Wall Covering Ideas: From Traditional to Contemporary

Your home's walls are the canvas for creativity, providing endless opportunities to personalize your space and set the tone for each room. From timeless, traditional looks to sleek, modern styles, wall coverings can completely transform your interior. Whether you're revamping a single room or giving your entire home a fresh makeover, the right wall coverings can add texture, warmth, and personality.

Traditional Wall Coverings

Wallpaper: A Classic Comeback

Wallpaper is one of the most traditional forms of wall coverings, known for its ability to bring intricate designs, patterns, and colors into a room. Once considered outdated, wallpaper is making a strong comeback, thanks to modern manufacturing techniques and innovative designs. Whether you're drawn to elegant florals, intricate damask patterns, or stripes, wallpaper can enhance the classic charm of any space.

• Ideal for a traditional or Victorian-style home
• Adds visual interest with its unique patterns and textures
• Easy to clean and maintain with modern finishes

While wallpaper continues to evolve with contemporary trends, it remains a staple for those looking to preserve a sense of timeless elegance in their interiors.

Wood Paneling: Rustic and Refined

Wood paneling has been a go-to choice for centuries, lending homes a warm, rustic feel. In traditional designs, wood paneling covers full walls and is often seen in libraries, dens, or formal dining rooms. Today, wood paneling can be used in both large and small spaces, bringing in an element of nature while offering durability and versatility.

• Timeless, natural beauty that adds warmth and character
• Perfect for traditional, country, or cottage-style homes
• Can be stained or painted to match the room's color palette

Wallplanks wood wall coverings retain the traditional appeal of wood but are made with advanced, eco-friendly techniques that ensure ease of installation.

Transitional Wall Coverings

Wainscoting: A Blend of Classic and Modern

Wainscoting is a stylish middle ground between traditional wood paneling and contemporary design. Typically, it involves applying wood panels to the lower half of the walls and adding decorative molding for a finished look. This treatment creates visual interest without overwhelming the space, making it ideal for dining rooms, hallways, and entryways.

• Adds depth and texture to the room
• Provides a subtle contrast to painted or wallpapered upper walls
• Works well with both traditional and modern furnishings

By combining wainscoting with a wood accent wall from Wallplanks, you can balance old-world charm with modern aesthetics.

Beadboard: Classic, Yet Versatile

Another transitional favorite is beadboard, which has been used for centuries to give homes a cozy, cottage-like feel. Beadboard consists of narrow, vertical planks, often installed in kitchens or bathrooms. Today, you can use beadboard in creative ways to enhance any room, even adding it to ceilings or as a backsplash.

• Adds texture without overwhelming a space
• Pairs beautifully with painted walls for contrast
• Simple yet charming, suitable for both traditional and modern spaces

Beadboard wall paneling from Wallplanks offers an array of options, from natural wood tones to modern hues.

Contemporary Wall Coverings

Wood Accent Walls: Modern Elegance with Natural Beauty

A wood accent wall is one of the most popular contemporary wall covering ideas. Unlike traditional wood paneling that covers entire rooms, a single accent wall can create a focal point in any space, from bedrooms to living areas. It brings warmth, texture, and a sense of natural beauty while maintaining a modern, minimalist aesthetic.

• Adds a natural, organic element to modern interiors
• Perfect for creating visual contrast in open-plan spaces
• Offers versatility, with a wide variety of wood finishes and tones

At Wallplanks, we offer peel-and-stick wood paneling that can easily transform your space.

Geometric Wall Panels: Bold and Artistic

Geometric wall panels are making waves in the design world, offering a bold, artistic alternative to traditional wall coverings. These three-dimensional panels create texture and movement, making them perfect for feature walls in living rooms, bedrooms, or even offices.

• Ideal for making a bold statement
• Creates visual interest and texture
• Versatile, with patterns that can be subtle or eye-catching

Pair geometric wall panels with sleek, modern furniture for a more contemporary look. Combine them with natural wood panels for a modern-rustic vibe.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Wall Coverings

Reclaimed Wood: Eco-Friendly with a Story to Tell

Reclaimed wood is a popular choice for those seeking sustainability and a rustic, lived-in look. Sourced from old barns, factories, or other structures, it has a unique history and adds character to any space. The uneven textures, rich patinas, and imperfections of reclaimed wood create a unique design element.

• Environmentally friendly, repurposing existing materials
• Adds history and character to your home
• Works well with both rustic and modern designs

Reclaimed wood paneling from Wallplanks provides an eco-friendly and stylish way to add character to your home.

Cork: Soft and Sustainable

Cork is another excellent sustainable option for modern wall coverings. Made from the bark of cork trees, this renewable resource is soft to the touch, offers excellent insulation, and has a unique, earthy texture. Cork wall coverings can be used in bedrooms, offices, or living spaces to create a cozy, eco-friendly environment.

• Provides sound insulation and thermal benefits
• Soft texture adds warmth and comfort to a room
• 100% renewable and biodegradable

Transform Your Space with Wallplanks

From traditional to contemporary, there are countless ways to transform your space with creative wall coverings. Whether you want to preserve a classic, elegant look or make a bold, modern statement, the right wall coverings can make all the difference.

At Wallplanks, we believe your walls should reflect your unique style while contributing to a healthy, sustainable environment. Ready to get started on your next wall covering project? Explore our wide range of products to find the perfect solution for your home.