Our Story

CommonRoom works to bridge the worlds of art and interiors
and blur some of the lines between fine and applied arts. We make wallpaper and 
fabric by artists with the aim of making high-quality art accessible to the many
rather than the few. We commission original designs from contemporary artists
and produce an annual archival collection that commemorates the great history
of artist-designed interiors. Everything we do is underpinned by stories, ideas
and connection. Wallpaper has generally been thought of as background – but not at CommonRoom. Our designs are created to challenge and excite. Just like every great artwork.

Our Name

Our name celebrates William Morris’ newspaper, The Common Weal, first published in February 1885. Copies can be found in the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow. We continue to be inspired by Morris, his ability to move fluently between disciplines, his revolutionary outlook and above all, his collective approach. We like to work collaboratively with our artists and for every roll sold they receive a share of profits. When you buy a CommonRoom wallpaper, you’re supporting a small business, British industry and artists too.

Our Impact

Our environmental impact as a business is very important to us. We’re committed to responsible design practices and to being as sustainable as possible. All of our products are designed and made here in the UK. We minimise waste by manufacturing in small batches, often printing to order, and we offset our carbon footprint by using local suppliers. The bases of our wallcoverings are always from FSC certified forests. For 2022 and beyond, we commit to planting a tree for every roll of wallpaper sold. You can find out more about this and other sustainability goals here.

Our Beginnings

Founded in 2014 by artist Kate Hawkins, marketing director Sarah McClean came on board the following year after a chance meeting at an antenatal class. They began with a modest offering of four designs which have since expanded to include an archival print line, home furnishings and wallpaper borders. Their aim is to continue to grow CommonRoom in an open and sustainable way.

We are proud to be members of Anti Copying in Design (ACID)
and Buy Women Built.