All options for wall decoration in an apartment: review of materials, the best photos of finishing, tips for decorating walls

Repairs are always troublesome and expensive. It is necessary that the efforts of the apartment owners are not in vain. Designers think through every smallest detail in the decoration, design, and furnishings of the apartment. Only in this case, home renovation will bring joy and satisfaction.

Before you start renovating, you need to think carefully about all the options: decide what style you like, what this or that style solution implies in the design, what furniture is suitable for each room and, of course, choose the right materials for finishing the walls, floors and ceilings. Don't have the courage to decide on something? Then you definitely need to contact the specialists of our channel and the online store Mebel169.ru, who will answer any of your questions and help you make your choice.

General recommendations for wall decoration

An incredible number of types of building materials, techniques and finishing methods greatly facilitate the entire renovation process. But you need to know a few general rules before you start remodeling.

Environmental friendliness of materials. An important aspect that must be paid attention to. This is especially true if there are allergies in the family. And in other cases it is better if the material does not emit any toxic substances or odors.
Fire resistance. The modern construction market offers many types of finishing materials tested for flammability, so there is plenty to choose from.
A special approach to each room separately. Ceramic tiles on a bedroom wall will be completely out of place, and paper wallpaper in the kitchen may be impractical.
Cost of materials. Here it is up to the owner to decide how much he is willing to spend. But remember that the most expensive is not always the best. It is quite possible to choose a high-quality budget option.
The ease of finishing work is of no small importance, especially if you are doing the repairs yourself.
Aesthetics. Everything must fit together, nothing can fall out of the overall design. Each type of finish suits its own style.

Decorative plaster

Like paints, there are a great variety of decorative plasters on sale now, in various price categories, from affordable to premium. Once upon a time, plaster was perceived exclusively as a facade material, and in rooms it carried a purely functional load - leveling walls. Now it is equally in demand both outside and indoors, which is greatly facilitated by their wide variety on the finishing materials market. This finishing coating is used primarily for decorating surfaces in common areas - living rooms, halls, halls, corridors. It can be found less often in bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms, but these are more a feature of perception than a limitation due to characteristics. Regardless of the specific type, any decorative plaster is a plastic mass applied to the wall using a spatula or a specialized tool (malka, trowel). After drying, the surface becomes monolithic and resistant to both abrasion and moisture. Without going into subspecies and brands, decorative products can be divided into several categories.

Textured (pebble) - the most “folk” variety of decorative plaster, the first to appear in Moscow and the region, and from there it gradually “spread” across the country - bark beetle. This is how they “christened” the plaster mixture based on a cement binder with the addition of natural stone granulate of a fraction of 1-5 mm. Bark beetle with a large fraction is used on facades, and with a fine fraction it is used as plaster for interior wall decoration. The material received this name because of the characteristic pattern - when applied to the wall, the pebble is rolled under the sand, and the first “pattern” was just longitudinal stripes, reminiscent of the cavities left by wood-boring beetles (bark beetles).

Later they began to “twist the bark beetle” both in a circle (sun) and in other directions, but the “nickname” stuck. On the facade, textured plasters are used as a finishing layer for insulation (SFTK), while in the interior they are applied directly to the rough plaster. Initially, this type of material was produced only on the basis of cement and with natural granules; now both acrylic and silicone mixtures with artificial filler are on sale. Applying stone decorative plaster requires certain skills, but if you wish, you can master the technology and decorate the walls yourself; there are plenty of videos on the Internet, including on the forum. The plastered surface is subsequently painted with acrylic or silicone paint. To get a two-color wall, you first need to go over it with a fluffy, well-moistened roller, and after drying, lightly roll it with a smooth, foam rubber one. There may be one color, but of different saturation, which will look unusual and emphasize the design.

Relief - if in pebble plasters the pattern is obtained due to the filler included in the composition, then relief plasters are a homogeneous mass. And the texture of the surface is imparted during application using a special technique, or with the help of specialized tools. In the first case, the mass is applied with a spatula or small spoon in deliberately uneven strokes, which are then smoothed. In the second, the process resembles applying starting putty in a thick, uniform layer, and the relief is created using rollers or impressions. In addition to specialized decorative plasters, the texture is also created using ordinary gypsum putties suitable for the thickness of the layer, which is much cheaper. After drying, the walls are painted, as when applying pebble plasters.

Smooth (thin-layer) - these include the legendary Venetian plaster, which is used to imitate marble cladding on the walls. The Venetian is demanding of the base; it must be not just smooth, but ideal, otherwise it will simply not be possible to finish the wall well. The plaster is applied with a stainless trowel, in several stages, using a special technique with careful smoothing of each layer, but these layers are of minimal thickness. The combination of application technique and composition, including natural marble flour and lime, gives the effect of depth and mirroriness of the walls. A well-applied Venetian can look almost like a mirror, and the surface is indistinguishable from stone. But the material itself is far from budget, and not everyone can afford the cost of a square, but to do it yourself you need to try very, very hard and it is not a fact that attention will be attracted by the beauty and not the wretchedness of the result. At the final stage, the walls are coated with special wax, which protects the surface from moisture and dirt, so that the plaster can be applied not only in residential and common areas, but also in damp ones. Another thin-layer moisture-resistant plaster that imitates a stone surface is Moroccan tadelakt, which can be used to decorate not only walls in bathrooms, showers and swimming pools, but even countertops and sinks.

Liquid wallpaper - they are not usually classified as decorative plasters, but the material is similar to wallpaper only with cellulose in its composition. In terms of technology of application and visual effect, this is precisely decorative interior plaster, applied to the prepared surface using a spatula or mortar. After hardening, the mass forms a monolithic, silky surface with slight relief on the walls. What distinguishes liquid wallpaper from decorative plaster is its lower strength, but much greater elasticity. Their use is most relevant on surfaces that can “play”, when covering walls with rough slabs for leveling. The coating hides imperfections of the base well and can be applied without prior putty. But to be on the safe side, the walls need to be coated with a specialized primer, tinted to match the color of the mass.

It is worth considering that structural plaster on the inside is less practical than textured plaster and it is almost impossible to clean it from dirt, but you can simply repaint it at any time.

Wall panels

There are also many varieties of wall panels. Each of them has its own advantages.

Panels made of PVC are quite cheap, but at the same time they are practical: easy to clean, resistant to moisture, easy to install. Perfect for the bathroom.
Chipboard panels (MDF ) will look good in the living room, hallway, and large hall. Their advantage is their diversity, i.e. variety of color shades.
3D panels are very original in their texture and aesthetics This is a tribute to modern technology. Glass, bamboo, reed, plastic, aluminum panels will create a unique interior that will impress everyone around with its unusualness.

Dye

Before the advent of paint, walls not only in villages, but also in cities were whitewashed with either lime or chalk, but in apartments it was customary to add dye and use stencils. A little later, with the advent of oil paint, “panels” up to half or 2/3 of the wall in kitchens and bathrooms became popular. Painting walls has long been a budget alternative to wallpaper when repairs need to be done but there is no money. Today, with the popularization of Scandinavian style, as well as minimalism, in private houses, walls are increasingly simply painted over fiberglass or putty. Using modern paints, you can get not only a glossy or matte smooth surface, but also a chameleon effect, relief, and also an imitation of natural materials - concrete, stone, fabric, wood. There is decorative finishing of interior walls with paint like marble, silk and velvet, and even suede.

But this is an exclusive, not available to the widest circle due to the high cost, while most often high-quality and opaque, but more affordable paints are used for walls.

Water-emulsion - water-based emulsion, which replaced oil and enamel, is still in use in the interior of apartments and houses. It attracts with its affordable price, lack of aggressive chemicals in its composition, quick drying and a wide range of colors. The painted surface is relatively resistant to abrasion, and if you use moisture-resistant paint, the walls can be wiped with a damp cloth. The walls in the bathroom can also be painted with moisture-resistant water-based emulsion, but in areas of direct contact with water it is better to use another material, as they still get very dirty and begin to peel off.
Acrylic - more advanced acrylic paints are water-dispersed, based on acrylic resins and, unlike water-based paints, form a protective permeable film on the surface. In terms of strength, it is comparable to the thinnest layer of plastic, making the walls resistant to UV radiation, abrasion, dirt, and moisture, including direct contact. And high elasticity allows the coating to maintain its integrity, even if the base is not static (shrinkage, seasonal fluctuations). The scope of application of this type is almost unlimited, including stone (brick), mineral, wooden, composite bases, and even metal, both new and already painted. An excellent indicator of the durability of acrylic paints is their use not only on walls and ceilings, but also on the floor. It is important that these paints have high hiding power and mask small defects in the walls, which water-based paints only emphasize. But you have to pay for such functionality, and with a large square footage there will be a serious expense item. However, if you don't want to repaint the walls every few years, it's better to immediately invest in a more practical finish.
Silicone is also an aqueous dispersion, but with silicone resins (organosilicon compounds) in the composition, with characteristics similar to acrylic paint. Silicone paints are universal, environmentally friendly, resistant to any impact and fading, but they are even more expensive than acrylic paints.
Silicate - although they are designed for all mineral surfaces and are characterized by increased stability, they are demanding on the quality of the base and any unevenness will only be emphasized. Plus, they can be used either on new or silicate bases and not on any others, which also does not add to their popularity.

Separately, it is worth highlighting the painting of wooden or natural wood-lined walls - you can also use silicone, but this is not its specificity. When you need coverage and a change in the original color, acrylic paint is perfect for wood, but if you want to preserve the naturalness and emphasize the natural beauty of the structure, it is better to use impregnation, glaze, natural oil or wax. Solvent-based paints or drying oils are now practically not used in interiors, both due to their chemical composition and due to their lack of expressiveness.

Wood paneling

Lovers of “wooden” interiors prefer “warm” natural wood to all other materials; fortunately, a characteristic look can be given to any walls. In most cases, lining is used for interior decoration - planed slats made of coniferous or hardwood with a tongue-and-groove system and several types of profiles. The slats are mounted on a wooden frame, both vertically and horizontally. Depending on the type of profile, type of chamfers and width of the planks, the following types of lining are distinguished:

eurolining;
softline;
calm;
American;
imitation timber;
imitation logs (block house).

Ceilings and walls are sheathed with lining, either entirely or in combinations, then covered with opaque paint or emphasizing the natural color and pattern. How the lining will tolerate temperature and humidity conditions, dirt and fading depends precisely on the type of protective and decorative coating.

The best wallpaper manufacturers

Before purchasing such material, study the list of manufacturer brands that are proven and the best in this field.

Here are the highlights:

Russian manufacturer Art.
Russian manufacturer Interio Nova.
American manufacturer Fresco.
American manufacturer Ronald Redding.
English manufacturer Sanderson.
German manufacturer Erfruit.
French manufacturer Elytis.
Belgian produce Chrome.
Japanese manufacturer Tomita.

Wallpaper with liquid composition

This finishing material “liquid wallpaper” has no resemblance to wallpaper. It is a mixture of plaster, which, when diluted with water, forms a liquid composition that can give any texture and relief to surfaces.

If the drawing did not work out the first time, the defects can be eliminated by easy dismantling and the application process can be repeated.

How to choose finishing material

Wall decoration is the final touch of renovation; how the walls look will determine the perception of the entire interior. Therefore, realizing the importance of this step, the owners approach the choice creatively and evaluate the characteristics of materials comprehensively. The decision is influenced by the following finishing features:

Price. Any finishing material is offered in a wide price range, and the share of the economy sector is always quite large. You can always compare several budget options and choose the most acceptable one. Here it is important to consider not only the price of the material: sometimes the cost of finishing and its installation are comparable.

Beige bedroom design Source aviarydecor.com

Compliance with room conditions. The finishing of the room must match the characteristics of the room for which it is purchased. Parameters such as moisture and wear resistance are assessed; Sometimes the ability to withstand regular cleaning is important. A material that is ideal for a bedroom may not be suitable for a kitchen, and vice versa.
Compatibility. Modern design ideas welcome the combination of different types of finishes. A popular solution for any interior is an accent wall. For it, more expressive material is usually purchased; For the remaining walls, choose a budget finish. The main thing in this decision will be the compatibility of colors and/or textures of the accent and other walls.

Balance of colors and textures Source mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net

Decorative effect. The finishing is always selected for a specific interior. Therefore, before purchasing, you need to decide not only the style of the room, but also other details. The finishing material must be combined with the furniture, floor and ceiling finishes. Textiles and accessories are easier to choose last.
Ease of installation. An important criterion for those who are planning to carry out repairs on their own. Each type of finishing requires its own approach, sometimes a special tool is required, which also affects the final cost.

Wood-look PVC panels Source design-homes.ru

Environmental friendliness. Mandatory characteristics of modern finishing materials. All of them have a complex chemical composition, so it is important that they comply with safety and quality standards. Conscientious manufacturers certify their products; this means that the finish is safe for health and will not cause an allergic reaction.

Photo wallpaper in the bedroom Source affresco.ru

Features of choice

From ancient frescoes to modern ways of decorating walls, the aesthetic has changed many times.

Walls as works of art

Now the main criteria are beauty and comfort. However, the simplicity of the formulation implies very painstaking work.

Painstaking work when decorating walls

There are many techniques and trends in modern wall design. The forms and work with materials have become more complex, and we have become more demanding. If earlier, when we started a renovation, we invited a plasterer, now we invite designers and artists. Although there are methods that allow you to give free rein to your imagination. But first things first.

Unleash your imagination

Wall design begins with preparation. I don’t recommend saving here, because it depends on what you end up with and how long it will all last. There are three golden rules for preparing walls for further work:

1Align.

2Prime.

3Putty.

Level, putty, prime

If you follow them and entrust the work to a master, you are guaranteed an excellent result.

Photo wallpaper

Another way to create a “modern” style for the walls in an apartment is photo wallpaper. This unique style of decoration, due to its brightness, will transform the room and visually increase the space.

An unusual and expensive finishing method. Creative people will be able to realize fantasies and ideas in this way. With the help of decorative plaster, relief is achieved on walls of varying depths. With the help of cutters, reliefs are trimmed and given various shapes.

The beauty of the walls in the apartment is created using a plaster mixture consisting of sand, cement, lime with the addition of fillers. You can find plaster mixtures in the store in separate or ready-made form. In the first case, you will need to knead all the ingredients in a bucket.

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Plaster can be mosaic or textured. With the help of such technologies, various stylish panels are created. A special tool is used to work with decorative plaster.

Video description

About decorative plaster for pennies in the following video:

Wall panels

Covering with various materials is a popular way of finishing walls; modern decor ideas are based on the use of wood or plastic. Wooden panels are beautiful in appearance, environmentally friendly and durable. Wood finishing is considered multifunctional, since, in addition to aesthetic qualities, it has a sound and heat insulating effect.

Made from solid wood Source prom.st

Both traditional wood and more original materials are used for wall cladding: retro barn boards or wooden mosaics. The disadvantage of wooden panels is their significant weight and high cost.

If wood finishing does not fit within the construction budget, an alternative would be to finish the walls with OSB boards or plywood. The main thing here is to think through the interior details so that the result is stylish and creative, and does not resemble a rough finish. This finishing coating is usually used to decorate the walls of loft-style interiors.

Plywood in the living room interior Source roomester.ru

Plastic panels (PVC) will be a cheap and practical alternative to wooden material. Plastic panels are available in a wide range of colors and textures. They differ from each other in quality and, accordingly, in cost. There are three types: lining, sheet material and tile-type PVC panels.

Products made of polyvinyl chloride can be smooth or embossed, and the design of the panels can be chosen to suit any interior style. For wall cladding, imitation wood, tiles, bricks, and mosaics are often chosen. PVC panels are universal: they can be installed in any room, from the bathroom to the balcony.

Accent wall with natural stone Source blog.postel-deluxe.ru

Briefly about the main thing

The variety of methods and methods for wall cladding is infinitely diverse, but not all of them suit the owners in terms of costs. Each type of finishing has the most budget option. You can decorate your walls stylishly and inexpensively using wallpaper, plaster and paint. There are inexpensive varieties among tile varieties.

Wooden panels can seriously undermine the family budget, but they can easily be replaced by PVC panels that reliably imitate the shade and texture of wood. In order for a budget material to meet expectations, it is important to select it taking into account the operational properties and characteristics of the room for which it is intended.