Anaglypta is beautifully embossed paintable wallpaper made from cotton pulp. The term anaglypta is from the Greek and means raised ornamentation. This style of wall covering is over 100 years old. It began to increase in popularity — and availability - outside of Europe in the late 1900's.

Anaglypta is not typically a ready-to-hang wallpaper. Because it is thick and heavy, it requires a strong adhesive. While this crisp white wall covering is beautiful as is, and is used in its natural state on many occasions, one of its lures is the ability to paint it.

Anaglypta should be hung then allowed to dry for a day or two before applying paint. It should also be primed first, and a lightly tinted primer is the best choice. Since anaglypta is white, using a primer in the same color carries with it the risk of missing indentations or intricate areas of pattern.

The best way to create a luxurious finish when painting anaglyptic wall coverings is to use layers of color. Start with a background color. Once it dries, sponge or lightly brush on another color, highlighting the raised areas. Color choices depend on how deep a contrast you wish to achieve. Another benefit of anaglyptic wall covering is that it can easily be repainted when updating decor.

This uniquely textured wall covering from the Victorian era adds charm and style to any room. Because it is paintable and comes in many beautiful styles, it is perfect for faux finishes, such as mimicking a hammered tin ceiling or creating a mock tin backsplash. These looks are achieved with metallic paints. Anaglypta is also frequently used to imitate stone or as a less expensive way to achieve the feel of intricately carved moldings. Other favorite uses include mimicking wainscoting and creating unique craft projects; the possibilities are virtually endless.