Wall covering buying guide

Paint is a popular wall covering because it can suit any room and any surface, but also because it comes in a range of colours. It's also easy to cover over if you want to change your décor, although wall and ceiling paint does require good surface preparation.

There are three main types of paint:

1. Acrylic paint

2. Oil-based paint

3. Alkyd paint

Water-based paint and acrylic paint

Acrylic paint, otherwise called water-based paint, is the most widely used. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, it is odourless, resistant, washable and quick-drying. It can be applied to both walls and ceilings given its coverage.

However, it is only washable in satin and shiny finishes.

Oil-based paint

Oil-based paint has long been the most popular type of paint because of its coverage and suitability for damp rooms. However, its strong odour, the release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and the damage to the environment has seen it gradually be replaced by acrylic paint.

Alkyd paint

Alkyd paint is a water-based paint that also contains an alkyd resin. Therefore, it combines the advantages of the two main types of paint and can be easily applied to give coverage and resistance.

Perfect for hiding small wall imperfections and easy to hang, wallpaper has become trendy again and comes in a range of colours, designs and materials.

There are four main types of wallpaper:

1. Traditional wallpaper

2. Vinyl wallpaper

3. Blown wallpaper

4. Non-woven wallpaper

Traditional wallpaper

Thin and fragile, although relatively cheap, this is used in bedrooms, offices or living rooms.

Vinyl wallpaper

With a PVC layer, vinyl wallpaper is more resistant, waterproof and easy to maintain. It is therefore suitable for damp rooms or children's bedrooms.

Blown wallpaper

With its raised pattern, blown wallpaper offers a contrast of materials and hides wall imperfections.

Non-woven wallpaper

Non-woven wallpaper is made of two layers of paper and is particularly resistant and easy to maintain. Its thickness makes it suitable for concealing any holes and cracks in the surface.

Glass fibre is more resistant than wallpaper and can be painted or pre-painted, if you only fancy one layer of paint. It can then be repainted whenever you want to change your décor.

Glass fibre wall coverings come in different designs and can easily be laid on plasterboard, but also on wall panelling or wallpaper. They hide wall imperfections whilst preventing small cracks from appearing.

Glass fibre is therefore perfect for areas of the home that are exposed to impact (corridors, children's bedrooms) and newly constructed partition walls. It is also suitable for damp rooms.

Make sure to adapt its weight and thickness to your needs. The thicker your glass fibre wall covering is, the better it will cover wall imperfections. However, the price will be higher.

Decorative plaster adds colour and substance to your walls, while hiding small imperfections. This wall covering comes in many different styles and material imitations and is generally more resistant than paint. It is applied in several layers on to clean and healthy walls.

Lime plaster

Lime plaster regulates moisture, is antibacterial and offers a natural, rustic finish. It can be applied to all rooms in the home, including the dampest ones.

Tadelakt

This traditional Moroccan lime plaster offers the same antibacterial properties, but is also perfectly moisture- and water-resistant, so it can even be used in a shower.

Render

Marble, brick or quartz dust is added to render to give a marbled finish. It is also easy to apply on all types of unpainted wall surfaces.

Waxed concrete

Composed of lime, sand and clay, this wall covering can be applied to a variety of surfaces and gives a waxed concrete finish when polished. Although it can be quite technical to apply, it is stain- and moisture-resistant.

Used in damp rooms, such as the bathroom and kitchen, tiling can be used in a hallway or even in the living room. This wall covering is moisture- and heat-resistant and is easy to maintain. However, laying it requires specialist skills.

There are several types of wall tile and some are more shock-resistant than others.

Porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles come in different colours and other material effects. They are particularly shock-resistant, however glazed porcelain can be susceptible to scratches, although it is more decorative.

Cement tiles

Cement tiles are often patterned and colourful and are popular due their inimitable design. They are moisture-resistant and can be used in all rooms in the home. However, they require special care.

Faience

These ceramic tiles can be plain, patterned or come in a trompe l’œil effect and are perfect for damp rooms. However, they are quite fragile.

Mosaic

Mosaic wall tiles have a unique decorative style. Extremely hard-wearing and moisture- and stain-resistant, they are easy to maintain. You can choose pre-glued tiles to make laying them easier.

Natural stone

Natural stone is authentic, elegant and especially hard-wearing, whether it is granite, slate, travertine or marble etc. It is treated to be stain- and moisture-resistant and can be cleaned with a chlorine-free product. However, it is heavy and can be tricky to install.

Interior wall cladding comes in different sized boards which are glued to the wall. It can come as wall panels in different shapes and materials, from plaster, stone, brick, concrete and wood to metal etc. It is extremely practical and can be used to easily create a unique ambiance.

Some wall cladding is applied with glue and others are applied with adhesive tape for easy installation.

Be sure to check the model will be suitable for where it will go before making a decision. For a kitchen splashback, for example, you should choose moisture- and heat-resistant wall cladding.

Wall panelling is formed of assembled boards to create a warm and natural ambiance. Wall panelling is resistant, easy to install and hides wall imperfections. It also provides good thermal and sound insulation. However, it can be difficult to take off.

Wall panelling comes in different shapes, finishes and materials.

Wooden wall panelling

Solid wood wall panels give a rustic look and can be made from pine, fir, larch, oak and exotic wood boards. They come in varying qualities. From A grade wood without knots or resin pockets, to B grade wood where knots or pockets are present, and AB grade wood which combines the two types.

If you want to install wood panels in a damp room, choose exotic or water-resistant wood panelling.

PVC wall panelling

PVC wall panelling can come in wooden, stone or metal effects and is more resistant, cheaper and easier to maintain. It can come in different shades and patterns and is suitable for damp rooms.

Coated wall panelling

Made from fibreboard and covered in laminate sheets, coated wall panels offer wooden or other material effects. Cheaper than other types of wall panelling, it must be water-resistant for damp rooms.

Made from cork bark, this comes in a natural, colourful, painted or varnished finish for an eco-friendly and warm look. Above all, this wall covering provides excellent thermal and sound insulation and is also fireproof.

Cork wall panels are durable and antistatic, meaning they don't retain dust. They are also relatively easy to install and maintain.

Cork wall coverings come in tiles, panels or in different sized rolls and can be used in all rooms in the home, even the dampest.

To avoid an old-fashioned look, don't use it everywhere, but rather on a single wall and/or in small areas. It is also quite expensive and can be discoloured by UV light.

Grasscloth wall coverings are bright and exotic and come either knotted or weaved, and glued on to paper. They are generally handmade and sold in rolls of different thicknesses and colours. Therefore choose rolls from the same set for an even covering.

Suitable for dry rooms, laying a grasscloth wall covering is a delicate process requiring a strong glue and overlapping rolls which tend to curl up. The wall must be smooth and sound.

Grasscloth retains dust so it needs to be cleaned regularly with a damp sponge.

Plain or patterned wall fabric can come in cotton, linen, velvet, polyester or hemp etc. Choose one based on your budget and tastes. It gives good thermal and sound insulation.

Wall fabric can be laid tightly on the wall which requires specialist skills, or it can be glued down, often with a foam layer, at a higher cost. Choose a stain- and dust-resistant fabric wall which can be cleaned easily with soapy water.

Wall fabric cannot be used in a bathroom and is not recommended for people with allergies. It should be installed on a sound wall, without holes and cracks. Avoid using it to cover more than one or two walls in the room to prevent a claustrophobic atmosphere.

Carpets are making a comeback into our interiors, including on our walls. Soft to the touch and warm, they come in various colours and materials, from synthetic and natural fibres to wool, in order to suit all kinds of décor.

Carpet provides excellent thermal and sound insulation and can be used to spruce up a slightly damaged and/or cold wall. It can be used in hallways, stairwells or even in the bedroom. However, it should not be used in damp rooms.

Carpet also requires regular maintenance to prevent the accumulation of dust and dust mites. It should be laid on a smooth and sound wall with a carpet adhesive.

More information on interior paint

• Wall and ceiling paint buying guide

• Bathroom and kitchen paint buying guide

• Interior wood paint buying guide

• How to paint a wall

More information on wallpaper

• Bathroom wallpaper buying guide

• How to hang wallpaper

• Wallpaper buying guide

• Wallpaper strip buying guide

More information on wall tiles

• Wall tile buying guide

• How to tile a wall