15 Different Types Of Interior Wall Coverings
Choosing the right types of wall coverings can transform the look and feel of your home. No matter you're renovating a single room or designing an entire house, selecting the appropriate wall coverings can enhance the atmosphere, texture, and overall aesthetic. From traditional materials like wood and stone to modern solutions such as microcement and glass panels, there are endless possibilities to fit any style. In this guide, we’ll explore various options to help you find the best wall coverings for your space.
Paint: A Classic and Customizable Choice
Paint is one of the most widely used and adaptable choices for wall coverings, offering a wide range of colors and finishes to fit any room’s style. Whether you’re drawn to a bold accent wall or prefer calming, neutral tones, paint has the power to completely transform the atmosphere of a space. You can even choose textured options that bring added dimension and character to your walls, all without needing extra materials.
Its affordability and easy application make paint a favorite for many homeowners. It’s a great solution for those who like to refresh their home’s look often, as changing colors or finishes is relatively simple. No matter you're designing a spacious living room or creating a cozy primary bedroom, paint provides endless customization possibilities. It’s a versatile tool that plays a big role in many home design projects.
Wallpaper: Patterns and Textures for Every Room
Wallpaper has made a strong comeback in recent years, going with a wide array of patterns, textures, and designs that add a unique touch to any room. With options ranging from bold florals to intricate geometrics, wallpaper can easily transform a space. It’s particularly effective for creating a feature wall or adding warmth to a room, such as in a Primary bedroom or living room.
Additionally, modern wallpaper options are easy to clean and maintain, with some varieties designed to be moisture-resistant, making them suitable for kitchens or bathrooms. With professional full-decorating services, you can explore different wallpaper designs that enhance your space, whether you're looking for a modern or classic look.
Fabric Wall Coverings: Luxurious and Cozy
For those who want a more luxurious look, fabric wall coverings present a soft, elegant alternative to traditional paint and wallpaper. The richness of textiles like silk or velvet creates a high-end feel, while options like cotton or linen can bring a more casual, laid-back vibe. These fabric coverings bring both warmth and texture to any room, making them ideal for spaces where coziness is key, like bedrooms or home theaters.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, textile wall coverings give practical benefits. They can help reduce noise, enhancing the acoustics in a room and creating a more intimate atmosphere. With the guidance of an interior design expert, you can choose the perfect fabric to suit your space’s needs and style. The right choice will not only enhance the visual appeal of a room but also make it feel more comfortable and inviting.
Wood Paneling: Timeless Charm for Any Space
Wood paneling brings a timeless, natural charm to any home, adding texture and warmth to your walls. Be it for oak, pine, or reclaimed wood, this versatile material works beautifully in both contemporary and traditional interiors. Depending on the look you’re aiming for, wood paneling can be installed vertically for a classic touch or horizontally for a more modern feel.
In modern homes, wood paneling brings a striking contrast to minimalist spaces, adding warmth and personality to clean, sleek designs. In more traditional settings, it evokes a sense of craftsmanship and history, making the space feel grounded and inviting.
If you’re considering this option, a design consultation can help you explore different wood types and styles. From accent walls in the Primary bathroom to full-room installations, wood paneling can transform any space into something truly special.
Stone: Natural Beauty with a Timeless Appeal
Stonewall coverings show a natural elegance that transforms any space, lending a timeless appeal that never goes out of style. Whether you choose granite, marble, or limestone, the unique veining and textures in stone make every installation one-of-a-kind. Its depth and natural beauty create a striking visual impact, often becoming the centerpiece of a room. Stone is frequently used for accent walls or to frame fireplaces, adding both a sense of luxury and durability. Its organic, raw texture contrasts beautifully with soft furnishings, creating a balanced and sophisticated look.
Although stone may be more costly and labor-intensive to install compared to other wall coverings, the payoff is clear. It’s an investment in both longevity and style. Over time, stone maintains its beauty and can even enhance the value of your home.
Stonewall coverings work particularly well in living rooms or entryways, where they greet guests with a bold, refined statement. The combination of luxury and natural materials makes stone an enduring choice for those who want to make a lasting impression.
Brick: Industrial Appeal with Rustic Charm
Exposed brick walls have long been celebrated for their industrial edge and rustic charm, making them a popular feature in both modern and vintage-inspired interiors. No matter you’re using authentic brick or a veneer, this material brings an undeniable character and warmth to any room.
Its rough texture and natural red, brown, or whitewashed tones contrast beautifully with sleek modern furniture or complement more rustic, traditional decor. Brick gives versatility in design, fitting seamlessly into minimalist lofts as well as cozy, farmhouse-inspired homes.
Not only does brick add visual appeal, but it also brings durability and a sense of history to a space. A brick wall can act as a feature in kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms, or even entryways, bringing a backdrop that sets the tone for the rest of the home.
Plus, brick walls are virtually maintenance-free, offering a rugged longevity that will stand the test of time. If you’re unsure how exposed brick might fit into your design, a virtual design consultation can help you explore the possibilities and visualize how it will transform your home.
Tiles: Durable and Stylish for Kitchens and Bathrooms
Tiles have long been a staple in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms due to their durability and resistance to moisture. No matter they are made from ceramic, porcelain, or glass, tiles offer a wide variety of sizes, colors, and patterns, making it easy to create a custom look that suits any design style.
For those who love clean, minimalist aesthetics, subway tiles deliver a timeless, classic appeal. Alternatively, intricate mosaic patterns can add a touch of artistry and flair to your walls, making a bold statement in even the most functional spaces.
One of the biggest advantages of tile is its practicality. It’s resistant to water, easy to clean, and stands up to the daily wear and tear common in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. This makes it ideal for places prone to spills, humidity, or splashes, delivering both beauty and practicality.
Tiles can be arranged in countless configurations, allowing for unique designs that reflect your personal style. Be it renovating a bathroom or upgrading a kitchen backsplash, tiles deliver a stylish yet highly functional solution for any space.
Microcement: Sleek and Seamless for Modern Spaces
Microcement is a versatile wall covering that comes with a sleek, seamless finish, making it ideal for modern, minimalist spaces. This material can be applied over existing surfaces without the need for joints or seams, creating a smooth, uniform look that’s both durable and stylish.
Microcement is often used in contemporary interiors, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, or open living areas. Its durability and water resistance make it a practical choice for spaces exposed to moisture. The clean, industrial feel of microcement works well in loft-style apartments or modern homes where simplicity is key.
Venetian Stucco: Elegant and Sophisticated
Venetian stucco is known for its elegant, marble-like effect, adding sophistication to any room. This traditional wall covering is applied in thin layers to create a smooth, polished finish that reflects light beautifully. Venetian stucco is often found in high-end interiors, presenting a luxurious and timeless appeal.
The polished look of Venetian stucco works well in formal settings, such as dining rooms or entryways, where you want to create a sense of grandeur. It’s also versatile enough to be used in more intimate spaces, adding depth and richness to the walls.
Concrete: Modern and Edgy for Contemporary Interiors
Concrete walls go with an industrial and contemporary look, making them perfect for loft-style apartments or modern homes. These options provide a unique texture and create a minimalist, edgy feel in any room.
Concrete is a durable and low-maintenance material, and it pairs well with other industrial elements like metal and glass. It’s an excellent option for homeowners looking to create a modern, urban-inspired interior. Concrete works particularly well in open-plan spaces, where its sleek surface can complement large windows and exposed architectural features.
Grasscloth Wallpaper: Natural and Eco-Friendly
Grasscloth wallpaper is a beautiful, eco-friendly option for those seeking to incorporate natural materials into their home design. Made from natural fibers such as jute, hemp, and seagrass, grasscloth adds texture and warmth to walls, creating a serene and organic feel in any room. Its subtle variations in color and texture make each roll unique, delivering a one-of-a-kind wall covering that works well in living rooms, bedrooms, or even entryways.
While grasscloth wallpaper creates a calming atmosphere, it is more delicate than other types of wall coverings. It's best suited for low-traffic areas or spaces where it won't be exposed to moisture, as it can be harder to clean than vinyl or other more durable wallpapers. Still, its natural beauty and eco-friendliness make it a desirable choice for homeowners looking to bring the outdoors in.
Beadboard: Traditional Charm with a Versatile Touch
Beadboard is a classic wall covering that adds texture and character to any space. With its vertical grooves and subtle detailing, beadboard creates a visually interesting wall surface that works well in traditional, farmhouse, or coastal-inspired interiors. Beadboard can be installed as a full wall covering or used on the lower half of the wall as wainscoting, adding both protection and style to the room.
Often painted in soft whites or pastels, beadboard is a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, or dining rooms, where its timeless appeal enhances the room’s overall aesthetic. It can also be easily customized with different paint colors to suit more modern or eclectic spaces.
Because beadboard is relatively affordable and easy to install, it’s a great option for homeowners seeking to add a touch of traditional charm without significant cost. When planning to incorporate beadboard into your home, a full-room virtual design can help you visualize how it will look in different areas and make sure that it complements other design elements.
Wainscoting: Elegance and Detail for Any Room
Wainscoting is a decorative wall treatment that typically involves adding panels to the lower portion of a wall, creating a sense of depth and refinement. This traditional design element adds a touch of elegance to any room, often used in dining rooms, hallways, or living spaces to enhance architectural detail and provide a more formal appearance.
Wainscoting comes in a variety of styles, from simple raised panels to more intricate designs, allowing homeowners to choose the level of detail that best fits their decor. It can also be painted in a variety of colors, giving you flexibility in matching it to the room's overall color scheme. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, wainscoting comes with practical benefits by protecting the lower half of walls from scuffs and damage, especially in high-traffic areas.
Hanging Rugs: A Unique Way to Add Texture and Color
Using hanging rugs as wall coverings is a creative and unique way to introduce texture, color, and warmth into your space. This design choice is especially popular in bohemian or eclectic interiors, where textiles play a significant role in creating a cozy, layered look. Rugs can be hung as art pieces, adding a bold statement to the room without requiring permanent installation.
Rugs can also bring cultural or personal significance to a space, especially if they feature traditional patterns or designs that resonate with the homeowner’s heritage or taste. Be it a vibrant, handwoven rug or a more neutral, textured piece, hanging rugs can enhance the aesthetic of bedrooms, living rooms, or hallways.
Glass Panels: Modern and Reflective Elegance
For a sleek and contemporary look, glass panels are an excellent choice for wall coverings. Glass adds a reflective quality to any space, brightening up rooms and creating the illusion of a larger area. Whether you opt for lacquered glass, tinted glass, or mirrored panels, this material brings a modern touch to both residential and commercial interiors.
Glass panels work particularly well in small spaces, such as bathrooms or entryways, where their reflective nature can help to open up the room and make it feel more spacious. They can also be used in kitchens as backsplashes or accent walls, giving both style and easy maintenance. For homeowners who prefer a minimalist and polished look, glass panels bring a clean, sophisticated solution.
Cork: Eco-Friendly and Functional
Cork wall coverings are a sustainable and functional option that brings warmth and texture to interiors. As an eco-friendly material, cork is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without harming the tree, making it a renewable resource. Cork walls add an earthy, natural feel to a room and are also great for reducing noise, making them perfect for home offices, bedrooms, or playrooms.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, cork is also highly functional. It can be used as a bulletin board surface, allowing you to pin notes, photos, or artwork directly onto the wall. Its natural insulating properties help to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room while reducing sound transmission between spaces.
Metal Panels: Industrial and Sleek
For a bold, industrial-inspired look, metal panels are an eye-catching option for wall coverings. Available in materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and copper, metal panels create a sleek, modern aesthetic that works well in contemporary or loft-style interiors. Their reflective surface adds a sense of openness and light to the room, making them particularly effective in smaller spaces.
Metal panels are also durable and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for kitchens, bathrooms, or commercial spaces. Copper panels, for instance, develop a natural patina over time, adding character and a unique look to the walls. No matter it is used as an accent wall or for full-room coverage, metal panels offer a distinctive, edgy appeal that sets your space apart.
Plaster: Old-World Charm with Modern Appeal
Plaster wall coverings have been used for centuries to add texture and durability to walls. Today, plaster remains a popular choice for homeowners looking to create an old-world feel with a modern twist. Applied by hand, plaster creates a unique texture that adds depth and richness to any room. Its natural, slightly rough surface gives walls an artisanal, crafted appearance.
In modern homes, plaster can be used to create a polished, seamless look, often with a matte or slightly glossy finish. It works well in both contemporary and traditional settings, adding warmth and character to spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas. Plaster is also highly customizable, with the ability to be tinted or painted in a variety of colors.
Bringing Your Vision to Life with Expert Design
Klopp Interiors understands that the right wall coverings can completely transform a room, enhancing both its style and functionality. Whether you're looking for the natural elegance of grasscloth, the industrial appeal of metal, or the timeless charm of wood paneling, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. Each material brings its own character and ambiance to a space, and our goal is to make sure that your walls tell your unique story.
We take a personalized approach to interior design, working closely with you to understand your preferences, lifestyle, and the overall feel you want to create in your home. With our experience in residential design, we offer expert advice on which wall coverings will complement your existing decor while adding the texture, color, and atmosphere you envision. From selecting the materials to coordinating installation, we manage the entire process, guaranteeing a smooth and stress-free experience.
Our design philosophy is centered around creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and reflective of who you are. Let Klopp Interiors help you bring your vision to life with thoughtful, professional design solutions that turn your home into a true reflection of your style and personality.
