Boiserie is a French term which describes the art of embellishing walls with decorative plant on wall mouldings which create panelling patterns. It is traditionally associated with grand and elaborate houses, but can also be used in more humble settings. It is generally carried out in wood and/or plaster, and is used to create a sense of luxury, grandeur, and elegance.
Different degrees of complexity and intricacy can be used to enhance the overall look and feel of the room. In its most simple form, boiserie is a series of rectangular sectional panels placed side by side horizontally or in a chevron pattern. More intricate patterns can be created using a variety of more complex mouldings, such as a quatrefoil, a half-round, or an arch-top. Depending on the level of detail and complexity desired, boiserie panels can be framed with gilded mouldings or left as natural wood.
