home, Woods was featured on the home theater walls. The neutral colorway added warmth and texture without darkening the space.
Seeing Woods wallpaper grandly scaled on walls and ceilings shows how commanding it can look. It proves that this pattern can hold its own even in bustling commercial spaces or as part of major design projects.
FAQ About New Classics Woods Wallpaper
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this beautiful woodsy wallpaper:
How many colorways does Woods come in?
It is available in four main colorways: neutral, green, black, and dove grey.
What is the pattern scale?
Woods is quite oversized at 28 inches wide x 24 inches long. The trees stretch over two feet across.
Is the woods texture real or printed?
The texture is both printed visually for the wood grain look, and also physically embossed for actual dimensional texture.
Is this wallpaper good for bathroom use?
Yes, Cole and Son makes a version of Woods that uses moisture-resistant materials safe for humid areas.
How should you prep walls before installation?
Make sure surfaces are smooth, clean, and free of flaking paint or wallpaper adhesive. New drywall should be primed first.
What type of adhesive should be used?
Cole and Son recommends a clear strippable wallpaper adhesive like Roman PRO-880 or equivalent.
Does the wallpaper require a top coat?
No top coat is required. In fact, Cole and Son advises against top coats as they can alter the appearance.
How can the wallpaper be cleaned?
Use a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap and warm water. Do not scrub hard, allow to fully dry afterward.
Is this wallpaper eco-friendly?
Yes, the non-woven backing is made of natural fibers and free of PVC. It’s biodegradable and recyclable.
The exquisite Woods design really shows the level of artistry and heritage Cole and Son brings to wallpaper. Their hand printing techniques create unmatched depth and texture. For anyone looking to add drama, nature, and elegance to their walls, New Classics Woods is an exceptional choice. It’s destined to become a true classic in its own right for years to come.
