A brick wall in the interior of a house or apartment looks very stylish. However, not all owners have the free time and financial means to lay real brickwork. In this case, there is a solution - imitation of masonry using accessible and cheap materials. What options exist for a real brick wall and an imitation one, and what technology is used to carry out the work, will be discussed in this article.
Advantages and disadvantages of using brick walls in the interior
Any element of the interior has its positive and negative sides. And brickwork or its imitation is no exception. Its main advantages are as follows:
- When working, only environmentally friendly materials are used;
- Such a wall always looks trendy and fits into many interior solutions;
- Real brickwork has a long service life. It is reliable and unpretentious to changes in humidity and temperature changes;
- You can paint a brick wall in absolutely any color and make bricks of the texture you want.
When working, only environmentally friendly materials are used.
The disadvantages of brick walls include:
- With such a wall, you need to carefully think through the entire interior. If it has a rough and cold coating, the brick walls in the interior will not look complete;
- Imitation masonry or a real brick wall will not suit the classic design;
- You need to take care of it: wipe off dust and vacuum to remove loose bricks, cover it with a protective solution every year;
- Creating a solid brick wall will be difficult and expensive. The situation is different with simulated masonry.
With such a wall, you need to carefully think through the entire interior.
Pros and cons of finishing
Artificial brick has a number of advantages over the original.
Advantages
- It is lighter and thinner, which means it does not take up precious centimeters of space.
- Has good thermal insulation.
- Much simpler installation - just a special glue is enough to attach the parts to the surface.
- Large selection of colors and shades from snow-white to black.
- It can be cut, which is convenient when facing areas of non-standard shapes and corners.
- It lasts a long time, does not fade in the sun, and is not afraid of the effects of household chemicals - this simplifies the care of the surface.
- With such cladding, the wall automatically becomes an accent element.
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Flaws
There are few disadvantages compared to the advantages.
- It can create a feeling of an unfinished and uncomfortable interior. This happens if you overdo it with rough textures and cold tones - as a result, you can get the feeling of an uninhabited space.
- Not suitable for every style. Indeed, in a strict classical interior such cladding will look strange, but at the same time it has long gone beyond the boundaries of industrial styles. Modern, scandi, boho, eclecticism, minimalism - thanks to the variety of textures and colors, brick finishing can fit into most modern styles.
- An excess of such finishing will visually reduce the space due to the large number of small details, and can also simply dazzle the eye and make the decor too monotonous and boring. To avoid this, you must definitely combine this texture with other materials.
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- Decoration Materials
How to lay decorative bricks: detailed instructions for flexible and hard materials
What type of brick wall to choose for interior decoration
If the owner has purchased a home made of brick walls, using one of them in the interior will not be difficult. You just need to decorate it and protect it from chips. But completely laying out a wall is difficult and quite expensive. In this case, it is better to make simulated brickwork from inexpensive materials on a regular concrete wall.
If the owner has purchased a home made of brick walls, using one of them in the interior will not be difficult.
Real brick
Solid brick is used in their interiors by owners who value its functional properties and love antiques. Of course, to lay a wall of real brick you need to pay a large sum to the craftsman and the building materials store. In addition, you need to carefully care for it and ensure that the protective coating does not wear off. Otherwise, the wall will crumble and stain nearby furniture and clothes.
Solid brick is used in their interiors by owners who value its functional properties and love antiques.
Facing brick
Cladding brick differs from ordinary brick in that in most cases it is hollow. It is not used to build walls. This material is used only for external decoration. However, it costs more than the regular one.
Cladding brick differs from ordinary brick in that in most cases it is hollow.
Wallpaper
It is possible to make an imitation of brickwork using a minimum of funds. To do this you will need wallpaper, paint and masking tape. But this method has significant drawbacks. It will take a lot of time to paint bricks on wallpaper. And the wall itself doesn’t look very believable. You can, of course, use fiberglass wallpaper or liquid wallpaper. But you will also have to tinker with them.
It will take a lot of time to paint bricks on wallpaper.
Tile
A good substitute for a real brick wall is an imitation of clinker tiles. Using this method you can achieve a natural and unique appearance. However, this method requires certain financial costs and smooth walls. After all, if the walls have differences and tiles are placed on them using a special glue, the seams will turn out to be uneven, and the tile itself may become covered with cracks.
A good substitute for a real brick wall is an imitation of clinker tiles.
Painting
If necessary, the brickwork is painted with water-based paint and color after installation. You can choose absolutely any color. The seams are also painted over with this paint. They are usually made a shade darker than the base color so that the seams stand out and the masonry looks real. Painting is done if the wall was made of real brick or was made of plaster or gypsum mixture. When the paint is completely dry, the entire surface of the wall is coated with protective varnish.
If necessary, the brickwork is painted with water-based paint and color after installation.
Homemade tiles
You can make tiles that imitate brick with your own hands. At the same time, it will look as realistic as possible. No special costs will be required - you can use the most affordable materials.
For example, polystyrene foam is suitable. It can be easily cut with a knife, pasted on walls and painted. On the Internet you can find many videos with master classes on creating foam bricks.
However, this material also has disadvantages: it is fragile and rather fragile, and does not have the ability to withstand mechanical stress.
You can also make rectangular parts that imitate real brick from wood, plaster, or cement. After covering the walls with homemade tiles, the seams must be filled with silicone sealant using a mounting gun.
In addition, dry plaster or tile adhesive is suitable. The mixture should be placed in a plastic bag, cutting off a corner of it, and, carefully squeezing out, fill the seams between the tiles.
Color variations of brick walls
Designers highlight the primary colors in which brick walls are painted. These are red, brown, white, beige, gray and black. Of course, this list can be directly supplemented with other shades. But brick paint looks most harmonious in these colors.
Designers highlight the primary colors in which brick walls are painted. These are red, brown, white, beige, gray and black.
Red
A red wall with the addition of brown elements is a classic solution in the interior. Walls in rooms with loft, country and gothic styles are painted this color. Usually a wall in red-brown tones is the main decorative element in the design of the room. She immediately attracts the eye. After all, the main emphasis is on her. When choosing furniture, it is worth remembering that it should differ in color from the brick wall. Otherwise, the furniture will simply get lost against the background of the masonry itself.
A red wall with the addition of brown elements is a classic solution in the interior.
Pink
Pink color is a rather unusual solution in the interior. These walls are more suitable for cafes and showrooms, and are also used in some creative spaces.
Pink color is a rather unusual solution in the interior.
White
White brick walls have been a classic for many years. They are used in Provence, Shabby Chic and Baroque styles. White brickwork looks very good in the kitchen and bedroom.
White brickwork looks very good in the kitchen and bedroom.
Black
Pure black tones and their mix of brick walls are characteristic of the loft style. As decoration, bright paintings, photographs or other original decorative elements are hung on such a wall.
As decoration, bright paintings, photographs or other original decorative elements are hung on such a wall.
Blue
Blue brick walls are quite a rarity in the interior. Most often they are installed in children's rooms and bathrooms. This type of masonry is especially compatible with Chinese retro style and Scandinavian style interiors.
Most often they are installed in children's rooms and bathrooms.
Beige
Beige brick walls are a popular design element. This masonry looks good in an urban and high-tech interior. Perhaps this is one of the few colors that can be used in absolutely any room.
One of the few colors that can be used in absolutely any room.
Brown
Classic brown masonry is used in antique interiors. Antique furniture, decorative elements made of gold and wood look good with it. It is usually used in living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens.
Classic brown masonry is used in antique interiors.
Gray
Typically, a gray brick wall is installed in small rooms, as it visually increases the space. This type of masonry is used in the interior styles of “brixastyle”, “loft”, “hi-tech” and “eclecticism”. But the room where gray masonry is used can be anything.
Typically, a gray brick wall is installed in small rooms, as it visually increases the space.
Other possible options
Other colors that brick walls are painted depend on the interior itself and the functional purpose. Tones are selected based on the color of furniture, decorative elements, ceiling and floor.
Tones are selected based on the color of furniture, decorative elements, ceiling and floor.
The best manufacturers of textured brick-like wallpaper
The modern market for construction and finishing materials offers a huge selection of wallpaper of various types. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the most famous ones.
Rasch (Germany)
A world-famous company producing high-quality brick wallpaper of various types. The brand's products are distinguished by a wide range of colors, excellent breathability and moisture resistance, resistance to ultraviolet radiation and high realism. The texture of brick is achieved by adding wood chips to the wallpaper base material.
Milassa (Russia)
The Loft collection features non-woven wallpaper with a high-quality imitation of not only brick, but also untreated panels, metal and concrete. The wallpaper of this company is resistant to abrasion, repeated wet cleaning and retains its original color during use. This finishing material is perfect for those who decide to decorate their apartment in a minimalist, ethno or loft style.
P+S International (Netherlands)
The Dutch manufacturer offers high-quality and very beautiful wallpapers on paper, vinyl, non-woven and textile bases. The company's product range includes models of canvases with realistic imitation of natural stone, concrete walls, bricks and rough boards. In the production of finishing material, deep embossing technology is used, which ensures maximum resemblance to the original.
Grandeco (Belgium)
Fans of loft, modern, vintage, ethno or urban styles should pay attention to the Splendor wallpaper collection from the manufacturer Grandeco. The coating imitates various states of finishing materials: old wood, plaster, natural stone, rough brick, ceramic tile. Thanks to special printing technology, the manufacturer was able to realistically convey color and texture.
AS Creation (Germany)
The assortment of the German wallpaper manufacturer Creation includes a collection called San Rise, which includes models with high-quality brick imitation. The minimalistic design is successfully emphasized by neutral gray with yellowish and greenish shades. Loft fans will appreciate high-quality wallpaper that imitates old shabby brick with cracks in classic gray, terracotta and white tones.
What design styles does a brick wall go well with?
The possible colors of a brick wall were listed above and the styles in which they are used were named. Below we will talk about the features of each style.
Loft
Loft is the most common style that uses brick walls. This style appeared at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries and was initially simply part of industrial buildings - factories, factories, warehouses. Its main features are: a large space of rooms, high ceilings, furniture and decorative elements made from natural materials, a huge number of lamps, one or two walls without decoration.
Loft is the most common style that uses brick walls.
Country
Country style originated in the 20th century. Its main essence is maximum proximity to village houses, their coziness and comfort. The color palette of this style uses only natural colors. Furniture, decoration and other items are usually made of natural materials. It also contains a huge amount of utensils made of wood, clay and glass.
Its main essence is maximum proximity to village houses, their coziness and comfort.
High tech
Brick wall cladding is also found in high-tech style. It appeared at the beginning of the 20th century and literally translates as “high technology.” This style is distinguished by clear, straight vertical and horizontal lines, glass and metal surfaces, and plenty of lighting. Its main colors are black, white and grey. But bright accents are quite rare.
This style is distinguished by clear, straight vertical and horizontal lines, glass and metal surfaces, and plenty of lighting.
Other possible options
Brick walls are also used in other interior styles. For example, the brick style. It originated in the 21st century and is the youngest style that uses brick surfaces. The style matches the spirit of the city of London. Furniture and decorative items in this style are usually restrained and made in soothing colors.
Furniture and decorative items in this style are usually restrained and made in soothing colors.
Design options for different rooms with a brick wall
Brick cladding can be used in different rooms of a house or apartment. The main thing is to maintain harmony between the wall and the entire interior, and also not to use such decoration in too small rooms. It is also necessary to remember about the performance properties of a particular type of finish. After all, you cannot use the same facing material in different rooms.
The main thing is to maintain harmony between the wall and the entire interior, and also not to use such decoration in too small rooms.
Living room
In the living room, brickwork is used as a background for a bright interior item or furniture. Also, household appliances are mounted on it or a fireplace is built in. Thanks to this you can achieve comfort and a warm atmosphere. The wall itself can be either real or made of plaster or plaster.
In the living room, brickwork is used as a background for a bright interior item or furniture.
Kitchen
Brickwork in the kitchen can highlight existing appliances or separate the dining area from the work area. In addition, it is possible to mix different colors of bricks. A brick wall made with special tiles will look good in the kitchen. You can also add a brick motif to the countertop or lay out an apron from clinker tiles under the brick in the work area.
A brick wall made with special tiles will look good in the kitchen.
Bedroom
A brick wall would also look appropriate in the bedroom. It looks especially impressive together with a forged or wooden bed. You can also isolate the resting and sleeping area from the main area using a brick arch or partition. Charm and comfort in a bedroom with brickwork is achieved using Scandinavian and Greek styles.
Charm and comfort in a bedroom with brickwork is achieved using Scandinavian and Greek styles.
Bathroom
When choosing a brick finishing material for a bathroom, you must not forget that this room always has high humidity. Therefore, it is better to use plaster, gypsum or a solid brick wall.
When choosing a brick finishing material for a bathroom, you must not forget that this room always has high humidity.
Hallway
There is no point in installing a solid brick wall in the hallway or making it using a plaster mixture. The best and inexpensive option is to simply paste wallpaper with a picture of a brick wall. Of course, you can get confused and install clinker tiles on the surface. In this case, tiles with a chipped edge effect look beautiful, complemented by lamps in the shape of an antique candle.
The best and inexpensive option is to simply paste wallpaper with a picture of a brick wall.
Corridor
In the corridor you can also use brick-like wallpaper or clinker tiles. Then this room will look stylish. When entering an apartment or house, guests will admire this design. After all, the corridor is the place where a person ends up as soon as he enters the house.
In the corridor you can also use brick-like wallpaper or clinker tiles.
Balcony
Sometimes the wall on the balcony is already made of real brick. Then you just need to cover it with paint and protective varnish. If the wall is concrete, you can glue flexible clinker tiles to it or use plaster. There is no need to try to lay facing bricks on the balcony. After all, this is already a small room. And the brick eats up part of the space.
If the wall is concrete, you can glue flexible clinker tiles to it or use plaster.
How can you decorate a brick wall?
You can decorate a brick wall with a variety of objects. It could be:
- Painting;
- Photo;
- Pano;
- Candlestick;
- Sconce;
- Appliances;
- Fireplace;
- Flower pots (hanging flowers).
All these decorative elements are selected based on the style of the room and the brickwork itself.
You can decorate a brick wall with a variety of objects.
Technology for repairing brickwork walls
Repair of brickwork walls in some places takes place. After all, over time, bricks wear out, chip and lose their aesthetic properties.
You can use the mechanical method. To do this, the surface is moistened with water and cleaned of plaster using a coarse brush. Next, the wall is dried and a fresh coat of paint and protective coating is applied to it.
It is possible to replace solid brick where it is crumbling. To do this, you need to expand the space in the right place using a hammer drill, clean the mortar from the seams and remove the bricks to be replaced. Next, you need to put new bricks on the mortar and cover them with a protective varnish. If the masonry is antique, you will need to deliberately age the bricks.
It is possible to replace solid brick where it is crumbling.
Tips and tricks for using brick walls in the interior
Above it was described what brick walls are combined with, in what rooms and styles they can be used and how to decorate them. Below are general tips from designers on using brickwork in the interior, which will help make your house or apartment even more comfortable:
- When installing a brick wall, you don’t need to try to make every brick perfect and lay it out strictly according to the markings. Because irregularities, small chips and small shifts, on the contrary, give this interior solution a natural look;
- Before you start building a real brick wall or its imitation, you need to think in advance what style the room will be in and what furniture, as well as objects, will be in it;
- You can see examples of interiors using brick walls on the Internet. There are many options out there for different rooms and styles;
- You should not install a brick wall in too small rooms. After all, such cladding eats up part of the space.
Before you start building a real brick wall or its imitation, you need to think in advance what style the room will be in and what kind of furniture it will be.
The main thing in any interior is not to be afraid to experiment and look for original interior solutions, as well as listen to the advice of experienced designers. And then the brick wall will ideally fit into any layout, style of the room and become its highlight.
Work on mistakes
Using such a simple and yet quite complex material, it is necessary to take into account some features of brick:
- Once the wall is painted, it is extremely difficult to remove the paint if necessary. This is due to the porosity of the structure and good absorption.
- It is not advisable to completely highlight a long wall with brick. In this case, it must be “broken” with pieces of furniture, mirrors or decor. This way it will be better perceived visually.
- Mirrors reflecting a brick wall will help unite the space of the room into a single ensemble.
- The paintings look very beautiful on brick walls. The more there are, the more attention is drawn to the wall itself.
- Hanging open shelves hung on such a wall add coziness. Their color and material are selected taking into account the style of the room.
Bright accent
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Brick wall
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