Anyone who has at least once encountered such a problem as apartment renovation knows how seriously you need to take this topic. After all, your mood and well-being every day depends on how your home looks!
What kind of interior do we want to see in our apartment? How much do we want to invest? Will we do the repairs ourselves, or will we hire a team of finishers? To avoid problems in the future, it is better to answer these questions before starting repairs.
To give uniqueness and harmony, modern designers In the field of interior design, they offer a lot of methods for decorating walls in an apartment. Depending on the initial state of the wall surfaces, the functional purpose of the room, the owner’s preferences, and material capabilities, the main options for their design can be identified.
Before choosing a wall design method and starting decorating work, their surfaces must be leveled and, if necessary, plastering and puttying work must be carried out.
The most common finishing method. Thanks to this finishing, you can create drawings of any complexity and color range. There are water-based, alkyd, and silicate paints. For interiors, water-based paints are mainly used.
Water based paints
Most often, water-based paints are used to paint walls. They have a quick-drying effect, are odorless, and are easy to apply with any tool. By adding color pigment to the diluted consistency of white acrylic or emulsion paint, you can achieve any shade.
You can paint the walls in your apartment not only in a single color; any creative ideas can be turned into reality. A store or company that sells colors and paints has a computer tinting service. With its help, a specialist will select the shade you need.
An inexpensive type of water-soluble composition is water-based paint. Excellent adhesion, a small amount of applying layers to form an even paintable wall makes them popular among buyers.
You should know that this type of paint is not used in wet areas and it will not withstand mechanical influences.
Silicone paints based on aqueous polymer dispersions are more expensive than water-based paints due to their strength characteristics. Such coatings are durable and not afraid of moisture.
Acrylic paints based on aqueous polymer dispersions have low hiding power, but are also durable. They can be applied in “damp” areas.
To give surface relief, use textured paints, with different fillings. The result of the pattern texture depends on the tool used to apply the composition.
Alkyd compositions
This type is not used for living rooms. This is evidenced by their properties: they contain alkyd resins, are not afraid of moisture, high temperature, have a specific smell, the brightness of the color loses its hue over time.
Silicate paints
Used in rooms with high humidity (kitchens, baths). They are durable, resistant, protect surfaces from fungi and mold.
The disadvantages of the application are the following: the release of evaporation during painting; it is necessary to use a respirator; poor adhesion to surfaces that have previously been painted.
Using wallpaper for decoration
Traditional and simple finishing method. The advantages of using wallpaper as decoration are the following: huge selection, easy to choose based on cost, quality, appearance, there is no need to resort to the help of specialists for pasting, you can do it yourself.
Wallpaper is classified into paper, vinyl, textile, non-woven, washable, photo wallpaper. The most popular are paper and vinyl. These types do not require special effort When gluing, you will need wallpaper glue to apply to the surface.
Wallpaper with liquid composition
This finishing material “liquid wallpaper” has no resemblance to wallpaper. It is a mixture of plaster, which, when diluted with water, forms a liquid composition that can give any texture and relief to surfaces.
If the drawing did not work out the first time, the defects can be eliminated by easy dismantling and the application process can be repeated.
Photo wallpaper
Another way to create a “modern” style for the walls in an apartment is photo wallpaper. This unique style of decoration, due to its brightness, will transform the room and visually increase the space.
Decorative plastering
An unusual and expensive finishing method. Creative people will be able to realize fantasies and ideas in this way. With the help of decorative plaster, relief is achieved on walls of varying depths. With the help of cutters, reliefs are trimmed and given various shapes.
The beauty of the walls in the apartment is created using plaster mixture, consisting of sand, cement, lime with the addition of fillers. You can find plaster mixtures in the store in separate or ready-made form. In the first case, you will need to knead all the ingredients in a bucket.
Plaster can be mosaic or textured. With the help of such technologies, various stylish panels are created. A special tool is used to work with decorative plaster.
Decorative rock
It is an expensive facing material. Beautifully laid stone will add originality to your home. Stone cladding can be artificial or natural.
Not everyone can afford to buy natural stone. The variety of types of artificial stone is not inferior to natural stone. In stores you can find a large assortment of stones, and choose according to color and preference.
The choice of stone for finishing should be carefully thought out, and the design of the future room or corridor should be created in advance. This finishing in its final form can give the room a visual “heaviness” and “narrowing”.
Cladding walls with clapboard
This type of cladding is a popular method these days.
Simple installation, a pleasant final appearance, additional sound insulation of the walls in the apartment, long service life, the use of environmentally friendly materials, the ability to level the walls without additional work - all these are the advantages of covering walls with wooden lining. This lining is made from different types of wood, which are quite expensive in cost.
To inexpensive and modern material wall decoration can be attributed to PVC panels. Fastening of such panels to uneven surfaces is carried out with the installation of a frame. Plastic panels can be used in rooms with high humidity.
Another budget option for cladding using MDF panels. The advantages of MDF lining are similar to wooden lining. The installation principles of the two types are similar.
You should not decorate walls with MDF panels in moisture-resistant rooms. There are laminated, veneered, and painted wood lining types.
Photo of the walls in the apartment
The house is built, and all that seems to be left is to complete the interior decoration and the furniture can be brought in. But to order correct finishing, you need to know the rules for combining and using basic materials.
Basic finishing rules
Despite the fact that the stage itself finishing works comes at the end of construction, plan what materials will be used for the interior decoration of the walls of the house, and in what capacity, preferably from the very beginning. In addition, we must take into account that the department itself is divided into start and finish. This means that even before choosing, for example, wallpaper, you will need to finish the walls with sheets of plasterboard or putty. The first method is called “dry”, the second – “wet” (because the putty requires working with water). In any case, they are produced preliminary work:
The walls are first removed as much as possible unnecessary elements(screws, extra guides), the rust is burned off, old elements (if any) are also removed;
Walls degreased and are processed additionally if necessary (for example, impregnated with a fire-resistant compound or treated against fungus).
Which method to choose depends on the availability of time and money. “Dry” will also require plaster, which will be applied over the drywall, but rather in one layer.
At a minimum, you will have to putty the joints between the sheets of drywall and the recesses left by the screws Source papamaster.su
By the way, when finishing dry it is not necessary to use drywall - it can be sheets of MDF or other smooth material. “Wet” is initially not applicable in a number of cases - for example, a house made of foam blocks.
Important nuances when choosing finishing material
Good to have for final finishing ready-made design project. If there is none, then it will be more difficult to figure out how many materials are needed and what can replace them if necessary. For example:
If you live indoors all year round, then it is better not to choose MDF panels and plastic. Despite the high class of these materials in current production, they are still not among the most fire-resistant and environmentally friendly.
It is best to pay attention also to material class– any package will be marked with the letter “E” and a number. Everything that does not have a value equal to “1” refers to materials not for residential premises (“E3” is not used at all in a residential building).
Do not apply under any circumstances products for external cladding inside houses (this is not only impractical, but also harmful).
For foam block construction option plasterboard finishing from within - the only correct one.
Under certain conditions (unpretentiousness, first of all), it is possible the same material finish the ceiling, floor and walls at once. At the same time, it is worth knowing that slatted materials are best suited for such use; you can immediately finish the wall and ceiling with them, but tiles, for example, for the floor and wall should have different densities and abrasion resistance.
Thermal insulation, treatment against fungus, moisture and mold perform until direct finishing interior walls at home, regardless of the characteristics of the laid material that will go on top.
Materials for finishing walls inside the house, such as wallpaper, tiles or paint, will require careful initial preparation and alignment of the walls. If this is not possible, it is better to turn your attention to sheet materials.
When choosing a putty, it is worth assessing not only the work, but also the approximate drying time all required layers (application will most likely require more than one pass).
For use in damp areas(for example, a bathroom) you should not use the same options as in residential ones. There are higher requirements here.
Behind the beauty of the bathroom lies a fairly thick protective “pie” Source dizayn.top
For those rooms where daily use is expected, associated with mechanical contamination (for example, a kitchen or hallway), it is better to think in advance about the issue of additional cleaning of the surface. You should not choose finishes with patterns or corrugations. Most likely, it will look very nice, but will be difficult to clean.
Wooden coverings will require a room with stable humidity and temperature levels all year round.
Types of finishing materials
The materials themselves for decorating walls inside the house have the following general classification:
Rack and pinion(all kinds of lining, cutting boards, PVC and MDF panels) - convenient and inexpensive option to quickly close large area. Cleans well and is easy to repair. There is only one downside - wooden lining is demanding on temperature and humidity, and plastic parts– not as environmentally friendly as we would like;
On our website you can find contacts of construction companies that offer finishing and insulation services for houses. You can communicate directly with representatives by visiting the “Low-Rise Country” exhibition of houses.
Varied covering(textile, vinyl or linoleum) - wash well, are practical and quite durable, and are not as expensive as panels or panels. The downside is the need to combine with other types, since textiles, for example, collect dust and moisture well, while vinyl and linoleum will not allow the surface to “breathe” when pasted. Both options are not suitable for the bathroom or kitchen;
Rolled polymer(wallpaper) - a method in which it is possible to imitate almost any surface. Unpretentious wallpapers with a wide choice of designs have long since occupied their niche on the market - and if you have to choose between ordinary or cork or bamboo, it is better (albeit less profitable) to choose the latter option. The paper version is the most inexpensive, in addition, paper wallpaper do not block the air exchange for the wall, which is very convenient in rooms with a low level of natural light or not ideal level humidity. This also includes silk and textile wallpapers, velor, as well as photo wallpapers that make up the picture. Disadvantages - if they are not paintable, it will not be possible to repair a separate area, you will have to re-glue everything;
Paint and varnish coatings(acrylic, silicate or silicone paints) - there are a lot of advantages here. For starters, the paint easily repels dust, washes well, has a long service life (more than 10 years), and can be used on any type of substrate. But - it requires almost perfect alignment, otherwise any roughness will be noticeable immediately;
Some manufacturers offer not individual paint colors, but coloring bases to which pigment is added - this way you can get any shade Source renoveure-peinture.fr
Plaster(including decorative) - very demanding on the hands of the master. They can be completely different - relief, Venetian, mineral or structural, simple smooth, textured. They can create any wall effect, and they can be applied even to a not very well leveled area. As a pleasant bonus, plaster usually increases the sound insulation of a room and slightly insulates it. Such wall decoration in the house requires additional specifications and great experience, so it may not be entirely budget-friendly;
Decorative plaster allows for individual finishing Source rerooms.ru
Slab(natural and artificial stone and brick, tiles themselves) - a convenient option, but will require the involvement of qualified work force and preliminary layout of the pattern; in addition, the tiles not placed on walls or floors will be quite fragile, so it is not worth storing them for a long time. Covering the entire room with stone would also not be very appropriate; designers advise using the coating only for small areas of the room;
To obtain good result when finishing with stone, highly qualified masonry will be required Source en.decorexpro.com
Leafy materials for cladding walls inside the house (this includes, for example, cladding panels for interior decoration, usually having dimensions on one side of no more than 1 m, made from wood or plastic) - easy to use, reliable, hide wiring or communications inside, and install they can be done in an extremely short time frame. The only disadvantage here is the same as in the case of using slatted structures - plastic is not always optimal, and wooden panels for finishing are the most expensive thing on the market;
Options for decorative wall decoration in the interior of the house
The finishing material for walls inside the house looks unusual and beautiful, which is used in relation to general idea design. Thus, wooden lining is unlikely to be a good solution in an urban setting, and relief putty is not suitable for finishing a nursery with a small child.
A good way to create a practical classical bedroom, living room or dining room - use natural wood panels. Oak, pine, maple - all the variety of options will look good;
In style high tech it is best to use smooth finishing structures: textured putty, plastic, painting will look organic, in addition, designers often suggest not even hiding communications in such solutions (air ducts and pipes are exposed);
In high-tech style, only one finishing material is rarely used Source pinterest.com
Retro and country On the contrary, they deny the use of paint. A lining or other natural option, as well as artificial stone, would look appropriate here;
Provence, Baroque or Rococo They will look great with decorative putty or wallpaper.
Video description
For an overview of popular materials for wall decoration, watch the video:
Conclusion
Often, when choosing the final interior finishing, one is primarily guided by budget and deadlines. To get the maximum benefit, contact professionals in your field and they will help you choose which finishing material for the walls inside the house will be better in your case and will make detailed plan work, including initial finishing.
What types of wall decoration are the most popular today, which are the most practical, and which are fashionable and spectacular?
Let's try to answer these questions.
All wall finishing options, overview of materials, advantages and disadvantages.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is the most common, commonly used way to decorate walls. For quite a long time, wallpaper in Europe was exclusively made of fabric or leather. Hence the name - they were not glued, but nailed.
Wallpaper today has a diverse range of products to suit all occasions and budgets. Here are paper and textile, vinyl and non-woven, acrylic and fiberglass, wood, cork, metal... Wallpaper in the form of huge photographs and paintings, as well as with 3D images. Moreover, each variety has its own undeniable advantages.
Paper wallpapers are affordable and organic, and an impressive range of colors, textures and patterns opens the way for them to any room. In addition, anyone can handle gluing paper wallpaper, which allows you to save on repairs.
Paper covering is most suitable for the walls of the hallway, living room and bedroom.
A variety is glued in the corridor, which, if necessary, can be painted, and the living room is decorated, as a rule, with multi-layered, embossed, primed types of wallpaper. Inexpensive, but “fun” paper wallpaper is also used in the nursery - if the artist in the child awakens, such a finish will be easy to quickly change.
To the disadvantages paper coverings One can attribute their fragility and fragility: only the best, multi-layered samples can last 5 years or more without any visible loss of quality.
And also paper does not tolerate moisture well, is highly flammable and fades quite quickly.
Photo wallpapers became popular in the late 80s of the last century, and have not left homes to this day. This is because their range is truly limitless, the price is not exorbitant, and you can hang such wallpaper yourself. In addition, modern photo wallpapers are highly resistant to fading, repel dust, have an additional protective film and can be produced according to individual orders - for example, with portraits of household members.
Actually, these are the advantages of paper photo wallpapers.
The disadvantages include the fact that such wallpaper requires absolutely flat surfaces and, like any paper, is not very durable. The average service life is 3-7 years.
Textile wallpapers are linen, felt, silk, velor; on non-woven, paper or synthetic base. 
The advantages of fabric upholstery are its naturalness, good thermal insulation, greater resistance to fading compared to paper wallpaper, decent appearance and richness of textures. And also a solid – on average 10 years – service life.
The most environmentally friendly option, linen upholstery on paper based, we can safely recommend it for the nursery. Silk wallpaper, as if by magic magic wand will transform an ordinary living room into a luxurious salon. And felt or velor wallpaper will make the bedroom warmer and more secluded.
If more insulation is required, the walls are covered textile wallpaper on a porous synthetic base: their thickness can reach 5 millimeters. This same variety is least susceptible to deformation. The maximum period of use of such coating is up to 10 years.
Negative qualities of fabric wallpaper: the need for regular cleaning, instability to mechanical stress, relatively high price. In addition, fabric wallpaper requires perfectly flat surfaces, as well as knowledge of the nuances of application to walls.
Jute wallpaper belongs to a wide family of design materials with natural plant coverings. They are also called wallpaper mats. They can be based on either paper or non-woven fabric. 
Jute wallpaper is valued for its 100% naturalness, breathability, resistance to ultraviolet radiation and mechanical stress. And the characteristic, knotty structure elevates these wallpapers from the category of ordinary coatings to the rank of stylish designer features.
Most often, jute is used when they want to emphasize the character of the interior.
This type of wallpaper is used primarily for living rooms and bedrooms; However, the safety and hypoallergenic nature of jute makes it a welcome “guest” in children’s rooms.
The disadvantages of jute coverings include their ability to absorb odors (which is why you rarely see jute in kitchens), the need for regular cleaning and a considerable price.
The average service life is 10-15 years.
Vinyl wallpaper is on the crest of popularity today. Of course, this type of finishing can imitate stone, wood, plaster or, say, suede.
It should be noted that vinyl wallpapers are also divided into a considerable number of subtypes: structural, with relief and a layer of foamed vinyl, with hot stamping and silk-screen printing effect. 
TO strengths Such coatings include a high degree of sound insulation, the ability to mask small irregularities, roughness on the walls, resistance to fading and moisture. Due to the fact that vinyl wallpapers are not afraid of water and steam, they are relevant in kitchens and bathrooms.
But vinyl wallpaper also has its drawbacks: airtightness, difficulty in gluing it yourself, relatively high cost, and also a not very pleasant smell that cheap samples can emit.
Service life is on average 20 years.
Non-woven wallpaper can be used for paper, fabric or vinyl wallpapers.
These are rolls of cellulose fibers bonded with polymers. Their advantages are environmental friendliness, breathability, a wide palette of patterns, and also the ability to repaint these wallpapers and use them to smooth out small bumps and blemishes on the walls. The service life of non-woven wallpaper is about 10 years.
And now about the shortcomings. Firstly, not everyone can afford high-quality non-woven wallpaper. Secondly, dust accumulates in the “folds” of their embossing. They are also quite easy to damage, for example, when rearranging furniture. Finally, the non-woven covering must be glued to exemplarily clean, plain walls. Otherwise, stains and stains may be visible.
It is believed that this is an analogue of vinyl coatings, which are based on paper, and foamed vinyl replaces polymer coating.
Advantages: hypoallergenic, durable, practical, moisture-resistant, which allows you to use wallpaper in the living room, kitchen, and even the bathroom. And also resistance to mechanical stress and ease of handling. It is not surprising that acrylic wallpaper is preferred by families with playful children or pets.
Disadvantages: such wallpapers are inferior to their vinyl “brothers” in thickness and, therefore, in durability. And their color range is not so diverse.
Application period is 10-12 years.
This still non-trivial type of finishing is gaining more and more points - thin, glass yarn rolled into rolls. It consists of dolomite, sand and similar additives, so naturalness and harmlessness are one of the “trump cards” of glass wallpaper. 
There are other advantages: high strength, resistance to chemical and mechanical influences, fire and moisture, and the possibility of painting.
Fiberglass fabric is so presentable that it often adorns the walls of posh bars and restaurants.
Nothing prevents the use of glass wallpaper in any room, but they look especially impressive in classic as well as modern living rooms.
The disadvantages include the complexity of installation and, especially, dismantling, and the requirement for an absolutely flat wall surface. In addition, glass wallpaper, due to the complex production technology, is an expensive pleasure.
But the service life of the glass coating is up to 30 years.
The raw material for their production is Mediterranean oak bark with its unique resinous substances. The advantages of the material are obvious: environmental friendliness, bactericidal properties, creation of a special, healing microclimate.
Cork also has enviable insulating properties. If someone in an apartment, for example, plays music, the neighbors are unlikely to hear, because the traffic jam will absorb the decibels.
It is also important that, unlike wooden coverings, cork does not ignite and does not support combustion.
After all, the velvety nature of cork bark is pleasant to the touch, which is why it is used in rooms for very young children.
Among the disadvantages of cork wallpaper, mention should be made of a relatively narrow range of colors. It cannot be said that their patterns are monotonous, but their natural color is in the range of natural wood - from light yellow to dark brown. And it is also worth considering that they will not be cheap, although the cost is high in this case compensated by a fairly long service life.
Service life – up to 30 years.
It may seem that we are talking about a new product, but this material was invented back in 1877.
These are rolls that are formed from wood flour mixed with wax, rosin, and linseed oil.
The surface of the linkcrust is embossed and patterned, which gives the finish an expensive, respectable look. 
The best qualities of linkcrust – environmental Safety, commendable thermal stability, durability, resistance to deformation, a wide selection of colors and shades, the ability to paint, low maintenance.
The shelf life of linkrust wallpaper is practically unlimited, which can be confirmed by the perfectly preserved interiors of many ancient houses.
Linkrust looks great in,. However, it is also characterized by certain defects - for example, instability at low temperatures, difficult process installation, high cost.
Metallized wallpaper
Metallic/metallic wallpaper can be embossed, blackened, etched, painted, patinated... Thanks decorative diversity This type of wall covering is a signature technique of many famous designers. 
Wallpaper covered with a layer of foil, namely they are called metal, are resistant to moisture, wear, and have good thermal insulation. Well, if they are of the mirror type, then they also have the ability to visually “spread” the space.
Metallic wallpaper of a noble shade is adored by fans of expensive, pretentious styles, such as, and. Designers especially recommend this wallpaper for decorating halls, lobbies and halls.
The disadvantages of this coating are air tightness and low resistance to mechanical stress. Metallic wallpaper also requires perfectly smooth walls... and considerable investment.
Their shelf life is on average 10 years.
Liquid wallpaper, also known as flock and silk plaster. Despite the natural base, after hardening on the walls, this coating bears little resemblance to wallpaper.
pros liquid wallpaper– practicality, damaged fragments are easy to restore, environmental friendliness, ability to pass air, sufficient strength.
The disadvantages are the relatively high cost, as well as not such a wide selection of patterns and colors as is the case with conventional paper ones.
Liquid wallpaper is suitable for the hallway, hall, nursery, bedroom and living room. Average service life is 6-8 years.
Decorative plaster
This general term refers to a layer of construction and decorative mixture applied to the surface of the walls. It levels the walls, insulates them, insulates them, and is also, of course, one of the most ancient methods of beautifying a home inside and out.
Plaster mixtures can be divided according to two criteria - according to the composition of the mixture and according to artistic qualities.
Mineral plaster is the most economical type of plaster. This is due to the base of the mixture - cement, which is “seasoned” with chemical additives that provide increased moisture resistance. To this we can add environmental safety, vapor permeability, resistance to fungi and mold, temperature changes, as well as fire safety.
Disadvantages include: not very diverse color palette and the complexity of application.
But middle period operation of the mineral coating does not exceed 15 years.
In addition to mineral, there is also: silicate, based on liquid glass; silicone, which is based on silicone resins; polymer - with acrylic resin in the composition.
Silicone and mineral plasters have the longest service life.
Textured (structural) decorative plaster- a way of decorating walls that can be called an unfading classic. Due to the fact that the plaster mixture contains various additives(pebbles, fibers, marble chips or ground bricks), such finishing can look like rock, valuable wood, cork bark, sand patterns, cracked clay, dug velvet. 
Textured types of plaster include the famous “fur coat”, as well as bark beetle plaster, a method of finishing halls and hallways that has been popular for many decades.
Textured plaster is an excellent solution for those who want to get a unique interior. It will definitely provide picturesqueness and sophistication. And at the same time, strength, durability, and fire resistance.
Plaster will help hide small defects on the walls, and its price is not bad at all.
Textured plaster will not put any of the palace to shame; it will be a good find for the hall, living room, and dining room.
Judging by the reviews, this design has one drawback - it is difficult to remove when the need for new repairs arises.
The time during which textured plaster will not lose its attractiveness is 15-20 years.
It's hard to believe that this type of coating is over 500 years old. “Venetian” creates the impression of a noble stone - marble, granite, onyx, jasper, opal, malachite, amber. Such a sophisticated type of decoration literally asks for the walls of spacious living rooms, where there are fireplaces, hanging canvases in lush frames and the spirit of the Renaissance is in the air.
Venetian plaster unique: there are no two identical copies of it in the world!
It is precisely this that can be seen inside the palaces of the Venetian doges and the villas of Italian aristocrats.
“Venetian” is not only enchantingly beautiful, but also safe, moisture-resistant, durable and capable of pleasing the eye not for years, but for centuries!
But the price also matches it.
Dye
The market offers a truly huge number of all kinds of interior paints. Water-based ones are considered the safest and non-toxic, while organic-based ones, when dry, form a denser, shiny layer. You can choose moisture-resistant paint, which is suitable for the kitchen, and vapor-permeable paint, which would be appropriate, for example, in the hallway. 
As for decorative properties, paints come in glossy, matte and even embossed. The former are suitable for perfectly smooth surfaces, while the embossed one can hide roughness and small errors on the walls.
- Water based paints have the softest chemical composition. Their other advantages include an attractive price and a huge selection of colors and shades.
Disadvantages include instability to abrasion and high humidity. - Acrylic paints more tolerant of vapors, but drops or jets can destroy them.
The most durable among water-soluble paints are latex paints. They can even be washed, but they are not very tolerant of ultraviolet radiation, and they are more expensive.
Walls covered with paint acrylic base, not to be afraid of sun rays, non-toxic and do not fade for 15-20 years.
The disadvantage of such paints is their long drying time. - Alkyd paints They are inexpensive, easy to use, have a wide range of colors and dry within an hour after application. True, the dyes on alkyd based short-lived - a year later, the walls may become stained and lose their original brightness. They also do not like sunlight, and most importantly, they are quite toxic. In connection with the last point, these paints are not recommended for bedrooms and children's rooms.
- Silicate paints are created on the basis of liquid glass with the addition of pigments and fillers. Most often they are used on verandas, balconies, and basements - where resistance to moisture and temperature changes is required.
- Silicone paints are vapor permeable, have dirt-repellent properties, are not afraid of water and create a fairly durable coating layer.
It is not surprising that their service life is a quarter of a century.
Silicone paints can be used to decorate bathroom walls, use them in the hallway, and in the kitchen. It should, however, be remembered that the bumps and depressions on walls covered with this relatively new type of paint and varnish products will become more noticeable. - Oil paints with drying oil as a base today they are rarely used for interior decoration. The reason is the harmful components that are used in their production. In addition, oil compositions take a long time to dry, do not allow surfaces to “breathe”, and can bubble and crack.
The merits of oil paints include, perhaps, their affordability. Because of this oil paints can be useful in utility and utility rooms - they are used to paint pipes, window frames, heating radiators. - Enamel They often call for help when they start repairs. Among the advantages of enamel dyes are a budget price, aesthetics (it forms an even, glossy film), strength exceeding the strength of oil and alkyd paints.
Enamel is called a universal coating because it easily applies to any surface, be it brick, concrete or wood, and dries within 24 hours. Paint resists moisture well, which is why bathroom walls are sometimes covered with enamel.
But we must not forget that enamels are fire hazardous, which is why they should not be used near a stove.
The durability of enamel paint depends on the type and ranges from 10 to 15 years.
Decorative brick/stone. Today, few people will be surprised by this method of decorating living rooms and bedrooms, although recently brickwork was not allowed beyond the hallways. It's all about fashion. It turned out that brick as a method of decoration organically combines with many current styles - from classic to minimalism and. 
Rigid tiles that imitate brick are based on gypsum, cement, clay and other compounds. So, white gypsum tiles are the most affordable. It is quite light in weight; for its laying you need to purchase special glue.
The main disadvantage of this material is its high moisture absorption - this should be taken into account when planning repairs and should not be used in rooms with high humidity.
The average service life is at least 15 years.
In addition to brick, walls can be covered with decorative artificial stone, which imitates sandstone, shell rock, slate, tuff, basalt, etc. Despite the variety of textures, decorative stone is produced mainly from gypsum, sand, clay, cement and corresponding dyes. 
The advantages of this finishing option are diversity, which allows the wildest design fantasies to run wild. Fake diamond It is quite easy to install, it is hygienic, and lightweight, which can also be considered an advantage.
Decorative stone is most often used to highlight corners, openings, arches, frame a fireplace, in other words, to create stylish accents.
Service life if treated with care is up to 30 years.
This finishing material can be called eternal: trends change, but bathrooms and kitchens are still decorated with tiles. Ceramic tiles have earned trust due to such qualities as environmental safety, moisture resistance, hygiene and unpretentiousness in everyday life, immunity to fungi and bacteria, abrasion and fading. And the variety of formats, colors and textures, copying the appearance of noble stones, minerals, crocodile skin and much more, gives tiles a pass into any room.
Serve quality facing material made of ceramics is capable of 50 years or more. The only thing that is required is to restore the seams between the slabs.
Porcelain tiles are characterized by strength, greater than that of tiles, environmental friendliness, low degree of water absorption, resistance to chipping, and resistance to low temperatures. The last point makes porcelain stoneware the leader in finishing when it comes to balconies, terraces, loggias and verandas.
As for the range of colors and textures of porcelain tiles, it will satisfy any tastes and whims. Porcelain stoneware will last for more than one generation.
The disadvantages of this coating include its impressive weight and relatively high cost.
Finishing with PVC panels will cost 30-40% less than with ceramic tiles.
In addition to being cheap, PVC panels are practical, easy to use, and insensitive to temperature changes.
Installation of the panels is also quite simple.
Contrary to rumors, PVC does not emit toxic substances and is considered a safe finishing agent. You don’t have to worry about the appearance of the panels, and they come in different colors, for 8-10 years.
Among the disadvantages of PVC finishing are its lower strength compared to ceramics, toxicity when burning, and also, oddly enough, cheapness: for many this is an indicator lack of prestige.
MDF panels are a modern modification of particle boards, known as chipboards. In the production of MDF, however, harmful phenol is not used, which makes this product environmentally friendly.
The advantages of MDF include a wide range of products: manufacturers offer multi-colored, ornamented panels, smooth and with a relief surface. They are easy enough to mount on walls, they are durable, have a high thermal conductivity coefficient, are insensitive to fungus and mold, and since they are covered with a laminated film, they are also insensitive to moisture.
The service life of MDF panels is 15 years.
3D panels
Most of these three-dimensional, relief products are made from gypsum, although they can be made from MDF, bamboo, reed, plastic, glass, aluminum... In stores they will also kindly show you acrylic 3D panels, leather, porcelain stoneware, samples with built-in LED- backlight.
What do all these variations have in common?
In general, 3D panels are hypoallergenic and non-toxic, attach quickly, and have good insulating qualities.
A serious bonus is the ability to manufacture panels according to individual order.
A wide selection of samples allows you to fit such a finish into any style: bamboo 3D panels will suit simple, emphatically eco-friendly interiors, 3D panels with a metallic sheen and futuristic pattern will emphasize and, plain 3D panels will add zest to, and panels with a patina effect will harmoniously complement the art -deco and .
Among the disadvantages of this coating, consumers cite the ability of the panels to accumulate dust on a textured surface. And psychologists add: an excessive number of convex patterns will not only overload the interior, but can provoke irritability and poor health. Based on this, it is better to use 3D panels in fragments - on one wall, for example.
Drywall
Drywall is a worthy alternative to plaster. It is used to create hanging, sub-ceiling systems, for decorating ventilation, pipes, utilities, as well as for covering walls. 
Most often, plasterboard is used to decorate rooms with normal humidity - hallways, living rooms, bedrooms. But there is also a special, moisture-resistant drywall, the service life of which can last up to 10 years.
Drywall is a good sound insulator; it absorbs excess moisture and creates a perfectly flat surface. Installation of plasterboard products is not difficult, and they can be cut and used to create various shapes for decoration.
The disadvantage of drywall is that it “eats” the volume of the room, and after installation on the walls it requires puttying the seams and finishing. It’s also depressing that hanging a TV or shelf on a wall covered with plasterboard is problematic.
Mosaic tiles are a favorite in bathrooms and kitchens. It is made from a wide range of materials: for example, from natural stone, which gives the product special strength and durability, or from ceramics, glass, wood, and metal.
The raw materials, of course, greatly influence the type of mosaic, its service life, as well as which styles and rooms it will suit best.
The most common mosaic is on a ceramic base. It is used in bathrooms, washrooms, and also in kitchens - for example, in the area work surface.
The merits of mosaic coating include, firstly, the possibility of use in niches, on ledges, and uneven surfaces. Secondly, the variety of structure and color allows you to create scenes from mosaic tiles: monochrome and colorful walls, patterned and in the form of paintings. Add to this the fact that mosaic adheres perfectly to any surface - concrete, plastered, wooden.
But every finishing product has its drawbacks, and with mosaics this comes at a price. However, it is justified, because we are talking about an exclusive product that is made from natural materials and lasts 15 years or more.
From the author: Welcome, dear reader. As a rule, articles on the practical part of the work are published on our website. But today, in fairness, we decided to make an exception and talk about how to decorate the walls other than wallpaper in the bedroom, in the hall, in the corridor, in the kitchen or in another room.
The topic is truly interesting and worthy of detailed consideration. After all, situations often arise when, for some reason, you simply don’t want to use wallpaper in the interior. There can be quite a few reasons for this:
- Firstly, the question is the originality of the design. Sometimes it seems that wallpaper is already somehow banal, so there is a desire to bring something original to the interior. In general, I want something “like that”;
- secondly, there is a question of functionality. In some places, such as the kitchen, wallpaper may simply not be an appropriate solution. Especially when it comes to working area, which is usually finished with wall tiles;
- thirdly, a question of aesthetics. Perhaps the wallpaper will be very, very inappropriate in the interior style of your room. For example, you decided to choose the Loft style to decorate your room. In this style, the wallpaper will be, as they say, “neither to the village nor to the city.”
And so on. So, today we’ll just talk about different styles interior design, in which cases wallpaper would be truly inappropriate and about what material you can choose for wall decoration other than wallpaper. In general, after reading the article, you will most likely decide which finishing material to choose for your interior.
As is customary on our repair and construction portal, we will consider the material sequentially and in a structured manner.
Painting the walls
If you don’t want to glue wallpaper to the walls, then why not paint them? This solution is not costly or difficult to implement. To properly paint the walls in the hallway, kitchen or room, you don’t have to be experienced in painting.
But, nevertheless, some nuances need to be taken into account.
First, you need to know what paint to choose for the walls. On my own behalf, I would recommend a water-based composition (the well-known “water-based mixture”). Why is she so good? This paint does not have a sharp specific odor and is harmless to health. Therefore, everyone can work with it, even people whose bodies are prone to allergic reactions.
In addition, the paint interacts well with almost any type of surface. A wall painted with water-based emulsion becomes resistant to moisture, so it can be wiped clean damp cloth when cleaning and even washing: nothing bad will happen to it.
Secondly, the surface must be carefully prepared before painting. The walls need to be cleaned of old, peeling paint, old wallpaper, plaster that is about to fall off, and so on. Then apply to the surface antifungal agent(antiseptic). This is especially true for those rooms in which there is a risk of increased humidity. Then apply a layer of penetrating primer. It is necessary for better adhesion of the working surface and finishing materials. Next, apply a layer of putty (you may have to plaster along the beacons) and apply finishing plaster. After it has dried, you can start painting the walls.
If you decide to paint the walls water-based paint, - it will be useful for you to familiarize yourself with the presented video material on preparing walls for painting or wallpapering.
Thirdly, on our repair and construction portal there is a separate article about how to use water-based paint. Don't be confused by the fact that the article is written about ceilings. The fact is that the technology for painting walls and ceilings is not fundamentally different, and if you decide to start painting, then you should definitely familiarize yourself with this information.
To summarize, we can say that painting walls is a universal solution for an apartment, house or office. Among other things, paint is also good because you can choose any color scheme that suits your interior. Of course, no one has canceled the rules of good artistic taste, but no one limits your choice.
Decorative plaster
Another worthy alternative to wallpaper can be decorative plaster for walls. Now we will list several reasons why you may choose this finishing material.
- durability. Most likely, plaster applied to the wall will last you longer than wallpaper, which is changed approximately every 10–15 years;
- versatility. The material is suitable for use in the living room, bedroom, hallway or even in the kitchen. In addition, for most interior design styles, plaster will be an excellent solution: from classic to minimalism and hi-tech;
- original appearance. The pattern applied to the wall will be unique, since it will be impossible to copy it exactly. Actually, that's what it's designed for. this material;
- ease of application. No professional skills are required to work with decorative wall plaster. It is quite possible to do the work on your own and with your own hands;
- ecoholicity. The material is environmentally friendly and safe for the health of people and pets.
Decorative plaster for walls may differ in the type of filler:
- textured. The most affordable of available options finishing with plaster. The filler can be stones, sawdust or even mica;
- structural. It is not fundamentally different from the first option, but it is filled with quartz particles. The surface will not be as structurally expressed as when using textured plaster, but you can, for example, use larger filler elements, which will allow you to achieve the effect of a mosaic laid out on the surface of the wall;
- Venetian plaster. It is filled with marble particles, thanks to which we get a visually even, smooth, even shiny surface. In appearance, such a wall will look as if it is entirely made of marble.
Decorative canvas
I dare to suggest that this method of wall decoration goes back to the late Middle Ages or the Renaissance (Renaissance). Already then there was big choice draperies for wall decoration in rich houses and palaces. What can we say about our era?..
The modern market of finishing materials offers a huge selection of different canvases for wall decoration. If your plan is to recreate an interior in the style of the European Renaissance, then fabrics with a variety of clearly visible patterns will suit you. If you consider yourself to be a fan of more modern style design - you will want a fabric on which the patterns will not be so visually pronounced.
It would seem like an excellent finishing solution, wouldn’t it? In fact, it also has its disadvantages. Do not forget that dust will settle on the walls, which the fabric absorbs very well. It will not be possible to remove it with a damp cloth, as, for example, from a wall painted with a water-based composition. Most likely, the walls will have to be vacuumed regularly, which is not very convenient. And not to say that this method is a budget solution. As we understand, it cannot be called practical either.
Decorative rock
One of the most common and practical solutions. This material is strong, durable, aesthetically attractive and safe for health. But, of course, finishing the entire area of the walls of the room in this way is not the best solution (unless, of course, this is implied by the artistic design).
Let’s just say that if you want to create coziness in a room, then it would be right to decorate individual zones in the room with stone or make, a kind of “islands” of stone. The main thing here is a sense of proportion, because if you overdo it with stone, the finishing material will visually weigh down the interior of the living space. But if you are looking for a solution for interior decoration in a cafe, bar or restaurant, you can take note of the abundance of decorative stone.
Lining
Here we do not mean plastic lining, but one made of natural wood. Among the advantages of this finishing material, I propose to highlight the following:
- environmental friendliness. Wood is not only environmentally friendly pure material. It helps to create a special microclimate in the room, so to speak, “its own atmosphere.” Therefore, from this point of view, the lining is suitable for finishing the walls of any room;
- incredibly attractive, original appearance. The structure and shade of wood will differ depending on the selected wood species;
- strength/durability/functionality of the material;
- ease of installation work. Of course, installation wooden lining cannot be called a pleasant vacation, but, nevertheless, this type the activity is somewhat more pleasant and easier than, say, applying plaster to walls or installing decorative stone;
- additional sound insulation;
- additional thermal insulation.
With all the advantages of the material, keep in mind that wood is susceptible to moisture and temperature. This, by the way, is especially true if you are engaged in finishing. But now we are talking about residential premises. If there is a risk of high humidity (and without it too - for prevention), the tree must be properly treated. An antiseptic will protect it from fungal growths, the use of which should not be neglected.
Cork
Yes, indeed, cork is widely used for finishing the walls of residential (and non-residential) rooms. Moreover, it has been used for quite a long time and very successfully. The coating is natural, i.e. - environmentally friendly, aesthetically attractive and durable. Of course, this design option will not be to everyone’s taste, and it will not suit every interior.
But the purpose of the article is not to persuade you to use any particular material, but to tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. So, if you are looking for a lightweight (both in terms of weight and installation) material that would serve you long years, - you can safely use the cork - you won’t regret it. Perhaps the disadvantage of the material is its relatively high price, but it is quite justified.
Tile
It's no secret that the walls are tiled. As a rule, to this method finishing is used in the bathroom, toilet or kitchen. This is logical. Tile is a very practical finishing material for rooms with high humidity and those where there is a need for frequent wet cleaning.
Modern market building materials does not limit us in choosing tiles. If desired, you can choose any shape, texture and color, choose a pattern to suit any interior style - from baroque to modern.
Therefore, if your plans include renovating a bathroom or kitchen, then you simply cannot find a better finishing material. In addition, gluing wallpaper in the bathroom (and in the kitchen too) is not the most practical and expedient solution. Most likely, the wallpaper will deteriorate very quickly, but will serve you for many years.
Laminate
Well, what kind of heresy?! - you may be surprised. In fact, this is not a heresy at all. Yes, the solution is quite non-standard, but in some circumstances it is very appropriate. No one is talking about finishing the entire room with laminate, but a separate wall - why not... yes.
Of course, for these purposes you can choose the least wear-resistant floor covering (which we have successfully reclassified as a wall covering). The main thing here is the appearance of the laminated boards, which could harmoniously fit into the interior of your room. If you decide to resort to this design option, then you can be 100% sure of the durability of the coating!
MDF
A material for wall decoration, which, along with others, is quite popular. Not as wide as, say, wallpaper, painting or, but still.
MDF panels can imitate many materials, so you can use them to recreate almost any interior. And, again, it is not at all necessary to cover all the walls of the room with MDF. It is enough to decorate only one wall in the room using this method to get the effect you would like.
Lack of finishing
Yes, this option also exists and should not be discounted. But this is not at all about giving up finishing materials to save the budget. Here it is necessary to pursue some kind of artistic design - then unfinished building materials will look appropriate and organic.
Here we are talking about special interior styles, for example, a style such as Loft. This style originated in the mid-20th century in the USA, and has now successfully reached us. The main idea of the loft is to recreate an interior that would be similar to the interior of an old factory or other industrial premises, converted into a studio, exhibition hall, art workshop, and so on. The loft is especially popular among representatives of the creative intelligentsia.
Again, the idea is not to completely abandon finishing materials. But in some places you can leave it unfinished brick wall or OSB board. Often public institutions, such as bars, are decorated in a similar style. exhibition halls, shops and so on. But this style is also perfect for decorating a kitchen or office. Don't be afraid to experiment, but don't overdo it either.
Conclusion
I really hope that you have gained a comprehensive understanding of finishing materials alternative to the usual wallpaper. I wish you creative success in decorating the interior of your home and more creative ideas that you will bring to life.
And be sure to visit us again - there are many more on our repair and construction portal valuable information, which may be useful to you. See you again!
