Building upon the phenomenal multi-year triumph of "The Big Bang Theory," the television series "Young Sheldon" is a charming coming-of-age sitcom created by Chuck Lorre and Steven Molaro for CBS. It acts as a prequel to the original show and follows the early years of Sheldon Cooper, growing up with his family in the fictional town of Medford, East Texas.
The two series, while sharing many of the same characters and similar themes, are actually quite different: while “The Big Bang Theory” was shot in front of a live studio audience, “Young Sheldon” was filmed on real sets with a single camera, allowing for a much more intimate and authentic feel. Set in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the show features a nostalgic backdrop that is vital to the storytelling. For this reason, great attention was lavished on the details that anchor the series in its specific time period, whether by displaying authentic Tandy computers at the defunct Radio Shack or fast-food chains that do no longer exist, such as Chi-Chi restaurant.
Far from being merely aesthetic choices, the 1980s sets and visuals are used as a narrative tool that encapsulates the essence of the era – a time on the cusp of technological revolutions and cultural shifts. The carefully curated sets, adorned with period-appropriate wallpaper, décor, and props, provide context for Sheldon’s development and the societal norms of the time, anchoring the show in a specific time and place. The meticulous replication of the period interiors captures the essence of middle-class America during that time, reinforcing themes of tradition versus progress, a central conflict in Sheldon's life as he grapples with his extraordinary mind in a conventional setting.
Wallpapers play a very central role in setting the stage: they are literally everywhere in the Cooper’s family home, in Meemaw house and around Medford. With patterns ranging from the quaintly floral to the bright and bold, they subtly reinforce the show's themes, reflecting not just the period's style but the personalities and circumstances of the Cooper family.
The set design team, understanding the narrative power of these backdrops, paid meticulous attention to wallpaper textures and colours, ensuring they evoke nostalgia not only for the characters who lived through those times but also for the viewer. Their selection mirrors the zeitgeist of a time when wallpapers were not just a decorative choice but also a statement of identity. This attention to detail allows for a deeply immersive experience; viewers are not just observers but are transported back in time to a space that feels familiar, lived-in, and authentic.
Moreover, they are often used as a counterpoint to the show's emotional heartbeat. In moments of turmoil or heightened emotion within the Cooper household, the walls become a canvas of calm, with the wallpapers’ continuity providing a stark contrast to the chaos of growing up – especially for a child genius like Sheldon.
Exploring the wallpaper designs of "Young Sheldon"
In "Young Sheldon," every piece of décor is a thread in the tapestry of the Cooper family saga, and the wallpaper patterns are the loom upon which the domestic narrative is woven.
The Coopers’ kitchen
One of the pivotal sets of the show, the Coopers’ kitchen is home to countless gripping scenes, and many of the show's heartfelt conversations and life lessons unfold here. Adorned with a wallpaper boasting a quintessentially mid-20th-century American aesthetic with floral motifs and a soft, pastel colour palette, it features a repeating pattern of bouquets in a traditional style, conveying a sense of homeliness and comfort that is a reflection of the Cooper family's lifestyle and values. An homage to heartland Americana, it serves as a constant, unchanging backdrop to the ever-evolving stories within the house, grounding the characters in their rural Texan life.
The dining room
Another classic wallpaper that appears over and over is the one in the dining room of the Cooper household. It features a traditional pastoral theme, commonly known as toile (from the French word meaning "canvas"). This design typically depicts a scene or series of vignettes, often in a single colour on a light background. The one in Sheldon’s dining room features a pale, neutral background with a classic blue monochromatic print, illustrating pastoral scenes with landscapes, figures, and farm animals.
A design style that dates back to the 18th century, Toile became quite popular in colonial America, which fits with the Cooper family's somewhat conservative values. It brings an element of rural charm and nostalgia to the room, evoking a sense of simplicity that reminds viewers of the show's setting in East Texas, where community and traditional values play a significant role. After all, this setting serves as the backdrop to the family's ritual of joining hands and saying grace before meals, a poignant symbol of the deep-seated religious values cherished by Mary.
The parents’ bedroom
Unsurprisingly, the wallpaper adorning the Cooper’s bedroom also has a distinctly vintage feel. Its floral pattern consists of large roses and foliage in muted shades of pink, green, and beige. This kind of pattern is reminiscent of traditional English chintz fabrics, popular in interior décor during the mid-20th century, particularly in bedrooms and sitting rooms. It is a clear nod to the old-fashioned values of Sheldon's family, especially his mother with her traditional Southern Christian background. The muted colour of the wallpaper adds to the storytelling by hinting at the family's economic choices. Its faded appearance subtly points at its age, mirroring the Cooper family's modest means - a recurring theme throughout the series – and highlighting their need for frugality and prudent financial decisions.
The family bathroom
Featuring a vibrant and busy floral pattern with red flowers and leaves set against a cream-coloured background, the wallpaper in the bathroom of the Sheldon household differs from the more muted tones seen in other parts of the house, suggesting a space with a distinct purpose.
This is quite fitting, as the bathroom is the setting for numerous moments of humour in the series - from Sheldon's infamous bathroom schedule shenanigans to Missy's fried chicken flushing fiasco. The vibrant pattern not only infuses the confined space with a sense of energy, it also conforms to a well-established principle of interior design that uses bold prints to invigorate and enliven smaller spaces.
Meemaw’s living room
The eccentric, fun loving and larger-than-life Meemaw provides a counterbalance to Sheldon’s mother’s somewhat strict parenting style. It’s in her home that Sheldon and his siblings often find refuge whenever something goes wrong with their parents. Her living room presents a warm, inviting and somewhat traditional aesthetic that is easy to associate with a grandmother's house.
Decorated with a delicate floral pattern with clusters and small bouquets of flowers spread across a light background, this classic design choice reflects her connection to her Texan roots, suggesting a sense of grounding and continuity. The atmosphere is cosy and welcoming as Meemaw’s living room is the secondary familial gathering space, distinctly different from the Cooper household, where different rules and a more relaxed atmosphere prevail courtesy of her more laid-back approach to life.
Tam’s dining room
Another example of how the series’ stage designers used wallpaper as a narrative tool is evident in Tam’s family home as Sheldon sleeps over in Episode 4 of Season 2. As they dine together using chopsticks and Chinese-style crockery, we observe how the wallpaper sets the scene. With its large-scale, Asia-inspired botanical design, this model features elegant trees and foliage in calming shades of blue and green against a neutral background. It’s a design choice that creates a serene and traditional atmosphere reminiscent of East Asian landscapes, reflecting Tam’s family's Vietnamese roots. As boat people refugees who arrived in small-town Texas, they experienced a dramatic cultural shift which they try to mitigate by incorporating traditional Asian designs into their home décor as a way to retain a connection to their homeland and cultural identity.
What if I want to replicate the look of “Young Sheldon” interiors in my home?
If you're drawn to the classic charm of the interiors in "Young Sheldon" and would like to create a similar look in your own home, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s look at how to emulate the show's iconic design elements by integrating similar, distinctive wallpapers to create a space that echoes the warm and wholesome Texan allure. No physics PhD required!
The Cooper’s kitchen
The Cooper’s kitchen exudes a comforting, old-world charm deeply rooted in Southern US aesthetics. If you want to copy this style, the focus should be on creating a warm atmosphere that balances functionality with a touch of nostalgia. Key elements include, apart from a patterned wallpaper, appropriate furniture and plenty of accessories as every piece contributes to the overall narrative of a home steeped in family values. A solid wooden table, maybe second-hand with a patina of use, would be a great start. Consider adding chair cushions with a subtle print, while an old chest-of-drawer with cabinet knobs in antique brass would add to the traditional aesthetic. If you want to go all in, opt for an old farmhouse-style sink with a classic tap and place a few potted herbs on the windowsills for a touch of fresh greenery.
The dining room
Among the main elements necessary to recreate the Coopers’ dining room are the traditional wallpaper with pastoral scenes and some antique wooden furniture. Pick one of the toile de jouy models shown above, depicting a pastoral vignette against a cream or off-white background. The dining table should be the centrepiece (as this is after all a dining room). Look for a sturdy, wooden piece with a sense of history. The chairs should match the general aesthetic, maybe with upholstered seats for comfort and a carved wooden backrest.
A classic wooden sideboard would complement this traditional look quite nicely as you can use it to display vases with fresh field flowers or store dining essentials. The latter should have a timeless appeal, like vintage white porcelain dishes and silverware, and perhaps some glassware with a subtle pattern. To complete the look, pick a tablecloth in a muted colour that complements the wallpaper and a table centrepiece that includes natural elements like flowers or fruits. Artwork is not really necessary, given the intricacy of toile patterns. However, if you choose to add some, make sure they match the room's aesthetic, e.g. framed prints or paintings that feature natural scenes.
The parents’ bedroom
George and Mary Cooper’s bedroom exudes a cosy, vintage-inspired American vibe that feels both lived-in and personal. The style is a mix of traditional and homey, with a nod to Southern comfort and a hint of rustic charm. You could start with a floral wallpaper like one of the models shown above, with a large-scale pattern, adding a touch of femininity and warmth to the room. We are looking for a vintage feel, so a muted colour scheme that complements the furniture would work best. If you are also looking to buy a new bed, go for a dark wooden bed frame, maybe with a curved headboard, and pair it with simple bedside tables matching the colour of the bed or at least complementing it in style. Traditional table lamps with a base in a matching colour and a simple lampshade that softly diffuses the light are very suitable options to create an inviting atmosphere. Accessorise with some nostalgic artwork, such as framed needlework or vintage prints (you should have no problems finding some on a flea market or online). Just make sure the frames complement the wood of the furniture.
The family bathroom
The Cooper's bathroom reflects a quintessential American vintage style with personal, homey accents. The wallpaper is clearly the standout feature here, its floral pattern in warm hues giving the space a cosy atmosphere. If you are interested in replicating its look, start by picking a cheerful wallpaper, like one of the models introduced above. Assuming you are not planning to change the fixtures, concentrate on details like bathmats and towels in colours that match the wallpaper. Red or pink towels will add a touch of energy, while a cream or off-white bathmat provides a neutral ground. Wicker baskets and wooden boxes for storage and a waste bin made of natural materials are great for providing some texture and complement the rustic charm.
Meemaw’s living room
Given its laid-back feel, you might be tempted to replicate the nostalgic, yet very homely and inviting look of Meemaw’s living room, a place to relax and unwind. If this is the case, start with a floral wallpaper that creates a cosy retro atmosphere. You could pick one of the models suggested above, with a small- to medium-scale floral pattern and a warm colour palette that doesn’t overwhelm the space. When it comes to furniture, you can’t go wrong with a traditional-style upholstered and patterned sofa, or how about having your existing sofa reupholstered in a vintage floral fabric?
A nice wooden coffee table, preferably with some wear and patina, is a great choice as it adds to the vintage feel. See if you can find one second-hand and pair it with an old style rug to define the seating area and add warmth. For lighting you should opt for indirect sources that give a soft, warm glow, like wall sconces or a floor lamp. This should feel like a lived-in space, so go for an eclectic collection of artwork and photographs with different frames that looks as if you’ve gradually built it over time.
Tam’s dining room
Given Tam’s family’s Vietnamese origins, it’s not surprising that their dining room is characterised by a subtle blend of Asian-inspired aesthetics with an emphasis on simplicity and natural beauty. If you are seeking to recreate the same look in your own home, focus on a serene and balanced décor style inspired by traditional East Asian design principles. The wallpaper is obviously the key feature, so you should look for models with patterns depicting a delicate and artistic representation of nature. Pick a model featuring bamboo, cherry blossoms, or other natural motifs in soft, muted colours with a hand-painted look, like the ones shown above. In terms of furniture, simplicity and minimalism are key, so a simple wooden dining table with clean lines, maybe in dark wood, is always a great choice. A low-hanging pendant lamp with a paper shade is perfect for continuing the Asian aesthetic and providing soft lighting. When it comes to wall art, try to find items that complement the wallpaper, such as traditional East Asian paintings or calligraphy. To accessorise, scout the local second-hand markets for porcelain or ceramic vases with Asian-inspired designs or opt for some greenery, maybe a small potted bamboo or bonsai tree.
Sheldonesque Chic: Customer Interiors Inspired by 'Young Sheldon'
A number of our customers mixed the quaint charm of 'Young Sheldon' with contemporary living influences in their own homes. Take a look at some of the stunning interiors that have channelled the unique aesthetic of this popular series, blending nostalgic patterns with modern flair.