Decorating room walls: 70 Best Wall Decor Ideas

70 Best Wall Decor Ideas

It doesn’t matter whether you live in a small city apartment or a sprawling country estate—or whether your personal style skews minimalist or maximalist—everyone is eventually confronted with the difficult decision of what to do with that large, windowless wall. Admittedly, many people have a complicated relationship with blank walls. Sometimes, a bare wall can feel refreshing—especially when a room is filled with bold furniture, printed area rugs, and plenty of objets. But more often than not, a blank wall can appear neglected and, let’s face it, boring. So do you want to bring style to every square inch of your space, walls included? Check out these designer-approved ways to give all of your walls the attention they deserve. From statement-making artwork to whimsical wallpaper and everything in between, every idea here is packed with visual intrigue.

Turn Family Photos into Art

Haris Kenjar

No wallpaper? No problem! Memphis, Tennessee–based designer Sean Anderson used his collection of Polaroid photos taken on family vacations and events to cover the blank space surrounding the door frame.

Embrace Shapes

Francesco Dolfo

Paolo Castellarin and Didier Bonnin used two “portholes” in a dividing wall between the living room and dining room to open up the space in their Milan apartment. The vases on the piano are by Gaetano Pesce.

Paint a Mural

Alanna Hale

In the Palo Alto, California, home of Florie Hutchinson, designed by Atelier Davis, the family commissioned the artist Mariel Capanna to paint a wall mural in a narrow hallway. The mural includes depictions of the family and their day-to-day life.

Lacquer the Walls

Cerruti & Draime

Milanese designer Fabrizio Casiraghi used a custom green color to lacquer the walls throughout a Parisian loft. The artworks, which include paintings by H. Craig Hanna and a 19th-century club from Fiji, add even more intrigue.

Go Crazy with Prints

Nicole Franzen

In the upstairs kitchen of designer Ramsey Lyons’s Pittsburgh home, patterned Schumacher wallcovering gives the garret a maximalist garden feel.

Add Texture

Kirsten Francis

In lieu of a flat paint, designer Augusta Hoffman covered the walls of her Manhattan bedroom with a tweed wallcovering by Phillip Jeffries.

Add Humor

Stephan Julliard

Designer Jacques Grange applied resin wall art by Jean-François Fourtou to otherwise blank walls in a home in Portugal.

Match the Furniture

Douglas Friedman

In a Sonoma County, California, home designed by Ken Fulk, the walls, shades, and ceiling were matched to the sofa and cushion fabric.

Go Bold

Nick Glimenakis

If the walls are blank, don’t be afraid to go bold. Designer Delia Kenza painted the blank walls and ceiling of a Brooklyn bedroom an inky black.

Mirror, Mirror

Stephen Kent Johnson

Mirrored wall panels not only enliven a blank space, but also enhance the natural light from windows. Gabriel Hendifar used bronze mirror panels in the dining room of his Manhattan apartment.

Try Some Color Theory

Emily Gilbert

Daun Curry brought some childish wonder to a girl’s bedroom in this home in the Hamptons with a painted mosaic, complete with varying shades of pink, purple, and blue. When paired with floating cubbies and pendants by Tom Dixon, this once-bare wall is transformed into an optical illusion.

Add the Midas Touch

Pascal Chevallier

Fancify your bare walls with opulent accents. When ELLE Decor A-List designer Jean-Louis Deniot restored this French manor, he festooned the walls with an ornate gold-framed mirror and matching bronze Empire sconces.

Stenciled Style

Simon Upton

If you want to add some visual interest to your bare walls—but don’t want to sacrifice that crisp, versatile look—consider a stenciled border. Let this Manhattan apartment by ELLE Decor A-List designer Stephen Sills show you how it’s done.

Embrace Embroidery

Miguel Flores-Vianna

Contrary to popular belief, embroidery isn’t solely reserved for throw pillows and upholstery. In her London home and studio, textile designer Nathalie Farman-Farma adorned her walls with embroidery by Namay Samay. Rounding out the look is artwork by Léon Bakst and a Napoleon III slipper chair in a Décors Barbares linen.

Rediscover Old Roots

Francesco Dolfo

As in this Art Nouveau townhouse in Tbilisi, Georgia, a home’s foundation can often provide all the inspiration you need. The frescoes, which depict scenes of Venice, were uncovered during a restoration; while they make a good case for leaving the walls au naturel, the sleek brass sculptures seen at right add a measured dose of modernity.

Mix and Match

Mark Roper

When it comes to adding prints to your bare walls, more is always more. In this townhouse in London’s Belgravia neighborhood, designer Thomas Hamel juxtaposed the agate-inspired backsplash with de Gournay’s Coco Coromandel wallcovering.

The Textured Treatment

Julie Soefer

Marie Flanigan gave this Houston bathroom a hint of texture by affixing hand-molded plaster dogwood branches on the wall. The result? The feel of a plush tapestry combined with the subtlety of a dainty wallpaper repeat.

Build a Bar

Simon Upton

Remember that your walls don’t have to be impractical. If you’re willing to get a little crafty, you can convert your empty space into a home bar. The built-ins seen in this Pittsburgh study double as the room’s focal point.

Wow With Tiles

Christopher Stark

As Antonio Martins’s San Francisco home proves, your walls can be anything you want them to be. So he made a statement in his stairwell with enlarged reproductions of 18th-century Portuguese tiles, custom painted by Linda Horning and Katherine Jacobus.

Strategically Placed Sculpture

Christopher Stark

You can break up a negative space with a slim sculpture; the key, however, is where you choose to place it. The linked sculpture Antonio Martins added to his San Francisco kitchen is both effortless and edgy in equal measure.

Use Your Nooks and Crannies

Fabien Charuau

Make the most of your space by adding artful touches to every square inch of your home—literally. While the area above an archway often gets overlooked, the owners of this Mumbai home incorporated a botanical mural, hand-painted by Prashant Miranda, into their attic.

Play With Proportions

Simon Upton

Large frames, or small? Why not choose both? Designer Hubert Zandberg upped the visual interest on this wall in an opulent Tuscan villa by experimenting with frames of various sizes, a round mirror, and equestrian accoutrements.

Seeing Double

Francesco Dolfo

In the dining room of this Milan abode, the table is complemented by two oil portraits and antique plates. Though the matching configurations create the illusion of symmetry, the subtle difference offers the right amount of visual intrigue.

A Metallic Moment

Nina Poon

Want to make your bare walls shine? Take a cue from Samuel Amoia, who covered a girl’s Manhattan bedroom in a metallic wallcovering from Calico Wallpaper. He rounded out the room with eye-catching pendants from Tom Dixon and an iridescent rose plaster.

Add a Workspace

Jennifer Hughes

If you’re looking to make your WFH office a permanent fixture in your home, consider installing a wall-mounted desk. In this Baltimore loft, designer Laura Hodges offset the crisp white walls with a sculptural floating workspace.

Aim for Three

Reid Rolls; Styling: Chelsea Fierst

Grouping artwork is a surefire way to make a big impact in a room. Here, three Andy Warhol pieces add personality to Hamptons dining room designed by Brigette Romanek.

A Black and White Photograph

Simon Upton

Sometimes less is more. A black and white photograph by Malick Sidibé serves as a focal point in Patricia Greene’s Upper East Side living room.

Hang it Low

Douglas Friedman

Hanging art low can make it even more impactful, especially in a high-traffic area like an entry. For a Miami Beach getaway, designer Lee F. Mindel opted for a vibrant piece to complement a sleek console table.

Create a Statement Hallway

Pernille Loof

In addition to being sheathed in mattress ticking, event planner Bronson Van Wyck’s Manhattan hallway features a selection of black and white photographs that bring the space to life.

Incorporate Symmetry

Kerry Kirk

Looking for a way to experiment with the principle of symmetry? Hang a large-scale piece of artwork directly above your console, then set a pair of table lamps on top. It’s a failsafe approach to inject personality into your space.

Combine Ceramics with Prints

Jason Schmidt

Architect Peter Marino loves nothing more than putting his impressive French porcelain collection on full display. His Southampton retreat features a floral print surrounded by Théodore Deck porcelain and earthenware.

Add Greenery

Courtesy of Wendy Haworth Design

A tall potted plant, as seen in this living room from Los Angeles-based interior designer Wendy Haworth, is one of the easiest ways to add interest to a wall area. Position your favorite type of greenery directly next to a piece of large-scale wall art for even more of an impact.

Consider a Cabinet

Mikkel Vang

A painted breakfront topped with Spanish terra-cotta pots from the 1930s adds interest to the entry of the Bedford, New York, home owned by Eric Hadar, a Manhattan real estate executive.

Complementary Artworks

Ricardo Labougle

In the living room of Kris Ghesquière and Eva Claessens’s house in southeastern Uruguay, a symphony of corresponding art works with yellow lamb sculptures by William Sweetlove and paintings and a feather sculpture by Claessens.

Frame All Your Art In Gold

William Abranowicz

Mix and match your favorite pieces of art, regardless of style or era, and display them using similarly gilded frames. In the master bedroom of a Los Angeles home, for example, the owners hung a wall of artworks from the couple’s collection above a decidedly feminine Italian giltwood settee.

Use a Picture Ledge

Courtesy Feather

A picture ledge is a simple—and inexpensive way—to display your art collection. Whether you opt for a single ledge or decide to group them, they’re the perfect solution to fill a blank space.

Hang Dangling Frames

Douglas Friedman

In Steven Gambrel’s Chicago apartment, a troika of framed artworks hang at varying lengths in a narrow wall niche, livening up the narrow recess between the chimney and the entrance.

Use A Sculptural Mirror To Catch The Light

Douglas Friedman

In this airy California living room, an antique mirror from India hangs over the fireplace, catching light to expand the room and illuminate the relaxed modern decor.

Cover Every Inch In Art

Eric Piasecki

In the living room of a PR maven’s maximalist New York City apartment, a blank space is brought to life with an extensive gallery wall. Divide your stark wall into sections, including a small collage of art and mirrors and an array of larger paintings. The portraits shown here are by Kimberly Brooks.

Try A Statement Fireplace

Douglas Friedman

Andy Cohen’s Manhattan duplex doesn’t have many bare walls, but this one in his sitting room is dressed up with a statement-making fireplace. A Roy Lichtenstein lithograph hangs above the Chesney’s mantel in Nero Bilbao marble, which is a piece of art in its own right.

Style It With Simple Antiques

James Merrell

For a rustic feel, take a cue from this historic Long Island farmhouse and hang up a few antique pieces that you adore, whether they match or not. These 19th-century mirrors were found in Antwerp and give the entryway an eclectic feel.

Flank Artwork With Sconces

Joshua McHugh

Designer Kimille Taylor’s Upper West Side dining room makes white walls look chic with a gorgeous painting by Allen Anthony Hansen, framed perfectly by silver sculptural sconces.

Prop A Mirror on the Wall

Stephen Kent Johnson

Perhaps one of the easiest ways of dressing up a blank wall is by propping a mirror up against it. Mirrors have the power to open up a space, and as shown in a guest room of Amanda Seyfried’s Catskills retreat, opting out of hanging it gives the room a relaxed feel. The walls here are painted in White Dove by Benjamin Moore.

Hang Antique Plates

Richard Powers

Hang an array of antique plates on a blank wall for an unexpected collection for guests to admire. In a corner of a kitchen in a Connecticut country house, the walls are hung with Dutch plates purchased in Sri Lanka and turbans that the designer had made in India as gifts for friends.

Try Minimalist Bookshelves

Trevor Tondro

Install simple, minimalist shelving and display a few of your favorite books and objects to maintain a modern look. This Central Park apartment made use of an empty wall in the dining area by adding shelves that perfectly match the white walls.

Choose A Bright Wall Hanging

Ricardo Labougle

A wall hanging brings relaxed, seaside charm to this guest bedroom in a Portuguese home. The beds are topped with crocheted-cotton coverlets from Bulgaria and the tile floor is original to the house.

Statement Wall Sculpture

William Abranowicz

In a San Francisco home with art gallery sensibilities, a moon-shaped sculpture by Manuel Neri brings pops of color to a blank, white wall.

Celebrate Your Favorite Animal

Björn Wallander

In the bedroom of a Paris pied-à-terre, animal drawings cover the blank wall and include works by Paul Jouve, Georges Lucien Guyot and André Margat.

Incorporate Large-Scale Mirrors

Jon Call

These large, window-like mirrors will add depth to the living space, while reflecting off of bright, neutral walls for added light.

Set Up An Artsy Bookshelf

William Abranowicz

Inside a sophisticated New York apartment, a blank wall is given a museum-like quality with a bookshelf filled with reading material and collected treasures. Custom steel-and-oak stairs lead to the mini library.

Hang A Tapestry

Richard Powers

This Mexican treehouse has a living room with worldly charm, distinguished most notably by a tapestry created from a traditional Bhutanese man’s robe and hung on the wall.

Split A Photo

Douglas Friedman

A painting of a 1970s plane split into three canvases makes a dramatic statement in retail guru Jeffrey Kalinsky’s minimalist New York apartment. The painting is from Wyeth and the walls are sheathed in Venetian plaster.

Textile Wall Art

Trevor Tondro

Designer Kathryn M. Ireland adds a vintage hanging textile to her massive white living room wall to balance out the vibrant space.

Prop Up A Ladder

Gabriela Herman

In a serene Martha’s Vineyard vacation house, a ladder from Lostine propped up against a wall and paired with artwork bring instantly breezy personality to an otherwise drab wall.

Brick it Down

Courtesy of ELEVATE Design Collective

If you love the look of crisp white walls, consider adding a textural element to your space. This beautiful brick wall is a subtle pop, adding flair to the minimalist space.

Neatly Arrange Frames

Ricardo Labougle

This jewel-toned London townhouse turned blank walls into a cohesive gallery of artwork with numerous frames of the same size. The walls are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Borrowed Light and Elephant’s Breath, and the bronze lantern and marble floor are both original to the house.

Make It Reflective

Ricardo Labougle

One wall in this lively São Paulo duplex is covered with mirrors that reflect the room’s vibrant pieces. The artwork on the mirrors is by John Grant, the 1940s sofa is upholstered in a Rubelli velvet and the Louis XV-style armchairs are antique.

Cover The Wall With A Collection

Simon Upton

Use a blank wall to showcase your collectibles, as in this morning room’s floral china collection by Royal Worcester in a historic English estate.

Hang A Massive Photograph

Francis Amiand

Two brass-and-alabaster pendants by Humbert & Poyet flank a photograph by Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre for added dimension in this Monaco apartment. The artworks at left are by Alex Perweiler.

Add a Vintage Wall Covering

Simon Upton

Give your walls a romantic, antique feel with a high-impact wallpaper. This 19th century wall covering in this Milan apartment gives a traditional vintage space a cool wow-factor.

Branch Out

Jignesh Jhaveri

Displaying artwork isn’t your only option for livening up a blank white wall. This stunning home in India showcases a large branch for a natural, earthy aesthetic in the sitting room.

Room Dividers

Stephen Julliard

Even if you’re not literally dividing your rooms, a wall divider is a space-saving accent piece that easily covers a boring wall.

Select A Single, Eye-Catching Painting

William Abranowicz

In a San Francisco home, a single piece of artwork by Joan Mitchell is enough to make a statement on the blank walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s Super White.

Book(less) Shelves

HomeGoods/Reid Rolls

A built-in bookshelf stocked with framed art is an easy way to simultaneously display your favorite pieces and cover a boring wall. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about eventually covering up nail holes from hanging art.

Create a Curtained Backdrop

HomeGoods/Reid Rolls

Add texture and comfort to your space by hanging a curtain over a dull wall. The draped look creates a cozy space and can easily be moved if you ever get bored.

Select An Experimental Piece Of Art

Laura Resen

In William Frawley’s SoHo apartment, the photograph of a rib cage is by an unknown artist and once belonged to a San Francisco museum.

Contrast Styles

Courtesy of Cullman & Kravis

In this rustic game room, a bold black and white painting contrasts the wood-inspired space, serving as a focal point on a neutral-toned wall.

Cover The Wall In An Iconic Wallpaper

Simon Upton

Brian Atwood and Nate Berkus brought a splash of Southern California to their former Milan home with a palm-print wallcovering. The solid-brass dining table is from the 1970s.

Combine Different Shapes

Courtesy of summerthorntondesign.com

Add a round piece of art to elevate your wall with atypical geometrics. As designer Summer Thornton puts it, “You can use plenty of traditional pieces as the core, but always intentionally do something that throws it off just a bit!”

Try Rustic Reclaimed Wood

Simon Upton

A wall in the living area of Hilary Swank’s Manhattan home is clad with planks of reclaimed barn wood; the photograph is by Jackie Nickerson, and the painting is by Carlos Vega.

Kelsey Mulvey
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Marie Claire, Women’s Health, and Men’s Health, among others.

40 Best Living Room Wall Décor Ideas

Sara Tramp ; DESIGN: Emily Henderson ; STYLING: Brady Tolbert

If your living room walls look pretty bare, just waiting to be filled with unique artwork, wall hangings, and décor, the time to curate your space with unique living room wall décor ideas is now. Just remember to buy what appeals to you rather than buying a piece because it fills a void. Before you pick up a hammer and nails, take a look at some of these living room wall décor ideas. Inspiration awaits!

01
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Space Exploration

Get inspired by the objects around you and proudly display personal effects by strategically leaning them against a blank wall in the living room. Here, surfboards make for a casual wall decoration that’s also functional if you’re an avid surfer. If your sporting equipment doesn’t feel as chic as these boards, try large artwork or a mirror instead.

02
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Studio DB

Instead of a traditional painting or print, opt for something more dynamic, like this sculptural object placed above the fireplace. Although a coveted spot in the living room, the space above the mantel often goes underutilized. Rethink mounting a television above the fireplace and go for something more artistic and interesting to fill the blank space.

03
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Sharyn Cairns; DESIGN: Fiona Lynch

Hang a painting on an empty wall in your living room to give the space a striking visual element: the bigger the piece, the more profound the statement. Here, a tall painting fits perfectly on a narrow wall near a doorway. Beyond the hall hangs yet another framed artwork, giving the living room depth and contrast.

04
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BHDM

If you aren’t comfortable with a cluster of artwork on one wall but like the idea of hanging multiple works, create an organized gallery by hanging framed art in perfect alignment. Be sure to take exact measurements, so there is equal space between each frame. Whether you choose a small or larger amount of art to work with, it will be a perfect solution to take up some empty space.

05
of 40

Liljencrantz Design

Hang paintings, prints, or photographs on two intersecting walls to get this tasteful look. Go bold with two completely different works of art, or create a cohesive look by hanging work by the same artist, medium, or color scheme. The similar framework and black accents of these pieces connect the space.

06
of 40

Katherine Carter

Go bold with a decorative patterned wallpaper layered with a painting. It’s a daring choice, but a statement-making print works in this eclectic space. Play with colors, patterns, and materials to create wall décor that’s interesting and draws guests’ attention.

07
of 40

Jessica Helgerson

Utilize original objects like this iridescent mirror. It’s colorful and creates depth in the space yet feels cohesive due to the wooden rim of the mirror, the wooden fireplace, and accents throughout the room. A traditional mirror is also a lovely way to invite light into the living room and make a small space feel larger.

08
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Sharyn Cairns; DESIGN: Fiona Lynch

A bookcase built into the wall is the perfect way to display small objects and knickknacks that are aesthetically pleasing. Organize small objects, decorative boxes, colorful books, and sculptures on the shelves of a bookcase to enhance the décor of a living room. This also works well in a space that already has art and additional décor on the walls.

09
of 40

Studio DB

Hang two works side by side or in line with each other to create a diptych. Like you would with a gallery wall, take measurements and be precise. Make sure you consider the size of the art, the wall, and the flow of the rest of the room.

10
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Jessica Helgerson

Utilizing a bookshelf for design purposes is one unique living room wall décor idea. Whether the shelves are filled with books, objects, antique glassware, or vases, a wall-to-wall bookshelf is one way to make a statement and display the things you care about in your home.

11
of 40

BHDM

Perhaps the most obvious choice for living room wall décor is one statement painting hung carefully above the couch. It is a timeless look that can be easily tailored to your tastes. When selecting a piece like this, one thing to keep in mind is the flow between the floor, walls, and ceiling.

12
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Kristofer Johnsson; DESIGN: Pella Hedeby

These three black-and-white photos remain unframed, hanging on the wall by metal clips. This creates a perfectly unfinished look that lacks the formality of traditional artwork. Think of this as the elevated version of your youthful decorating attempts, which likely included hanging posters on the wall with only strips of tape.

13
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Alyssa Rosenheck

In addition to paintings, photographs, and sculptures, there are also drawings. These hand-drawn sketches are unrefined and raw, yet their place in this structured gallery wall transforms them into sophisticated wall décor. You can either feature some of your personal sketches or ones of someone close to you for a personal touch.

14
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Ashe + Leandro

Upgrade your traditional wall of family photographs with some intriguing black-and-white or vintage pictures framed and placed in a sprawling gallery wall. Do some digging at thrift shops, galleries, and outposts to find original art you can proudly display at home.

15
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Sharyn Cairns; DESIGN: Fiona Lynch

Prints are a far less expensive way to bring gorgeous artistic elements into your home. Most websites that sell art online offer original paintings and more affordable prints of the same works. Check out Tappan, Twyla, 1stdibs, and Poster Child Prints for a vast selection of prints and work by under-the-radar artists.

16
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Courtesy of Jeremiah Brent

Similarly to sporting equipment, you can use other large objects as wall décor, like the pieces of wood in this neutral but super chic living room. Whether you mount objects, lean them against the wall, or place them on top of a console table, if they’re high enough, they’ll function as wall décor that’s unique and unexpected.

17
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Courtesy of Space Exploration

You don’t have to hang artwork to make it impactful (which is especially helpful if you’re a renter). You can lean artwork up against the wall for a relaxed, undone feel. Opt for one large piece, like in this photo, or add a few different smaller pieces of varying sizes.

18
of 40

Sarah Sherman Samuel

A mirror is always a good bet when you need something for a wall, but you’ve exhausted all your art options. Instead of choosing a purely functional one, opt for a more statement-making mirror, like this sunburst mirror. It’ll also help make a small space feel larger.

19
of 40

Stoffer Photography Interiors; DESIGN: Danielle Moss and Conor Scanlon

If you want your artwork to stand out or want your living room to feel more sophisticated, place a light over a work of art to illuminate it. It’s another layer of décor, but it also serves a purpose.

20
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Sharyn Cairns; DESIGN: Fiona Lynch

This one is a bit more unconventional, but the result is seriously chic. Ditch the bookshelves and stack your collection of books so that they go high enough to make an impact. The result? A perfectly imperfect cozy space.

21
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Dazey Den

One of the easiest ways to liven up a blank wall? Make it an accent wall. Whether you choose wallpaper or a fun, colorful mural like this living room, it’s a perfect way to create interest without having to hang anything.

22
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Gray Space Interior Design

Floating shelves provide the perfect customizable option to fill some space on your wall. Hang them to appear like stairs or stack them directly over each other, then add decorative items like photos, dećor, etc.

23
of 40

House of Chais

Lining the bottom of your walls with various types of plants is a fun, natural way to level up your living room. This space already did a great job of creating an object gallery wall, but the plants on either side of the couch help ensure there aren’t any unnecessary blank spaces.

24
of 40

Sarah Fultz Interiors

If you’re fortunate enough to have unique architectural features in your home, like brick walls or wood beams, focus on that instead of hanging a bunch of artwork. This living room painted a brick fireplace and wood-paneled walls a deep forest green for a moody vibe.

25
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Design: Emily Henderson Design, Photo: Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Strategically placed lighting can liven up your walls. Add a pair of sconces, or take a cue from this living room and add a single sconce to brighten up a dead spot on your wall. The simple black and white silhouette complements the modern feel of the room.

26
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Design: Lava Interiors

Even though this living room only features two pieces of art, they both feel incredibly impactful thanks to plenty of color and pattern. The bolder you go, the more of a statement your artwork will make (and therefore, you’ll need less of it!).

27
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D Burns Interiors

Let the light in by installing floor-to-ceiling windows in your living room. Not only will your walls become far more visually interesting, but it’ll also brighten up your space, which is key in a smaller living area.

28
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Courtesy of Jeremiah Brent

Window treatments can absolutely double as wall décor. Whether you opt for drapes, blinds, or Roman shades, choose something with a color or pattern that’ll compliment your room as well as make enough of a statement that you don’t need to rely on wall art.

29
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Design: Arent & Pyke

This modern living room throws symmetry out the window. A solitary painting sits above a couch with a sculptural wall accent directly to the left. The right? It’s left completely blank. Forgoing symmetry may not be for everyone, but if you’re willing to take a risk, it can result in a unique and modern design.

30
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Brexton Cole Interiors

Instead of painting your entire wall, opt for painting just a section of your wall. This living room features white walls with a sage green fireplace. It brings the neutral room to life without feeling overly bold.

31
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Courtesy of Elizabeth Roberts

We love the cascading greenery off this bookcase. It creates a boho, lived-in feel to the open-plan space. It also serves as another way to dress up a bookcase when you’ve run out of books or decorative objects.

32
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Design: Studio Ashby

You can rely on just one piece of art to liven up your room when it’s as bold as this one. The artwork set against the patterned chair is all the otherwise minimalist room needed for a little pop.

33
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Dekay & Tate

Wallpaper averse? You don’t have to cocoon your living room walls in it to make it impactful. Instead, try just wallpapering your ceiling. It’ll create a cozy, intimate vibe without feeling too bold.

34
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Design: Alvin Wayne

We love the lived-in feel a tapestry creates. In addition to adding color and pattern to a room, a tapestry also adds texture. Because they’re often quite large, it’ll cover a lot of wall surface area, as well.

35
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Design: House9

Make built-ins stand out by painting them a bright color. This living room gets a pop from green built-ins. Though they’re styled minimally, they still feel impactful. Sconces flank either side and add even more interest.

36
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Design: Christina Kim Interior Design; Photo: Raquel Langworthy

Exposed beams aren’t just for your ceiling. Extend them down your walls for a rustic, farmhouse feel. You could leave them as is or paint them a color depending on your décor aesthetic.

37
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Courtesy of Norse Interiors

You don’t need framed art to create a gallery wall. If you’re short on space and budget, polaroids will work just as well. Hang a variety of them to add a vintage, personalized feel to your space.

38
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Design: Dazey Den

While this wallpaper might be a bit bold for an entire room, it makes a serious statement on an accent wall. In addition to the wallpaper, this living room also added a gallery wall and a painted orange accent wall for plenty of interest.

39
of 40

ARBOR & CO.

Go rustic by mounting a set of antlers. They look stunning above a modern, minimalistic fireplace like in the living room pictured, particularly when flanked by two sconces. Sheepskin rugs add to the effect.

40
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Abitare Studios

Dress up your walls with wood paneling. It instantly elevates a space, eliminating the need for bold or large-scale wall art. You can paint your paneling the same color as the walls, like in the room pictured, or highlight it by painting it a different shade.

18 Living Room Wall Decorating Ideas That Suit Any Style

How to Decorate a Large Wall (10 Ways!)

Stumped on how to decorate a large wall? Instead of looking at it as a vast, bare area that has to be covered, think of it as a blank canvas. An opportunity. Today, I’m sharing 10 wall decor ideas and examples of each across our home, along with a few tips and considerations as you start your projects!

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Wall Decor Tips

Before you start filling a wall with *all the things*, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Scale: Go big. If it’s a big wall, you need something that won’t disappear into the wall. We’ve all seen big walls with tiny-by-comparison-art — if it isn’t the correct scale, it can look cluttered, disappear, or may even look like an unintentional blemish of an afterthought.
Expense: But if it’s bigger, won’t it be more expensive? Larger art and wall decor can get pricey but it doesn’t have to be. If there’s a piece you love, save for it and purchase it in the correct scale. But, I’m sharing some budget-friendly alternatives throughout the post!
Continuity: Plan your walls to compliment your decor and surroundings — even from room to room if you have an open floor plan.
Repetition: While you may have a favorite go-to for bare walls (for me, it’s mirrors), you don’t want to use the same “trick” over and over; keep your solutions diverse.
Meaning: I am not the “special meaning” police. If I see a canvas that I think is pretty at HomeGoods, I’ll totally buy it! I love when we are able to incorporate pieces or works that have special meaning or remind us of a special time, but liking it, in itself, is reason enough for me! Just don’t feel like you have to “settle” with a bunch of stuff from one trip out that you don’t really like but think it “may go”.

Now that we’ve covered the bases and what I try to keep in mind when I’m planning wall decor, let’s get into 10 different ways to decorate a large wall!

1. Gallery Wall

If you’re trying to avoid dropping a lot of money on a huge piece, you can create a wall of art that can serve as one big piece for a fraction of the cost by hanging a gallery wall. There are tons of approaches and tons of options to make these totally you. You can opt for a collected, diverse assortment or go the more uniform route. In the breakfast nook, I used the same Ikea frames to showcase iPhone photos of some of our travels.

Each photo is a different state and is a landmark/landscape snap I grabbed on my phone. Memorable and special and while it captures memories from 12 different trips, it acts as one, monochromatic piece of art. Notice it also takes up most of that wall, too 😉 Go larger than you think you need to when you’re framing photos.

Another simple “gallery” of sorts that acts as one piece are the wall baskets on our screened in porch. They are all the same but three different sizes. I just quickly positioned them in an organic shape and called it “good!”

All porch sources can be found in the porch reveal HERE.

The sunburst gallery wall in our front room admittedly doesn’t flow with the rest of our home these days and will be seeing a revamp soon. But, it’s a great example of sticking to one them while using eclectic pieces and mixing metals.

Sources: Ottoman

My office has an art arrangement that I’m calling a “gallery wall” — I positioned the large piece, along with three identical foil prints that I just rotated as I hung, into one big square. While the pieces are different, they do have the same frame.

There are some gorgeous galleries mixing black and white with color photos, same frames and mats in different sizes, and even all different frames, mediums, etc. If you’re looking for easy and for something that’s a little more calm, go more cohesive. If you’re adventurous and looking to make an artful statement, mix it up.

2. Console Table

Sometimes, it isn’t just art your space needs (or could use). This space was big and barren and while I wanted a console table, it is somewhat of a walkway. I was still able to find a piece on the more narrow side and create a whole “moment” in the living room. Not enough room for a console table? You can do the same with a bench or set of stools!

3. Large Scale Art

Ok, I feel like this is probably the most obvious but when I say “large”, I mean large. I don’t want a piece of art to look like something I hung on a wall; I want it to become part of the wall — does that even make sense?! haha This whitewashed wood carving is 48″x48″…

And this piece above Eliza’s bookshelf is 30″x40″.

The art on this living room wall is 40″x54″ and while it’s huge in person, there’s actually a size that’s still larger!

Sources: Large Wall Art | Sofa | Coffee Table | Round Accent Table | Rattan Tray

4. Set of Art

I love pairing art together as a set, especially when I only want something hung on the uppermost portion of the wall. It will also save some $$$ as two smaller framed pieces are usually less than one big one. This framed pairing of song lyrics above Eliza’s crib ended up being the best “second option” — I’m so glad the wall basket I was waiting on originally never arrived ;). — a total happy accident. I get tons of questions about these; the actual Etsy shop who printed these lyrics closed shop shortly after the reveal but you can find a similar option HERE. The frames I chose are in the 16″x20″ option, but that’s actually the size of the photo within the mat. The actual frame sizes are 23″x28″.

I also like to search for art series and choose two favorites to configure together as a set. These were old lily pad art pieces from ZGallerie, about six years ago. Here’s a pro tip — I love browsing Minted for art. While it isn’t easy to “spot” a set, they typically number their prints within a series with Roman numerals. In the search bar, I will search “II”, indicating a “2”. When the results are run, I check “art” in the filters so it only gives me art (instead of cards, stationery, etc.) Most everything that filters from there is part II of an art series. If you find a piece you like, tap on the artist’s name and you can browse their other work. Nine times out of ten, if they had something labeled with a II, there is also a I (sometimes a III and IV).

Sources: Chandelier | Dining Chairs (similar)

5. Wall Treatment/Moulding

A more involved (but statement maker, for sure!) way to “decorate” large walls is to make your walls art, themselves. Adding trim and moulding is something we have done to customize several spaces throughout our house and while you could add art on top, they can totally stand on their own without any extra embellishments. In Eliza’s nursery, we added five single boxes of picture frame moulding, but in our bedroom, we added two rows of boxes around the entire room. We even added a trim detail around the vaulted ceiling. I had a contractor do all the work but using shoe moulding and sticking to simple boxes directly on drywall and topping with paint kept expenses down on projects that could add up quickly.

In the living room, I have a huge wall where the kitchen cutout looked pretty naked. I had a faux half-column added to match the columns on the other side of the living room…

and added this detail which wrapped under the bar, around the corner to meet the new column. Functionally, it’s also helped with being able to clean scuff marks where feet tend to kick that wall; before, the flat paint would just end up looking bad. The semi-gloss finish of the wall detail is way more scrubbable!

Sources: Bar Stools | Pendant Lights | Cabinet Pulls

While I’ve stuck to more picture frame moulding in my rooms, there are tons of pretty options if you explore board & batten or horizontal/vertical shiplap, too.

6. Wallpaper

I only tiptoed into the world of wallpaper earlier this year and… I’m totally obsessed. I started with our small powder room where it’s way easier to be more bold and adventurous and I think the risk totally paid off. I also stuck to only wallpapering the upper 1/3 while I went with a moulding on the bottom 2/3. I don’t have a single piece of additional art and I’m now trying to determine what space I can wallpaper next!

If you don’t want to commit, there are also a lot of pretty peel and stick options that are fairly easy to apply. I actually applied a faux brick in our master bathroom’s toilet room a few years back!

See all the details of this makeover HERE.

7. Large Mirror

I mentioned early on that my easy and first go-to inclination is to scope out a statement mirror. Like large art, the size you choose makes a BIG difference. This mirror is 48″ but works with the scale of the wall.

In contrast, prior to a few updates in the breakfast nook, I had this round mirror that in hindsight was far too small for the look I wanted to achieve…

Pretty big difference, right?

In our dining room, I used a huge mirror but positioned it vertically to draw the eyes upward. I even wrote a post about opting for vertical over horizontal mirrors HERE a few years ago.

I use several large round mirrors in our home, over dressers, like in Eliza’s nursery and this guest bedroom.

And when I can, I love to add floor-length mirrors to bedrooms — even guest bedrooms for an extra thoughtful touch.

8. Tall Plants

This method of “decorating a large wall” doesn’t actually involve decorating the wall at all — but positioning some of your decor in front of the wall which takes up wall space. In Eliza’s room, I used several methods we’ve talked about from art pairs to wall moulding, but I also relied on a tall faux fiddle leaf fig tree to make a corner statement. The same can be said for tall floor lamps or privacy screens, too.

9. Curtain Panels

In the downstairs guest bedroom, the layout is a little tricky. There’s one blank wall, one wall with both a closet and bathroom door, one wall with a huge window, and one wall with French doors. For both functionality (and to address what could be kind of awkward blank walls), I added huge curtain panels on long rods to create walls of curtains. If you order custom, you can specify how wide you want your curtain panels; each of these panels are the full width of the openings they are intended to cover. (You can see all the details of this space HERE).

10. Built-In Shelving

We have built-ins that frame the fireplace and tv in our living room but the space we added them in after we were living in our home was in the office. This is more of an investment project, too, but down to the filing cabinets under the window sill to the roll-out printer drawer, it’s one of my favorite additions we’ve made. If you don’t want to go the built-in route, you can get two units to flank your window — or even hang rows of symmetrical floating shelves.

The bottom line — don’t overthink it, mix it up, and remember… scale matters! It doesn’t have to be expensive to be fabulous but by the same token, if there’s a statement you’re dying to make, save and do what you really want. A powerful wall statement can make or break a room — I know from trial and error and from plenty of my own hindsight mistakes 😉 For upcoming posts, space reveals and tips, be sure to subscribe to my emails HERE.

Wall decoration in the apartment: options in 2022

If you decide to repair, then be sure to ask yourself the question – which wall covering to choose? What to prefer in the bathroom, what in the kitchen, and what would be appropriate in the room? How to properly prepare the walls for different types of finishes? What criteria should mark the repair? Let’s figure it out.

Stage one. Wall preparation

It does not matter which coating you choose – panels, wallpaper, paint or tiles, it should still be applied to a flat surface without flaws.

To do this, you need to dismantle the old coating and inspect the wall. Are there chips, cracks or dents? How significant are they? What is the curvature of the walls (permissible up to 5 mm).

If the walls are even and there are no defects, proceed to the next step. If there are flaws, they need to be corrected first. For this it is used:

Plaster mixture with cement-sand, clay and gypsum composition. With strong curvature, clay is used, other types are suitable for eliminating small flaws.
The primer mixture smooths out small cracks and strengthens the surface, improving its adhesive properties. There are primers of deep impregnation, compositions with quartz sand and special antiseptic mixtures. Putty is applied over them, leveling the surface.
Drywall, which has the following characteristics, will also help prepare the surface for finishing:

In addition, drywall can protect the room from noise, provide waterproofing and hide any communications. The only negative is that it increases the thickness of the walls (due to the frame).

In this case, special tools are not needed, but installation will require at least minimal preparation, especially if a metal frame is pre-mounted on which the sheets are fixed. You can mount directly and on glue, but you also need to be able to do this. An experienced master carries out such work in a few hours, and with a complex repair involving several workers, all walls can be leveled in one day.

Complex renovation of turnkey apartments

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After the approval of the project, we disturb the owners only when the repair is completed.
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Turnkey apartment renovation in 3.5 months. The term is fixed in the contract.

Wall finishing materials

For fine cladding, a variety of coatings are used, which differ in type, installation method and, of course, price.

Wallpapers

The undoubted “king” of decoration is wallpaper. The main plus is that it is easy to glue and dismantle, and the abundance of design allows you to choose an option for any repair. There are:

paper, single-layer and multi-layer; very cheap, but do not have the necessary wear resistance;
based on fiberglass; the main advantages are an interesting texture and the ability to stain up to five times;
embossed vinyl – beautiful, washable, but do not let air through;
environmentally friendly, but expensive wallpaper made of natural cork and textiles;
liquid variety based on silk, cotton, cellulose, the composition is applied similarly to plaster;
non-woven wallpaper, the most practical and, in fact, without flaws.

With this product, you can finish quickly, mainly with an adhesive, but this requires careful preparation of the base.

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Interesting fact! Until the beginning of the 19th century, the use of wallpaper was considered a privilege of the rich, but then wider and longer rolls began to be produced, due to which the price for them dropped significantly and became affordable for the middle class

Decorative plaster

Decorative mixtures for plastering – a “working” alternative to wallpaper. The main advantage of this material is its decorative properties. It can imitate any artificial or natural surface, and with the help of special tools you can create an unusual texture.

Another advantage is the safe composition and environmental friendliness. And it is precisely for this type of coating that you do not need to level the wall for long hours – the plaster perfectly fills small cracks and can even level the wall a little.

The main rule of installation is not to forget about the primer. It provides adhesion of the plaster to the wall. And then it all depends on the decorative idea. The material can be applied in one or more layers. Until it hardens, with the help of improvised materials, you can give the relief unusual shapes.

The main disadvantage is that proper application requires skills and knowledge. It is possible, of course, to “hit the bull’s-eye” the first time, to make it durable and beautiful, but no one can really give guarantees. Chances are great that after gluing the plaster will begin to fall off the wall.

This kind of work is best left in the hands of masters. By the way, it is best to take a comprehensive repair service – so you don’t have to bother with leveling the walls and look for a separate master to replace the wiring or lay the floor.

Paint

Painting is mistakenly considered an easy way to decorate, but to work with paint, you need to eliminate all wall defects. Enamel, water-dispersed and oil compositions are suitable for coating, by the way, the latter dry the longest and, moreover, emit a specific smell. Designers are advised to combine staining with other types of cladding, for example, with wallpaper. If you decide to paint the room with textured paints, then you first need to learn the technique of applying them.

Traditionally considered to be perhaps the easiest way to finish. All it takes is to buy brushes, rollers and paint, and then go ahead, apply everything in even strokes. Indeed, painting walls is easy. The main disadvantage is different – the preparation stage must be carried out flawlessly, without hack work.

Of course, the paint will lie on a curved wall, but it will emphasize all the imperfections of the surface. It will look very ugly. By the way, the second pitfall will arise if you decide to work with textured paints. They have their own specific application technique, and learn all the subtleties in advance.

What kind of paint should be chosen for the rooms? Basically, it depends on the budget:

emulsion paints. They are inexpensive, not afraid of fire, easy to clean (and before drying, they can simply be washed off hands and tools, which is convenient). By the way, if in a year you want to change, a second layer of a different color can be applied directly on top of the existing one.
Alkyd paints. Cheap, applied to metal, wood or plastered surfaces. Waterproof, color will not fade in the sun. The main disadvantage is that when dried (and this is a long process), harmful substances are released and at the same time they smell very unpleasant. Over time, the painted surface turns yellow.
silicate paints. Minus – limited color range and water permeability. They cannot be applied to metal, wood and over an old layer of paint – the surface will have to be completely cleaned. At the same time, they are vapor-tight and resistant to temperature changes. An important nuance – when working with them, you need to constantly be in a respirator and gloves (alkaline base).

Panels

Another wall covering is panels, artificial or made from natural raw materials. The main types are made of polyvinyl chloride, wood fiber board (MDF). Fragments are glued to a pre-prepared crate, and this provides a flat surface. Sheathing made of natural wood is much more expensive, but it is environmentally friendly and can create a special aesthetics of the space.

PVC panels are cheap. At the same time, they are easy to clean, do not fade, and, if necessary, are easily dismantled (especially if, according to all the rules, they stand on a frame, and are not put on glue).

The most difficult thing in the installation of panels is the correct manufacture of the crate. Without experience, this is quite difficult to do. It is better to take the services of a comprehensive repair – the craftsmen themselves will remove the old coating, level the wall and mount the panels. This will be done quickly and without unnecessary errors (and, accordingly, additional monetary costs).

Tiles

A rather capricious material is stone and tile. It will take a lot of effort to achieve flawless surfaces. To work, you need experience in making calculations, constant monitoring with the help of a level to avoid distortions. Decorative ceramics is more suitable for facing rooms with an aggressive environment, involving high humidity and thermal effects – bathrooms and kitchens. But sometimes tiles are applicable to the living room.

There are many options for wall decoration, and when working independently, any of them will require knowledge of technology and time, which is always lacking. Protracted do-it-yourself repairs with errors and alterations are not a very attractive process, but you can free yourself from this burden by entrusting the responsible business to the executive and reliable employees of a company that has extensive experience not only in finishing, but also in other repair work.

Wall decoration in the apartment: options, wall design, wall decoration materials

In the article we will tell you how to finish the walls in apartments and how to avoid mistakes in the rough and decorative finish. We will study the types of wall decoration in the apartment, the advantages and disadvantages of materials and find out how you can combine them.

Rough finish

Often attention is paid only to aesthetics, but the operational component plays a very important role. For leveling bare walls made of concrete, brick or building blocks, a preliminary rough finish is required. For this purpose, several materials are used: plaster, drywall, gypsum fiber.

Plaster

This is a building-concrete mixture that is used for leveling and decoratively transforming walls. The plaster is divided into cement and gypsum, the bases of which are cement, glass, silicone and acrylic in different concentrations. These components insulate and level the walls, provide good sound insulation, immunity to microbial, fungal and other lesions.

The plaster protects the walls from temperature changes and moisture, and the duration of its service exceeds 15 years. Ordinary plaster is used for basic rough finishing of bare walls, and decorative plaster is used for finishing before painting, wallpapering or tile.
Good sound-proof, fire-resistant, moisture-repellent qualities of GVL allow you to create powerful structures from it in any room – from an apartment to an office. Suitable for load-bearing structures.

Both gypsum fiber and drywall are attached to the walls with glue (frameless method) or self-tapping screws (frame). If special requirements are presented to the room (fire resistance, moisture resistance), then preference is given to more reliable and GVL. In a kitchen with suspended facades or in a hallway with hangers, it is much more reasonable to use GVL, since it is better than GKL to cope with an increased load on the walls.

wall preparation – they must be leveled and carefully puttied or decorated with drywall or gypsum fiber;
installation technique – the use of unsuitable adhesives or screws may cause a poor quality finish;
installation conditions – a decorative coating, the installation of which took place without drafts and with closed windows and doors, is guaranteed to last longer.

Usually on the packaging of the material you can find its characteristics, instructions for use and requirements for leaving.

Wallpaper

Interior wall covering is a traditional way of decorative finishing. Among the advantages of wallpapers: wide assortment, variety of textures and color palette, high degree of environmental friendliness. Wallpapers are suitable for any budget, and the average term of their service is 5-15 years.

Depending on the density of the material, light and heavy wallpapers are distinguished. Lungs are single-layer and double-layer wallpapers. They are not particularly durable and are subject to the negative effects of moisture, light, temperature changes. Heavy wallpaper – multi-layered and extremely durable. They are used for finishing even walls, without irregularities and curvature.

It is recommended to pay attention to the humidity level in the room. According to the type of resistance to moisture, wallpaper can be:

Non-moisture resistant. These are standard paper wallpapers, which are relevant only for dry rooms with a low level of humidity;
Moisture resistant. Wallpaper with a special moisture-resistant coating, unsuitable for washing, but withstanding regular cleaning with a soft, damp sponge;
Washable.
They are distinguished by special resistance not only to water, but also to cleaning agents, therefore they are used in kitchens, in bathrooms;
Water resistant.
This is the most durable wallpaper with a layer that prevents the penetration of liquid to the wallpaper base.

Types and dizain is okay, and they are ahead of

mate, the casigan, lordly and PACPOTE Represented by a wide assortment of colorful textures, patterns and paintings. Suitable for decorating corridors, living rooms, children’s rooms, bedrooms – those rooms that are not exposed to high humidity, because. paper is not able to resist it.

The main advantage of paper wallpapers is the pricing policy. This is an inexpensive alternative to other types of wallpaper. However, lining the walls with paper wallpaper has its drawbacks: paper is easily flammable and unstable to moisture and ultraviolet radiation, which reduces the period of its operation by about 5 hours.

BST INTARY BE BELIED IN THE OBODE IS PODACKY

Flseline

Flsealin – this is an emergency mate, it is stubborn, it is stubborn. It is the basis for creating paper, fabric and vinyl wallpapers and has such positive qualities as air permeability, long service life, wide color gamut.

Finishing the walls in the house with non-woven wallpaper is one of the most common ways, but it has its own drawbacks. The non-woven coating requires careful preparation: the wall must be strictly monophonic, clean and even, otherwise old stains will appear on a fresh surface.

Non-woven fabric prevents deformation of the wallpaper, and then they rarely deteriorate when pasted

Photowall-paper
Use photowall-paper to place accents. Their popularity is explained by the originality of the performance – images of nature, cities, sights, animals. Also, photo wallpapers are not prone to fading, resistant to household dust, the design is often ordered according to personal orders.

The disadvantages of this type of finish include the complexity of the gluing process – vinyl wallpaper is heavy and glued only end-to-end – and relative high cost. Also, vinyl wallpaper “does not breathe” – i.e. do not let air through. Often, cheap vinyl wallpaper options emit an unpleasant odor and are significantly inferior in quality. Perhaps all these minuses will be justified by the period of operation – it reaches 20 years.

Vinyl wallpapers are often used in kitchens and bathrooms

Acrylic

Acrylic wallpaper is a type of vinyl finish, which is based on two layers: paper and directly acrylic.

Advantages of acrylic wallpaper – hypoallergenicity, resistance to sunlight and water, versatility and excellent strength. With proper care, this type of coating retains its qualities for about 10 years.

Acrylic is suitable for those apartments where there are small children, allergies or asthma. Among the minuses: density – acrylic wallpaper is much thinner than vinyl, which makes them vulnerable to damage.

Patterns of fabric wallpapers often imitate the frescoes of Italy and the tapestries of England

Please note: in most of their textile wallpapers do not have a moisture-repellent property. Often they are completely unstable to moisture and require dry cleaning, without the use of additional aqueous solutions.

Cork

The most environmentally friendly wall covering option is cork wallpaper. They are made from the bark of the Mediterranean oak and are the source of such healing substances as essential oils and resin. The cork coating is distinguished by natural woody shades and contributes to the creation of an exquisite design.

Depending on the features of operation, there are several types of decorative paint:

Water-based. These are the most sparing paints in terms of chemical indicators, which are characterized by a low price, a huge palette of colors and resistance to high humidity and steam.
Acrylic. Resistant to fumes and ultraviolet rays, completely non-toxic and retain saturation for up to 20 years. Among the minuses: long drying and not the best water tolerance.
Silicone. Dirt-repellent, vapor-permeable paints are distinguished by high strength and resistance to moisture and steam. Suitable for finishing bathrooms, kitchens, hallways and serve more than 20 years.

Wall cladding with panels is characterized by complete safety for human health and the environment, as well as versatility – the material is suitable for various designs and configurations.

Other materials for fine finishing

In addition to wallpaper and paint, there are several more types of decorative finishes.
- Decorative stone/brick It is made from gypsum and is used in those rooms where the humidity level is below average. An integral part of the design, made in the style of minimalism or loft.
Porcelain tile can imitate various types of stones and act as a matte, glossy or polished finish
- Mosaic. This is a canvas consisting of several tiles. Allows you to hide irregularities without the use of plaster and other auxiliary means, and the variety of design and color intensity are significantly superior to other finishing materials. It is used for finishing kitchens and bathrooms and decorating living rooms, bedrooms, children’s rooms.
Mosaic is durable, reliable and resistant to external factors: from sunlight to mechanical damage

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How to choose materials for wall decoration?

Each room needs an individual approach to the choice of finishes. For example, for kitchens, it is not recommended to choose a coating from flammable materials, and for bathrooms, moisture-permeable textures are not suitable.
compliance of the material of the interior of the apartment – an organic combination of texture and colors of the finish will create the effect of completeness, thoughtfulness of the interior;
the cost of the material is determined by the expectations of the buyer. However, it is important to remember that more expensive types of finishes remain in pristine condition longer than cheap ones.

Guided by these principles, you can choose a laconic option for finishing the walls of the apartment, which will become an indicator of the taste and style of its owners.

Wall decoration > Decorative wall decoration – types, materials (photo)

Wall papering

Decorative plaster

Wall tiles

Decorative panels and materials

Wood wall cladding

Wall decoration with artificial and natural stone

Plastic wall panels

Wall cork

Other coatings

Before finishing: short checklist

Creating an interior, the designer, first of all, pays attention to the walls. You can pick up interesting beautiful furniture, find accessories, build lighting, but if the finish does not fit into the overall concept, everything was done in vain. For example, wallpapers with bright floral prints will perfectly fit into interiors in the style of provence or shabby chic , but will look clumsy next to high-tech furniture .

Before deciding on the finishing material, pay attention to the condition of the walls. Some types of coating may require more pre-treatment effort than the fine finish itself.

Take and paint – what could be easier. Brushes, a roller, a spray gun and a little skill are all it takes to paint the walls the right color. But not everything is so simple. Let’s leave aside the design issues of color choice and look at this material from a practical side.

Water-based, adhesive, enamel and oil paints are most often used for interior walls of houses and apartments. All have their pros and cons. For your convenience, we have reduced everything we know to this:

The second most popular (and maybe the first) way of decorating walls in a house is wallpaper. Variety, affordable price and not very complicated gluing technique make them a favorite finishing material for owners and designers.

We have already told in our publications about how to choose wallpaper and how to glue them correctly. We will not repeat ourselves, and focus on the most important points:

For perfectly smooth walls in the living room, bedroom or nursery, use paper wallpapers – they are inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and perfectly breathable. It is better not to glue paper on uneven walls – all depressions, gouges and cracks will be visible.

Vinyl and non-woven are more durable, more durable. But they do not let air through at all, which means that they should not be glued in bedrooms and nurseries. But they are denser and can hide the unevenness of the walls.

Fabric wallpapers are dense, textured, heavy. To stick them yourself, you need to have a certain skill. They will perfectly fit into a classic living room, office or library. It is undesirable to use them in bedrooms and nurseries: they accumulate dust and can provoke allergies.

Liquid wallpaper is more of a cellulose plaster. It can even be applied to a rough finish: a sufficiently thick layer of coating will hide all the irregularities. But they have a big drawback – they are too afraid of moisture. Therefore, it is better to glue them in dry rooms.

Wall murals are used in interior design for a variety of design purposes. Depending on the material, they can be used in the living room, bathroom and kitchen. A large article about photo wallpapers in the interior is already on our blog – read and be inspired.

Ten years ago, decorative plaster was considered an exotic and expensive finish. Today it is an affordable and practical type of decoration.

Textured plaster. It is based on synthetic materials and all kinds of fillers, both artificial and natural, natural. The relief of the plaster depends on the type of filler.

Terrazit plaster. Its composition includes mica – its particles seem to sparkle and shine when exposed to sunlight. In apartments and houses, terrazzo plaster is used infrequently, except for accent areas.

Latex plaster is very durable, not afraid of mechanical stress.

Silicate types of decorative plaster do not swell and have dirt-repellent properties.

Venetian Stucco looks like polished marble. The effect is obtained through a special application technique.

Tadelakt – another type of decorative plaster without synthetics – natural ingredients and fillers. The material is not affected by moisture, and it can be used in wet areas.

Regardless of the brand, name and type, decorative plaster has one important positive property: for its application, you do not need to level the walls too carefully. It can even be applied to a rough finish: a layer of plaster will hide all the defects and irregularities of the wall, although such a “putty” will become golden for you.

Decorative plaster can be applied to concrete, wood, and metal – it adheres equally well to any surface. Caring for decorative plaster is simple: the walls are wiped with a damp cloth or cleaned with a soft, damp brush.

Which rooms to use? For anyone: plaster will be appropriate in the bathroom, and in the kitchen, and in the hallway, and in other rooms.

Ceramic tiles are a classic for walls in wet areas. It is easy to choose the desired pattern, color and shape: there are more than enough ceramics in building markets.

The advantages of ceramic tiles are that they are fire resistant, environmentally friendly and easy to care for. Cons – not everyone will be able to lay it out on their own, so be sure to add the cost of the work of the master to the cost of the material.

Another plus is that no special preparation of the walls is needed – tiles can be laid even on the rough finish. True, in the bathroom and toilet it is better to carry out waterproofing of the room before laying.

Where to use? Undoubtedly in the bathroom, in the toilet, in the kitchen or in the hallway. And if in the hallway ceramic tiles are often placed on the floor, and not on the walls, then in the bathroom, shower and toilet everything is covered with ceramics. If you want, combine it with other types of finishes, such as paint or decorative plaster.

Wood wall cladding

Cover walls completely with wood paneling, clapboard or boards, or create warm accents and combine wood elements with other finishing materials such as paint or wallpaper. We have repeatedly addressed the topic of wood in the interior in the blog, devoted to decorating rooms with wood detailed articles and reviews.

Wall decoration with artificial and natural stone
Natural stone is perhaps the most expensive type of wall decoration. The stone is durable, strong, environmentally friendly. Marble or granite always look solid and fit into any interior – from classic to avant-garde. It looks interesting in the interiors and accents made of limestone or semi-precious stones.

The downside of natural stone is its weight. Heavy material requires special fastenings and special preparatory work up to strengthening the foundation.

Artificial stone is much lighter, cheaper and easier to install on walls. With all this, it does not differ in appearance from natural analogues. Natural stone manufacturers offer so many varieties of artificial stone that it’s hard to stop when choosing the right one.

Natural and artificial stone are rarely used as the main material for decoration, more often as an accent. They decorate window openings, arches, headboards. For example, 9 will organically fit into the loft space.0099 artificial brick wall .

Plastic wall panels

Plastic wall panels are modern lightweight and inexpensive materials. In construction stores, you can find panels for every taste and color: “under the tree”, “under the stone”, “under the tile”, “under the wallpaper” and so on – the range is simply huge.

Wall panels are an excellent heat and sound insulating material. They wash well with plain water and soapy water, are durable (unless, of course, you beat them with a hammer) and are attached directly to the rough finish using simple clips or liquid nails.

Plastic wall panels can be used anywhere – in living rooms, in wet rooms, in the kitchen. They are perfectly combined with other types of finishes – with wallpaper, decorative plaster or painted walls. The only condition is away from sources of open fire and heating devices: plastic panels burn perfectly.

Cork wall covering

Cork covering is the same rolls or slabs of crushed and pressed cork that are used for floor coverings , only slightly thinner. The material is completely eco-friendly – the walls breathe perfectly. In addition, cork is an excellent heat and sound insulator.

The finish is attached to the rough finish with a special adhesive. They can be used in any non-humid areas: in the nursery, in the bedroom, office or living room.

Colors – warm shades of brown, multi-colored options are rarer and more expensive.

What else can be used as a finish? Yes, anything, for example, mirrors. Yes, yes, a mirror wall is a solution that is not suitable not only for dance halls, but also for living rooms. The mirror wall immediately visually doubles the space, adds light to darkened rooms.

Another non-standard and undeservedly forgotten option is a mosaic. This is a laborious and very expensive type of wall decoration. Not only ceramic tiles, but also mirrors, metal, plastic, etc. are often used as mosaic elements.

Metal – why not? A mirrored stainless steel metal panel will fit perfectly into a high-tech or steampunk interior, and a matte, scratched metal panel will decorate a loft with brick walls.

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Wall Decor Tips

1. Gallery Wall

2. Console Table

3. Large Scale Art

4. Set of Art

5. Wall Treatment/Moulding

6. Wallpaper

7. Large Mirror

8. Tall Plants

9. Curtain Panels

10. Built-In Shelving

Wall decoration in the apartment: options in 2022

Stage one. Wall preparation

Wall finishing materials

Wallpapers

Decorative plaster

Paint

Panels

Tiles

Wall decoration in the apartment: options, wall design, wall decoration materials

Rough finish

Plaster

Wallpaper

Flseline

Acrylic

Cork

Other materials for fine finishing

How to choose materials for wall decoration?

Wall decoration > Decorative wall decoration – types, materials (photo)

Wood wall cladding

Plastic wall panels

Cork wall covering

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