Wall Covering Ideas

Whether you're redecorating or shifting into a new home, giving your walls a makeover can completely transform your living space. Many of us don't think beyond the options of paint and wall paper when interior decorating; we head straight for shade cards and swatches. However, there's a world of options to consider as great wall covering ideas. Listed below are some ideas that might help you think up innovative ways to transform your home.

The Conventional Way

Paint: The most conventional of all the ways to cover walls, painting needs little introduction. There's a plethora of options available in terms of color, shade and textures, to say nothing of finishes. Painting is also a great DIY option, which can help in cutting costs if you're looking for cheap wall covering ideas. Make sure you read up on painting techniques and tips though, before you take on a project.

Wall Paper: Papering your walls is another great way to stamp your personal style onto a space. Like paint, wallpapers come in myriad textures and finishes, and you're more than likely to be spoiled for choice. Many people choose wall paper that they can match with their furniture or linen, to create a coordinated overall look that is pleasing to the eye. With new and innovative techniques in wallpapering and a slew of manufacturers to choose from, you can find wallpaper to suit any budget. If you're looking for basement wall covering ideas, for instance, and don't want to shell out a huge sum, papering is an option. You can also use furring strips that are available in 2x2 sheets, under wood paneling to give your basement a rustic makeover.

Tiles: Tiles are a popular choice for spaces where there is a lot of water exposure, mainly kitchens and bathrooms. Ceramic tiles are designed to withstand and resist deterioration on prolonged water contact and therefore are a preferred choice for bathroom wall coverings. However, if you have a spacious bathroom, with demarcated areas for wet and dry, you can use a combination of bathroom ceramic tiles and paint or wallpaper as an option. The same applies to your kitchen, where you can use tiles around the sink and say, paint, in the rest of the area. Tiles do however, require a good amount of maintenance, to avoid the formation of grout around edges. Since they are routinely exposed to water, they also form breeding grounds for bacteria and mildew. Wiping tiles down as a matter of routine will help reduce the effort you need to put in to cleaning grout between tiles.

Wood Paneling: You could consider paneling your walls, or creating a single wood paneled wall as a focal point in your room. If you're unsure about using wood paneling for the entire wall, wainscoting is another option to consider. There are numerous wainscoting ideas that you can go through before you settle on a style that appeals the most. Wainscoting is often seen along corridors and stairs, to create an interesting contrast in texture. Wooden wall coverings also include using heavy grade adhesives to fix sheets of veneer as wall coverings. Most wall coverings which use wood are expensive though. So this may not be a great solution if you have budget constraints.

The Creative Way

If you're looking for unusual ideas, your options need not be restricted to those that cover the entire wall. It can be vexing to find unseemly patches on your walls, especially if you've found a shade of paint or paper that you're very happy with and would be loath to replace. In such cases, you can cover up patches, using wall hangings or framed works of art. Haven't got a painting lying around? Look for your most colorful rug, or that silk scarf you never wear, get it framed, and mount it on the spot you need to cover.

Children's rooms are spaces where you can really let yourself, and them go. Visit your hardware store and you'll find a variety of finishes that you can experiment with. One that is likely to be popular with children is using chalkboard paint, to create a chalkboard wall. Get your kids some chalk in different colors, and give them a free hand - they're sure to give wall art a whole new meaning!. Another easy wall covering idea for kids' rooms, is to cover one wall, or a section in corkboard, or soft board. Kids can use this wall as a surface to pin up pictures, notes, schedule or even create collages if the urge takes them.

While giving walls a fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into any space, you need not restrict yourself to just painting, when thinking of wall covering ideas. Think of your wall as a blank canvas, that you can use to express your creativity and let yourself go. You may well be pleasantly surprised at the results!