Why Do We Hang Wallpaper Vertically and the Impact on Reading
When deciding between hanging wallpaper vertically or horizontally, the choice often leans towards vertical installation, driven by a combination of aesthetic appeal, practicality, and traditional techniques.
Aesthetic Appeal
Vertical patterns tend to create a sense of height in a room, making ceilings appear taller. This can enhance the overall look of a space and make it feel more open and spacious. Visual perception plays a significant role here, as the upward extension of vertical lines can extend the perceived boundaries of a room.
Seams and Patterns
The majority of wallpaper designs are created with vertical repeats in mind. This makes it easier to match patterns when hung vertically, ensuring a seamless and cohesive look. Horizontal seams can be more noticeable, disrupting the visual flow of the wallpaper and detracting from its aesthetic appeal. Vertical seams, on the other hand, are less prominent and maintain the integrity of the design.
Installation Ease
Handling wallpaper vertically is generally simpler and more practical. Longer strips are easier to work with, reducing the need for frequent cutting and aligning. This process is particularly advantageous in larger spaces or when dealing with intricate designs. A well-coordinated installation can result in a cleaner, neater finish.
Gravity and Keeping in Place
Gravity assists in keeping the wallpaper straight and in place as it is applied. This reduces the risk of sagging or misalignment that can occur with horizontal application. Vertical hanging ensures that the wallpaper hangs evenly, minimizing the chances of small inaccuracies affecting the overall appearance.
Historical Norms and Consumer Expectations
Traditional practices and conventions in wallpapering have established vertical hanging as the standard. This has influenced both consumer expectations and the techniques used in installation. Wallpaper manufacturers have also adapted their designs and production processes to cater to this norm, further reinforcing its popularity.
The Impact on Reading
When it comes to reading lines that are written or printed horizontally, the eyes have to shift along the page either left-to-right or right-to-left. The longer the lines are, the more time it takes to read the content, leading to a greater cognitive and visual effort. As such, people often prefer shorter lines to make reading more efficient and comfortable.
Consider the examples of different reading systems. In column writing, seen on wide scrolls and still used today for Jewish Torah scrolls, the text is arranged in a series of tall columns to maximize the use of space. In traditional book pages, where each page includes one or at most two columns, narrow and long pages are preferred for convenience and aesthetic reasons. Newspapers, on the other hand, opt for smaller numbers of longer columns to fit the content efficiently.
While one can choose to write or print works in landscape orientation for aesthetic or space-efficient purposes, the widely accepted standard remains the column system. This is evident in the design of newspapers and books, where the column system ensures that the reading experience is optimal.
Understanding both the practical reasons for vertical wallpaper installation and the historical and traditional factors contributing to this practice can provide a comprehensive insight into why vertical hanging is the most common method, and how it influences our reading habits and experiences.