202 INTERIOR FINISHING

Some wall papers to consider are those with:

1. Grass cloth surfaces. 7. Polka dots.

2. Thin wood surfaces. 8. Diamonds or stars.

3. Solid colors. 9. Leaf forms.

4. Marbled patterns. 10. Copies of botany prints.

5. Stripes. 11. Copies of period prints.

6. Plaids and checks. 12. French toile flower patterns.

Some wall papers to avoid are those with:

1. Weak, trailing or scattered flowers or leaves.

2. Pressed or embossed surfaces.

3. A spotty effect with motifs too dark.

4. Figures that are out of scale with the rooms.

5. Mixed motifs combining delicate and bold figures.

6. Strong diagonals (opposed to architectural unity).

7. Papers that have three-dimensional effects.

8. Contrasting color schemes.

9. Brocade and satin stripes and medallions.

10. Restless busy patterns suggesting movement.

11. Silver or gilt.

12. Pictorial patterns, like hunting scenes.

13. Imitations of draped or puffed materials.

14. Imitation plaster effects.

Scenic wall paper is probably the most difficult kind to select
and use, but it is sometimes hung as a background for period furni-
ture where it is historically authentic. Halls and dining rooms,
where people do not remain long, seem to be favorite places for it.
See page 10. The person who has scenic paper should treat it with
proper respect. There should be no high furniture to cut the
figures in the wrong places. An effort should be made to fit the
motif to the wall spaces. Landscape panels are generally better
designed than the usual continuous scenic wall paper- Some Chi-
nese landscape papers are particularly desirable; some bird and
floral papers are attractive. See page 278. Since there is little re-
straint in the pictorial aspect of scenic paper, it is usually advisable
to select a one-color effect, preferably brown or gray. The wood-
work and doors in the same room should usually repeat the chief
light color in the scenic paper.