Our Story
Every material carries a story. Momentum’s begins with a belief that better materials can shape better spaces.
Where Momentum Began
From a small upholstery supply business to a design-driven materials company.
Momentum’s story took shape in the mid-1980s when John Wilkenson began building a small upholstery-supply business while working in the furniture industry in Hickory, North Carolina. After graduating from the University of Texas and joining Van Waters & Rogers, he developed a deep understanding of textiles, manufacturing, and the needs of furniture makers across the region.
What began as afternoon visits to manufacturers in Hickory and High Point quickly grew into a thriving business. Early sales meetings took place around a single conference table, supported by a small but ambitious team of representatives covering several states.
As Momentum evolved, the company expanded beyond upholstery textiles into wallcoverings, acoustic solutions, and new material technologies. From innovations like Silica and Circon™ to partnerships such as B+N Industries, these milestones continue to shape the future of commercial interiors.
From the beginning, the goal was simple: create materials that perform beautifully in real spaces while moving the industry forward.
Momentum Through the Years
Momentum Through the Years
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1924–1939
Foundations: Early materials distribution and the company’s first steps into textiles. -
1924
George Van Waters and Nat Rogers establish the company in Seattle, Washington, supplying naval materials, paint, and industrial goods. The business begins as a materials distributor supporting growing manufacturing industries. -
1939
The company expands into upholstery and industrial textiles, marking its first step into interior materials and laying the groundwork for decades of textile expertise. -
Late 1980s–1990s
Momentum emerges: Establishing Momentum Textiles. -
1989
The company is renamed Momentum Textiles, signaling a new focus on textiles and material innovation for the commercial interiors industry. -
1993
Momentum separates from Van Waters & Rogers, allowing the company to operate independently and focus entirely on developing textiles and surface solutions for architects and designers. -
1999
The WSG Global wallcovering brand is established, expanding Momentum’s reach into architectural wallcoverings and vertical surface materials. -
Early–Mid 2000s
Innovation era: Material & sustainability breakthroughs -
2003
Momentum introduces Hue, the industry’s first air-jet textured recycled polyester textile—an early milestone in sustainable performance fabrics. -
2005
Momentum opens its showroom at THE MART in Chicago and begins a long-term commitment to reducing environmental impact through product innovation and responsible material development. -
2010
Momentum launches Silica, a breakthrough silicone-based textile that delivers contract durability and cleanability while reducing reliance on vinyl. -
2010s
Design collaborations: Artists, designers, & creative partnerships -
2013
Momentum launches its first major designer collaboration with renowned textile artist Sheila Hicks, bringing a new artistic perspective to contract textiles. -
2016
Momentum acquires the Sina Pearson brand, expanding its portfolio with a respected voice in contemporary textile design. -
2017
Momentum collaborates with artist Shantell Martin, translating her signature line work into expressive textile patterns that merge art and architecture. -
2018
Momentum expands its wallcovering capabilities through the acquisition of WSG brands, strengthening its leadership in architectural surface solutions. -
2020s–Present
New platforms: New materials, technologies, & partnerships -
2023
Momentum introduces Pindrop Acoustics, expanding into sound-absorbing materials designed to improve acoustic comfort in commercial interiors. -
2024
Momentum launches Circon™ , a bio-sourced wallcovering technology, alongside Digital Creations, a platform for custom wallcoverings and artistic collaborations. -
2025
Momentum acquires B+N Industries, expanding into architectural systems and display solutions while continuing to develop innovative materials across textiles, wallcoverings, and surfaces.
Momentum Today
Design Solutions for Commercial Interiors
Momentum continues to advance commercial interiors through design partnerships, sustainable innovation, and evolving surface solutions.
Today, our portfolio spans textiles, wallcoverings, acoustic solutions, and architectural systems—serving designers, specifiers, dealers, and global brands across hospitality, workplace, healthcare, education, and public spaces. Through expanded capabilities in acoustics, customizable digital wallcoverings, and its partnership with B+N Industries, Momentum continues to broaden how surface design shapes interior environments.
Consistently recognized by A&D professionals for design leadership, quality, and breadth of line—as reflected in ThinkLab’s Brand Pulse research—Momentum remains one of the most specified brands in commercial interiors, setting the pace for thoughtful design, proven performance, and responsible innovation across the industry.
Momentum continues to advance commercial interiors through design partnerships, sustainable innovation, and evolving surface solutions.
Today, our portfolio spans textiles, wallcoverings, acoustic solutions, and architectural systems—serving designers, specifiers, dealers, and global brands across hospitality, workplace, healthcare, education, and public spaces. Through expanded capabilities in acoustics, customizable digital wallcoverings, and its partnership with B+N Industries, Momentum continues to broaden how surface design shapes interior environments.
Consistently recognized by A&D professionals for design leadership, quality, and breadth of line—as reflected in ThinkLab’s Brand Pulse research—Momentum remains one of the most specified brands in commercial interiors, setting the pace for thoughtful design, proven performance, and responsible innovation across the industry.
