An interior wall covering allows you to clad a wall with a decorative material such as stone, wood, or brick to add texture, dimension, and character to a room. It can cover an entire wall or simply create an accent wall around a fireplace, television, or in a living area.

Long associated with more rustic decors, interior wall covering is now integrated into a wide variety of styles. New formats, colors, and finishes allow for the creation of contemporary, warm, minimalist, or more traditional decors.

But between decorative stone, wood panels, and brick, how do you choose the right material? Here are the main elements to consider before starting your project.

Why add an interior wall covering?

A wall covering primarily transforms a relatively simple wall into a true architectural element. Rather than just adding color with paint, a new material is introduced into the room.

This is particularly interesting for creating an accent wall and naturally drawing the eye to a specific element of the decor.

It can be used notably:

• ●      behind a television;
• ●      around a fireplace;
• ●      in an entryway;
• ●      in a dining room;
• ●      behind a bed;
• ●      on a wall in an open-concept area;
• ●      in certain areas of a kitchen.

The goal is not necessarily to cover multiple walls. In many projects, a single well-chosen wall is enough to create the desired effect without overwhelming the space.

Stone, wood, or brick: which wall covering to choose?

Decorative stone is particularly suitable for natural and architectural decors, wood brings more warmth, and brick creates a more textured and distinctive effect. The best choice therefore mainly depends on the desired style, the wall's location, and other materials present in the room.

Here's how the three options differ.

Decorative stone: an architectural and timeless effect

Decorative stone is particularly interesting when you want to give a wall more presence.

Depending on its color, format, and texture, it can complement both a contemporary decor and a more rustic ambiance. Light tones and clean lines generally create a more modern result, while stones with pronounced variations add more character.

Stone can become the focal point of a living room when used on a fireplace wall or behind the television.

Some lightweight masonry solutions also provide the desired appearance and texture while being specifically designed for decorative applications.

Wood wall panels: warmth and texture

Wood is an excellent way to visually warm up a room.

A wood wall panel can create a very different effect depending on the species, shade, width of the elements, and their orientation. Vertical lines, for example, can accentuate the height of a wall, while natural wood in soft tones integrates particularly well into Scandinavian and organic decors.

It's also a great way to create continuity with other wooden elements in the house, such as flooring, cabinets, or furniture.

However, avoid trying to perfectly match all species and shades. A slight contrast often gives a much more natural result.

Decorative brick: to add character

Brick immediately adds texture to a room.

It is often associated with industrial style, but new shades allow for much more versatility. A light brick can fit into a contemporary or farmhouse decor, while a red or darker brick creates an ambiance more inspired by lofts and old buildings.

Decorative brick works particularly well when used as an accent element rather than on all walls of a room.

Which material to choose for an accent wall?

To choose the material for an accent wall, start with the ambiance you want to create: stone adds relief and architectural character, wood brings warmth, while brick provides more texture and personality. Then consider the existing flooring, furniture, and colors.

A good accent wall should not appear to have been added independently of the rest of the decor.

For example, if your floor already has a lot of color variations and grain, a more understated wall covering can help maintain a certain balance.

Conversely, in a very minimalist room with neutral colors, a more textured decorative stone can become the element that gives the space its full character.

Lighting is also important. Highly textured surfaces naturally create shadows when lit from the side, which accentuates their relief.

Which wall covering to choose around a fireplace?

Decorative stone and certain masonry products are popular choices around a fireplace as they create an architectural focal point. However, the selected covering must be compatible with this application and comply with the clearances and requirements of the fireplace manufacturer.

The aesthetic aspect should therefore never be the only criterion.

Before installation, it is important to check the specifications of the wall covering, the type of fireplace, and the materials allowed around it.

Visually, the fireplace wall is often an excellent place to use a more assertive material. Since the fireplace already naturally forms a focal point, stone or brick can enhance this effect.

Is stone wall cladding difficult to install?

The installation of stone wall cladding depends on the product, the substrate, and the wall configuration. A straight, well-prepared surface simplifies the work, while corners, openings, fireplaces, and numerous cuts increase the difficulty. Adequate substrate preparation remains essential.

The quality of the installation greatly influences the final result.

Poor alignment can be particularly noticeable on certain formats, as can poorly executed cuts around a fireplace or electrical outlet.

It is also necessary to use the recommended installation products for the selected cladding and ensure that the substrate is suitable for the application.

For more complex projects, calling on a professional may therefore be preferable.

Contact us to learn more about our installation service.

How much does an interior wall covering cost per square foot?

The cost of an interior wall covering varies depending on the material, collection, format, and surface area to be covered. It is also necessary to consider installation materials, wall preparation, cuts, corners, and, when required, professional labor.

Two walls of the same surface area can therefore have very different costs.

A large, relatively simple rectangular wall to cover does not present the same constraints as a fireplace wall with multiple corners, openings, or architectural details.

To compare different options, it is therefore preferable to evaluate the project as a whole rather than just looking at the price of the covering per square foot.

Can you install wall cladding yourself?

Yes, some wall coverings can be installed DIY when the project is simple and the manufacturer provides an accessible installation method. However, wall preparation, cuts, corners, and the use of the right installation products are crucial for achieving a durable and professional result.

An experienced DIYer can therefore carry out certain accent wall projects, but the level of difficulty varies considerably from one product to another.

For installation around a fireplace, at a great height, or involving many details, professional installation can be particularly advantageous.

Our tips for a successful accent wall

Before choosing your cladding, look at the room as a whole.

At Plancher 2000, we recommend considering the flooring, cabinets, furniture, and natural light at the same time as the wall covering.

Also, avoid multiplying highly textured materials in the same room. If your wall is the star of the decor, other surfaces can be a little more discreet.

And most importantly, look at samples in the context of your project. A stone, brick, or wood panel can look very different depending on the lighting and surrounding materials.

Our specialists' advice: bring a sample of your flooring, countertop, cabinets, or even some photos of the room to the store. It will be much easier to compare colors, textures, and proportions to create a cohesive whole.

FAQ about interior wall coverings

What is an interior wall covering?

An interior wall covering is a material installed on the surface of a wall primarily to change its appearance and add texture or relief. Decorative stone, wood, and brick are popular options for creating an accent wall.

Which wall covering is best for a living room?

It all depends on the desired style. Wood is particularly suitable for a warm and natural ambiance, while stone can create a more architectural focal point. Brick is interesting when you want to give more character to the living room.

Which wall covering is suitable for the kitchen?

Several materials can be used in a kitchen depending on their location and the manufacturer's recommendations. The choice must take into account humidity, heat, splashes, and required maintenance, especially when the covering is near cooking or preparation areas.

Should the entire wall be covered?

Not necessarily. A covering can be used on an entire wall, but also on a specific section to highlight a fireplace, television, or architectural element. In many décors, targeted use produces a more balanced result.

Finding the right wall covering for your project

Interior wall coverings can completely transform the perception of a room without necessarily changing the entire decor.

Stone, wood, or brick: there is no one material that is universally better than the others. The right choice is the one that matches the desired ambiance, the room's constraints, and the other materials present in your home.

Want to create an accent wall or clad your fireplace? Discover our selection of wall coverings or come meet our advisors in store to compare materials, textures, and different possibilities for your project.