History of Wallcoverings
Application/Installation Ideas
Don't Forget Ceilings
Comparison to Other Wallcoverings
History of Wallcoverings
Handpainted wallcoverings have adorned the walls of many private residences and grand palaces throughout history.
The earliest known use of wallcovering dates back to ancient China to as early as 200BC when handpainted rice paper or panels were glued to walls.
Wallpaper in a form we might recognize today emerged when Louis XI of France ordered 50 rolls of paper painted by Jean Bourdichon in 1481. Other wealthy Europeans commissioned artists to paint paper for their walls, but real wallpaper did not exist until the advent of the printing press.
Modern wallpaper with repeating patterns was invented by Frenchman Jean-Michel Papillon in the early 1700’s and soon became all the rage in Europe.
The manufacturing and use of wallcoverings began in America shortly after the Revolutionary War. Today, handpainted wallcoverings are one of the fastest growing segments of the wallcovering industry.
Adapted from the Wallcoverings Association (WA), copyright 1999
Where can Colours Paper be installed?
Our paper can be installed on virtually any wall, ceiling, or architectural feature. It can even be installed over rough or textured surfaces. It can be used in both residential and commercial applications. Class A Fire Rating is available. We recommend using a professional wallcovering installer.
Popular applications:
| Power Rooms | Master Bedrooms |
| Master Bathrooms | Home Offices |
| Home Theatres | Ceilings |
| Dining Rooms | Restaurants |
| Offices | Accent Walls |
Don't Forget Ceilings!
Ceilings, the "fifth wall", are often overlooked and usually relegated to boring, flat colors.
Our handpainted paper can transform a "boring" ceiling into a beautiful and integral part of any room.
From adding depth to softening a harsh environment (i.e.white ceiling) to creating just the right mood and atmosphere, ceilings can truly make the difference.
How is Colours Paper Handpainted Wallcoverings different...
versus traditional wallpaper?
Unlike traditional wallpaper, our paper is 100% handpainted and has no repeating lines or patterns. Our paper also features interesting texture which adds depth and dimension. Plus, our paper is available in custom colors and is sold by the square foot, not by the roll.
In addition, random non-conventional installation provides tremendous flexibility and creativity. Clients can choose bold and dramatic or very subtle tear lines. They can also choose random, overlapping installation, geometric shapes, or a combination. And, our paper is ideal for ceilings.
versus decorative painting or faux finishing?
Our paper combines a profusion of color, depth, and texture to create a truly unique and stunning look and feel. Also, our paper is durable, washable, and easily repaired versus traditional decorative painting or faux finishing.
versus a traditional textured finish?
Unlike a traditional textured finish created by adding a medium directly to the wall, our papers are created in a controlled environment in our studio, with texture being added as an integral part of the process. The result: extraordinary texture which is far more intricate and interesting and allows greater complexity of color. Also, traditional textured finishes can be easily damaged and are extremely difficult to repair or remove.
OnE Additional Difference and Benefit of Our Paper
Because Colours Paper is created in our studio, on-site installation time is usually significantly less than that of decorative painting or faux and textured finishes. This can be especially important in a business or commercial application where clients wish to minimize disruption of their daily activities.
