Creative Alternatives: Using Flooring on Walls Instead of Paint



Finding the best way to utilize your empty walls can be challenging. Sometimes, wall art may not make the desired impact. While an easy paint trick can add stunning texture to your home, paint isn’t the only way to enhance your interior. For a more striking statement, consider using flooring as a wall covering.

There are numerous wall textures that can bring personality to your home. Add an organic touch with unexpected tiles, or mimic wood paneling with vinyl planks for an accent wall. If you’re renting and need a temporary option, peel-and-stick tiles are excellent for adding a pop of color or print. The possibilities for using flooring on walls are limitless.



Use laminate wood for a unique powder room accent wall

@citygirlmeetsfarmboy

Use laminate flooring to make an easy-to-clean accent wall in the bathroom! Full tutorial on the blog. #learnontiktok #tiktokpartner #homeimprovement

♬ original sound – citygirlmeetsfarmboy

Transform your guest bathroom with a stylish accent wall using large wood-like laminate planks. Begin by cutting the planks to fit your wall. Locate the wall studs and use a nail gun to install the laminate. When selecting laminate, consider finish and color. Matte finishes resemble untreated wood, offering a more rustic look, while glossy finishes reflect light, ideal for smaller or darker rooms. Darker tones provide a cozy feel, whereas lighter shades make spaces appear larger.

Add peel-and-stick flooring to your walls for visual interest

@heatherbatkinson

Applied Peel & Stick flooring on my walls in a herringbone pattern to create a beautiful accent wall 🤎 #peelandstickflooring #peelandsticktiles #peelandstickvinyl #accentwall

♬ KEEP PUTTING IN THAT WORK – QUOTESOFTHEDAY

Peel-and-stick vinyl flooring isn’t just for floors. While it may not last long-term in high-traffic areas, it’s perfect for an accent wall. Create a sophisticated look with a herringbone pattern using wood-inspired vinyl tiles, and use a peel-and-stick cutting hack for tricky corners. VallisCo peel-and-stick vinyl flooring is an affordable, easy-to-install option. If wood isn’t your style, explore tile patterns like Art3d’s large peel-and-stick floor tile.

Create a focal point with engineered hardwood flooring

If wood vinyl or laminate isn’t appealing, engineered hardwood can be used on walls. These planks have a real wood top layer, allowing them to be sanded and stained if desired. Achieving the hardwood look and feel requires careful preparation.

A combination of heavy-duty adhesive and a nail gun ensures the panels sit flush against the wall. Secure the wood planks in your desired pattern with a product like Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue, followed by nails. Decorative hacks for wood accent walls vary based on the desired look. For a modern appearance, consider a vertical pattern.

Continue large-format floor tiles onto your wall

@nicolesmook

I have to start sharing more details about our basement remodel but this bathroom 🙏🏻🙏🏻 We chose these large format tiles for the vanity wall and our flooring. It looks so luxurious and is one of my favorite parts of this bathroom. I was unsure about using such large tiles for our floor, but I don’t think I’d ever do a bathroom differently now 👏🏻 #homedecor #interiordesign #homerenovation #renovatingourhome #renovation #happyathome #bathroominspo #fyp #fypシ #trending #design

♬ original sound – David D

Large-scale, floor-to-ceiling tiles are trending. Achieve a cohesive bathroom look by extending large-format tiles from the floor to the ceiling, creating a cocooning effect. Marble-style tiles on both floors and walls can design a luxurious space. Instead of heavy marble or stone, opt for thin porcelain tiles with veining for durability and ease of installation.

Use a double-adhesive tile mat to install no-mortar stone tiles

@brittneysvibe

Easy, no mortar stone tile for an accent wall @Julie Sousa #diyremodel #luxuryhomedesign #accentwallideas #stonewalldiy #tilehack

♬ original sound – Brittney’s Vibe

Achieve an ultra-textured look with a double-adhesive tile mat for a stone or pebble mosaic effect. Some artificial stone tiles come with adhesive backing, or use a tile mat for a sticky surface. This method is cleaner than mortar, allowing for quick grouting. Consider using pre-mixed Custom Bright White Premium Grout for lines between 1/16″ and ½”. Explore adhesive tile mat backsplashes for your kitchen as well.

Create a modern look with a DIY cement wall

@hausofyen

#diy #accentwall #interiordecor #interiordecorating #cementwall #industrial #minimal #design

♬ original sound – YEN | home • diy

If you prefer a modern industrial interior, this DIY hack is ideal. Mix a liquid cement compound with black cement dye, creating three batches with varying darkness levels for visual variation. Use a trowel to blend the shades on your wall.

For a uniform effect, use pre-mixed concrete in a medium gray tone, covering the entire wall. The Dap 31084 Concrete Patch can cover up to 200 square feet. Ensure walls are prepped before applying cement, using paint primer for a smooth surface.

Cover your walls in eye-catching carpet squares

@firstthymemom

DIY wall decor using carpet squares. So easy to install (#staplegun ). This room needed more color! #diywalldecor #carpetsquares #2023hometrends #decortrends #diyhomeprojects #uniquehomedecor #fyp

♬ original sound – Charlotte

Reimagine carpet on walls with modern carpet squares. Choose patterned squares for a statement look, using a staple gun for installation.

Explore dynamic design options like Reoriented for a vintage feel or Gatsby for a graphic style. Check out FLOR for design-conscious carpet tiles. For a less permanent trend experiment, try hanging rugs as artwork.

Design an earthy accent wall with terracotta tiles

@ngplatinumhomes

Handmade terracotta tiles! #homedesign #interiordesign #luxury #london #kitchenremodel #bathroom #bathroomremodel #tile #accenttile

♬ original sound – NG Platinum Homes

Terracotta tiles, popular for floors, can create an organic accent wall. Use a leveling compound for a smooth surface, apply tile adhesive, and secure tiles. Once dry, apply grout with a grout float. Choose patterns like hexagons, arabesques, or Moroccan stars and cross designs.

Reg Miller Award
Reg Miller Award

Reg Miller Award recipient, Lewis Lydon with OA Chairman, Pete Shadbolt and CEO, Lechelle Earl.