Renovation in an apartment is a great chance to bring to life a lot of the most original fantasies and ideas. And right now, when creative disorder reigns in the house, it's time to think about the decor of the walls, because such a large-scale canvas will not come to your hand very soon.
If the finishing of the ceiling and floor is rather conservative and must obey the peculiarities of the location of these surfaces and functional tasks, then the walls really allow you to create literally anything - from decorating with abstract drawings to rich finishing with brocade or natural stone.
In this article, we would like to bring you ten ideas for decorating and decorating walls - one of the most important components of a home interior. What exactly is right for your room is up to you, of course. Some homeowners will prefer discreet simplicity and the transformation of the wall into a solid color for bright and unusual furniture, while others will prefer chic and refined luxury. Our tips are universal and easily adaptable to specific conditions, so they fit almost any interior design.
The first idea - unusual wallpaper
Do you think that wallpaper is an outdated option that cannot surprise with anything? Not true! The possibilities of this finishing material are inexhaustible, and the collections of wallpapers with unusual patterns and textures are updated every season. In addition, they do not have to be paper at all - the variety of modern materials is simply amazing.
We will list only a few options for decorating walls with various types of wallpaper, choosing the most versatile, practical and at the same time original.
So, designers consider the main modern trends:
- Combination of wallpaper, radically different in color and ornament. This combination allows you to create unusual decorative effects that previously could only be obtained with the help of painting.
- A very large drawing that becomes a highlight of the interior and immediately attracts the attention of guests.
- Alternation on one wall of strips of wallpaper, similar in color or texture, but differing in pattern. Many modern manufacturers, for example, the Holden Decor studio, offer ready-made solutions for the room - two or three types of wallpaper from one collection.
- Textured paintable wallpaper with a pronounced pattern, which, after applying paint, will look especially original. By the way, fiberglass paintable wallpapers are becoming more and more popular, they are reliable, beautiful and can perfectly “survive” seven to eight repaints. And do not forget that too thick a layer of paint will simply hide the texture of the wallpaper.
- An ideal option for creating a Japanese interior is bamboo wallpaper, which will immediately add the desired flavor to the room.
- Textile wallpaper is used today almost only in classic interiors or English style. Designers consider the combination of textile wallpaper with boiserie wall panels to be especially relevant. However, we will talk about decorative panels in the corresponding section.
Even ordinary paper wallpapers with such a large image are already able to set the tone for the entire interior. And if the wallpaper is also made of natural bamboo, it will look not only beautiful, but also expensive.
In this cozy bedroom, large patterned wallpaper was used only for one wall. They are very harmoniously combined with textiles and other decorative elements.
Second idea - mosaic
Think that the mosaic is intended only for wall cladding in the bathroom and kitchen. Not at all - this material allows you to create amazingly beautiful panels that look great both in the living room and in the bedroom.
In addition, today mosaics are made not only from the usual ceramic tiles, but also from leather, metal, wood, mother-of-pearl and even fur. In any case, such compositions will look unusual and stylish, so just choose the option you like the most - your walls will only benefit from such decoration.
The most relevant designers consider the theme mosaic panels, images of antique statues, which is especially important for the classic interior, portraits and landscapes. You can also use mosaics to highlight an individual wall decor element, such as a mirror. In such a frame, both the picture and the arch will look especially interesting.
A mosaic made of wood, of course, does not look as bright as one created from ceramics, but on the whole it is very attractive.
Third idea - fresco
Traditional fresco is hand-painted with water paints on raw plaster, that is, like all handwork, the pleasure is quite expensive. Fortunately for lovers of such bright design techniques, today there are more technological and less costly options, for example, a fresco painted in advance on canvas, an image on a self-adhesive basis, which is obtained by printing on quartz sand on a thin layer of canvas, as well as frescoes on a rigid basis - that is, ready-made paintings, applied in the traditional way - over a layer of raw plaster, but not on the wall of the house, but also in a design studio on a polyurethane base.
Of the unusual design techniques, one can note the application of a large image on the entire wall, including the doorway, to create a complete picture.
Frescoes with images of famous paintings are always relevant. Modern manufacturers offer ready-made images on a rigid polyurethane base, which are glued to the wall using a special compound. Such a fresco can have a maximum size of 3.2x1.6 m.If the base is placed in a frame, then the fresco turns into a moving picture
Fourth idea - brick
Whether brickwork itself is a decorative element is, of course, debatable. However, in a loft-style interior or in a house whose owners would like to create a deliberately rude or rustic design, brick is irreplaceable.
Designers advise not to hide the brickwork in old mansions - a hundred years after the construction of the house, the brick acquires a certain touch of time, looks especially noble and serves as a clear demonstration of the rich history of the building.
Today, decorative bricks are often used to highlight doorways, parapets and niches of various sizes.
To extend the life of the brickwork, such walls are covered for reliability with a colorless matte varnish that protects the brick from dust. You can paint such a wall with ordinary water-based paint, choosing a color in accordance with the main style of the interior.
Brickwork can become a highlight of a room's design, and in a loft-style apartment it will become the main design direction. In this kitchen, it was the brickwork that helped soften the too laconic and technological interior.
Fifth idea - photo printing
Modern technologies allow you to create images of amazing clarity and expressiveness, applying a pattern to any surface and material. A vivid picture, for example, a city panorama or a mountain landscape, can literally push the walls of a house, visually expand the space.
However, such bright pictures can just get bored, so designers are advised to choose walls for the location of the image that are not constantly in the field of view. Traditionally, photo printing is placed above the head of the bed, in a cramped corridor, behind the sofa in the living room.
Photo printing is especially attractive because you can use personal photos to create a picture on the wall, create a beautiful collage that will remind you of a wonderful vacation, and so on.
The city skyline blended in perfectly with this otherwise very calm, classic bedroom interior. And the place has been chosen perfectly - above the head of the bed, so the owners will not be too annoying
Sixth idea - decorative panels
The ideal option is to quickly carry out repairs and completely transform the room in just one or two days, and without dusty, wet and dirty processes - the use of ready-made decorative panels.
Plastic panels, of course, are universal, they are not afraid of water, they can imitate the texture of wood and other materials, they are easy to install, but they still look cheap - plastic remains plastic, no matter how beautifully it is painted or decorated with photo printing.
But wooden panels, for example, the famous boiserie, always look very respectable, solid, expensive and are able to turn the most ordinary living room into an aristocratic salon. Boiserie are made today not only from natural solid wood, but also veneered MDF or chipboard, which made it possible to significantly reduce the cost of their production.
Usually, decorative boiserie panels are not painted, since there is no need to hide the beauty of wood or veneer, but if the main style of the interior of the room requires it, why not. These white decorative panels not only hid the heating radiators, but also became a very beautiful design element.
Natural boiserie panels look great in an English interior
The seventh idea - such a different porcelain stoneware
Porcelain stoneware, unlike ordinary ceramic tiles, is made at a very high pressure - at least 50 MPa - and fired at a temperature of at least 1.2-1.3 thousand degrees. As a result of such production, a non-porous, practically moisture-proof material is obtained, wear-resistant, not afraid of frost or heat.
At the same time, porcelain stoneware has a number of properties that make it possible to use it not only for decorating walls in the bathroom, in the kitchen or on the external facade of a building, but also in a chic living room, bedroom or study.
So, thanks to its textured surface and modern methods of drawing, porcelain stoneware ideally imitates leather, wood, natural stone.
Today, entering a building materials store, you can choose porcelain stoneware, which, in terms of its external parameters, will in no way be inferior to natural stone or wood, and even surpass them in functional properties.
Eighth idea - eco-coating
Today, a growing number of homeowners are striving to make their home environmentally friendly. Is it possible to achieve such an effect without using natural coatings?
- Sisal.
- Reed.
- Rattan.
- Jute fibers.
- Arrowroot.
- Bamboo lamellae.
- Veneers of cork oak, zebrano, apricot, sandalwood, cherry, etc.
The basis for such natural coatings is thick paper, which has a stronger and more durable texture than a conventional wallpaper basis. Non-woven fabric, which is well known from ordinary wallpaper, is also used.
Interest in such natural finishes is also fueled by the fashion for Asian ethnic motives in the interior. Such wall decoration is used not only in the Japanese interior, but also in the fusion style, to decorate not the entire wall, but its individual sections - niches, arches, stripes over the sofa and other elements.
The choice of natural wall coverings is quite large today, but, unfortunately, usually this option for wall decoration is more expensive than using the usual wallpaper or painting.
The ninth idea - decorative plaster
Decorative plaster can be called both traditional and innovative, contemporary wall decoration options. This method has been used for many years, but has not lost its appeal.
Decorative plaster is a fairly thick coating layer, which consists of fillers no more than 10 millimeters in size:
- Stone chips from marble, granite, quartz or dolomite.
- Synthetic granules.
- Nylon or cellulose fibers.
Accordingly, depending on the filler used, decorative plaster also acquires external parameters, so this criterion must be taken into account when choosing a wall covering.
However, do not forget that the original relief and texture of decorative plaster also depend on the tools used and the application technique. In connection with this feature, the choice of builders who will be engaged in its application should be approached especially carefully.
Decorative plaster is a frequent guest in classic interiors, Art Deco style and is able to emphasize the luxury and chic of an elite renovation.
Designers consider surfaces that imitate aged stone, soft and warm colors such as golden honey onyx, and the use of a moisture-resistant coating based on quartz sand and lime in the bathroom as the current trends in the use of decorative plaster.
Moisture resistant plaster can also be used in bathrooms
Idea ten - an original combination of painted walls
Wall painting is quite rightly very popular - it is simple, convenient and allows you to change the style of the room decoration quite often. But simply painting all the walls of the house without exception in the same neutral shade is no longer fashionable. Designers prefer to experiment with shades, creating very original, but harmonious holistic pictures of the interior.
Among the most interesting options are the selection of one wall with a brighter color, painting according to stencils, with the application of any images. For example, a clock face painted on the kitchen wall, two similar shades of paint separated by a wavy strip, and so on will look very unusual and attractive.
Of course, using wallpaper or paint for wall decoration is nothing new. But among the collections of paint or mixtures for decorative plaster themselves, there are a huge number of options that allow you to experiment with texture and colors.
Heed the advice of professionals and choose a wall covering that is not only functional, but also beautiful in itself - this will help create the perfect backdrop for brighter decor elements or highlight the luxury and elegance of an interior.
Interior decoration is an important part and the final stage of the construction of a country house. Many do not think about this during the construction of the foundation and installation of a log house, installation of communication systems. But when the house is already under the roof, the engineering networks have been installed, the question arises of how to decorate the wooden house inside. Zero finishing is not suitable for everyone, and it also requires special treatment of walls with paints and varnishes. In addition, a house with such a finish looks empty and uncomfortable.
I want the materials to be durable, reliable, but at the same time inexpensive. As a result, the interior is cozy, comfortable and attractive. In addition, when arranging a wooden house, it is important that the products are environmentally friendly, preserve the naturalness of the structure and maintain a comfortable indoor microclimate. Today the market offers a lot of finishing materials. In this article we will look at how to sheathe the walls in a wooden house inside inexpensively and beautifully.
Features of the choice of finishing materials
- Pay attention to the markings. The E1 designation says that the building materials are intended for residential premises, E2 - for the hallway, kitchen, toilet, utility rooms, E3 - for public and industrial premises;
- If you use wood finishing materials, you can choose a class and quality worse than required. After that, finalize the products and bring them into aesthetic appearance on their own. For example, sand and grind, varnish and / or paint, saturate with protective compounds, trim if necessary. Thus, you will spend less financial resources than buying high-class materials;
- For rooms with high humidity (bathroom and toilet, balcony, basement, cellar, etc.), choose moisture-resistant materials. If you use wooden products, be sure to treat the products with protective agents against the negative effects of moisture, rot and mold;
- Choose environmentally friendly natural materials for decorating a wooden house. In such a structure, plastic double-glazed windows or panels will look inappropriate. They will violate the environmental friendliness of the house, introduce disharmony and only spoil the interior;
- Choose durable, reliable materials and do not forget about the quality of the finishing work. Remember that a wooden blockhouse will gradually shrink, which can lead to cracks. Think about this point in advance so as not to make repairs every 3-5 years and not to change the damaged skin.
Can not use
Before deciding how to sheathe a wooden house from the inside, let's take a look at what materials will not work. When finishing, you need to abandon plastic panels and linoleum. Such products are characterized by availability and cost-effectiveness, high resistance to moisture and a wide selection of colors, easy installation. However, the advantages of PVC outweigh the artificiality and lack of environmental friendliness. They emit a strong toxic odor when heated, collect dust, and allow air and steam to pass through.
Linoleum is a popular flooring available, but not recommended for wood floors. It is not environmentally friendly and requires careful preparation of the base, since the material can only be laid on a flat surface. In addition, it does not look very appropriate in a wooden house. In rare cases, linoleum can be laid in utility rooms or in the basement. However, it is better to lay the usual wooden boards there.
OSB, fiberboard or chipboard panels are also not suitable, since harmful industrial glue is used in the manufacture of materials. In addition, these are the most environmentally friendly products that are made from wood waste. They do not have a very aesthetic appearance, so such materials are often used for rough finishing. Including it is not recommended to use laminate flooring. It is not resistant to moisture, slippery and cold.
MDF wall panels are a foreign analogue of fiberboard, which is more environmentally friendly, since toxic resins and enzymes are not used when gluing individual elements. These panels are easy to mount directly onto walls. They are distinguished by a variety of designs and colors. However, they are not at all resistant to high humidity and wear.
The panels listed above are not strong enough and not resistant to moisture. In addition, they are fire hazardous and are not very attractive in appearance. When clad with such panels, the room looks more like an office or study than a living room.
But what then to choose and what is the best way to sheathe the walls inside a wooden house? A suitable option would be natural materials made of wood with a protective impregnation. It can be planed and sanded boards, lining, veneer and other similar products. Let's take a closer look at what materials are better for finishing a country house from a bar or log.
Wooden finishing materials
Immediately, we note that the most suitable option would be a wooden lining. It is an affordable material with an attractive appearance, environmentally friendly and natural, easy to install and maintain. Thin slats are used for both the ceiling and walls. If you want to create the effect of a log house, choose a block house that mimics a rounded log. One surface of the block house is semicircular and the other is flat.
Lining is the best combination of price, quality, appearance and environmental friendliness. But if you're willing to pay, opt for luxury natural wood materials. These are cork panels and solid wood panels.
Cork covering - modern materials that are distinguished by environmental friendliness, high quality, strength and durability, luxurious appearance. They perfectly tolerate high humidity and are suitable for every type of room. The only but significant disadvantage is the very high cost.
A solid board or solid wood panels is also an expensive option, but at the same time it is very reliable and of high quality, since it is completely made of natural wood of an elite species. Such coverage looks expensive, luxurious and prestigious. A solid array, even under heavy loads and high humidity, will easily serve without repair for 30-50 years.
Parquet board is a suitable option for finishing the floor in a wooden house. This is an affordable material that characterizes easy and quick installation. Decorative painting or varnishing will make the appearance of the parquet sophisticated and aesthetic.
Veneer panels are a great budget material for wall sheathing. It represents a thin cut of solid wood that retains the woody pattern, color, texture and structure. For finishing, choose only natural veneer, as it is more durable and reliable.
The veneer has an attractive appearance, is characterized by ease of installation and practicality, good sound and heat insulation, low price. But at the same time, the basis of the material is fiberboard or chipboard, so the material is not 100% environmentally friendly and cannot be used in rooms with high humidity.
Other types of budget materials
Plaster is a traditional option for finishing the ceiling, which is sometimes used for walls. It is an inexpensive and affordable material, easy to use and install. It will give a flat white surface, but white is not always appropriate in a wooden house. Such material is used if it suits the style of room decoration. For example, it can be classic or French provence.
Drywall is an affordable and fast finishing option. These are sheets of cellulose and compressed gypsum that are easy to install and secure. Modern manufacturers produce material with a special treatment that increases resistance to moisture and fire. Plasterboard allows you to create complex design projects, install two-level ceilings. However, this is a fragile and not very aesthetic material, therefore it requires revision after installation (painting or wallpapering).
Ceramic or tile tiles are suitable for finishing a bathroom, bathroom or kitchen. When laying tiles on your bathroom floor, choose products with a rough surface to prevent slipping and ensure safety. This material is characterized by strength, durability and increased resistance to moisture and dampness. Today you can find a lot of design options for tiles, including those decorated under a tree.
But when laying tiles on wooden walls, keep in mind that a reinforced base must be made under the material, otherwise the product will not last long! It is not necessary to completely lay out the bathroom with tiles. You can sheathe only individual areas or use mosaics. By the way, the combination of mosaic and wooden materials looks very impressive and harmonious.
Lining is the best option
Wooden lining is characterized by high strength, reliability, aesthetics and 100% environmental friendliness. Such products are used for cladding walls and ceilings in a wooden cottage, country house, bathhouse and sauna, balcony and loggia, in an apartment. This is a versatile material that is easy to install, so even a non-professional can handle the installation.
Narrow thin slats are tightly adjacent to each other, form good sound and heat insulation, level the surface of the walls and ceiling. Wooden materials look aesthetically pleasing and sophisticated. If you want to save money, buy grade B. After installation, defects can be hidden with varnish or paint. Class A is more expensive and elite, it does not need to be completed, and grade C is only suitable for rough work or finishing of utility rooms.
Do not forget about the protective treatment of the lining. You can buy ready-made materials or process the wood yourself. The second option will be cheaper. Install the lining on the lathing made of bars. It is convenient to install hydro- and heat-insulating materials in the crate. The slats can be laid vertically, horizontally or diagonally.
Today you will find a wide assortment of lining, differing in type of wood, width and length, profile and class. The best combination of quality and price for pine. This type of wood is suitable for a house, summer cottage or gazebo. For a bath, choose linden or alder, as they tolerate moisture and high temperatures well, and do not heat up. After installation, you can paint the material in any color, achieve the desired shade or shine.
Can drywall be used to decorate a wooden house
Drywall is the most popular finishing material that is used both in an apartment and in a private house. These are flexible sheets with a refractory surface and increased moisture resistance. They create a flat surface and hide flaws in walls or ceilings, and are easy to install.
Drywall hides pipes, wires and other communications. But the main advantage of this material is availability and low cost. In addition, today on the market you can find slabs of different sizes, shapes and colors, which allows you to create any room design.
But plasterboard finishing often looks unfinished and requires a finish painting or wallpapering. In addition, it is a rather fragile and fragile material that may not cope with serious loads. Therefore, drywall is best used to create partitions or shelving, but not for finishing a wooden house.
If you decide to use drywall, choose only quality products from a reliable manufacturer. Often, harmful toxic substances are added to the material, which is harmful to human health and violates the environmental friendliness of a wooden house. High-quality real drywall is safe, as it is made of natural gypsum.
In the company "MariSrub" you can order the construction of a house from a log or a turnkey bar! The company's craftsmen will perform all the finishing work with high quality and reliability, including the installation and connection of engineering networks, wall cladding, ceiling and floor cladding, installation of windows and doors. Order complex turnkey construction, and you will not have to worry about anything!
From the author: welcome, dear reader. As a rule, articles are published on our site that affect the practical part of the work. But today, in fairness, we decided to make an exception and talk about how to decorate the walls except wallpaper in the bedroom, in the hall, in the hallway, in the kitchen or in another room.
The topic is really interesting and worthy of detailed consideration. Indeed, situations often arise when the wallpaper, for some reason, simply does not want to be used in the interior. There may be many reasons for this:
- firstly, the question is in the originality of the design. Sometimes it seems that the wallpaper is somehow trite, so there is a desire to bring something original into the interior. In general, you want something "such";
- secondly, the issue of functionality. In some places, like the kitchen, wallpaper might just be inappropriate. Especially when it comes to the work area, which, as a rule, is finished with wall tiles;
- thirdly, it is a question of aesthetics. Perhaps, in the style of the interior in your room, the wallpaper will be very, very inappropriate. For example, you decided to choose the Loft style for decorating a room. In this style, the wallpaper will be, as they say, "neither to the village, nor to the city."
Etc. So, today we will just talk about different interior styles, about in which cases wallpaper will be really inappropriate and about what material you can choose for wall decoration besides wallpaper. In general, after reading the article, you will most likely decide which of the finishing materials to choose for your interior.
As is customary on our repair and construction portal, we will consider the material in a sequential and structured manner.
Painting the walls
If you don't want to glue the wallpaper on the walls, why not paint it? This solution is not costly or difficult to implement. To paint the walls in a hallway, in a kitchen or in a room properly, you do not have to be skilled in painting.
But, nevertheless, it is necessary to take into account some of the nuances.
First, you need to know which paint to choose for the walls. On my own I would recommend the water-based composition (the well-known "water emulsion"). Why is she so good? This paint does not have a strong specific odor and is harmless to health. Therefore, everyone can work with it, even people whose body is prone to allergic reactions.
In addition, the paint interacts well with almost any kind of surface. The wall painted with "water emulsion" becomes resistant to moisture, so it can be wiped with a damp cloth when cleaning and even washed: nothing bad will happen to it.
Secondly, the surface must be carefully prepared before painting. The walls must be cleaned of old, peeling paint, old wallpaper, plaster, which is about to collapse, and so on. Then an antifungal agent (antiseptic) should be applied to the surface. This is especially true for those rooms where there is a risk of increased humidity. Then - apply a layer of penetrating primer. It is necessary for better adhesion of the work surface and finishing materials. Next - apply a layer of putty (it may be necessary to plaster on the lighthouses) and apply the finishing plaster. After it is dry, you can start painting the walls.
If you decide to paint the walls with water-based paint, it will be useful for you to familiarize yourself with the presented video material on preparing the walls for painting or gluing wallpaper.
Thirdly, on our repair and construction portal there is a separate article on how to use water-based paint. Don't be confused by the fact that this article is 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, the paint is also good in that it is possible to 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 either.
Decorative plaster
Decorative plaster for walls can serve as another worthy alternative to wallpaper. Now we will list several reasons why you might make your choice in favor of this finishing material.
- durability. Most likely, the plaster applied to the wall will last you longer than the wallpaper, which is changed about once 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 styles of interior decoration, 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 not be possible to copy it exactly. Actually, this is what this material is designed for;
- 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;
- eco-friendliness. The material is environmentally friendly and safe for the health of people and pets.
Decorative plaster for walls can differ in the type of filler:
- textured. The most affordable plaster finish available. Stones, sawdust or even mica can act as a filler;
- structural. It does not fundamentally differ from the first option, but it is filled with quartz particles. The surface will turn out to be not as structurally pronounced as when using textured plaster, but you can, for example, use larger filler elements that will achieve the effect of a mosaic laid out on the wall surface;
- Venetian plaster. It is filled with marble particles, due 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 assume that this method of wall decoration goes back to the era of the late Middle Ages or the Renaissance (Renaissance). Even then, there was a large selection of draperies for wall decoration in wealthy 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 idea is to recreate the interior in the style of the European Renaissance, then fabrics with a variety of highly visible patterns are suitable for you. If you consider yourself to be adherents of a more modern style of design, then a fabric on which the patterns will not be so visually expressed will suit you.
Seems like a great finishing solution, right? In fact, it also has its drawbacks. 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, such as from a wall painted with an aqueous emulsion 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, the artistic intent implies that).
Let's just say, if you want to create coziness in the room, then it would be right to decorate with stone separate zones in the room or make, kind of, “islands” of stone. The main thing here is a sense of proportion, because if you overdo it with a stone, then the finishing material will visually make the interior of the living space heavier. 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
This does not mean a plastic lining, but one that is made of natural wood. Of the advantages of this finishing material, I propose to highlight the following:
- environmental friendliness. Wood is not only an environmentally friendly 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 decorating the walls of any of the rooms;
- 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, the installation of wooden lining cannot be called a pleasant rest, but, nevertheless, this type of activity is somewhat more pleasant and easier than, say, applying plaster to the walls or installing decorative stone;
- additional sound insulation;
- additional thermal insulation.
For 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 living quarters. If there is a risk of high humidity (and without it, too - for prevention), the tree must be properly processed. It will be protected from fungal formations by an antiseptic, which should not be neglected.
Cork
Yes, indeed, cork is widely used for wall decoration in 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 pleasing and durable. Of course, not everyone will like this design option, and it will not suit every interior.
But the purpose of the article is not to persuade you to use any specific material, but to tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. So, if you are looking for a light (both in terms of weight and in terms of installation) material that would serve you for many years, you can safely use a cork - you will not regret it. Perhaps the lack of material is its relatively high price, but it is fully justified.
Tile
It's no secret that the walls are tiled. As a rule, this method of finishing is resorted to in the bathroom, toilet or in the 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.
The modern building materials market does not limit us in the choice of tiles. If you wish, you can choose any shape, texture and color, choose a drawing for any interior style - from Baroque to Art Nouveau.
Therefore, if your plans include renovating a bathroom or kitchen, then you simply cannot find a better finishing material. Besides, 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, and it will serve you for many years.
Laminate
What kind of heresy ?! - you may be surprised. In fact, this is not heresy at all. Yes, the solution is rather non-standard, but in some circumstances it is even very appropriate. Nobody says that you need to finish the whole 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 safely reclassified as a wall covering). The main thing here is the appearance of 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
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 they can be used to recreate almost any interior. And, again, it is not at all necessary to sheathe all the walls of the MDF room. It is enough to trim only one wall in the room in this way to get the effect you would like.
Lack of decoration
Yes, there is also such an option and it 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 the unfinished building materials will look appropriate and organic.
Here we are talking about special interior styles, for example, such a style as Loft. This style originated in the middle of the 20th century in the USA, and now it has successfully reached us. The main idea of the loft is to recreate the interior, which would be similar to the interior of an old factory or other industrial premises converted into a studio, showroom, art workshop, and so on. The loft is especially popular with representatives of the creative intelligentsia.
Again, the idea is not to give up finishing materials altogether. But in some places you can leave an unfinished brick wall or OSB board. Often, public institutions such as bars, showrooms, shops, and so on are designed in a similar style. But for decorating a kitchen or study, this style is also perfect. Feel free to experiment, but don't overdo it either.
Conclusion
I really hope that you have received a three-dimensional idea of alternative finishing materials to the usual wallpaper. I wish you creative success in decorating your home and more creative ideas that you will bring to life.
And be sure to visit us again - on our repair and construction portal there is still a lot of valuable information that may be useful to you. Until next time!
The greatest number of problems during repairs to the owners, as a rule, are created by the walls in the apartment. How to decorate them so as to hide the flaws, and the interior turned out to be unusual, not similar to that of the neighbors. In addition, I want it to be practical, and not very expensive. Wallpaper usually comes to mind first. We will not argue. With the current variety of their types, it is quite possible to choose the right option for any room. Well, then what about the creativity and uniqueness of the interior? And functionality shouldn't be overlooked either. After all, for example, being in search of an answer to the question: "How to decorate the walls of the kitchen in the apartment?", You begin to understand that wallpaper is far from the best option for this room. You need something different, more practical and durable. However, fortunately, the current owners of apartments and houses will not have to puzzle over the problem for a long time. The building materials market is so diverse that finding a suitable solution will not be difficult. We, in turn, will try to help with valuable advice.
So, what are the walls in the apartment finished with, besides the wallpaper?
General principles
When choosing a suitable material for the walls, first of all, you need to take into account which room the decoration will take place in. It is from this that we need to make a start. If this is, say, a bedroom or a nursery, then here you need to opt for environmentally friendly materials, in the manufacture of which a minimum amount of chemical components was used. If we are talking about a hallway, then you need to understand that a more durable material is best suited for it, because this is the room where you most often touch the walls with your hands, so the ability to quickly remove the traces of the same hands from the walls without consequences for finishing is of great importance ... As for, say, the kitchen, here you need materials that are able to withstand temperature extremes and the presence of high humidity. Talking about how you can decorate the walls in an apartment, we will, first of all, touch on the issues of practicality and functionality. As for the interior design specifically, this is not the topic of our review, however, relying on our advice, you, in view of the abundance of all kinds of colors and textures of the materials we describe, can easily choose the right option for yourself.
We decorate with plaster
Do you have, to put it mildly, walls in your apartment that are far from ideal? How to finish them quickly, efficiently and inexpensively? Consider using decorative plaster. If it is adopted, you will deal with two hares with one blow - you will hide the defects and refine the interior. And there will be no problems with the design, since the decorative plaster, after being applied to the surface, is covered with paint. So it won't be difficult to find a suitable color. And, besides, with the word "plaster" there is no need to imagine a gray surface all covered in specks of sand. Not at all. Today, decorative plaster is so diverse that you can use it to make a textured surface, both antique and marbled. The only drawback of this type of finish, perhaps, is that, without good skills, it is unlikely that it will be possible to make a high-quality finish on your own. However, if you are not too smart, and purchase a solution of the "bark beetle" type, then it is quite possible to get by on your own. Well, if you want the walls to be finished or their surface imitates a stone covering, then here, of course, it is still advisable to turn to specialists.
Tile
This material is quite well-known and, it seems, cannot surprise with anything. However, things are not so simple. Today, ceramic tiles are so diverse that they are used not only in bathrooms and toilets, but sometimes they also decorate the walls of living rooms and hallways. Well, and for the kitchen this is almost the most suitable option. Its mirrored varieties will serve as an excellent bedroom at all.
PVC panels
Quite often, such coverage is found in offices. However, who said that they cannot decorate the walls in the apartment? How to finish the surface if you want the work to go quickly and painlessly, and the coating itself turned out to be durable, beautiful and easy to clean? Of course, you should pay attention to PVC panels. They are just perfect for the kitchen, great for bathrooms and hallways. For budget repairs - a great option. Especially considering that all work can be done independently, it is enough to be able to hold a drill and screwdriver in your hands. In addition, today plastic panels are produced not only in plain colors, but also with a pattern, which is sometimes so beautiful that you can easily create an amazing interior. Cheap, practical and original.
MDF panels
In appearance, they are similar to plastic, but not as moisture resistant as the latter. In addition, they are produced, as a rule, only in a monochromatic version and most often imitate a wooden covering. Nevertheless, if you are looking in an apartment, and even so that the material is not very expensive, then this option is perfect. These panels are quite resistant to stress, wash well, in addition, you can not only install them yourself, but also hide all communications and surface irregularities under them.
Painting
Considering the relatively budget options for wall decoration, you can not ignore the painting. At one time it was extremely fashionable and was considered a very sophisticated finish. Today, painting is not so popular, even though many modern materials have appeared. Indeed, at the very beginning, when such finishing options had just begun to appear (we, of course, do not mean panels in old Soviet apartments, covered with a nasty green color), they took an ordinary water emulsion and added dye to it to get the desired shade. It was far from always possible to achieve the desired result, and such a coating was difficult to clean. No, now there are enough ready-made paints on the market, some of which contain varnish in their composition, so that the dirt is washed off from them elementary. This finishing method is rapidly losing popularity for a different reason.
The fact is that in order to obtain a high-quality result, the desired surface must be carefully leveled and made perfectly smooth. That will require large material costs and the involvement of specialists. In addition, this method is considered one of the dirtiest. Tip: to reduce costs and speed up the process, you can first paste over the plastered walls with special wallpaper, and then apply paint to them.
All of the options presented above are the most common and, by and large, generally available. And the better to decorate the walls in the apartment, if the owners are not constrained in funds and can afford to fork out for expensive materials. Consider further the most promising options in this regard.
Cork
A great option. Natural will create an atmosphere of coziness in the room and will allow you to create any desired interior design, because at the moment it is produced in various colors, and at the same time its inherent remains. In addition, the cork will insulate the walls and contribute to their sound insulation.
Decorative rock
Another expensive finishing option. But on the other hand, it is also durable, in addition, incredibly refined and emphasizing the status of the owners. And if you do not know how to decorate the walls in the hallway in the apartment, consider it. Thus, you will make the interior of this room not only original, but also functional, because such a coating is not afraid of any "injuries" and dirt. Advice: I must say that today in the construction markets you can easily purchase a magnificent fake - not natural, but artificial decorative stone. And, we dare to note, it is made of such a high quality that even not every specialist can determine its non-natural origin. Such material will cost you an order of magnitude cheaper, which is why, by the way, its quality characteristics will practically not suffer.
3D panels
An excellent option for those who do not know how to decorate the walls in the apartment, except for wallpaper. After all, this is a super novelty on the modern market, so it is ideal for those who wish to create a creative, “not like everyone else's” interior. As for the coating itself, it is, of course, expensive, but all costs will be covered by its amazing appearance and the stunning visual effect that such panels create. In addition, a huge plus is that the installation of such panels can be done with your own hands. And the surface does not require special preliminary preparation. So, don't overlook it when choosing the right wall decor.
Conclusion
We told how it was in the apartment. How to decorate them is up to you, of course. But in conclusion of the article, we would like to give one more piece of advice. Don't discount the wallpaper. If you don’t want to decorate the walls with them, you don’t need to. The choice of materials, as you may have noticed, is more than great. But remember: sometimes a combination of wallpaper and, say, the same decorative stone looks much more interesting than just walls covered only with the latter. In general, fantasize. And you will certainly succeed.
The walls are a visiting card, and when entering the apartment, the first thing to look at is them, therefore, the main attention during the renovation is paid to these particular surfaces. The starting point in this difficult matter will be the planning stage, that is, you must imagine exactly what you want, based on the available resources: the thorough footage of the apartment, location in relation to the sun, finishing materials and material costs in general. Unusual wall decoration with your own hands is not the easiest work, especially for a beginner.
Before starting work directly with materials, the walls need to be prepared and leveled. Usually putty or plaster is suitable for this, in especially severe cases you can cover the walls with plasterboard, although this method of leveling "steals" part of the space.
Also, for finishing and leveling, they often use glass-magnesium sheet(LSU) is a material obtained from magnesium chloride shavings. Such a sheet is specially designed for areas with high humidity and large temperature fluctuations. It is highly resistant to moisture, does not burn, it is easy to process, giving the desired shape.
Finishing LSU walls allows you to use this material as an independent coating, or as a base - paint, wallpaper, tiles fit well on it. This material is easy to work with, no special skills are required.
It is most often used in interior and ceiling ceilings, as well as in the exterior cladding of a dwelling. Finishing the outer walls with this material allows you to better retain heat, improves the quality of sound insulation.
Well, the walls are aligned and you can go directly to the cladding. Various options can be used here - wall decoration involves a wide selection of decorative and finishing materials, this allows you to dwell on what is preferable for you. Below we will look at the most basic ones.
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Main types of finishes
Coloration
Coloring is a fairly old type of decoration, but it goes well with other types. Currently, there are a lot of types of paints, and they all have very different characteristics. But we, so as not to get confused, will narrow the circle of searches.
To begin with, paints are divided into:
- front- for exterior decoration;
- and interior- for the inside.
We, of course, need interiors. Then you choose where you paint.
- For kitchen and bathroom it is better to use moisture resistant paint.
- For the hall and bedroom, you can take a non-moisture resistant one.
We also look at wear resistance- how often you will wash the painted walls.
- Water-based These are by far the most inexpensive and easiest to use. Most suitable for painting dry rooms, resistant to abrasion, that is, they can be washed. Almost odorless and dry quickly.
- Acrylic, well suited for damp rooms. When dry, they form an impenetrable matte film that makes it easy to clean the walls. These paints mix well and create interesting color variations.
- Oil, are suitable for any premises, but recently they are little used due to the long drying time and a specific smell, however, this type of finishing material is quite durable and does not lend itself well to erasure.
- Decorative, paints of the latest generation. They allow you to create almost any visual effect on a painted surface - stone, wood, gold, velvet and much more. These paints are easy to apply, dry quickly and have high durability, are not afraid of washing. Among other things, decorative paints are also environmentally friendly, so they can be safely used, for example, in a nursery.
Painting is a separate niche in the paint industry. Agree, an intricate pattern, created with your own hands, looks much more original, perhaps even a plot composition than just plain painting.
You can do the painting yourself, or you can involve the child, fortunately, at present, the stores are full of paints that can be easily washed off with ordinary soapy water. This is the perfect solution for a nursery, because there your child is the rightful owner and he will be delighted with the opportunity to paint on the walls. Add fabulous motives, or draw your favorite cartoon characters - the atmosphere will be very fabulous anyway.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper, despite the development of the modern industry, remains at the forefront of wall coverings. As a rule, their price is the most acceptable in comparison with other coatings. They are divided into paper, vinyl and textile, and each type has its pros and cons.
Wallpaper is one of the most interesting ways to decorate wall surfaces.
- Paper- are smooth and embossed, with a pattern and for painting. The cheapest and easiest to operate. These wallpapers can be changed frequently. However, they cannot be washed. Also, they break quickly and are highly flammable, so it is better not to put heating devices close and not to glue them behind the battery.
- Vinyl, very durable and water resistant. They are made of dense, as a rule, polymer materials, which makes it possible to mask well the unevenness and roughness of the walls. But when glued, they have the peculiarity of stretching, and then, as they dry, they return to their previous size and shape, often forming gaps at the joints. They also do not absorb glue well, so the process of pasting them may take a little longer.
- Textile wallpaper not cheap, however, they are most suitable for those who like to experiment with the interior. They have good thermal insulation and sound absorption. But, unfortunately, they just as easily absorb dust and moisture. It can only be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner and a dry cloth. And it is not recommended to mount it yourself if you have no experience in this.
- Wallpaper are usually made from modern polymer materials. They are very popular due to the brightness and high definition of the image. Easy to stick on and long-lasting. Depending on the material from which they are made, they can be washable or not.
Decorative plaster
This decorative and unusual finish will be a real decoration for your apartment.
This type of finishing material is difficult to clearly classify, but they still have a conditional division.
- Structural plaster is a mass of small stones, wood fibers, pieces of mica and other minerals. Finishing a concrete wall with this coating will allow you to fantasize in any direction, creating real masterpieces within a particular room. You can take care of such a coating with a soapy solution and a soft brush or rag.
Note! This type of finish goes well with painting.
- Stone plaster has no fundamental differences from the structural one. Only blotches are most often granite, stone or quartz, and in direct sunlight they look like pieces of multi-colored glass. A very original design idea.
- Venetian plaster- decorative material, exactly imitating natural marble. It is applied several times in thin layers. Unfortunately, this material is very capricious, so only decorating professionals will be able to apply it correctly and achieve the desired visual effect. Pay attention to the photo above.
- Also popular decorative plaster from putty.
Ceramic tile
Ceramic tiles are a classic material for wall and floor decoration.
In order to use this material, you need to have a sense of style and at least the initial skills of a designer.
Tiles are different in structure, size, color.
Note! With the help of tiles, you can both visually expand the available space and reduce it - it all depends on the colors and ornaments you use. For example, you can use small, mosaic or cubic tiles of cold colors - this will visually narrow, reduce the space. If you use large cells and warm colors, the space will seem larger, more spacious.
The easiest way is to sketch, sketch your future room and experiment with colors and tile patterns. It is not difficult to lay it out, the main thing is that the color of the grout does not strongly contrast with the color of the tile itself, does not distract attention to itself, creating the feeling of a cage. Ideally, if the grout is a couple of tones lighter - then the tile will look like a single ornament.
Wall panels
The biggest advantage of this finishing material is undoubtedly the ease of use and the ability to decorate walls, ceilings, arched passages, finishing a niche in the wall with wall panels also looks quite organic. And if you handle them carefully, you can use them more than once.
Wall panels are divided into rack, tile and sheet.
Finishing panels are made of MDF, natural wood, fiberboard, chipboard and some other polymer materials.
- Natural wood- the highest quality and environmentally friendly option, though not the cheapest. As a rule, solid fragments of various wood species are used for such panels.
They are impregnated with special compounds that reduce the fire hazard and prevent insects from spoiling the wood. And the top is covered with wax or varnish, which increases water resistance.
Recently, they began to produce tiles consisting of several layers - this increases the operating time and does not allow the wood to crack from water, temperature extremes and direct sunlight.
- Chipboard- chipboard, created by pressing hot chips and a binder. In terms of finishing qualities, it is not much inferior to natural wood, but it does not tolerate a humid environment and sudden temperature changes - this can crack or stratify, therefore it is better to use it in an unheated room. Also, chipboard is a rather fragile material, so it must be processed very carefully, otherwise it will crumble.
- Fiberboard- wood fiber tiles, also created by hot pressing with the use of some other plant materials. However, fiberboard, unlike particleboard, tolerates a humid environment well, if there is no constant direct exposure to water - then it can swell and crack.
- Polyvinyl chloride panels (PVC)- appeared on the market relatively recently, but are already actively used. Made of high quality plastic, such panels are not afraid of direct water ingress, practically not afraid of fire and they are easy to install.
A pattern imitating wood, marble and much more is applied to the surface of these panels, and the top is covered with a special varnish, which prevents damage to the pattern from direct ingress of water, light and protects against temperature extremes.
Cork material
This material appeared relatively recently on our market, but has already managed to gain respect for itself, because it has many advantages. The first and foremost is the natural origin of this coating.
It does not absorb moisture and does not slip, and also retains heat well. It is not very difficult to mount it if you follow a certain technique: all components must be at the same temperature, that is, the glue, coated roll and sealant varnish must lie down for some time (about two days) in the room.
By the way, when buying a cover, you need to keep in mind that part of it will be used to repair possible errors and damage. After the coating is glued and completely dry, you can evenly apply the sealant, or better in several layers.
It will not only protect the coating from dust, exposure to sunlight and moisture, but, in some types of cork coating, it will allow you to show the true wood pattern. As you wear off, the sealant can and should be reapplied. Once the coating has been properly treated, it can be washed, preferably with a mild warm soapy solution and a soft cloth, or with a brush.
Cloth trim
This finish is far from the cheapest among coatings. But on the other hand, the most comfortable, allowing you to create a warm atmosphere. The fabric itself is a rather capricious material to work with, but it can playfully cope with those problems that wallpaper would not cope with. For example, hide the roughness, protrusions and unevenness of the walls.
The fabric, unlike wallpaper and paint, does not have to be matched with the same texture, density and color. It lets you play with the space however you like.
In addition, a room decorated with this material has good acoustics, it is easy to put it in order only with warm water and soap, and it breaks much less often than many wallpapers. The fabric has good air permeability and, as a rule, is a natural material, and in combination with foam rubber or padding polyester, it increases the heat and sound insulation of the room.
Summary
Summing up everything that was described here, it should be noted that it depends only on you how your house will look like. And it depends only on you whether you and your family will want to return there again and again. Even a budget wall decoration, made with surface painting, has the right to be, and may be, quite attractive.
Remember, to create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort, the main thing is that you like the changes that you have conceived and implemented.
And the video in this article will help you make your final choice, look!
