There are two types of wall-flowers: Those very timid persons and wallpaper that's actually meant to just sit there quietly hanging on the wall.

There's not much I can do with the initial kind. But if it's wallpaper you're concerned about, that's something I can provide.So let us first examine your needs.

Will the room you are papering need washable wallpaper? Is rugged wearability a must? Do you plan to replace the wallpaper within a few years, thereby requiring the paper to be removable? Does the price of the paper play an important part in your selection or is price of concern, but not a top priority?

There are many types of wallpaper. Once you know your needs, you're selection process is somewhat easier. Here's a list of different types of paper and some information on each to help you on your search.

Machine-printed papers are the most common and also are the most moderately priced. The reason for their popularity is that they came in an almost unlimited number of patterns and colors. They have been printed on high-speed presses, which has reduced manufacturing costs.

If you're hanging this kind of paper yourself, look for pre-trimmed paper. The selvages are cut off for you so your work is made much, much easier. If you're having the paper hung by a professional, the pretrimmed paper might save you a few dollars as some paper hangers charge extra to trim.

Next type of paper is the hand-painted ones. These are more expensive than the off-the-press type. Though this type of wall covering is usually "paper," you will find that the hand painting is also available on linen, foil, vinyl and silk. These papers are usually pretrimmed and are quite delicate. Use a professional hanger for this one. If the paper is really delicate, I suggest also using a liner on the wall under the finish paper.

Washable paper is by far the most sought after for kitchens and baths. Here again there is a range from wipe-off to scrub-at-your-heart's content. The plastic-coated type allows you to wipe off dirt with a damp cloth. Vinyl impregnated papers are the scrubbable kind.

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Pre-pasted papers have the "stick-um" already on it so all you have to do is wet and apply. A great work-saving advantage. Another advantage to these papers is that they can often be applied right over the existing wallpaper if the old paper is in good condition.

Strippable paper is just that. It peels off the wall easily when you're ready for a change of paper. Just pick up a corner and peel this paper right off the wall. They're not easily cleanable, though.

Choosing design and color is but half the selection process. Just as critical is the determination of type to meet your needs.

When looking through wallpaper books, always look on the back of the sample. Either there, or, more rarely, somewhere else inside the binder, you will find adequate description of the type of paper.- Rosemary Sadez Friedman is a licensed interior decorator and winner of the Aurora Award for Interior Design. Her booklets, "The Mystery of Color" and "Sketchbook of Window Treatments Ideas," are available at $5 each or both for $9. They may be ordered from Sadez & Son, 3375 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, Fla., 33940. Please include name of your newspaper in the order.

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