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.

• 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.

• 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).