What Is Damask Wallpaper?

Damask is a richly patterned fabric, sometimes reversible, of cotton, linen, silk, wool and/or synthetic fibers. Traditionally, damask fabric is woven with one warp (vertically placed yarn) and one weft (horizontally placed yarn drawn under and over the warp) that interchange throughout the pattern. Though originally produced in China, India and Persia, damask is named after the 12th century weavers of Damascus known for their splendid patterns, the quality of their yarns (particularly silk) and the intensity of their dyes. Sometimes they added gold or silver thread to the fabric's pattern for extra opulence. Years ago the fabric itself would hang on the wall; now we simulate damask patterns with synthetic, wipe-able wallpaper.

Features

Damask wallpapers mimic the look (and sometimes the texture) of damask fabrics in which the pattern is intensified by the weave running opposite that of the background. That is, the warp and the weft mentioned above.

Traditional Damask Wallpaper

Damask wallpaper is traditionally considered a luxury due to the expense of maintaining the product and the additional materials used to make it, like velvet. However, the variety and intensity of colors available in damask patterns continues to draw decorators and homeowners to this wallpaper. Black and white damask wallpaper is one of the most popular color combinations available, but damask prints in magenta, lavender, pale yellow and even brown are gaining popularity.

Vinyl and Non-Vinyl Damask Wallpaper

Though the texture and intricacy of the damask weave is sometimes lost when screen-printed on vinyl-coated paper, the wallpaper is much more durable than the fabric and can be hung in potentially humid places such as bathrooms. It also can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Non-vinyl wallpaper that can be removed from the wall surface in full strips without special chemicals or tools is now available. It is purportedly easier to hang than traditional wallpaper and promises the elimination of visible seams. In addition, the breathable paper reduces mold and mildew growth.

Placement

Hang damask wallpaper on all four walls of a room, or simply use it to accent one wall. You also can put damask wallpaper on the ceiling of a room, or hang a section of wallpaper on a large wall and surround the piece with a wooden or metal frame. Damask patterns are intricate enough to warrant the attention. Also, using less of a high-quality wallpaper on one wall (instead of more of a lower-quality wallpaper on all of a room's walls) may help create a sophisticated look.

Decor Considerations

Damask wallpaper patterns were once thought best used in formal rooms because the patterns are meant to create a feeling of opulence. However, designers and homeowners are using damask wallpaper in all types of rooms, including entryways and bathrooms. Decorate a room papered in damask with equally ornate furniture (such as gilded, antique-looking pieces), window treatments and pillows (think silk and velvet). If you prefer to keep the opulence on the walls and maintain a sleeker look, decorate a damask-wallpapered room sparsely, with sleek modern fixtures and furniture.

Resources

• Non-Vinyl Damask Wallpaper
• Vinyl Damask Wallpaper