Appliqué (from French appliquer, “to apply”) has a couple of related meanings depending on context:
1. In sewing and textiles
Appliqué is a decorative technique where pieces of fabric, leather, or other materials are cut into shapes and sewn or attached onto a larger fabric to create designs, patterns, or images.
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Example: a flower-shaped piece of fabric stitched onto a quilt or jacket.
2. In interior design / decoration
It refers to an ornamental element applied to a surface (such as wood, plaster, or furniture) for decoration.
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Example: carved wood appliqués on cabinets or plaster motifs on a ceiling.
3. In lighting (mainly French/European use)
“Appliqué” or applique murale is the term for a wall-mounted light fixture (wall sconce).