Our Quick Guide on Different Wall Coverings

1. Wallpaper

Wallpaper works for people who like to change things around the home frequently. The choices available today are enormous. The important thing to note is that any surface that you consider for wallpaper application needs to be even, so textured walls are out. Leftovers can always be used on the insides of bookshelves and cabinets. The application process takes two to three hours on a standard sized wall and takes upto two hours to dry. On an average, wallpaper has a lifespan of five years. Wallpapers are expensive, compared to paints. They start from Rs 3500 onwards for 50 to 75 square feet.

2. Wood paneling

Wall panels are popular in Indian living rooms & city homes. Different kinds of wood stains, available in the market, can transform the wood. It can be easily repainted and you can drastically change the color of your home almost every year if desired. Moreover, unlike other materials, wood is one of the cheapest materials to customise since it doesn’t require any special equipment. However as a natural material, wood is prone to twisting, rotting and bug infestation. Also in case of fire, it can be hazardous if there are no precautionary measures existing in the house.

3. Fabric cladding walls

Using fabric cladding for walls gives a cosy touch to your room. The fabric cannot be directly used on the walls, it requires cushioning with foam on plywood after which it is tacked on the wall. One can experiment with prints, patterns and textures. Do note that the fabric used should complement the soft furnishings in your home.

4. Tiling

Tiling on walls has multiple benefits once you have chosen the right design. If you are using tiles in a space other than the bathroom or kitchen, the finish should be preferably matte. We would recommend bigger sized tiles in this case. You can also use tile art as a feature wall. The advantage with tiles is that they are easy to clean, are moisture-resistant, stain proof, fire proof, long lasting, fungus resistant and cost effective.

5. Wall Cladding

All the different kinds of wall coverings we have mentioned above fall under the category of wall cladding. There are, however, many more effects which come under wall cladding. Any special effect on the wall using a different layer of a material is wall cladding. This is used typically as a feature wall in the house. The materials used range from metal to plaster of paris to stone, depending on personal preferences. The cost effectiveness will depend on the material chosen for the cladding.