Tired of the same old wall paint? Want to make a new space feel like your own? Take a look at these options.
10 Surprising Alternatives to Painting Walls
Updated on Jan. 27, 2024
If you’re like me, you want your space to exude personality. You might be someone who likes calm and neutral tones, or perhaps you want bursts of color all around you. The good news is, whether you’re renting or own your home, there are lots of options to bring out the “you” in your space other than simply painting a room.
Here are some creative options for your walls that go beyond the typical.
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Install a Corkboard Wall
This one is my favorite. I love the natural look of cork boards; add some artwork, and I think it’s gorgeous.
All it takes is a roll of cork at push-pin thickness, some large brass escutcheon pins to mount it to the wall, and some sharp scissors or a utility knife and straightedge to make clean cuts. Once up, use cute pins to showcase your kid’s artwork!
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Bare Plywood
What! Plywood?! Yes! A sheet of plywood mounted to a portion of your wall might be the standout look you’ve been searching for. Use it to create a natural and cozy ambiance, contrast it with an already brightly painted space, or add artwork to to create a unique focal point.
Be picky when choosing your decorative plywood. Apply polyurethane to both sides and the edges to keep warpage to minimum, and screw into the studs.
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A Pegboard Wall
Pegboard comes in varying sizes and shapes, from full 4- by 8-ft. sheets to 2×4 pieces. Smaller pieces give more layout options, and they’re easy to transport if you don’t have a truck or van.
Pegboard comes in metal and wood. It can be painted or left unfinished. Since what’s placed on the board can be easily altered, it’s a playful option for people who love changing things up throughout the year.
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Venetian Plaster Wall
Venetian plaster has been around since the rise of Greece and Egypt. Rediscovered in 15th-century Venice, it became a staple during the Renaissance era. A mixture of water and limestone, Venetian plaster is applied to walls to create a soft marbled look.
Though more expensive than paint, it brings a lovely ambiance and almost regal finish to any accent wall. With reinvented mixtures, the plaster is no longer just for professionals. Any DIYer can apply it successfully. You can buy it premixed or as a powder. A rounded steel trowel and a few painting supplies are all you’ll need.
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Chalkboard Paint
Chalkboard paint is a great addition to any room. Plus, it can be tinted to other colors, not just the standard black!
A couple of things to consider when adding a chalkboard wall: Make sure to use two to three coats of paint. Wait about three days to cure. Then prep the board by rubbing the entire wall with chalk, then erasing before use.
I did this for my daughter’s bedroom, and she loves it. Her friends leave her little messages, and she spends hours making creations. Just make sure to purchase dust-free chalk. I gave her outdoor chalk to use, and the dust went all over the new carpet and even stained it!
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Large Sheet of Galvanized Steel for a Magnet Board
If you have kids or a large display of magnets that’s outgrown your refrigerator, I recommend a large sheet of galvanized steel. It can be painted any color, even chalkboard paint! It’s great for fine motor skills and creative play. Just make sure the magnets aren’t small enough for your kids to swallow.
To make it, purchase sheets of galvanized steel from the local hardware store that can be pieced together to cover an entire wall. Or reach out to your HVAC supplier and have them cut a larger sheet to perfectly fit your wall. Fasten with Hex screws or nails.
If you choose to paint the sheet, wait about a week to allow it to cure. Then add magnetics and artwork!
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Hand Paint a Mural
OK, this might seem like quite the leap if you are not an artist. A mural wall painting doesn’t have to be little baby cupids dancing across a meadow. It can be hand-painted strips or dots.
Use varying colors or different shades of one color to create dimension and add some pop to your space. You just need a paintbrush, painting supplies and a little courage!
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Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Peel and stick wallpaper is sweeping the nation. People who swore off wallpaper in the 90s after stripping ancient glued-on paper from every room in their house are starting to rethink their decision. The idea that it goes on and off easily is extremely exciting, especially if you’re interested in creating a unique, eye-catching wall.
I love the bright colors and loud prints, but I hesitated to take the dive since I’ve never put on a sticker straight in my life. But if I made a mistake, I just pulled it off and repositioned it until it was perfect. Just make sure to order more than you need when matching up a pattern, and turn off the power when cutting around light switches and electrical outlets.
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Fabric
When I think of fabric walls, I think of beautiful silk stretched across grand rooms in multi-million dollar homes. But anyone can add a bit of texture and dimension to their home with fabric.
Some opt to wrap fabric on wood panels to mount on walls. But I love covering entire walls with thinner textile fabric or upholstery fabric, or a half wall with board and batten.
To do this, use a paint roller to apply liquid starch to the wall. Place the fabric on the wall, then roll the starch onto the fabric. Once dry, use a utility knife to cut away extra fabric. The neat thing about this technique? When it’s time to remove the wallpaper, it comes off by applying a wet sponge to the fabric. This is a great way for renters to spruce up their walls as well.
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Bamboo or Wooden Blinds as Wall Panels
This is a great example of repurposing something broken or old into something beautiful. Whether you discover some old bamboo blinds at a store, or the ones hanging in your bathroom have broken bits, save it from the landfill by turning it into an accent wall.
Simply remove the bamboo strips from the string that holds the blinds together. Cut the strips to fit and use hot glue for wood to adhere it to the wall. Of course, if you can’t find blinds to repurpose, you could also purchase lovely bamboo wall paneling or mats to use as wainscoting. Looking for more ideas? Check out our guide to half-wall paneling.
