The 50 Best Wall Covering Ideas – Exciting Designs and Methods for Covering Your Walls
These awesome alternatives to hum-drum painted walls can be the inspiration you need to tackle a new project.
Are you tired of staring at that one blank concrete wall in your home? You’ve tried everything, but nothing seems to feel right. Just painting it isn’t enough, and hanging art doesn’t fit the space. It’s time to consider these wall covering ideas.
By using unique wall coverings in your home, you’ll add interest and personality. This gives you a chance to create a feature wall, add color, and bring your home’s walls to life.
Maybe a wall mural is a perfect solution. Perhaps some wood paneling or ceramic tile is the ideal accent. Whatever you choose, now is the time to tackle that ugly wall and improve your home decor.
See more about - The Top 52 Wall Decor Ideas
1. Modern Wall Covering Ideas
The modern approach to wall decoration is to use the wall itself as the focal point. Instead of hanging pictures or art, decorate the actual wall. This means using bold patterns and colors to create an eye-catching piece that covers the wall’s entire length and height.
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The other vital point to keep in mind is that you can cover any wall you want. Traditionally, the idea was to pick the accent or feature wall, but those days are gone. You could choose a small and hidden away wall to decorate as a surprise design touch.
You shouldn’t be afraid to cover the walls of your hallway. Or the walls of your modern bathroom. Then there’s the wall that lines your staircase.
You also shouldn’t be afraid to use unusual materials to cover your walls. You could create a brick, wood paneling, or fabric wall.
2. Wall Paper Ideas
Gone are the days of your grandmother’s wallpaper. You no longer have to struggle with messy paste and endless smoothing, or the nightmare of removal. The wallpaper of today comes pretreated with glue and easily removes to create a more temporary wallpaper option.
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The ease of application with modern wallpaper means you can quickly apply it to an entire room. You could also choose an accent wall and feature the beautiful paper as a focal point of the room.
To keep your decor looking modern, choose a wallpaper that has a geometric pattern or metallic accents. This wallpaper will feature a bold repeating design of one to three colors. Then gold, copper, silver, or rose gold foil is applied to add depth to the design.
Another option is to buy wallpaper with a lifelike image printed on it. This could be a realistic stone or brick wall or a nature scene. These wall murals are perfect for a bedroom where you want to create a peaceful sanctuary.
Look for a wallpaper with a bold repeating pattern for a larger room. But keep the design smaller or more subtle for smaller rooms, like your bathroom walls.
3. Graphic Wall Covering Ideas
With the advancement of wallpaper and vinyl materials, wallcovering options have exploded with a wide range of graphic wall art. Think of this wall design idea as more like a wall mural than wallpaper. These graphic designs feature several wall panels that you’ll need to apply to the wall in a particular order.
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This is different from wallpaper, where it doesn’t matter what order you put the panels up in as long as the pattern lines up. A graphic wall covering is an entire artistic design that doesn’t repeat. Some ideas for this type of design would be graffiti art, or a watercolor painting design, or hand-drawn artwork.
The trick to making this style of wall covering work is to measure your wall and buy a design that fits your available space. The panels need to cover your wall from left to right and top to bottom. If you can’t make the dimensions match precisely, then buy one that’s bigger and trim it down to fit.
4. Powder Room Wall Covering Ideas
Decorating the wall of your bathroom is your chance to step outside of your comfort zone and get a little creative. These smaller rooms can support detailed and colorful patterns. This makes wallpaper, fabric, and wall decals accessible.
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For a bold design, don’t be afraid to cover all of the walls from floor to ceiling. This will essentially surround you in a 360-degree design. However, if this is too much for you, you can pair your patterned covering with something simplified.
A beautiful look is to pair wainscoting with colorful wallpaper. This will limit the color and intricate detail to the upper half of the walls, while the bottom half will be a bright white and clean design. This will help to make your bathroom feel more substantial and the walls taller.
Make sure you use the right type of wood in your bathroom. This is a moist environment, and you want your new wood wall to last. Stick with teak, cedar, or hinoki. Or you could use marine wood that has been treated for use around water.
5. Wainscoting Ideas
If you’re looking for a traditional wall covering, then wainscoting is the way to go. Traditional wainscoting comes up a few feet from the floor to cover the bottom portion of your walls with wood paneling. This creates a chair rail at the top of the wainscoting.
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A modern approach to wainscoting is to have the decorative wall panels extend to the ceiling to cover the entire wall. Either method will require you to create a box, square, or rectangle design with wood trim. You can keep it simple with a single piece of trim, or get fancy with several pieces of uniquely shaped trim to create an intricate design.
This type of wall covering looks best in larger and more traditionally styled homes. You’ll cover all of the interior walls to create a cohesive look as you move through the house from the front entry to the hallway to the dining room. You can even have it on the ceiling to create a unique look to your home’s decor.
6. Shiplap Wall Covering Ideas
A modern trend in interior design is to create a shiplap wall. You’ll use several wood planks to stack on top of each other as you lay them flat against the wall. When you’re done, you’ll have a wood wall.
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A traditional method for this technique requires you to leave the wood bare or use reclaimed wood that features the grain. A more modern approach is to paint the shiplap white. This creates a bright and clean canvas for the rest of your wall decor.
The wood shiplap creates texture without it being distracting or overwhelming. You could apply your shiplap to one wall and create a feature wall, or use it in an entire room.
If the terms country, cottage, or farmhouse apply to your home, then shiplap is an ideal wall covering. Its rustic nature will enhance the look of your home while also helping to keep it feeling modern.
7. DIY Wall Covering Ideas
One visit to Pinterest, and you’re bound to see countless walls covered in wood planks. This DIY project has become one of the most popular home improvement projects in modern times. It’s affordable, doesn’t require a lot of skill, and looks beautiful.
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To create your own DIY wood wall, you need to find some reclaimed wood. Recycling wood for this project will give you a variety in type, color, grain, and size. Check lumber yards for reclaimed barnwood or warehouses for pallets. The more range you have, the more creative your wall will look.
Once you have your wood, you’ll need to plan your design. A simple horizontal pattern is fast to go up. Placing the wood planks vertically will add visual height to your walls.
8. Chalkboard Paint Ideas
The most obvious place to create a chalkboard wall is in a child’s room. But this isn’t the only place where this functional wall covering makes sense. A chalkboard paint wall in your home lets you create a built-in surface where you can draw, write notes, or anything else.
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Consider painting a wall in your kitchen. You can use the wall for recipe notes, messages between family members, or your grocery list.
Another idea is to paint a wall in your home gym. Now you can track your weekly schedule or work out progress. You could paint the entire wall or just a section of it.
Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you can’t have a chalkboard wall in your bedroom, office, bathroom, or reading nook. It could be functional and give you a place for daily notes and reminders. Or it could be purely decorative and give you a place to draw some beautiful artwork.
9. Tile Wall Covering Ideas
Sure, you could use tile in the most obvious rooms in your home, the bathroom, and the kitchen. But these aren’t the only places where tile can look beautiful and be functional. You can use tile in your bedroom, living room, office, hallway, or a laundry room.
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When choosing your tile for another room in your home, you want to apply the same principles as when you pick one for your bathroom. The scale of the tile needs to make sense with the size of the room.
You can choose a rectangle wall tile and run it horizontally to make a room feel longer. Or you can choose a smaller tile to help a room feel larger. Remember, though, that too small of a tile will look busy and cluttered.
Don’t be afraid to embrace modern trends and choose a tile that is a unique shape. Square and rectangle tile can look too much like bathroom styles. Select a scallop, trapezoid, hexagon, pentagon, or parallelogram design that will help you break free from the traditional bathroom or kitchen tile look.
10. Wall Panel Ideas
If you have a large wall to cover, you may find some of these other solutions too busy and overwhelming. You need something that adds texture and warmth to the space without overwhelming it. Large wood panels are the perfect solution.
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To keep this wall covering looking elegant, skip the plywood panels and opt for professionally finished and mounted pieces. This will help the covering to look sleek and styled instead of farmhouse rustic.
Your panels could be dark or light wood. They can be uniform or free-form in shape. Whatever you choose, it should complement the size, shape, brightness, and decor of the room.
While you’re designing your paneling, you should think about adding a lighting feature. You can easily hide LED lights in the panels and have a gentle wash of light as a beautiful accent to the room while also highlighting the beauty of the wood.
Considering adding some feature panels to your wall that are covered in moss or another air plant. This would make a beautiful living feature to your wall. This type of covering is perfect for a bathroom with plenty of natural moisture, and the soothing plants will add to the spa-like atmosphere.
Wall Covering FAQs
Why would I choose a wall covering?
A wall covering is an excellent alternative to paint. Some are temporary solutions that are perfect if you’re renting and cannot paint. Others are permanent and perfect for giving your home a unique design and personality. You could use these ideas in conjunction with paint to create more interest and detail to your walls.
Are wall coverings expensive?
It depends on the wall covering you choose. Some covers are quite affordable, such as chalkboard paint or temporary decals. Others can be costly, such as custom wainscoting or tile. If you find that your wall covering of choice is outside of your budget, then look for more affordable alternatives. If you can’t afford tile, then look for a wallpaper that mimics your chosen tile’s pattern.
How do I maintain my wall covering?
Most wall coverings require a similar maintenance routine. You’ll want to dust or wipe down with a damp cloth regularly. Try not to get your wall covering too wet, as this can damage several of these options, such as the wallpaper, wainscotting, or wood. Others, like the tile, may require more aggressive cleaning to keep the grout looking fresh.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
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Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
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This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
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This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
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This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
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If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
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If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
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Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
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Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
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For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
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For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
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This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
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Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
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The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
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Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
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Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
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This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
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Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
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Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
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Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
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Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
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This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
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Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.
