INTERIOR FINISHING 201

Wall Paper, Wall paper was first made to take the place of
high-priced tapestry and textiles. At the outset Italian booklining
papers in small sheets were used; later they were followed by
Domino papers, which were small marbleized squares. Subse-
quently France produced the present type of wall paper of con-
tinuous design but printed by hand, and also picture papers and
scenic wall papers. Machine-printed wall papers such as we have
today were the next development.

Wall paper has some important advantages. It can be applied
to walls by amateurs, especially now that the pasting medium is
already on the paper. Although acceptable wall paper is obtain-
able at a low price, the better-quality paper is more durable and
offers more choice in patterns.

Wall paper is very useful in covering imperfect surfaces. It can
supply texture or pattern, which are necessary at times. It can
improve poor proportions, vertical stripes adding height and hori-
zontal stripes adding breadth.

Patterned wall paper effectively contributes to the theme of a
room. Polka dots or gingham plaids suggests intimate cottages
(page 104); broad, five-inch stripes or stylized motifs (page 209)
add to Modern effects; Greek motifs contribute to the formality
of an Empire room; western, military, or nautical motifs usually
suit a boy's room. On page 86 Rococo wall paper and furniture
are harmonius and expressive of femininity.

Sometimes patterned wall paper is put on one wall or perhaps
two, the other walls being left plain. Page 223 shows patterned
wall paper used on the ceiling only.

Although ordinary wall-paper borders at the ceiling line only
are usually not desirable, a very high room may possibly be im-
proved by one width of patterned paper as a border. Paper borders
may also be put around the doors and windows and above the
baseboard on plain walls.

It is difficult to select wall paper, because so few good patterns
are available, and because those that appear satisfactory as samples
may become overpowering on large areas. Desirable wall papers
are pictured on pages 209, 240, and 279* A roll of each of the
papers under consideration shduld be hung in the room for several
days before selection is made. Many wall papers are now water-
proof and washable.