The best way to decorate the walls in an apartment. How to decorate the walls in a room: types of materials. Soft walls made of eco-leather

Wall decoration in an apartment, options for which must be selected for each room individually, should take into account their functional purpose. When making a choice in favor of one material or another, you must pay attention not only to the appearance, but also to other important characteristics. In addition, you want to make the interior of each room special, different from the others, but you should remember that their design should resonate with each other and create overall harmony throughout the entire apartment.

Today the market is literally “flooded” with building materials, and it is quite difficult to settle on just one. Therefore, it is worth figuring out which one is better to choose for a particular room.

Criteria for choosing wall finishes

So, when creating a room decoration project and choosing wall decoration, you need to consider the following factors:

  • Environmental safety of the material. It should not release toxic substances into the environment during its operation.
  • The finishing should not become an allergen for people living in the apartment, especially in cases where some of them have a predisposition to such reactions.
  • Technology of installation (application) of finishing material. This is especially important to consider when repair costs are limited, since the work of the craftsmen may cost even more than the cost of the material itself. Therefore, in such circumstances, it is advisable to choose a finish that you can handle yourself.
  • One of the most important criteria are the technical and operational characteristics of the cladding, such as hygroscopicity, abrasion, resistance to temperature changes, available methods of caring for the finish, and others. Each room requires a special approach:

— For example, when choosing cladding for the walls of a bathroom, toilet or combined bathroom, as well as a kitchen, you should pay attention to its resistance to moisture, the appearance of mold colonies, and the possibility of regular wet cleaning.

— For an adult bedroom and a children’s room, you need to choose environmentally friendly, breathable wall coverings that do not attract dust.

— The walls of the hallway, corridor and living room require finishing with a more durable, wear-resistant material, since they are passageways or most often visited rooms.

  • And, of course, the aesthetic side of the issue. It is recommended to think through the design of the rooms in such a way that they complement each other and are united by one interior style.

It is also important color scheme. For example, for a bedroom it is better to choose calm pastel colors, and for rooms where there is no natural light, light-colored finishes.

Despite the large assortment of finishing materials on the construction markets, the most popular finishes remain such as traditional wallpaper, plaster and paint, wooden lining and ceramic tiles. Among the claddings that have come into fashion relatively recently are laminated or plastic lining, as well as artificial stone.

Wallpaper - traditional decoration of apartment walls

Wallpaper can be called the most used option for wall decoration, as it is suitable for almost all rooms and has an affordable price. Therefore, we can safely say that in 85÷90% of cases the walls modern apartments covered with them.

The advantages of this material over other finishes include the following:

  • A large assortment of wallpaper types allows you to choose them for any room, according to aesthetic design, material of manufacture, and also cost. For example, paper or liquid wallpaper is the most affordable option. Other types, such as vinyl, non-woven, textile, as well as canvases made from natural materials, are more expensive finishes. True, in some cases, despite the high price, wallpaper can have not only positive, but also negative qualities.
  • The ease of gluing canvases to walls allows you to do the work yourself and save quite a decent amount.

Wallpaper classification

Wallpapers are classified by different qualities, which will determine which option to choose for specific room. Such criteria include moisture resistance, surface and pattern structure, as well as material density.

According to performance

Resistant to moisture and regular cleaning

Based on this quality, wallpaper is divided into ordinary, moisture-resistant, moisture-resistant and waterproof (washable).

  • Regular wallpaper. These include paper options that do not tolerate moisture and begin to warp when it increases in the room. You can remove dust from them only with a vacuum cleaner. They are glued only in dry rooms, where any strong fumes are unlikely.
  • Moisture-resistant wallpaper. This can be paper wallpaper with a moisture-resistant coating. They can be wiped with a soft damp cloth, but they cannot be washed. This material is also not used for finishing kitchens or bathrooms, since it will not withstand high humidity and numerous cleanings.
  • Washable wallpaper They tolerate wet cleaning with a sponge and detergents well, so they can be used to decorate a kitchen or toilet. It is not recommended to use them in the bathroom.
  • Waterproof wallpaper When properly glued to the wall, they can withstand increased moisture and wet cleaning, since they have a coating that does not allow water to pass through to the base on which it is applied.
Surface texture and wallpaper colors

Wallpapers differ in the texture of the top layer. They can be smooth, with a pattern applied to the surface, with deep or shallow relief obtained as a result of embossing the coating of the canvas.

Wallpaper is produced in a single-color version, with a chaotic pattern that does not require adjustment of the sheets, as well as with a clear ornament located at a certain step (rapport). When purchasing the latter, you need to know that the design of adjacent paintings will have to be adjusted, so they must be purchased with a reserve.

Table of wallpaper types according to different criteria:

Wallpaper typeSurface structureNumber of layersStrengthMoisture resistance
Paper Smooth and embossedSingle-layer and double-layerFragileNon-moisture resistant
Vinyl EmbossedDouble layerDurableWaterproof (washable)
Non-woven Smooth or embossedDouble layerDurableMoisture resistant (washable)
Textile Relief, embossedMultilayerDurableNon-moisture resistant
Metal EmbossedMultilayerDurableMoisture resistant

Prices for non-woven wallpaper

non-woven wallpaper

Material Density

Based on this quality, wallpapers are divided into light and heavy. Lightweight ones include paper and non-woven options, heavy ones include vinyl, fabric, as well as canvases made from natural materials. Those that have a density of 110 g/m² or more are considered heavy, and they are quite difficult to work with, especially in cases where there are irregularities on the wall surface. Thin paper wallpapers are no less difficult to glue, as they quickly get wet and can tear when smoothing them on the wall. Therefore, the most the best option For a craftsman without experience, choose wallpaper of medium thickness.

Durability of wallpaper

Depending on the type of wallpaper, they can last from 4 to 10 years, but subject to certain conditions:

  • The correct technology for gluing canvases to the wall, for which the surface should be well prepared, leveled and thoroughly primed.

  • When purchasing wallpaper, you should pay attention to the pictograms located on the packaging, which will indicate how this type of material is correctly glued and what characteristics it has.

  • After pasting the wallpaper, it must be dried properly. This process is carried out with behind closed doors and windows, without drafts, the room temperature should be approximately +25 degrees. Do not use heaters or fans to speed up drying, as the work may be ruined and will have to be done from the very beginning. Properly dried trim will last a long time without repair.
  • It is very important to choose the right one adhesive composition For certain type wallpaper is also one of the factors ensuring reliability and long service life wall cladding.

Now that general information information about this material is received, it is worth considering each type of wallpaper in more detail.

According to the material of manufacture

Paper wallpaper

Although manufacturers have developed and produced completely new types of wallpaper, paper ones still remain in demand. This is apparently explained by the fact that it is an environmentally friendly, “breathable” material and is excellent for finishing residential premises with a normal level of humidity. Modern options paper wallpapers are quite varied in color scheme and ornamental design, so some high-quality samples cannot be distinguished from more expensive material. The service life of this type of finish is from 4 to 10 years, depending on the production technology and their sticking on the wall. Imported wallpapers are considered more durable - they are less sensitive to ultraviolet rays, so they retain their original appearance longer.


The main disadvantages of this type of finish include low strength, a rather complicated process of sticking to the wall, and the impossibility of using wet cleaning on them. Therefore, they are not recommended for use in hallways and corridors, as well as on the lower part of the walls in children's rooms, since they will not last long in these areas of the apartment.

It should be noted that paper version the canvas may consist of one or two layers. Some wallpapers are designed for painting and can withstand up to 15 layers of paint, while others are impregnated with a moisture-repellent composition. True, wallpaper with similar qualities has a higher price.

On this photo paper wallpapers are presented in light, delicate colors, which can be used to decorate the walls of a bedroom, nursery or even a living room, if they suit the chosen interior style. Here you can clearly see that wallpaper of similar colors can add light to a room, making it visually larger, as well as giving it neatness. Such finishing will have a positive effect on the mood of the apartment residents, creating a favorable microclimate.

Another option for using paper wallpaper with a deeper color is perfect for decorating the walls of a room in the “English” style. This material is more restrained in shades and has become a good background for pieces of furniture with light upholstery, and also harmonizes well with the color natural wood. Such wallpapers give the room coziness, but at the same time, they seem to compress the space, so it is better to use them in rooms whose windows face the south, which is why there is too much sunlight.

Non-woven wallpaper

Non-woven fabric is made from cellulose, which makes up 70% of the total volume of the material, and the remaining 30% is occupied by binders. This material is highly durable and wear-resistant, and is also breathable.


Non-woven wallpaper can be divided into three types:

- those that are made entirely of non-woven fabric;

- non-woven fabrics;

- a top layer of non-woven fabric, which is applied to a paper base.

The first type consists of several layers, and all of them, except the outer one, are even and smooth. The top coating is most often embossed and plain. As a rule, it is designed for repeated staining.

The second version of wallpaper is non-woven based and may have an outer layer of paper, textile or vinyl.

The third type of canvas is covered with a foamed or regular layer of non-woven fabric. Such wallpapers are decorated with embossed reliefs, they look aesthetically pleasing on the wall, can be cleaned with wet water and have a long service life.

Pure non-woven wallpaper or made in combination with paper can be called an environmentally friendly, “breathable” finishing material, so it can be used for any room.

In addition, non-woven wallpaper can hide small defects formed on the wall, and due to its elasticity, the material will not tear at corners, as well as when cracks on surfaces expand.


Non-woven fabrics are perfect for decorating a kitchen, so quite often they have designs of kitchen utensils, picturesque vegetables, fruits or plants. In the interior shown in the photo, wallpaper with images of decorative plates, which were previously used as decoration for walls and kitchen shelves, was used. The wallpaper goes well with the selected color and style of curtains, as well as with the furniture installed in the kitchen dining area.

In this case, wallpaper is used to decorate the walls of an office or living room. If you look closely at this interior, you can see that every detail is important in the design of the room, and together they create the intended style. Furniture items, window frames, indoor plant - everything is in perfect harmony with the color scheme, as well as the ornamental pattern of the selected wallpaper. Calm shades of all elements of the composition contribute to a balanced mood and create a favorable atmosphere for both relaxation and work.

Vinyl wallpaper

Vinyl wallpapers, which relatively recently appeared on the construction market, are very popular. The canvases consist of two layers - the bottom (paper, non-woven or textile) and the top, consisting of polyvinyl chloride, embossed with a specific pattern with the corresponding color design.


Most of all, users liked one of the types of these wallpapers, called “silk-screen printing,” since the top layer imitates silk threads, not only with its structure, but also with its characteristic shine.

Vinyl wallpaper has amazing decorative properties, resistance to ultraviolet rays, mechanical stress and pronounced moisture resistance.

The disadvantages of the finishing material include the difficulty of gluing it. You can also note the peculiar smell that comes from the canvases during their installation and at the beginning of use, but some time later it completely disappears. Be that as it may, vinyl wallpaper cannot be called environmentally friendly; in addition, they do not allow air to pass through well, so they should be glued in rooms with high humidity not recommended, otherwise mold may form underneath them. They are well suited for decorating living rooms, hallways and corridors, where surfaces must have durable protection.


Silk-screen printing is suitable for decorating halls in a palace style. If the canvases are properly glued to the walls, it will be difficult to distinguish them from natural silk. It is this effect that creates the rich decoration of surfaces, and all that remains is to select furniture made in the same style, as well as the necessary accessories - and the room will take on an unrecognizable appearance, striking in its splendor and gloss.


There are several other styles that this type of wallpaper will fit well into. These include such as “Provence” or “country”, since flower drawings, used in the design of canvases - this is exactly what is typical for these design trends. If desired, you can choose wallpaper made in calm or, conversely, light colors. bright colors- this factor will depend on what mood you plan to create in the room.

Textile wallpaper

Textile fabrics consist of two layers - a base consisting of paper or non-woven fabric, and an outer layer of interwoven fibers or finished natural fabric - this can be cotton, linen and silk, as well as a mixture of different materials.


Textile wallpaper has a number of advantages over other finishes, but it also has its disadvantages. Their positive qualities include the ability to absorb extraneous noise and retain heat inside the room. The fibers are treated with special compounds that make them inert to ultraviolet rays. Since natural raw materials are used for the production of linens, the finishing is an environmentally friendly material, and linen also has bactericidal properties.

Velor wallpapers have a velvet surface, which creates a special chic in the room, as their color looks deeper and more saturated.

This finishing is also made from synthetic threads, which are fixed to foam rubber - this material is used in those rooms where it is necessary to create good sound insulation. But it is still not recommended for use in residential premises.

The manufacturing process of textile wallpaper is quite complicated, which is why, and also because of the use of natural raw materials, they have a fairly high price.

This type of finishing cannot be called popular both because of its high cost and because of its ability to accumulate dust, which is detrimental to people who are predisposed to allergic reactions.


Do not use textile lining in the kitchen, as traces of fumes and odors from this room will inevitably remain on it. It is not suitable for a bedroom or children's room - there is no need for extra dust here. Wallpaper can be used in the living room if you want to create a rich, exclusive interior with deep shades.

Which wallpaper is best for the bedroom?

For this room, the finishing should be selected taking into account its specific features - it should be conducive to good rest and be completely harmless. The nuances are in a special publication on our portal

In addition to these most popular types of wallpaper, I would like to mention others, which in some cases are irreplaceable.

Photo wallpaper


Photo wallpaper can be made from any of the materials mentioned above and are used quite often to create a certain accent in the room. This type of decoration can visually expand the space of a room, since almost all images printed on them have a 3D effect. This could be a city landscape, a natural area, or floral romantic motifs. Each of the options can transform the interior and set the desired style direction.

Liquid wallpaper


“Liquid wallpaper” is suitable for those who like to be creative and also want to save money on work that can be done by anyone, even an inexperienced craftsman. It is impossible to spoil this material, since if it was not possible to reproduce the intended design the first time, the process of applying the mass to the surface can be easily repeated by removing the applied layer of the composition from the wall and adding a little water to it.

Linkrust

Linkrust is wallpaper on a paper base, onto which a relief of vinyl chloride or lonoxin mastic mixed with wood flour or other filler is applied. This finish has the appearance of stucco and can disguise shallow flaws on the surface of the wall. Thanks to outer covering, the finish is easy to care for by wiping it with a damp cloth.

Jute wallpaper

Jute wallpaper is made on a paper or fabric basis - this natural material, which can significantly improve the microclimate in the apartment. This finish is perfect for the bedroom, nursery and living room; it is durable and strong, as well as quite aesthetically pleasing, but it is not suitable for all styles. Therefore, if you decide to use a similar material to decorate the walls, then you should carefully think through the rest of the room’s design and select appropriate pieces of furniture for it. Wallpaper is made from natural raw materials, so their price is quite high.

Glass wallpaper

Fiberglass wallpaper is made from natural, environmentally friendly raw materials such as lime, quartz sand, dolomite and soda. Fiberglass sheets are not a favorable environment for the formation of mold and other microorganisms; they are vapor permeable and do not cause allergic reactions, and in addition, the material has dielectric properties. Thanks to all these qualities, this wallpaper can be used to decorate any room, including rooms with high humidity. Very often this type of wallpaper is designed for further painting.

Cork wallpaper

Cork is a unique finish that can insulate and soundproof a room, as well as create a favorable microclimate for apartment residents, as it is an environmentally friendly material with antibacterial properties. Cork wallpaper is resistant to mechanical stress. They have soft ocher shades, which “rest the eye”, so covering walls with them will be ideal option for the bedroom and children's room, as well as the hallway or living room. The price of cork finishing is quite high, but its durability and unique properties fully justify it.

How to glue wallpaper correctly?

If you choose this style of wall decoration, then you need to decide on the amount of wallpaper to paste. For this purpose, there is a special one on our portal. Well, the nuances practical work with such finishing are covered in the publication.

Original finishing – decorative plaster

If the decoration of the walls of the apartment is planned to be exclusive, then decorative plaster, which can take a wide variety of forms, is suitable for this purpose. The work of applying this finish to the surface is a creative process and requires the master to have the skills of not only a plasterer, but also an artist.


Plaster is literally translated from Italian as “alabaster” or “gypsum”, since it is from these materials that it is most convenient to create reliefs of different depths. In addition, when hardening, these materials can be corrected with cutters. Today, to reproduce three-dimensional drawings on the wall, different solutions are used, mainly the same ones that are used for ordinary leveling of surfaces. The mixtures are made from cement, lime and sand, sometimes fillers are added to them in the form of granules of different fractions - their role is played by stone chips, quartz sand or fibers of various origins (cellulose, fiberglass, etc.)

Plaster compositions are sold ready-made or made independently; they may already be mixed and packaged in plastic buckets or they need to be sealed before starting work. Each master chooses for himself the option with which he is comfortable working.

Decorative plaster - types

Plaster mixtures are used to level walls, which is a traditional way to prepare surfaces for painting or wallpapering. In addition, there are types that are designed to create a decorative finishing coating on surfaces.


Plaster compositions are finely dispersed powder or ready-made mass, completely homogeneous or interspersed. Plaster is divided among itself according to two criteria - according to the base on which it is made, and according to its relief.

Based on the binder, mixtures can be of the following types:

  • Mineral a composition for which the binder is cement or gypsum. This type of finishing is produced in a dry mixture, mixed before work. Cement based mineral finish suitable for bathroom or even facade works, since it withstands exposure to ultraviolet rays, high humidity and is environmentally friendly clean material. Gypsum is usually intended for interior work, for rooms with normal humidity levels.
  • Acrylic The plaster mixture is made on the basis of acrylic resin, which provides it with elasticity, so it is comfortable to work with. The plaster is sold packaged in plastic buckets; it does not need to be mixed or thinned.

This material has low vapor permeability and resistance to ultraviolet radiation, so the composition is limited in use - it is undesirable to decorate rooms with high humidity, as well as the facade of the building.

  • Silicone the mixture is made on the basis of synthetic resins and can be used for both internal and external finishing works. The material is highly resistant to ultraviolet radiation, has moisture-repellent properties and does not attract dust.

This mixture is sold ready-made in plastic buckets.

  • Silicate plaster It is produced on the basis of liquid glass and therefore has high strength, resistance to external influences and mold. The material can be used in rooms with any humidity conditions, and is one of the most reliable and durable coatings, with a service life of 50 years or more.

Plaster can also be divided according to external aesthetics, or rather, according to the depth of the relief, which can protrude above the wall surface from two to 10 or more millimeters.

Prices for decorative plaster

decorative plaster


  • Relief textured plaster applied to the wall in different ways, depending on the desired result. A three-dimensional pattern can differ significantly, be evenly distributed over the entire surface, stand out as single fragments or consist of several elements, and also represent entire paintings with different themes.

The most common uniform textured patterns are such as “fur coat”, “lamb” and “bark beetle”, which are used for interior and external cladding walls

Such types of mixtures uniformly distributed over the wall, such as roller mixtures, which contain fillers of mineral origin of different fractions of 1÷2.5 mm, look quite aesthetically pleasing on the wall. With the help of these granules, the desired relief pattern appears on the surface.


  • Venetian plaster. This type of finishing consists of several layers, and upon completion of the work it does not have a pronounced relief, since it has an almost uniform texture. Visually, a wall finished using this technique resembles a surface lined with marble. The work of applying cladding requires special skills, since the process consists of several labor-intensive steps, each of which is important for reproducing the desired pattern. This plaster is used in interiors decorated in classical, antique or baroque styles.

Depending on the purpose, the wall surface can be made glossy or matte. A coloring pigment of the desired shade is added to the composition, which emphasizes the relief of thin, numerous layers, imitating the cut surface of a stone.

In addition to the visual effect of “stone finishing,” with proper selection of the right shades, Venetian plaster can look like cladding with precious metals. Most often, this option is used as a background for voluminous thematic panels.

There are several more techniques related to the “Venetian”:


— The “wet silk” technique is somewhat reminiscent of the “Venetian” technique in appearance, but has an absolutely smooth surface, and the relief is imitated by strokes and differences in color shades.


- Another option for plaster finishing, which will become a real decoration of the walls of the room - “sea breeze”.

Any of the mentioned wall designs will last much longer than wallpaper, although it will have a look reminiscent of vinyl “silk-screen printing”.

Decorative plaster has a lot of advantages, which include the following:

  • The ability to use this finish in rooms with different conditions. The main thing is to choose the right type of plaster composition.
  • The solution can be applied to any material – to a cleaned and prepared surface.
  • Plaster can mask wall defects.
  • It is possible to create a variety of relief designs - it all depends on the imagination of the customers and the level of skill of the artist.
  • Resistance to mechanical stress.
  • Environmental safety, durability and practicality of the coating.

This decor option is good to use in small room, which I would like to visually expand. By using the effect of the horizon visible through the simulated open door of the balcony, it is possible not only to give the wall an exotic design, but also to create the impression of increasing space.


The decoration made using the technique looks rich on the walls Venetian plaster or "wet silk". Many apartment owners try to find wallpaper with a similar texture, but do not forget that the canvases pasted on the walls have joints that will inevitably negatively affect the overall picture. In addition, even the highest quality wallpaper will last much less time than expertly applied plaster. The right color scheme for walls and furniture accessories can transform a room ordinary apartment to the “apartments of a castle or palace.”

Decorative plaster – can you do it yourself?

It is possible, but, of course, if the owners have an “artistic streak.” If you want to use your creative abilities and independently decorate the walls of your apartment using one of the techniques, then you should read the corresponding article on our portal.

Decorative stone

Decorating walls with decorative stone is quite an expensive pleasure, both in terms of the price of the material itself and the work involved in covering the surfaces. This factor can be called the only drawback of such a finish, since its high performance characteristics allow it to be used in any room of the apartment.


You probably shouldn’t use this material in small rooms, as the stone can visually narrow and “heavien” the room. If you still plan to decorate the walls of a small apartment with stone, then it is best to perform “torn” masonry in combination with a plastered wall.


For finishing, natural or artificial stone is used, which, if desired, can be made at home using gypsum or cement mortar.

There is no need to buy artificial stone!

Read the instructions and prepare necessary materials, tools and accessories, even if you make a couple of unsuccessful first attempts - and it will work! How the process is carried out, which allows you to significantly save money, is described in detail in a special publication on our portal.

Natural stone has a very high price, which is explained by the complexity of its processing. More accessible artificial variant finishing material. Moreover, if the mortar from which it is made is colored in bulk, then the “stone” is not afraid of abrasion, and when laid on the wall it is practically indistinguishable from natural cladding.


Artificial stone has a more diverse range of colors than real natural material, which expands the possibilities for decorating rooms. In construction markets you can find artificial stone that imitates rocks, limestone, round sea boulders, bricks of different colors and others.


Faux finish easier to paint than natural stone, so if you want to change the “mood” of the interior, you can simply take paint to water based and change the color of the masonry.

Stone decorative cladding walls has its advantages, which also need to be evaluated:

  • The finish is highly resistant to temperature changes.
  • Both natural and artificial stone are non-flammable, so they are almost always used to cladding fireplaces or to imitate them.
  • The material is abrasion-resistant, so it is well suited for decorating walls in hallways and hallways.

  • Due to the environmental friendliness of this finish, it is also used for cladding the walls of bedrooms and living rooms.

Having decided to cover the walls of an apartment with any type of stone, you need to remember that you should not overuse it, otherwise the interior will be “heavier” and the room will turn into a “cave,” which can be unfavorable for the human psyche. Therefore, when using this material, it is necessary to observe moderation, and it would be better to combine it with one of the types of plaster.

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are used for finishing rooms with high humidity and high levels of human traffic. In an apartment, such rooms include a kitchen, a bathroom, an entrance hall and a corridor.


It must be said that it is rare to find a hallway whose walls are lined with ceramic tiles, although they will come in handy there, especially in cases where pets live in the apartment - a dog or a cat.


Today, the construction market offers many varieties of ceramic tiles intended for wall decoration - these are glazed, unglazed, clinker and porcelain tiles.


  • Glazed tiles- the most popular finishing option for walls, as it has a smooth glossy surface on which dust practically does not accumulate, which greatly simplifies its cleaning. This coating is available in tiles made using the double-firing method, which include cottoforte, majolica and faience, as well as single-firing materials - monocottura and monoporosa.

  • Unglazed tiles has a matte surface and most often - deep red, brown, pastel purple or terracotta shades without additional patterns. However, some options are particularly luxurious due to the ornaments applied to them, which have a coating that usually imitates precious metals - gold or silver.

The most popular unglazed tile claddings are such style collections as cotto, gress porcellanato, red gress and others.

  • Clinker tiles It is used for both interior and exterior decoration, since due to the high temperatures during its production, it has excellent strength and resistance to any external influences.

In the apartments this facing material can be used to decorate the walls of balconies, loggias, hallways, as well as areas around real or imitation fireplaces. Clinker tiles can be unglazed or have glossy finish, but for walls the second finishing option is most often used.


  • Porcelain tiles It is made from components such as quartz, spar and coloring pigments, for which clay is a binder. The material is processed in special ovens at very high temperatures and under high pressure. The result is a non-porous monolith with high density and beautiful drawing. The surface of porcelain stoneware can be polished, matte, smooth or embossed.

All types of ceramic tiles have different coefficients of moisture absorption, and are divided into groups according to it. So, the first of them includes products that absorb up to 3%, the second - up to 6%, and the third - up to 10% of moisture in 24 hours. Therefore, when purchasing finishing for a specific room, you need to pay special attention to this characteristic - information about it is indicated on the packaging of the material.

For example, if you are planning to renovate a bathroom or a combined bathroom, you will need tiles that have the first moisture absorption group, and any of the groups will be suitable for the hallway.


According to the design, ceramic tiles can be plain or have a certain pattern on the surface. In addition, flexible mosaic products or those made in the form of decorative panels are produced.

Prices for alkyd paint

alkyd paint


Set ceramic finishing, assembled into a single composition, will become a real decoration of any room. Moreover, the color or ornamental solutions of this design option are very diverse, so you can choose it to suit any chosen interior style.

Ceramic tiles are one of the most popular finishing materials

If the reader chooses this finishing option, then we can help in some way. Special, and detailed instructions for cladding are in a special article on the portal

Painting walls

Today it is not so often possible to find painted walls in apartments, since it appeared large number new materials that do not require such labor-intensive surface preparation as is necessary for painting. But still, some designers prefer this type of finishing, because it provides great opportunities for creativity.


Any paint will look good if the wall is perfectly leveled and smooth. To do this, you need to do a lot of work on puttying or covering the surface with plasterboard.

Construction stores offer colorful compositions made on different bases - oil, enamel, silicate and water-soluble.

Water based paints

Most often used for wall decoration in residential premises. aqueous solutions, which may already have the desired color or require the addition of pigment to form the selected shade.


White paint purchased if you plan to use several colors for coloring. Then it’s easier to buy several colors for one package of coloring solution that will be useful for painting.

Water-based paints may have different binders, but their unifying qualities are the environmental purity of the solution, quick drying and almost complete absence of odor.

  • Water-based paints can be called the most popular of all in this series because of their affordable price. They are made using polyvinyl acetate (PVA glue). The solution has good hiding power and adhesion to primed walls, so it is enough to apply two layers to obtain an evenly painted surface. This paint can be easily tinted to achieve the desired shade.

Water-based paints have an affordable price, and this has also become important factor their popularity.

However, you should also know the disadvantages so that they do not come as a surprise during operation:

— Instability to mechanical stress, so they are best used for painting the upper part of the wall;

— Paint will not hide the imperfections of the wall, so the surfaces should be well leveled before painting;

— Paint does not like moisture, which means that it cannot be used in “wet” rooms and should not be frequently subjected to wet cleaning.

  • Water-dispersible silicone the compositions have higher strength characteristics, so they are not damaged by moisture, do not lose their original color and are able to mask cracks on the wall surface up to 1.5÷2 mm wide. After applying paint to the wall, it forms a smooth, vapor-permeable film on which dust does not accumulate. This composition can be used for painting walls in rooms with high humidity, such as the bathroom and kitchen.

The main disadvantage of silicone paint is its high price, but the service life of this finish is much longer than other coatings.

  • Acrylic water-dispersible The paints also have good characteristics. They are easily applied to prepared surfaces and are able to mask cracks with a width of 0.5 to 1 mm, are UV resistant, vapor permeable and moisture resistant. Surfaces painted with these compounds are difficult to damage, and they are also amenable to wet cleaning with detergents. Disadvantages include lower coverage compared to silicone solutions.

The paint has an affordable price, so decorating the walls with it will not cost too much.


  • Decorative textured paints make it possible to make the surface textured. They are made using acrylic water dispersion with the addition of coloring pigments, as well as fillers of different fractions. The latter will determine what kind of pattern you get on the wall. Mineral additives and quartz sand are used as fillers.

A distinctive feature of these paints is their thick consistency, so they can be applied with a spatula, roller or brush. The textured pattern on the wall will also depend on the tool used to apply the composition to the wall. For better adhesion of the paint to the surface material, the latter must be well treated with a primer and then dried.

Compositions are produced with additives that imitate the texture of suede or fabric on the wall, as well as mother-of-pearl stains. In order for the work to be successful, before starting it, you should carefully study the instructions for use included in the package.

Alkyd paints


Alkyd paints are made on the basis of alkyd resins and are similar in consistency to oil paints, but differ somewhat in their characteristics. This type of composition is resistant to moisture, elevated temperatures and ultraviolet radiation. Alkyd-based paint can be semi-matte, matte or glossy, so before purchasing it you need to decide what effect you want to achieve as a result. This type of composition has an affordable price, but it has a number of serious disadvantages:

— Low vapor permeability, that is, they cannot be called “breathable.”

— Paints are used mainly for metal and wooden surfaces - thanks to their components, they protect these materials from external influences.

— Alkyd paints are diluted with turpentine, gasoline or white spirit, which have a specific odor, so painting should be done in a ventilated area.

— The painted surface loses its color brightness over time, but not due to fading, but due to the property of the paint to acquire a yellowish tint.

Judging by the presented characteristics, we can conclude that these paints are not suitable for residential walls. They are more often used to tidy up pipes and heating radiators, but for this purpose it is necessary to purchase heat-resistant alkyd compounds.

Silicate paints


Silicate paints are produced on the basis of “liquid glass”, so they have high technical specifications, which allow their use in rooms with high humidity. Silicate solutions have excellent vapor permeability, strength and resistance to any mechanical stress, so walls painted with them can be cleaned using detergents. In addition, the paints successfully resist the formation of mold and mildew, and thanks to all the above-mentioned qualities, they are perfect for the kitchen and bathroom.

It is also necessary to identify the “cons” of these compounds in order to avoid unpleasant consequences when using them:

— During the painting process, paints emit fumes harmful to human health, so work must be carried out in a ventilated room, that is, in open doors and windows, and the respiratory tract must be protected with a respirator. After drying, the paint is absolutely harmless.

— Silicate paints have poor adhesion to surfaces previously painted with paints on other bases. In addition, the silicate layer will not be covered with a composition on a different basis in the future. Therefore, in both cases the surface will have to be deep cleaned before painting.

— Tinting can only be done with mineral pigments, and their color range is not too wide.

Oil paint


Oil paints are made on the basis of natural and artificial drying oil. They are considered the most durable, since after drying the layer acquires excellent strength characteristics. Thickly grated formulations are produced and ready for use. Grated paints are a kind of concentrate that is diluted to the desired consistency before being applied to the wall. Oil compositions can be made on hemp, linseed or sunflower drying oil - the latter provides the paint with faster drying compared to other bases. However, any of them takes much longer to dry than other types of coloring compounds.

With the advent of modern paints, the oil version is practically not used for wall decoration - it is more often used for exterior economic works, or for coating pipes and radiators, as it is quite durable and heat resistant.

Enamel paint


Enamel paints are produced on the basis of varnishes. They can be polyurethane, alkyd, perchlorovinyl, melamine, nitro enamels and others. Such compositions are distinguished by their quick drying and the formation of a fairly durable and smooth layer on the wall, so they are suitable for the walls of different rooms.

When painted, enamel emits a characteristic unpleasant odor, so the room where the work is carried out must be well ventilated. Perhaps this was the main reason why such paints are rarely used for interior wall decoration.

So, paint is still among the “top” finishing materials for walls in an apartment. Water-based silicone and acrylic paints are well suited for painting the walls of corridors, hallways and kitchens. Surfaces painted with them can be washed, as they are quite resistant to abrasion and moisture. You should not use compounds that create relief on the surfaces in these rooms - such a surface will be difficult to clean from plaque and dirt.

Having trouble choosing paint?

The nuances are outlined in great detail in a separate article on our portal. And a special one will help you plan your purchase.

Decorative lining

Lining made from various materials, has been a popular finishing material for many decades, as it has a large number of advantages common to all types of this series - ease of installation and the ability to mask wall unevenness.


The traditional material for making lining is wood. But today, in addition, it is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and MDF, which are more affordable. All types of lining are suitable for finishing the walls of an apartment; the main thing is to choose them correctly in terms of environmental friendliness and water resistance for different rooms.


  • Wooden lining- This is a type of grooved, profiled, perfectly processed board. It can be made from different types of wood and has a number of significant advantages:

— environmentally friendly finishing;

— aesthetic appearance;

— creation of a favorable microclimate in residential premises;

— durability;

— low thermal conductivity;

additional sound insulation walls:

— the material is easy to paint or varnish;

- it’s easy to level the walls with wooden clapboard;

- installation of the material is clean - without the formation of dust and dirt.

For interior decoration of an apartment, lining made from pine, larch, linden, alder, cedar, ash and other species is well suited.

The lining is suitable for any room, including the bathroom. Keeping in mind that wood is hygroscopic, when using it in damp rooms it is necessary to carry out high-quality treatment with water-repellent compounds, both on the outside and on the back side of the boards.

Wooden lining is divided by grade as follows: the highest grade is “extra”, the first grade is class “A”, the second grade is class “B”, the third grade is class “C”.

The cost of finishing made of natural wood is quite high, but it will also last a long time. If the wall has significant distortions, and you have to choose how to level it, then wooden lining can be called one of the most simple ways cope with this task.

  • PVC panels (lining) can be called modern material, since compared to wood trim it became widely used relatively recently, but has already gained quite a lot of popularity.

Plastic panels can be fixed directly on the wall, provided it is even, or on a frame sheathing, with the help of which the wall surface is leveled.


PVC panels are excellent for finishing bathroom and toilet walls, as they have the necessary qualities for the specific conditions of these rooms. Here we include the following:

— moisture resistance;

— ease of installation;

— the presence of an assortment of fittings that make the finishing neat;

— aesthetic appearance;

— ease of maintenance, including the possibility of wet cleaning;

— strength of panels;

- a wide range of colors and a variety of patterns, including imitation of the textures of various natural materials.

The “disadvantages” of plastic finishing include low resistance to accentuated mechanical stress.

Based on these data, we can conclude that PVC panels are used for finishing hallways, kitchens, balconies, and corridors. Although manufacturers present plastic panels as a completely harmless material, plastic cannot be called absolutely environmentally friendly, so it is not recommended to use it for finishing residential premises, especially bedrooms and children's rooms.

  • MDF lining no less popular than PVC panels, as it has an affordable price and can be used in heated rooms of balconies and loggias, and is also perfect for decorating the walls of hallways and corridors.

On sale you can find several varieties of this finishing material, which differ in their outer coating.


— Laminated an option that has a glossy, smooth surface without roughness. Most often, such lining is used to decorate the walls of balconies and kitchens, sometimes for corridors and hallways, covering the entire wall with it or only the panel part of it.


— Veneered lining , that is, MDF is covered with the thinnest cut of natural wood. For this purpose, species with beautiful natural shades and textured patterns are used - veneer of fruit trees (cherry and pear) is often chosen. In addition to them, veneer is also made from maple, oak, pine, as well as more valuable and exotic species.

When mounted on the walls, such finishing is indistinguishable from lining made from natural wood, and sometimes it looks even more advantageous.

— Painted wood - a type of lining that is very popular because it can create the desired style direction in the interior.

However, the big “minus” is the rough surface, which makes the finish unprotected from dust and moisture. Therefore, it is recommended to cover walls with such lining only in dry, heated rooms.

The advantages of any type of MDF lining include:

— strength of the material;

- lightness installation work;

- low thermal conductivity.

The negative qualities of the finish are the following:

— unstable to moisture, so it cannot be used in rooms with high humidity;

— Frequent wet cleaning cannot be used with this material, which means that it is not recommended to cover walls with it not only in the bathroom, but also in the kitchen.

Having considered all the materials presented above, we can come to the conclusion that the construction market is so rich various finishes, that, taking into account their characteristic features, you can easily select the desired cladding option for the walls of any room in the apartment, as per decorative qualities, and in price. But before you go to the store to buy materials, you should really evaluate the quality of the wall surface and think carefully about which option will look better in the intended interior.

As a bonus, the reader is offered an interesting video selection with various options for decorating the walls in the apartment. Perhaps this will encourage someone to choose one solution or another.

Video: Interesting options for wall decoration in an apartment

Finishing the walls in an apartment is the last stage of renovation on which the outcome of all work depends. Speaking about a new building, I note that the only advantage in repairing (finishing) a new building is complete freedom in choosing the methods and methods of repair at the “rough finishing” stage, and most importantly huge selection finishing materials for " finishing» your apartment in a new building. In this article I want to general outline review the finishing work in the apartment.

Wall decoration. Wallpaper. Classic finishing that requires precision

Decorating walls in an apartment with wallpaper is classic version finishing. It was and remains the most popular option for finishing an apartment. The modern market for finishing materials offers a huge selection of a wide variety of wallpapers, and design solutions by combination various wallpapers can create unique design your apartment.

Under the wallpaper, the walls must be well leveled, it is better to putty them twice. Before gluing the wallpaper, you need to glue, putty and paint the ceiling plinths.

The wallpaper is glued end to end. A small overlap is made on the ceiling plinths, which is carefully cut off with a wallpaper knife. To cut the wallpaper allowance, you need to use a special metal ruler or a smooth, clean spatula.

Important! When gluing wallpaper end-to-end, use wallpaper glue that does not leave marks (almost any glue from well-known brands), carefully align the first sheet of wallpaper vertical level, check the vertical position every third piece of wallpaper, additionally coat the wallpaper joint with glue and often change the water with which you wipe the exposed glue on the front side of the wallpaper.

In the room where the wallpaper is being applied, the windows should be closed. When purchasing wallpaper, take into account wallpaper scraps to select a design. And lastly, this work requires special care and meticulousness in detail.

Textured plaster. Easy to mix, difficult to apply to the wall

IN lately Wall decoration in apartments is increasingly being done with textured plaster. Textured wall plaster is gaining increasing popularity as a finishing material. I would like to dwell on two points.

According to sellers and manufacturers of textured plaster, apply textured plaster Anyone can hang on the wall. This is not entirely true. Of course, you can mix it, but for a high-quality result you need to have experience at least in putty work. The one if you are starting to work with textured coatings for the first time. Practice on small areas walls

Other articles in the section: Repairing walls

Options for interior cladding offered at modern market, can be very different. In most cases, they are so easy to use that even a beginner can handle them, creating an interesting and fresh design.

Options for wall decoration in an apartment - from classic to modern

Now stores offer a wide variety of building materials, most of which began to be produced relatively recently. Options that have long been recognized as classics have undergone high-tech processing in the field of production technologies, so they definitely can’t be called old anymore. Dull and monotonous apartments, decorated with the same brush, are a thing of the past. Choose your solution to make your home stylish and modern in cheap and convenient ways.

Will never go out of style classic materials: wood, paper, metal, plastic and ceramic tiles. The joint work of scientists and manufacturers gave way to new options: drywall, non-woven lining, vinyl, linkrust, fiberglass, artificial stone.

Material selection criteria - what is important?

When choosing building materials for decorating rooms in the house, you need to consider:

  • no allergy to the composition;
  • environmental safety, protection against the release of toxins;
  • simplicity and affordability of installation technology;
  • operational and technical characteristics (abrasion resistance, easy maintenance, hygroscopicity, resistance to temperature changes).

Each room needs its own approach. There is increased humidity in the bathroom, toilet and kitchen. Pay attention to durability facing covering to water and detergents - they will have to be used to avoid the appearance of mold, mildew and unpleasant odors that are absorbed into the surface. In the bedroom and children's room, the air should be as clean and fresh as possible. Here we need breathable and environmentally friendly coatings that do not collect dust.

The walls in the hallway, corridor and living room need to be covered with wear-resistant materials; these rooms are walk-through areas and accumulate a lot of dust. The kitchen is a special area where not only fumes and odors accumulate, but also grease and other contaminants that arise during the cooking process. Washable materials without deep textures are suitable here.

Aesthetic components are also important - comfort and beauty. Don’t forget about the overall interior style: the rooms should complement each other and be part of one style solution. Colors play an important role in design. The kitchen is decorated traditionally in light shades. Calm tones are suitable for the bedroom, natural and warm tones for the nursery. The color palette for the walls in the living room can be the brightest, because... This is where people gather to socialize.

Wallpaper: everything new is well forgotten old

This type of wall decoration is both familiar and new, because... has been in use for a long time, but has been significantly improved thanks to the latest production methods. The market offers traditional paper wallpapers and types that have appeared more recently. Up to 90% of apartments are decorated using wallpaper products. The main reasons are affordability and ease of application to the wall. Modern wallpapers come in vinyl, non-woven, textile, and fiberglass. They can last from five to ten years. It depends on how correctly the technology of sticking them on the wall is followed.

The advantage over other methods of wall decoration is a large assortment of colors, textures, and patterns. Whatever style of home decoration you choose - modern, classic, Provence, high-tech, oriental - there is something for each of them. Non-woven wallpaper is made from cellulose, accounting for 70% of the total volume. The remainder consists of binders. There are three types on the market: completely made of non-woven fabric, on a non-woven basis, on a paper basis with a top layer of non-woven fabric. The advantages of this finishing material for walls:

  • high strength;
  • wear resistance;
  • allows air to pass through;
  • hides small defects on the walls;
  • elasticity.

Wallpaper made entirely of non-woven fabric consists of several layers. The top one is made in relief, monochromatic and is intended for subsequent painting, which can be repeated several times. The second type of non-woven base is covered with paper, textiles or vinyl. The third type, based on paper, is covered with foam interlining. It is the most spectacular, decorated with embossed reliefs, looks aesthetically pleasing, and can be cleaned wet. This wallpaper is suitable for any room, including the kitchen, because... they can be wiped with a damp cloth. Thanks to their elasticity, they do not tear in the corners, which often happens with paper wallpaper when the walls are deformed.

Vinyl wallpaper for wall decoration consists of three layers: paper, non-woven fabric (or textile) and polyvinyl chloride, onto which patterned embossing and paint are applied. Silk-screen printing is popular on the market: the top layer imitates silk threads. Vinyl wallpaper is very beautiful, resistant to ultraviolet radiation, mechanical damage, and does not allow moisture to pass through. The disadvantages of the material include the difficulty of gluing and an unpleasant chemical smell, which disappears within one to two weeks after attaching to the wall. Vinyl does not allow air to pass through and is suitable for “non-sleeping” rooms - the living room and hallway. Although the material is expensive, it makes the decoration of the room rich and sophisticated.

Previously, in the homes of the rich, it was customary to stick fabric on the walls - this made the design of the room expensive and original. Based on this idea, textile wallpapers were created, consisting of two layers - paper and fabric (cotton, linen, silk or a combination thereof). Advantages fabric wallpaper:

  • absorb extraneous noise;
  • retain heat inside the room;
  • thanks to treatment with a special composition, they are immune to ultraviolet radiation;
  • environmentally friendly;
  • bactericidal.

Disadvantages of textiles:

  • collects dust, absorbs odors;
  • allows moisture to pass through and is not washable;
  • Expensive.

Velor wallpapers are attractive and unique: they have a beautiful velvet surface, thanks to which the color looks even deeper and more saturated. The room creates a special chic. look after textile wallpaper you need to use a vacuum cleaner. Analogs of fabric wallpaper are paper base With decorative coating made of jute or cork.

Linkrust and glass wallpaper - what is their novelty?

Linkrust is wallpaper with a pronounced relief. It is made from vinyl chloride based mastic mixed with a filler, such as wood flour. Linkrust is an imitation of stucco molding that masks shallow flaws on the walls well and looks impressive. It is easy to care for the material - a damp cloth is suitable for this. Since raised parts quickly collect dust, decorate with this type of wallpaper separate areas walls, not the whole room.

Glass wallpaper consists of lime, quartz sand, soda and dolomite. They are environmentally friendly, vapor-tight, anti-allergenic, fireproof, dielectric. Due to their properties they can be used in any room. Externally suitable for kitchen, bathroom or hallway. After gluing, fiberglass wallpaper is painted. They have an average cost and are easy to use.

The material is made by weaving from glass fibers, which have different thickness and density. Presented in two types - “cobweb” and “matting”. The first looks like a translucent thin sheet, reminiscent of a “blotter”. The second has a pronounced pattern in the form of horizontal stitches. Fiberglass can be used to reinforce walls and protect them from cracks.

Artificial stone – who is it suitable for?

Decorative stone is one of the expensive types wall decoration. This is the only drawback of the building material, which, like wallpaper, is presented on the market in wide range. Thanks to its high performance characteristics, the stone can be used in any room. Recommendation: the material is not very suitable for decorating small rooms, because... it visually “weights” them down. Usually it is used to decorate either fragments of walls or their lower part. The stone is best suited for decorating hallways, areas in rooms near fireplaces or under windows. It goes well with plaster coated with paint of a harmonizing shade. This decorative element creates a feeling of solidity and reliability.

Modern technologies make it possible to produce artificial stone that cannot be distinguished from natural stone. They also significantly reduce the cost of the product compared to its natural “brother”, making it more affordable, easier and more convenient to use. Present on the market various imitations: rocks, limestone, sea braids, multi-colored bricks, small pebbles. Artificial stone can be painted, it is non-flammable, durable, and environmentally friendly. The process of attaching it to the wall is not so simple - you need to have tile laying skills.

Clinker tiles and porcelain tiles are materials with good performance

Clinker is made from shale clay by extrusion. The resulting material has advantageous characteristics: frost resistance, durability, strength, environmental friendliness, and attractive appearance. More often, clinker tiles are used for cladding facades, sidewalks, swimming pools, and stairs. Some of its options are great for decorating indoor walls. The material can imitate stone, have a glossy or rough surface. Available in a wide range of colors. In fact, clinker tiles are a cheap option for artificial stone. With its help you can make, for example, an exact copy of brickwork.

Porcelain stoneware consists of quartz, spar, clay and coloring pigments. The name speaks about the appearance - with its help you can imitate such an expensive and beautiful finishing material as granite. The result of the production technology is strong heating of the composition under high pressure– is a monolith with a non-porous structure. The resulting substance has a beautiful pattern and high density. Porcelain tiles can be: polished, embossed, smooth, matte.

Most often the material is used for laying on the floor, but can also be mounted on walls. General idea decoration can be continued on small areas of the walls if the floor or stairs are already laid with slabs. Smooth porcelain stoneware is suitable for tiling surfaces in the bathroom, washroom, and kitchen. If you keep cats or dogs, use tiles on the lower sections of the walls to protect them from scratches. Combining different figures made of artificial granite, can be shaped original compositions or, for example, visually expand the room, make the ceilings higher.

What can be done with drywall

Drywall is two sheets of cardboard joined using plaster. They are convenient to use to create original shapes, which are then painted over or covered with wallpaper.

Drywall is good because:

  • is a “breathable” material;
  • does not emit harmful fumes;
  • can be moisture-resistant, fire-resistant (depending on the type of impregnation);
  • provides sound insulation;
  • lightweight and easy to use.

It is preferred by novice builders because the plasterboard sheets are perfectly flat. You just need to stick them on the wall, and you won’t have to level the surface. Using this technology, you can insulate a wall and disguise communications. The process is much cheaper than treating with plaster or attaching plastic panels to lathing.

Disadvantages of drywall:

  • low level of strength - it will not be possible to hang heavy objects on the walls; this will require plywood inserts;
  • The sheets must be installed as accurately as possible, otherwise they will warp and crack;
  • after installation, it is necessary to repair traces of fasteners and gaps between sheets;
  • The standard type of drywall is afraid of moisture.

The sheets are installed on a wooden sheathing attached to the walls using metal guides. A simpler option is glue. In the first case, you need to purchase slats and the necessary fittings and build a sheathing. In the second, simply glue the material to the leveled surface of the wall.

Having decided on a specific method of interior decoration of the house, do not forget to study all the nuances associated with it. This will help avoid extra costs money and time. Create unique images and interesting designs, you will succeed!

Wall panels have taken their place in the building materials market relatively recently,

You can add originality to the room by decorating the walls with panels, but they have already managed to gain quite a good reputation. There is no need to fuss with such panels, like, for example, with wallpaper or paint; they ideally hide all the unevenness and other imperfections of the wall surfaces. As for the price, you can choose such material depending on the budget calculated for repairs, because the price for it is quite affordable for almost any person. You can order the most simple panels one color, or you can buy panels in design, which will cost more, of course.

Paint instead of wallpaper on the wall: types and advantages

Paint is one of the oldest materials that people used to decorate the walls of their homes. Decorative paint has a lot of undeniable advantages and is increasingly used for wall decoration instead of wallpaper. This is not such a cheap pleasure, because the paint itself costs a lot of money, and in order to apply it correctly and efficiently, you will need to make every effort. To decorate walls with paint, it is better to use the services of professionals, because an inexperienced beginner is unlikely to be able to cope with such a task on his own.

The walls can be painted in any color that will harmoniously fit into the interior

There are several types of wall paint. The most popular types:

  • Structural;
  • Decorative;
  • Emulsion;
  • Acrylic;
  • Latex;
  • Silicone;
  • Polyvinyl acetate;
  • Enamel;
  • Oil, Silicate;
  • Alkyd;
  • Adhesive;
  • Dextrinated;
  • Casein.

All these paints differ in their compositions and price categories, as well as application methods and service life. Detailed information can be seen on the containers with the material or you can check with the seller.

When choosing wall paint, be extremely careful, because one type will not suit all rooms in the apartment. One type is intended for the bathroom (moisture-resistant paint), and the second for the bedroom or nursery (environmentally friendly compositions).

As mentioned above, paint has a huge number of advantages. It is because of so many advantages that this material is so loved by people who make renovations in their premises.

Main advantages:

  • Long service life of the material - about 10 years;
  • The material does not fade when exposed to sunlight;
  • The paint is not afraid of exposure to sharp objects;
  • Easy to clean, unlike wallpaper;
  • Huge selection of colors and shades;
  • Water resistance and moisture resistance of some types;
  • Versatility of the material;
  • Antistatic coating of some types.

As you can see, this material really has a lot of good points, so it really is a good substitute for already established wallpaper. You can safely choose paint to decorate the walls in your home.

A worthy alternative to wallpaper for walls: decorative panels

Decorative wall panels really are a good alternative to outdated wallpaper. The type of panels can be as different as you can imagine, and accordingly the price will also be different. The advantages of the panels are that they are not very difficult to install; in a short period of time you can finish quite a lot large area, all the imperfections of the walls will be hidden under the material, the room will immediately take on an expensive look.

Decorative panels may differ in texture, material and color

Wall panels are divided into:

  • Tiled;
  • Leafy;
  • Rack and pinion.

All of these types are attached in the same way, so if you have already dealt with decorating walls with this material, you don’t have to worry about anything, because you already know what would be best to do when decorating the area being treated.

The material from which the panels are made can be very diverse:

  • Natural wood;
  • Chipboard (chipboard);
  • Fiberboard (wood fiber types);
  • MDF panels;
  • Durable glass;
  • Gypsum vinyl;
  • 3D panels;
  • Plastic.

All these types of panels can have completely different characteristics, width, thickness and length, as well as a specific purpose. It is advisable to check all information from reliable sources or directly from the seller of these materials.

We are considering options: how to cover the walls in an apartment instead of wallpaper

Nowadays, there is simply an incredible amount of materials that can easily replace wall coverings such as wallpaper. There are options for absolutely every taste and in completely different price categories. There are simply a huge number of them, and it is simply impossible to list and describe everything.

Decorative panels with a wavy surface look good in an interior designed in modern or high-tech style

The most common alternative materials to wallpaper are:

  • FLOCK;
  • Decorative plaster;
  • Dye;
  • Decorative wall panels;
  • Special fabric;
  • Cork backing;
  • Plastic;
  • Drywall;
  • Stone;
  • Tile;
  • Lining.

As you can see, you can decorate the walls of your home with a variety of materials. The choice of material should be guided, first of all, by the direction of the interior style. Everyone wants to have an even and smooth style, so that the picture is not spoiled by any one flaw.

To choose the ideal coating, it is better to consult with professional designers.

The easiest way would be to cover the walls of the building with plasterboard, plastic or decorative panels. Even a beginner can easily cope with this task, without much experience or training. Of course, it will be better if an experienced craftsman does this work, or at least someone just helps, since it will be much easier to complete this task together.

Choosing what to replace wallpaper on the walls with: the most affordable materials

If we talk about the most affordable materials for wall decoration, then it is worth considering the fact that you need to understand what kind of room we are talking about and directly what room the renovation is planned for. If the whole house and all its rooms are planned to be done in the same style direction, then this problem disappears.

An excellent solution is to decorate the walls with decorative stone

Of the most available materials can be used:

Despite the affordable price, these materials have several significant advantages. Despite the fact that on its own affordable price is already an important advantage, these materials have a couple more advantages. The fact is that one sheet, be it GLV, fiberboard or chipboard, covers a large area of ​​​​the surface being processed, so you don’t have to purchase a lot of materials, and you can do the finishing yourself.

It is best to decorate the corridor with clapboard or stone (despite the fact that these materials are not the most affordable) since this part of the room is the most accessible room.

Choosing panels for the wall instead of wallpaper (video)

How to remove old wallpaper from walls minimal costs time and without damaging the putty? How to prepare the base for painting? Which wall paint is most practical and durable? Today we will try to answer these questions.

How to remove wallpaper

Preparing walls for painting begins with removing old wallpaper. The method quite predictably depends on their type.

Paper, non-woven

The wallpaper is soaked with water (to do this, you need to wet it generously twice with an interval of 10 minutes) and remove it from the base in whole strips. The remains are cleaned up with a steel spatula.

Vinyl

Thick vinyl wallpaper, when you try to remove it from the wall, does not peel off, but delaminates: the vinyl covering remains in your hands, and the paper or non-woven backing remains on the wall.

There are two possible solutions to this problem:

  1. Remove the vinyl and then remove the backing from the walls as described above;
  2. Soak the backing with water directly through the coating. To do this, the wallpaper must first be rolled with a needle roller.

Glass wallpaper

Do you have glass wallpaper at home, the color of which you are tired of? And do you think that paint instead of wallpaper will solve this problem? We have two news: bad and good.

The first is that glass wallpaper glued to waterproof glue can only be removed with an abrasive tool. If you try to tear them off the walls, you will damage the putty, and if the walls were lined with plasterboard, you will tear off its shell from the gypsum core.

Second news: the glass wallpaper does not have to be removed at all. If you are satisfied with their texture, paint the walls directly over the old coating: fiberglass can be repainted up to 10-12 times.

How to choose paint

First, a few words about what the paint should be: wall decoration must meet a number of general requirements.

These include:

  • No toxic components or pungent odor. Ideally, there should be no odors not only during the operation of the premises (including hot weather), but also when painting;
  • Color fastness to dry wear. You will hardly be happy if the walls stain your clothes;
  • In the bathroom, kitchen and hallway, the paint should be washable. In these rooms, the walls will inevitably get dirty when in contact with splashes and outer clothing.

The first requirement limits our choice to water-dispersion paints: thanks to the water base, they do not smell at all. Neither upon application nor later. However, these include dyes based on different binders.

Let's try to figure out who is who on this list:

Image Description

Silicate: liquid glass plays the role of a binder (it may be known to the reader as stationery glue). The coating has moderate moisture resistance, does not tolerate dry wear and can stain clothing in contact with the walls. This family of paints is rarely used for interior decoration.

Acrylic paints: binder - acrylic resin. Resistance to dry abrasion is high for the entire family, moisture resistance varies from medium to high. They are suitable for living rooms, but when renovating the bathroom and kitchen, it is better to look towards competing solutions.

Latex (on artificial latex): moisture resistance is above average, very moderate resistance to dry and wet abrasion. As a result, the coating cannot be washed when dirty. Verdict: For dry rooms only.

Rubber “Rezel+”. Made in Sevastopol

Rubber: a type of acrylic-latex paints that provide a complete waterproofing and washable coating. Can be used without restrictions: splashes, grease and other contaminants are washed off with any detergent (except, of course, abrasive ones), leaving no traces.

Silicone (binder - silicone resin): another paint for wet areas and walls subject to abrasion. The highest wear resistance is very pleasantly combined with absolute moisture resistance. Moreover, silicone paint is self-cleaning, repelling dust and dirt. The only drawback of the family is the relatively high price (from 150 rubles per kilogram).

How to prepare walls

The wall to be painted should be:

  1. Clean (including from dust, mold and grease stains);
  2. Perfectly flat. If wallpaper (especially textured) can hide quite significant irregularities, then paint will make them more than noticeable;

By the way: the glossy coating emphasizes wall defects to the greatest extent. Matte paints are somewhat less demanding on the surface.

  1. Durable. If putty or plaster peels off from the masonry, the career of finishing the walls is unlikely to be long;
  2. Has moderate absorbency. Loose plaster will absorb too much paint when applying the first layer, which will affect the repair budget.

How to achieve this?

  • Defects are eliminated by puttying followed by sanding (see How to sand walls after puttying and how to do it correctly). If the unevenness is of any significant size, it is worth using inexpensive gypsum putty (universal or finishing) for dry rooms and cement putty for wet rooms. If we are talking about small potholes, then it is easier to use ready-to-use acrylic putty;

  • Dust removal of walls after sanding is best done with an industrial or, in extreme cases, a household vacuum cleaner. In their absence, you can use a regular broom brush;
  • Grease stains are removed with an organic solvent (gasoline, acetone, white spirit, solvent, etc.) using a clean and dry cloth (see How to clean a wall from grease stains: tips);
  • Fungus can be easily removed from walls with “Belizna” - a bleaching and detergent based on sodium hypochlorite;

Attention: before repairing walls, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of the fungus. In the bathroom, these are most often constant leaks from neighbors and poor ventilation, in living rooms- freezing of walls. In the latter case, the situation will be corrected by external insulation of the facade or installation of a heating radiator in the problem corner.

  • Preparing walls for painting with your own hands ends with priming with a penetrating primer (see Primer for walls for painting - types and tasks). The type of primer must match the paint: silicone for silicone dye, acrylic for acrylic, and so on. The primer will prevent the surface of the walls from crumbling, glue the remaining dust on them and fill some of the pores, reducing the absorption of paint.

How to paint

Let's start with a list of tools necessary for painting.

The video attached to the article will help you learn more about the secrets of repair.

We will need:

  • Roller. The optimal width of the tool is 25-30 centimeters. The coat is with medium pile: it will not flood the walls and floor, and at the same time it will not force you to dip the roller in paint too often;
  • Brush. We will use it to paint corners and other problem areas (junctions to baguettes, door frames, etc.);
  • Painting tray. It is much more convenient to dip a roller into it; in addition, the tray allows you to roll out the tool, evenly saturating it with paint. If you do this directly on the surface of the walls, their color may become uneven.

The step-by-step painting instructions are extremely simple:

  1. Paint all corners and junctions with a brush;

  1. Apply the first coat of paint with a roller;
  2. Wait for the paint to dry (usually it takes no more than an hour);
  3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the color is even.

As is customary, nuances are important to get a good result.

  • Anything that you are not going to paint (switches, permanent door frames, etc.) should be pre-sealed with masking tape. This is much easier than washing off dried paint;

  • The dye should not be too viscous. If it thickens, dilute it with water (about 1/10 of the volume) and mix thoroughly. Excessive viscosity will mean drips and will prevent you from applying the paint in a thin, even layer;
  • The room temperature should not be below +5 and above +30 degrees. In the first case, the paint will thicken and take a long time to dry; in the second, it will dry out before you evenly distribute it over the surface of the walls;
  • The brush and roller are thoroughly washed after applying each layer, otherwise the paint that dries on them will leave streaks on the surface being painted;

  • The wall is painted in one go, without interruptions. If, after painting an area of ​​it, you take a smoke break, after painting is completed you will get a thickening of the coating at the border of this area;
  • The unpainted area can only be touched up if it is not yet dry. The reason is the same - you will get influxes;
  • The layers are applied at right angles to each other. This will make the stripes from the roller and brush less noticeable;
  • Apply the last layer parallel to the lighting (light from a window or from the brightest lamp). The goal is the same: to make the stripes from the tool less noticeable.

Conclusion

We hope that now painting walls instead of wallpaper will not cause you any difficulties. Good luck!