A non-directional geometric type design with an East Indian
influence. The background has a tie-dyed appearance. The word itself
refers to a method of dyeing designs on cloth by coating with removable
wax the parts not to be dyed.
See
Liner paper.
Bleeding
In printing, a spreading of pigment beyond the
design outline or the appearance of one color through another.
Block Printing
The process of producing a pattern on a wallcovering by means of wood blocks into which the design is cut. For
the most par it has been replaced by silk screening.
Blooming
A hazy or foggy appearance due to the
incompatibility of son of the compounds in the coating or plastic
sheeting.
A small bubble (air pocket) which forms under the wallpaper during the
installation. Blisters are usually caused by: (a) inadequate soaking or
relaxing time after the adhesive has been applied to the backing; (b)
installation temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit; (c) air trapped
between the wall and the paper; (d) wallpaper installed on an extremely
porous wall that was not properly sealed; or (e)
aeration of the adhesive.
A continuous roll of wallpaper, packaged as one
unit. It contains a quantity of paper equivalent to two single rolls of
paper.
When applying paste onto wallpaper, the procedure of temporarily
folding, not creasing, pasted surfaces on to each other for easier
handling and allowing time for the adhesive to soak into the paper,
keeping it tacky until ready to hang. It allows the wallcovering to
relax, which helps to prevent stretching and shrinking that can cause
seams to show. Also known as Accordion folding.
A decorative strip of wallpaper which
traditionally has been used as a chair rail or in combination with a
chair rail. Because of the wide variety of designs and widths now
available, borders are also used along ceiling lines, along the
baseboard, around doors and windows, and in any manner that a trim could
be used.
Wallcoverings that allow water and air to pass through. String
wallpaper, vinyl-coated paper, and paintable woven fiberglass
wallcoverings are breathable.
Porous under-wallcovering material designed to cover irregularities on
walls or smooth surfaces, such as brick or paneling, to hang decorative
wallpaper. This material may also be painted though many will want to
hang liner paper over the bridging material for a smoother surface.
Most common type of wallcovering seam in which the edge of two strips of
wallcovering are tightly butted together without any overlay or spacing
between the strips.
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See
Architrave.
A type of wallpaper paste generally used for
non-vinyl wallcovering.
Placing the dominant part of a wallpaper pattern on a focal point in a
room, such as the middle of a fireplace.
A strip of decorative wood molding set 32 to 36 inches above the floor.
A length of string covered in chalk dust, pulled tight, and snapped
against a surface to leave a straight guideline.
A geometric form composed of a horizontal or vertical string of V's used
either singly or in a series to form a zig zag. Also called saw tooth
for its tooth-like protrusions.
A French term that describes the influence of Chinese design in wall
coverings and fabrics. Usually represented by graceful, flowing floral
designs with birds, and branches. Subdued tones or rich, multi-colors
are used.
The background area of the wallpaper. Also called the ground.
The various color choices for a specific pattern of wallpaper.
Contemporary
A synonym for modern, frequently preferred
because it suggests that which is distinctly of today rather than what
belongs to the chrome and glass modernistic decorative art of the
twenties.
They have natural textures with no definite pattern or design. Cork
veneer is shaved from cork planks of blocks and laminated to a substrate
that may be colored or plain. Cork naturally absorbs sound, insulates,
provides contrast and can be used as a bulletin board.
A moulding that runs round the ceiling at the top of a wall.
Coordinating wallpaper
Wallpaper patterns which complement each other due to color and design.
They are often used over and under each other as companions, or they
visually tie together two different rooms.
Ornamental strip of wood that lies along the ceiling line.
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The wall space between the
chair rail and the baseboard.
Patterns imitating stylized textiles, usually
monochromatic in color with floral, foliage or
swag themes.
An inconspicuous spot where you can place the mismatched last sheets of
a wallcovering. Also, known as the kill point.
Replica historic wallpaper.
Double cutting
This technique is sometimes used by professionals to obtain a perfectly
fitted seam when a pattern does not need to be matched. Strips are
overlapped about three inches, and a very sharp blade is used to cut
through both layers. The top strip is peeled back, the bottom strip is
peeled off, and then the top is adhered again to the wall. This
technique is also used when making repairs.
Double roll
A bolt of two single rolls of wallpaper, in a continuous strip. The
double roll, or bolt, is priced as two single rolls but is packaged as
one unit or length of paper to minimize waste.
A length of wallcovering cut to fit a specific space. A full drop runs
from the ceiling to the baseboard and includes allowances for trimming.
Also called a sheet or strip.
A design in which the pattern is staggered rather than straight across.
The pattern at the top is the same on every other strip of wallcovering.
There is waste with the drop matching of large scale patterns,
therefore, when dealing with a drop match, paper hangers use the
technique of measuring and cutting adjacent strips from different rolls
of wallcovering and alternating them. Also so known as a pattern drop.
Method of hanging wallcoverings in which the adhesive is applied to the
wall instead of the back of the wallcovering.
Describes a wallpaper that can be pulled off the wall without first
treating it with a wetting agent.
Dye lot
A particular batch of wallpaper rolls that are printed at the same time.
All rolls should be from the same dye lot to insure uniformity. Also
called a run.
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Wallpaper that has a raised, textured effect. This is done during
manufacture when a hot or cold embossing machine at the factory presses
a design into the back of the paper. Generally, a seam roller is not
used on this paper. In-register emboss is the technique whereby the ink
colors are applied at the time the paper is being embossed, generally
resulting in a pattern of embossing that duplicates the printed pattern.
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A French word for "imitation". In wallpapers, it usually applies to
designs that imitate actual textures such as
wood and
stone.
The main wall area between the
chair rail and
frieze of a wall, also known as a sidewall.
Wallcovering made by a machine that shakes very fine cotton, silk, rayon
or nylon fibers from a hopper over a pattern printed in varnish or slow
drying paint, to create the appearance of cut velvet,
damask, or create a three dimensional effect.
Any wallpaper pattern or design with recognizable flowers printed as the
decorative surface.
The first wall you see upon entering a room. If a room has multiple
entries, the main focal wall is the one facing the room's dominate flow
of traffic.
Constructed by
laminating a thin sheet of aluminum onto a
substrate of paper or scrim. Foils sometimes have a polyester sheet
between the paper backing and the foil to prevent water in the adhesive
from actually contacting the foil. They must be hung on very smooth
surfaces and require great care in handling.
A geometric band or border designs, consisting of interlacing or
interlocking lines. Also known as a key pattern.
A horizontal ornamental border along the top of a room or panel.
Generally a pictorial border that ran above, the door height or, in a
dining room, above the plate rail.
G
Modernist design from the 1900-1970's usually printed on non-woven
surfaces. A pattern or design characterized by straight lines,
triangles, circles, etc.
Woven with glass yarns and designed for strength, health, safety, and
designed versatility. They are paintable, decorative and a functional
wallcovering for interior wall and ceiling surfaces.
A style of architecture developed in northern France that spread
throughout Europe between the 12th and 16th centuries; characterized by
slender vertical piers and counterbalancing buttresses and by rib
vaulting and pointed arches and a developing emphasis on verticality and
the impression of height.
Grasscloth
Originally a handcrafted product imported from Japan, usually made by
glueing grasses or vines on to a paper backing. Also, printed or
dimensional wallpapers simulating same.
The background area of the wallpaper. Also called the choke.
H
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A strip of wallcovering that is allocated to be hung above a door or
window.
Hemp
Wallpaper made from the fibers of the hemp plant. It resembles
grasscloth with a finer weave.
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The strength of a color.
J
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Jacobean
Style influenced by crewel work imported from India. Developed from
Tudor and Elizabethan styles.
Jute weave
Wallpaper made by using jute, a strong coarse fiber that is used in
making burlap.
K
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The process of building up thin layers of materials and bonding them
together as one product under heat and pressure with an adhesive added.
A method of hanging wallpaper in which strips overlap slightly.
Primarily used on commercial goods.
A special paper, also called blank stock, usually applied horizontal and
used under wallcoverings. Benefits of use include, smoother surface for
final wallcovering, serves as an excellent porous base for decorative
wallpaper, and sets (bonds) the seams and controls the
expansion/contraction process (moisture and vapor bubble reduction).
One of the oldest of all decorative motifs, utilizing the water lilies
of the Nile River.
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Matching
Joining two strips of wallpaper so that the pattern lines up correctly.
A dull or flat finish.
Medallion
A decorative element confined within a round, oval, square or
rectangular outline.
Metric single roll
A metric roll contains 28 to 30 square feet per single roll. It is
usually 21 inches wide and 16 feet long, or can be 27 inches wide and 13
feet long. Also known as a euro roll. (Compare to American single roll)
A decorative element confined within a round, oval, square or
rectangular outline.
Wallcoverings with a real metal surface.
Wallpaper that gives the appearance of a sheet metal or foil.
Wallpaper having a watery silk sheen or wood grain effect embossed on
the decorative surface.
An ornamental strip of wood or plaster that protrudes from a ceiling or
wall surface.
Of one color, sometimes in different light to dark values.
The recurring design or subject matter of a wallpaper pattern.
Wall coverings with a pictorial design that continues over two or more
strips of wallpaper and is intended to cover part or most of a wall
without repeat. These scenes may be photographic, digital, custom, hand,
or machine printed. Cleaning care and durability widely varies depending
on the manufacturing technique and materials used. Also called scenics.
Any colors with brightness that has been lessened or moderated, often by
their complementary colors.
N
Natural materials, such as bamboo,
jute, rice paper, silk,
cork,
reed,
sisal, cotton, and grass are
laminated to a paper backing. They are usually unpasted. They
provide a natural and textured character to decoration and are available
in an extensive variety of color combinations.
Reviving the unemotional ideals of ancient Greece and Rome. Its rigidity
was a reaction to the over bred elegance and elaborate Rococo style and
the emotional charged Baroque style.
Beiges, whites, grays, and browns. Colors which coordinate well with
most other colors.
Wallcovering with this characteristic does not allow water and air to
freely pass through its surface. Solid vinyl and foils are not
breathable.
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Striped wallpaper where one color is used in several values, giving it a
blurred or bleeding out look.
The time period available between the activation and application of
adhesives until they dry.
A corner formed when two walls, not facing each other, are joined and
protrude into the room.
A method of hanging wallcovering in which strips overlap slightly.
Primarily used on commercial goods.
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Wallpaper that has been printed in one operation, with the design
printed on a wet background.
Printed with colorful curved abstract figures of Persian origin.
Fan-shaped ornamental motif resembling either a palm leaf or a loose
cluster of honeysuckle flowers. A band of palmettes is called an
anthemion.
Style of wallcovering which developed in the second half of the 18th
century, designed to be framed in the wood paneled walls. Today they are
used as spot decorations and framed with molding.
Solid vinyl layer of material is
laminated or bonded to a paper-backing sheet. This type of
wallcovering is very durable since the decorative surface is a solid
sheet of vinyl, making it scrubbable and peelable. Paper backed vinyl
can be used in most areas of the home since it resists moisture and is
stain and grease resistant. However, this type of wallpaper will not
withstand hard physical abuse. Also known as solid sheet vinyl.
Often associated with the green film that forms on copper and bronze.
See
Drop match.
The alignment of wallpapering strips at the edges so that the design
makes a continuous horizontal, vertical, or diagonal flow of pattern
around the room.
The distance between identical parts of a wallpaper's pattern in a
straight vertical line.
Describes wallpaper in which the decorative surface and ground can be
separated from the backing. The backing remains on the wall, but should
be removed before hanging a new wallcovering or painting a wall. Note
important differences between "peelable" and "strippable" wallcoverings.
Wallpaper that simulates photography that is enlarged to be placed on a
room-sized wall or door. Photo murals are usually divided into quarter
panels for installation purposes, and portray scenes such as
waterfalls,
forest scenes,
seashores,
cities, or
outer space.
Designs consisting of crossed stripes, many of them originating in
Scottish tartans.
Wallpaper with paste already on the backing, which can be activated by
soaking it in a filled water tray. The directions for each individual
paper must be followed to determine proper soaking and booking time.
Wallpaper Dictionary 
