One of the worst-kept secrets in decorating is the need to create statement walls. Here are five wall coverings that will draw attention and create wows!
A feature wall is the wall that immediately attracts attention.
Generally speaking, it is the wall directly in front of the entrance to a room, but there may be exceptions. For example, in the bedroom, the feature wall is most often the one with the headboard. In the living room, the one with the sofa. In short, the feature wall should be a natural focal point, never a wall located in a blind spot of the room.
As we will see, a feature wall does not need to be covered with a spectacular covering from top to bottom and across its entire width. Sometimes you can cover only half or two-thirds of a wall – and save on materials at the same time. In addition, with a successful feature wall, there is no need to multiply the other decorative elements, which would become superfluous and would only blur the desired effect…
Let's take a look at five wall coverings that are sure to create a feature wall.
Ceramic tiles: classic or bold style
They are used for their practical side in the kitchen, bathroom and entryway, but tiles can also cover the star wall of the dining room, or that of a bar or coffee corner. The choice of tiles is not infinite… but almost! The question to ask yourself is this: do you want a timeless style that will stand the test of time, or do you prefer to be bold and opt for a trendy look? The classic style focuses on neutral colors (white, gray, beige), standard-shaped tiles (square, subway, penny round) and a traditional installation (aligned, offset or herringbone). For more boldness, choose tiles in an unusual shape (Arrow, oversized, with relief) or a deep color (blue, burgundy, forest green or even black). But whether they are classic or more daring, ceramic tiles always add texture to a wall. Guaranteed wow.
Teal Blue Ceramic Tiles Arrow Collection at Emard Floor Coverings
Paneling: renewed charm
Paneling is often associated with older, even ancestral homes, but it is coming back into fashion. While it used to cover all the walls of a room (and the ceiling!), it is now used to create a feature wall. Its antique look brings something authentic and warm to the decor. Installed horizontally, it makes a room appear larger; vertically, it accentuates its height. You can cover a wall from floor to ceiling, or two-thirds of the wall by adding a small shelf at the top to display plants, books or any other decorative element. Usually made of pine, paneling is now available in MDF (more economical) and in panels of different sizes. Floorboards – yes, yes! – are another option. Made of the same wood species and placed in the same direction as the floor (horizontally or vertically), the slats on the wall create a beautiful effect of continuity, an original touch.
Wall covering collection Wall Concept Vintage at Emard Couvre-Planchers
Wooden cleats: definitely modern
The big difference between wood battens and wainscoting? The width of the battens is much thinner than that of wainscoting. When installing, be sure to leave a slight space between the battens, which creates a nice relief. The options mentioned above regarding the height of a wainscoting wall apply the same way to wood battens, either full height or, as I did in my home, two-thirds of the wall with a small shelf at the top. Battens can also define an area in an open space (for example, a reading nook or an office), but they can also be used to create a resolutely modern headboard, as shown below. Now sold in panels of various sizes almost everywhere, battens can be painted, but the trend is towards a walnut finish. Otherwise, white, black or deep colors will give a nice effect.
Headboard made from wooden slats | Photo credit: Melissa Frusco
Wallpaper (and wall stickers): instant magic
After being shunned for a few decades, wallpaper is back in fashion. But this time, we use it sparingly. Translation: we apply it to a single wall of a room to make it stand out (unless the room is very small, like a bathroom, where we can cover all the walls and even the ceiling). What patterns should we choose? Plants are in , as are animals (hello flamingos and parrots!). The retro style is also coming back into fashion (read my article on the 2024 trends ), in all its exuberance. Or, as if by magic, make huge flowers appear in your living room. Are you more conservative? Beautiful geometric shapes in art deco or mid-century style might suit you better. Know that the wallpapers of our time are much easier to peel off than before. But there is another solution: wall adhesives, which are easy to stick and peel off. They can even be re-pasted elsewhere in the house, right after being peeled off. More and more companies are selling these self-adhesive wallpapers, and new patterns and murals are appearing every day. That said, wallpaper still offers, by far, the most choice. Hours and hours of fun shopping on the internet!
Bursting Flower Still wallpaper from the Trunk Archive collection at Surface View | Photo credit: Surface View
Painting: Beyond Color
Creating a feature wall with paint isn't just about painting it a different color. There are other ways to use paint to create a real wow factor. I have three suggestions for you. First, color blocking, which involves creating blocks of contrasting—and often vibrant—colors or highlighting architectural features. Does your wall have a niche, a recess, or some other architectural element that defines an area? Color that area. Another example: paint the lower half of a wall and, below that height, paint everything in the way—a door, moldings, a radiator, a light switch, etc. You can even paint it on an adjacent wall if you like. Second suggestion: the washed-out effect. Basically, the technique consists of applying several successive layers of paint in shades that, from one layer to the next, are softened with white, using a roller or a sponge in a somewhat random way… You will find several tutorials on the internet, I let you consult them. Third suggestion: the textured effect. Whether it is a concrete finish or Venetian plaster, we cannot miss the artisanal aspect of the work, which gives the wall its own history and personality. Once again, you will find several tutorials on the internet… but resorting to a professional is perhaps a good idea if you do not have a “manual” hand. Good luck and good “wow”!
Venetian plaster wall | Photo credit: Jon Aaron Green for 91 Magazine
Julie Deslauriers is an actress, stylist, interior design columnist and eco-friendly mom. You've probably seen her on Chambres en Ville or other shows? Alongside her acting career, Julie has developed another passion: interior design.
We are happy about our brand new editorial collaboration and her valuable advice. You can follow her on her Instagram feed @lejuliebazar .
Stay tuned for more decorating tips from Julie!
