Different Types of Marbled Paper Patterns | Susi Bellamy
Marbled paper is a surface decoration technique where colour is floated on water and transferred to paper, creating unique, non-repeating patterns. Each sheet is formed through controlled movement of pigment on a liquid surface, often using combs, tools, or dispersants to shape the final design
Historically, marbling developed across Japan, Turkey, Persia and Europe, appearing in paper, textiles and bookbinding traditions, with each region developing distinct visual languages that still influence design today. At Susi Bellamy, marbling remains a recurring reference point in our work, Susi first fell in love with the ancient technique when she lived in Florence. Here are a few marbled paper patterns Susi has used in her work to create our signature designs...
Turkish Pattern
The Turkish pattern is one of the oldest and most fundamental marbling styles, forming the base for many later variations. It is created by dropping colours onto the surface of the bath, where they naturally expand and interact
This style is often the starting point for more complex patterns such as combed or directional designs
Above: Sage Marbled Velvet Square Cushion
Nonpareil Pattern
The Nonpareil pattern is created by first forming a combed structure across the surface, then refining it with additional combing to produce fine, evenly spaced repeating lines. It is characterised by its structured, symmetrical appearance and is often used in bookbinding due to its balanced visual rhythm!
Above: Pastel Plumes Velvet Fabric on the sofa, Gold Honesty Coral Small Ruched Cushion and Antique Block Swirl Linen Bolster Cushion. Faded Glamour in the City Book by Pearl Lowe which Susi Bellamy features in
Wide Comb
This pattern develops from a Turkish base that is combed to form broad arches. A second comb pass reshapes the structure into evenly spaced curved bands, producing a rhythmic, architectural surface pattern
Above: Marmalade Wide Comb Velvet Fabric on vintage screen, Marmalade Wide Comb Velvet Cushion, Slate Block Swirl Wallpaper on plinth
Shell Pattern
The Shell pattern is formed by adding oil to selected pigments, which causes them to repel and create soft halo-like outlines. This produces rounded, shell-like forms with strong tonal contrast between centre and edge
Above: Pietra Grigia Wallpaper
Peacock Pattern
The Peacock pattern is formed using layered combing techniques over a Turkish base. A final comb pass creates looping shapes reminiscent of feather ends, producing a decorative, repeating motif.
Above: Vintage screen upholstered in Teal Bouquet and Peacock Bouquet Velvet Fabric. Teal Bouquet Ruched Cushion and Peacock Bouquet Velvet Cushion
Zebra Pattern
The Zebra pattern is closely related to the Antique Straight pattern but differs in its final step. After combing, larger pigment drops are added, creating bold striped or banded effects across the surface.
Above: Galactic Marbled Velvet Cushion
Suminagashi
Suminagashi is an early Japanese form of paper decoration where ink is floated on water and transferred to paper. It produces soft, concentric ripple-like patterns with a minimalist appearance
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