What is laminate flooring? This is floor covering. This is how most people will respond. But with this type of material you can 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 laminate flooring, the cost of refurbishing rooms has dropped significantly. Considering that its surface imitates the structure of natural materials, there is no need to purchase expensive wood, marble and other natural finishes.
What makes interior design unique? 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 chosen design. Having learned about this, many will ask themselves the question: “How to do this?” This is what will be discussed in the article.
Reasons for choosing laminate wall cladding
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 - 10-15 years. BUTif you be extremely careful, then the period of operation is almost doubled. Manufacturers of laminate on the packaging indicate the class of the product. 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 maintain. When dirty, simply wipe the surface with a damp cloth.
It is impossible not to note the versatility of the material and a wide range. It is used in a room of any style. Also, the laminate can be laid in different ways: vertically, horizontally, herringbone. If this type of finish is applied only on one wall, then it will become a bright accent.
Designers recommend combining laminate with other materials when decorating. First of all, this will allow you to highlight a specific area, focusing on it. The most common option is wallpaper. But do not forget to take into account the color scheme: if the laminate is dark, then the rest of the wall should be light and vice versa. And in case of complementing the interior, it is recommended to “play” with shades of the same color.
Which laminate to choose?
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 material of the highest class. And this will significantly save on finishing.
So, what types of laminate to choose for decorationwalls? For these purposes, sheet pile, glue and click are suitable.
Sheet pile panels. Their peculiarity lies in the presence of special locks. They are laid in two ways: on glue (without processing joints) and by attaching to the wall with staples or nails.
Click panels are a modern (more advanced) version of the above type. The material is highly durable. The bands have a lock for fastening. In order to "collect" a solid surface, you will need to tilt the panel and insert the comb into the groove. Then press against the surface of the wall.
Adhesive panels are strips with smooth edges. Their installation is carried out on liquid nails. Using such material, it is imperative to process the ends with glue when installing the next canvas. Adhesive laminate is considered not the best quality for wall decoration.
Methods of attaching laminate flooring
In order for the laminate on the walls in the interior to look very beautiful and have a 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 laminate only for decorative purposes, it will have some disadvantages: it requires additional work to install the crate, hides the footage (frame thickness + panel thickness). During installation, it is recommended to use clamps, thanks to which the fastening will become as reliable as possible. Do not forget thata small distance must be left between the ceiling and the floor. Subsequently, it is closed with a plinth.
Glue mounting. This method is perfect for decorating. 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 back side in a zigzag line. In this case, the ends are necessarily processed. The canvas, assembled from strips with a lock, is lubricated with glue only along the perimeter. This method can only be used on a perfectly leveled wall surface. A difference not exceeding 3 mm is allowed. The strips are assembled both vertically and horizontally.
These two ways of laying laminate flooring have both advantages and disadvantages. The following factors influence the choice of a particular one:
- material type;
- direction of stripes;
- individual vision of interior design.
Editing Highlights
Laminate on the walls in the interior is an original design solution. However, when using this method of finishing, 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 fine teeth, a tape measure, a square, a hammer, a construction knife, expansion wedges.
It is also very important to take into account 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 must be left. at the bottomparts, it is not very convenient to use expansion wedges, so it is recommended to use a board or plank.
With large differences in the walls, you can level the surface with the help of a crate. It is assembled from a profile or timber.
Pro Tips
You can use 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, class 21, is suitable. The laying of the strips itself is carried out in several ways. Horizontal fit in small narrow spaces. It will visually increase the space. This method is the easiest, but it will be necessary to securely fasten the entire structure.
Vertical installation is used in rooms with low ceilings. Thanks to this accent, the room will become higher. 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 make the room cozy. With light neutral shades, you can create an effective base for a stylish decor. In any version, 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, discreet notes, but at the same time save the space from triviality. And what is the most important thing for such a room? Quality materials and positive atmosphere. Laminate meets all criteria. As a rule, it is used to finish the kitchen backsplash and the wall near the dining table. Moisture resistant materialin quality it is not inferior to ceramic tiles at all, but looks more impressive. The laminate is perfectly washed, does not scratch, so it will not be difficult to maintain cleanliness. In order not to bother with laying for a long time, it is better to choose horizontal installation in the area of \u200b\u200bthe kitchen backsplash. This method will not only save time, but also significantly reduce material consumption.
Bedroom
Laminate on the wall in the interior of the bedroom is a fresh design solution. This room should be private. 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, the laminate finish is continued on the ceiling with a narrow strip. It can reach the middle or even the opposite wall. This solution will allow you to harmoniously and clearly zone 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 laminate on the wall opposite the bed, imitating brickwork. Finishing height is selected individually, depending on the furniture.
If the bedroom has a seating area with an armchair and a coffee table, located in the corner of the room, then you can highlight it in an original way with a laminate. It is laid 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 designstyles. For example, classicism, hi-tech, art deco and others. The space of the living room gives you the opportunity to roam your imagination. Laminate can decorate an entire wall, small sections, a corner, if any, then protruding elements (columns, niches). Most often, this finish is used 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 create not only a beautiful and cozy 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, then only the lower part can be decorated, making a border no more than 50 cm high. Also, paneling is perfect in the hanger area.
