by Erin Feith, Research Assistant
July 30, 2024
Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but over the centuries it was also considered an art in its own right, as demonstrated in the application of faux graining. With examples dating as far back as ancient Egypt and Greece, the technique has long allowed for less expensive surfaces to take on the appearance of finer types of wood. Its popularity would ebb and flow as fashions changed, but faux painting long remained an accessible way to elevate one’s interior décor.
By the early 18th century, faux painting was being incorporated into the décor of private homes across the nation. Seeking to add a feel of luxury, American homeowners most often painted their plaster or softwood surfaces to look like oak, emulating the estates of European aristocracy on a budget. To achieve this effect, hired artists used flat brushes to add shading with opaque colors. While each implemented their own process, most 18th-century painters favored a more whimsical, stylized appearance for the imitation grain that could include imagined patterns or colors.
Despite some critics condemning faux painting as a sham, the technique experienced a resurgence in the 19th century. Indeed, by the 1830s, faux graining became one of the most widely accessible design elements in the country, gracing elegant estates and quaint cottages alike. While its application remained fairly unchanged, the technique’s style evolved to include imitations of other hardwoods, including mahogany and rosewood. Leaving the fanciful designs of the last century behind, a new emphasis was placed on creating a realistic recreation of the wood, rendering it as closely to how it would appear in nature as possible.
Following WWI, faux graining largely fell out of fashion due to its extremely laborious and time-consuming process and changes in taste. Although many faux painted walls were covered to fit modern trends, 20th century legislation protecting rarer woods led to a renewed interest in the technique. Today, in the examples on display or found just beneath the surface, the real appeal of faux (graining) can be seen.
