What is laminate flooring? This is a floor covering. That is how most people will answer. But this type of material can also decorate the walls. Surprised? Many designers find laminate flooring widely used. Thanks to him, you can create a truly chic interior. With the advent of the laminate, the cost of repairing premises has significantly decreased. Considering that its surface imitates the structure of natural materials, now you do not need to purchase expensive wood, marble and other natural finishes.
What will become a unique interior design? Laminate on the walls! This solution is gradually gaining popularity. Thanks to him, you can create bright spectacular accents, as well as harmoniously complement the selected design. Having learned about this, many will ask: “How to do this?” This is what the article will discuss.
Reasons for choosing a laminate for wall decoration
The use of laminate on the walls in the interior provides many advantages. Unlike other inexpensive materials, this type of finish is durable. Warranty period is 10-15 years. And to be extremely careful, the period of operation is almost doubled. Laminate manufacturers on the packaging indicate the product class. It indicates the level of recommended load, average room temperatures and humidity. Also, importantly, this coating is an excellent sound and heat insulating material. Unlike wallpaper, laminate flooring is easy to care for. If dirty, simply wipe the surface with a damp cloth.
It should be noted the versatility of the material and a wide range. It is used indoors of any style. Also, the laminate can be laid in different ways: vertically, horizontally, herringbone. If this type of decoration is applied on only one wall, then it will become a bright accent.
Designers recommend combining laminate with other materials when decorating. First of all, this will make it possible to highlight a specific area, concentrating attention on it. The most common option is wallpaper. But do not forget to consider the color scheme: if the laminate is dark, then the rest of the wall should be light and vice versa. And in the case of complementing the interior, it is recommended to "play" with shades of one color.
How to choose a laminate?
It is immediately worth noting that the laminate on the wall in the interior (see photo in the article) is subjected to small loads. Based on this, it is not necessary to select the highest grade material. And this will significantly save on decoration.
So, what types of laminate to choose for wall decoration? For these purposes, sheet pile, glue and click.
Sheet piling. Their feature is the presence of special locks. They are laid in two ways: on glue (without processing joints) and by attaching to the wall with brackets or nails.
Click panels - a modern (more advanced) version of the above view. The material is highly durable. On the stripes there is a lock for fastening. In order to “assemble” a solid surface, you will need to tilt the panel and insert the comb into the groove. Then press it to the wall surface.
Adhesive panels are stripes with straight edges. Their installation is carried out on liquid nails. Using such material, it is necessary to process the ends with glue during the installation of the next canvas. Glue laminate is not considered the best quality type for wall decoration.
Methods for fixing the laminate
In order for the laminate on the walls in the interior to look very beautiful and have high-quality fastening, it is necessary to study the available installation methods.
Mounting on the crate (frame). This method is the most common, as it allows you to lay an additional layer of insulation. However, when using the laminate only for decorative purposes, it will have some drawbacks: it requires additional work to install the crate, conceals the footage (frame thickness + panel thickness). During installation, it is recommended to use kleimers, thanks to which the fastening will become as reliable as possible. Do not forget that a small distance should be left between the ceiling and the floor. Subsequently, it is closed with a plinth.
Glue mounting. This method is perfect for decoration. With it, you can create an original panel. Installation work consists in fixing the panels using glue. If the laminate is without locks, then it must be applied to the rear side with a zigzag line. In this case, the ends are necessarily processed. A cloth collected from strips with a lock is lubricated with glue only around the perimeter. This method can only be used on perfectly aligned wall surfaces. The difference is allowed not exceeding 3 mm. Stripes are collected both vertically and horizontally.
These two methods of laying laminate have both advantages and disadvantages. The following factors influence the choice of a particular:
- material type;
- lane direction;
- individual vision of interior design.
Installation Highlights
Laminate on the walls in the interior - an original design solution. However, using this method of decoration, it is necessary to take into account some points. First you need to arm yourself with all the tools: a jigsaw or a hacksaw with small teeth, a tape measure, a square, a hammer, a construction knife, and spacer wedges.
It is also very important to consider the humidity of the room. Laminate tends to swell with increased dampness and deform from sudden changes in temperature.
During installation, gaps of 15-20 mm are mandatory. In the lower part, it is not very convenient to use expansion wedges, so it is recommended to use a board or bar.
With large wall differences, you can level the surface with the help of a lathing. It is assembled from a profile or bar.
Professional Tips
You can use the laminate on the walls in the interior in any room. For the kitchen and bath, it is recommended to purchase a moisture-resistant look, for the rest, a standard one, for example 21 classes, is suitable. The strip laying itself is carried out in several ways. Horizontal is suitable in small narrow rooms. It will visually increase the space. This method is the simplest, however, it will be necessary to securely fix the entire structure.
Vertical installation is used in rooms with low ceilings. Thanks to this accent, the room will become taller. For this option, both light and contrast laminate are suitable. The main thing is to correctly and harmoniously fit it into the common space.
Laminate on the wall will help to make the room comfortable. Thanks to light neutral shades, you can create a spectacular foundation for a stylish decor. In any design, this type of finish will make the interior noble, original and sophisticated.
Kitchen
Laminate on the wall in the interior of the kitchen allows you to give the room a natural, restrained note, but at the same time save the space from triviality. And what is most important for such a room? Quality materials and positive atmosphere. Laminate is suitable for all criteria. As a rule, it is used to decorate the kitchen apron and the wall near the dining table. The moisture-resistant type of material is not inferior in quality to ceramic tiles, but looks more impressive. The laminate is well washed, not scratched, so it will not be possible to maintain cleanliness of work. In order not to bother with styling for a long time, it is better to choose horizontal installation in the area of the kitchen apron. This method will not only save time, but also significantly reduce the consumption of material.
Bedroom
The laminate on the wall in the bedroom interior is a fresh design decision. This room should be individual. In order not to turn it into an office, it is better to use panels on only one wall. The best option is the bed area. Very often, laminate flooring is continued on the ceiling with a narrow strip. It can reach the middle or even to the opposite wall. Such a solution will allow harmoniously and clearly zoning the room. This design is especially relevant in rooms where it is necessary to equip an office and a sleeping area. You can also use the laminate on the wall opposite the bed, simulating masonry. Finishing height is selected individually, depending on the furniture.
If the bedroom has a sitting area with an armchair and a coffee table, located in the corner of the room, you can originally distinguish it with a laminate. It is laid in a herringbone or horizontally with protruding edges.
Living room
Laminate on the wall in the interior of the living room will look especially elegant. This finish fits perfectly into various design styles. For example, classicism, high-tech, art deco and others. The space of the living room makes it possible to roam fantasy. The laminate can decorate the whole wall, small sections, the angle, if any, then the protruding elements (columns, niches). Most often, this finish is applied on the surface with a TV or fireplace. It is these places that are central.
Hallway
Laminate on the walls in the interior of the hallway will help to create not only a beautiful and comfortable space, but also practical. As already known, the surface of this material is easy to clean and does not deform, and in the hallway you can always scratch or stain the walls with something. You can choose the method and place of installation only individually, starting from the shape and size of the room. If it is long but narrow, you can decorate only the lower part by making a border no more than 50 cm high. Also, the paneling is perfect in the hanger area.