9 Stunning Wall Treatments for Living Rooms
From classic wood panelling to quirky plaster patterns, these living room wall treatments turn a lacklustre space into a unique one
Commonly used materials like brick, stone and plaster, if thoughtfully employed, can be used across a range of décor styles and can transform a space from the mundane to eye-catching. Their effects can range from lending an air of charismatic traditionalism to one of sleek sophistication, from the rustic to the contemporary. Here, we bring you 10 inspiring wall treatments for living rooms to help you drastically turn up the style quotient.
2. Mouldings
Mouldings are a decorative trim, commonly made out of wood, PVC, POP or gypsum, and come in various types – from stylish and chic picture frame mouldings (as featured in this home) to…
Find a designer to design your living room
Mouldings are a decorative trim, commonly made out of wood, PVC, POP or gypsum, and come in various types – from stylish and chic picture frame mouldings (as featured in this home) to…
Find a designer to design your living room
…ornate, ultra-decorative designs.
Tip: Paint the mouldings in a contrasting colour to add depth to walls.
Tip: Paint the mouldings in a contrasting colour to add depth to walls.
3. Concrete cover
Who would’ve thought a concrete-heavy scheme would look so peaceful, cosy and inviting? Here, an oversized, lavishly cushioned L-shaped sofa in a chalky hue softens the look of the cool, edgy feature wall, creating a serene living space.
Tip: If you wish to retain the vast expanse of an unbroken concrete wall, yet get some colour in, stain the concrete with your preferred choice of colour.
Who would’ve thought a concrete-heavy scheme would look so peaceful, cosy and inviting? Here, an oversized, lavishly cushioned L-shaped sofa in a chalky hue softens the look of the cool, edgy feature wall, creating a serene living space.
Tip: If you wish to retain the vast expanse of an unbroken concrete wall, yet get some colour in, stain the concrete with your preferred choice of colour.
4. Lacquered layers
The modern-day lacquer is a combination of high-gloss paint and acrylic water-based varnish, which is safe to use, unlike the lacquer that originally used to be derived from a poisonous resin and was toxic to inhale. Glossy paints are tactile and smooth to the touch, velvety and warm. But this effect is best achieved on a well-prepped, even wall, using a spray gun to apply a minimum of three coats – yes, it is labour-intensive but totally worth the effort. Lacquered walls instantly make a space look ultra-polished (literally!) and sophisticated.
Tip: High-gloss paint is great for small spaces, as it bounces light off its slick walls, creating the illusion of an expanse.
The modern-day lacquer is a combination of high-gloss paint and acrylic water-based varnish, which is safe to use, unlike the lacquer that originally used to be derived from a poisonous resin and was toxic to inhale. Glossy paints are tactile and smooth to the touch, velvety and warm. But this effect is best achieved on a well-prepped, even wall, using a spray gun to apply a minimum of three coats – yes, it is labour-intensive but totally worth the effort. Lacquered walls instantly make a space look ultra-polished (literally!) and sophisticated.
Tip: High-gloss paint is great for small spaces, as it bounces light off its slick walls, creating the illusion of an expanse.
5. Wood panelling
Timber walls or wood panelling can range from traditional to contemporary, depending on the size, spacing and staining of the panels. Wooden walls are the go-to means for a countryside look – for a contemporary look, lay the panels at angles to each other like in this image; the wall panelled in variously angled slats lends an edginess to the living space.
Timber walls or wood panelling can range from traditional to contemporary, depending on the size, spacing and staining of the panels. Wooden walls are the go-to means for a countryside look – for a contemporary look, lay the panels at angles to each other like in this image; the wall panelled in variously angled slats lends an edginess to the living space.
Wood does not necessarily mean plain panels. The elaborate floral carvings make this walnut-wood wall treatment an exquisite backdrop to the all-white furniture. The fine detailing of the accent wall takes the whole concept of a textured wall a notch higher.
6. Bare bricks
Not so much a treatment as an ‘un-treatment’ because, well, there isn’t much to do here other than to simply leave the brick wall exposed in all its imperfect glory. Brick walls and modern interiors aren’t mutually exclusive. Be it a relaxed, Mediterranean look or a homely-meets-industrial haven, brick walls add unique character and elegance to any space. Leave them bare…
Not so much a treatment as an ‘un-treatment’ because, well, there isn’t much to do here other than to simply leave the brick wall exposed in all its imperfect glory. Brick walls and modern interiors aren’t mutually exclusive. Be it a relaxed, Mediterranean look or a homely-meets-industrial haven, brick walls add unique character and elegance to any space. Leave them bare…
…or paint them white; these surfaces can single-handedly bring oodles of timeless charm to any interior.
See what you can do with a brick wall inside your home
See what you can do with a brick wall inside your home
7. Plaster finish on walls
Plaster is supremely versatile and available in facsimiles of various looks. Walls treatments in plaster can be fashioned to suit the desired shape and texture you desire. See how the hand-plastered mound shapes on the walls in this living room make a very individual statement in a modern home.
Tip: POP takes to paints very well. You can cover it with oil or enamel paint of your choice or leave it exposed to enjoy the raw off-white grain.
Find out about smart ways to wow with POP plaster
Plaster is supremely versatile and available in facsimiles of various looks. Walls treatments in plaster can be fashioned to suit the desired shape and texture you desire. See how the hand-plastered mound shapes on the walls in this living room make a very individual statement in a modern home.
Tip: POP takes to paints very well. You can cover it with oil or enamel paint of your choice or leave it exposed to enjoy the raw off-white grain.
Find out about smart ways to wow with POP plaster
8. Marbled walls
Marble walls spell luxury and are associated with images of timeless elegance. The rich veining in this marble wall adds a dynamic sense of energy and motion to an intimate living room. The look is one of luxury with sharp and clean lines.
Tip: To get a seamless and continuous look, lay the marble panels flush with each other sans any grouting.
Marble walls spell luxury and are associated with images of timeless elegance. The rich veining in this marble wall adds a dynamic sense of energy and motion to an intimate living room. The look is one of luxury with sharp and clean lines.
Tip: To get a seamless and continuous look, lay the marble panels flush with each other sans any grouting.
9. Special effects…
…could translate to any type of design engraved onto a wall. These are basically a design element shown to their best advantage when etched onto plastered or concrete walls. Here, the wall is a drama of contrast and shape – the criss-cross-design textured wall gives this living room a whole new dimension and emerges as its focal point, with a subtle industrial touch to it.
Read more:
A Guide to Wall Panelling: Styles, Textures & Finishes
Amazing Alternatives to Wall Paint
Tell us:
Which of these options would you consider? Tell us in Comments below.
…could translate to any type of design engraved onto a wall. These are basically a design element shown to their best advantage when etched onto plastered or concrete walls. Here, the wall is a drama of contrast and shape – the criss-cross-design textured wall gives this living room a whole new dimension and emerges as its focal point, with a subtle industrial touch to it.
Read more:
A Guide to Wall Panelling: Styles, Textures & Finishes
Amazing Alternatives to Wall Paint
Tell us:
Which of these options would you consider? Tell us in Comments below.
Sponsored
Stone-clad walls are not necessarily meant just for a country farmhouse. This living room looks far from rustic with its stacked-stone accent wall that adds to the heightened look of the space. The stone panels create a combination of natural shading and texture for an authentic feel.