Wallpaper is a durable paper colored and printed with designs. It is pasted to the surface of a wall as a decorative covering. It is used to cover and decorate the interior walls of homes, offices and other buildings. It is a very popular style of decoration as it is easy to use and looks good too. Wallpapers are usually sold in rolls and are stuck onto a wall using wallpaper paste.
Wallpapers can be traced back to 200BC when the Chinese, also the inventors of paper, pasted rice paper on their walls. Modern-style wallpaper, with block designs in continuous patterns, was developed in 1675 by the French engraver, Jean Papillon.
Wallpaper gained popularity in Renaissance Europe amongst the gentry. The elite of the society were accustomed to a tradition from the Middle Ages that involved hanging large tapestries on the walls. These tapestries added colour to the room as also provided an insulation layer between the stone walls and the room, thus retaining heat in the room. Wallpaper was used in Europe in the 16th and 17th cent as an inexpensive substitute for costly hangings.
Wallpapers can come either in a plain form on which it can be painted or with patterned graphics. Mathematically, there are seventeen basic patterns that can be used as repetitive designs on two-dimensional surfaces, such as walls. The patterns are based on the symmetries in the pattern that can be used to tile an infinite plane. All manufactured wallpaper patterns are based on these groups.
Like paint, wallpaper requires proper surface preparation before application. Wallpaper is not suitable for all areas. For example, bathroom wallpaper may deteriorate rapidly due to excessive steam. In fact, one of the ways to remove wallpaper is by applying steam. Wall papers are an inexpensive substitute to wall hangings and costly paints. They compliment the living space and speak volumes about the owners personality.
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Types of Wallpaper Borders
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Options may vary when deciding what type of Wallpaper Border you want to install on your wall. There are several types to choose from so it is always advisable to do a little research before making any decisions. Wallpaper Borders can be divided into three...
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Choosing Wallpaper Borders
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Using Wallpaper Borders is an affordable and easy way to add some flair to your room decoration but if you do not choose the right color, design or pattern, you might not be able to achieve the desired effects. Deciding what kind of Wallpaper Borders...
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Wallpaper Borders
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Borders can greatly enhance a Wallpaper Decoration if applied carefully and skillfully. Since there are so many designs and types of Borders, it’s best to choose one that will complement the furniture and walls in your room, and give a touch of class to the...
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Removing Wallpaper Borders
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The method of Wallpaper border removal depends on what the Border was applied on, like painted wall or not, was it applied over wallpaper, and what was used to hang the wallpaper border. If it’s on wallpaper, it can be easily peeled off. However, if...
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Hanging Wallpaper Borders
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Though hanging Wallpaper Borders can be an inexpensive way of adding some color and style to your room décor, it can also be time consuming and strenuous. And if you’re not careful enough, you might end up with a not so good-looking wall covering. The...
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Other Uses for Wallpaper Borders
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Though Wallpapers and Borders are typically meant for walls, they can be very useful for decorating a host of other items in the house. If you have a few extra leftover strips, you can really keep yourself busy using only a pair of scissors, glue,...
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Wallpaper Border Tips
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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A wall-covering integrated with the correct Wallpaper Border can greatly enhanced the entire room decoration – with a little a touch of professionalism, creativity and a few basic skills thrown in. Some of these tips may be helpful while hanging Borders for your wall. First...
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Tapestry Wall Hangings
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Tapestry wall hangings are beautiful artwork on cloth that is used to decorate walls. There are thousands of tapestry wall hangings available in a wide range of designs, colors and shapes. All of them are quite intricate in design and attractive to the eyes. Since...
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Free Wallpaper
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Wallpapers are the backgrounds for your computer screen. They are easily available on the Internet. Instead of keeping a plain background on the computer screen, one can download many types of free wallpaper. Using free wallpaper is very easy. All that has to be done...
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Kids’ Wallpaper Borders Ideas
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Deciding what kind of Wallpaper Borders to put up for your kid’s room can be time-consuming. It’s important that you choose a theme that your child will appreciate. A great Wallpaper Border decoration for kids does not need to have multiple designs. A simple, yet...