Celebrating 40 Years of Design Innovation: Seltex Wallcoverings

As a proud sponsor of the Commercial Interiors UK Summer Party 2025, Seltex Wallcoverings marks an extraordinary milestone, 40 years at the forefront of the commercial interiors industry. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, bespoke capabilities, and enduring relationships with architects and designers, Seltex has become a trusted name in wallcoverings for sectors ranging from hospitality and healthcare to residential and marine.

In this exclusive Q&A, we catch up with Aksel Fenman, Managing Director of Seltex Wallcoverings to reflect on four decades of innovation, their evolving design approach, and what this anniversary means for their business, their team, and the wider industry.

Seltex has been delivering exceptional wallcoverings since 1985. As you celebrate 40 years in business, what milestones or moments stand out most to you from your journey so far?

Celebrating 40 years is a proud moment for Seltex, and looking back, several milestones stand out as pivotal in shaping who we are today.  From our founding in 1985, we’ve remained committed to delivering quality wallcoverings, but it’s how we’ve evolved over the decades that truly defines our journey.

One key moment was expanding our offering beyond traditional wallcoverings to embrace contemporary textures and materials, keeping pace with changing design trends and client needs. Partnering with renowned designers and being featured in prestigious projects across hospitality, commercial, and residential sectors has also been incredibly rewarding.

Another standout moment was when we committed to more sustainable practices – rethinking our processes and materials to reduce environmental impact without compromising on quality or style.

But most of all, it’s the long-standing relationships with our clients, the loyalty of our team, and our reputation for excellence that make this anniversary so meaningful. Every project tells a story, and we’re proud to have been part of thousands over the past four decades.

With such a wide-ranging portfolio—serving sectors from hospitality to healthcare—how has your design approach evolved over the decades to meet changing industry demands and aesthetic preferences?

Over the decades, our design approach has continuously evolved in response to both functional requirements and shifting aesthetic preferences across the diverse sectors we serve.  Early on, the focus was largely on durability and classic design, especially for high-traffic environments like hospitality and healthcare.  But as expectations grew, so did our creative ambition.

We began to see a shift toward more experiential and emotionally engaging spaces, particularly in hospitality, which prompted us to explore richer textures, bolder patterns, and bespoke designs.  At the same time, sectors like healthcare started placing greater emphasis on creating calming, human-centric environments – so we adapted with more soothing palettes and biophilic design elements that support wellness.

Advancements in materials and digital printing technology also gave us more freedom to experiment, leading to innovative collections that are not only visually striking but also meet strict performance standards like fire safety, cleanability, and sustainability.

Ultimately, our design evolution has been guided by one principle: listening closely to our clients and understanding the context of each space.  That flexibility and insight have enabled us to remain relevant and forward-thinking, regardless of the sector.

Innovation is clearly central to Seltex’s success, particularly with your bespoke and digitally printed wallcoverings. How has your in-house manufacturing capability helped differentiate your brand in a competitive market?

Our in-house manufacturing capability has been a key driver of innovation and a real differentiator for Seltex in a competitive market.  It gives us the flexibility to experiment, refine, and bring ideas to life quickly – especially when it comes to bespoke and digitally printed wallcoverings.

Having everything under one roof means we maintain full control over quality, from concept to production.  It also allows us to work closely with designers and clients to create tailor-made solutions that truly reflect their vision – whether it’s matching a brand’s identity, achieving a specific texture, or developing something completely unique for a signature space.

In a fast-paced industry, the ability to respond quickly without compromising on craftsmanship is invaluable.  It’s this combination of creativity, agility, and quality assurance that has helped us stand out.  We’re not just offering wallcoverings – we’re offering collaboration, customisation, and a consistently high standard that clients can trust.

Turning 40 is a major milestone! How are you celebrating with your team and how does this reflect the spirit of your company culture?

Turning 40 is a huge milestone for us, and it’s really about celebrating the people behind the success – our incredible team.  We’ve planned a series of events throughout the year, from team gatherings and creative workshops to a special anniversary celebration that brings everyone together to reflect on how far we’ve come.

The way we’re marking this milestone reflects who we are as a company – collaborative, people-focused, and proud of our craft.  We believe in celebrating not just the big wins, but also the dedication, creativity, and relationships that have shaped Seltex over the years.

It’s also been a moment to reconnect with our roots, share stories from across the decades, and look ahead with fresh energy.  At the heart of our culture is a genuine respect for our team, and this anniversary is as much about honouring them as it is about our business achievements.

As a proud sponsor of the Commercial Interiors UK Summer Party, how are you planning to mark this dual celebration—your anniversary and the industry’s vibrant community gathering?

We’re really excited to be sponsoring the Commercial Interiors UK Summer Party this year – it couldn’t be a more fitting occasion to celebrate both our 40th anniversary and the strength of the design community we’re proud to be part of.

We see it as a perfect opportunity to connect, reflect, and thank our clients, collaborators, and industry peers who’ve been part of our journey.  We’re planning something special that reflects our creative spirit – think engaging visuals, a touch of Seltex heritage, and of course, a nod to the innovation that’s defined our brand.

It’s more than just a celebration for us – it’s a moment to acknowledge the vibrant, ever-evolving industry we operate in, and to show our continued commitment to design excellence and collaboration.  We can’t wait to raise a glass with everyone and mark this milestone together in such great company.

Finally, what does it mean to Seltex to be a member of CIUK at this exciting point in your business journey, and how has the organisation supported your growth and presence in the commercial interiors sector?

Being a member of CIUK at this exciting point in our journey is incredibly meaningful. As we celebrate 40 years in business, it’s a reminder of how important community, collaboration, and shared values are in shaping long-term success.

CIUK has played a significant role in supporting our growth and visibility within the commercial interiors sector. From networking opportunities and industry insights to platforms that connect us with designers, specifiers, and decision-makers, the organisation has helped amplify our voice and expand our reach.

More than that, CIUK represents a spirit of innovation and excellence that aligns closely with our own values. It’s been a place to exchange ideas, stay ahead of trends, and contribute to a vibrant design ecosystem. We’re proud to be part of such a forward-thinking community—and grateful for the support as we step into our next chapter.

We’re proud to have Seltex as a Commercial Interiors UK member and a sponsor of this year’s Summer Party, and we look forward to raising a glass to both their past achievements and future ambitions. Here’s to the next chapter of Seltex — and to the power of great design that brings people and spaces together.

Find Seltex on Supplier Finder

Supplier Finder is the UK’s only search platform for accredited suppliers of commercial interior furnishings.

At Supplier Finder, our mission is simple: to help you find the perfect commercial furnishing suppliers for your interior schemes and projects. We understand the importance of having confidence in the suppliers you specify and the products that bring your designs to life. That’s why each supplier featured on our platform is accredited through Commercial Interiors UK’s rigorous membership application process. This ensures that you engage with only the best in the industry!