Bedroom with a concrete-effect wall: horizontal board-formed texture as a calm backdrop behind the bed

Designing a Concrete-Effect Wall: Ideas for Every Room

A concrete-effect wall instantly gives a room calm and character. It goes just as well with warm wood as with linen, steel or brick – in the living room as much as in the hallway or office. Here we show you how to design a concrete effect wall and which surface suits each room – and how the wall comes together without pouring concrete or formwork.

Designing a concrete-effect wall: which surface is right?

It all starts with the texture. Three surfaces define most rooms: board-formed concrete, with the texture of timber boards, feels lively and architectural. Tie holes and clean joints recall large-format exposed concrete. Smooth exposed concrete stays understated and lets the furniture take centre stage.

Detail of a concrete-effect wall with tie holes and joints
Tie holes and clean joints: the classic look of exposed concrete

The direction of the boards changes the room: horizontal lines make a wall look wider, vertical ones emphasise height. You will find all designs in our collections HeavyRoll and Concrete Art.

Concrete effect in the living room: the wall behind the sofa

In the living room, a concrete-effect wall works best as a single feature wall – behind the sofa, as a TV wall or next to exposed brick. Light upholstery, green plants and warm light make a lovely contrast to the mineral surface.

Living area in a furniture store with a concrete-effect wall next to exposed brick
Concrete-effect wall in the living area: a calm backdrop for upholstered furniture

Concrete effect in the bedroom: calm and warm at once

Behind the bed, the concrete wall becomes a headboard that takes up no space. A horizontal board-formed texture looks especially calm. Combined with linen, pale wood and a soft floor lamp, it creates a mood that is anything but cold.

Concrete effect in the bathroom and kitchen

Bathrooms and kitchens can be given a concrete effect too. HeavyRoll is waterproof and suitable for bathroom wall cladding, for example behind the washbasin, and for the Kitchen Splashback. The large sheets need only a few joints – instead of a grid of tile joints. Oak and black fittings go particularly well with it.

Bathroom with a concrete-effect wall, horizontal board-formed texture, washbasin and round mirror
Bathroom with a horizontal board-formed concrete effect

Hallways and stairwells: little depth, big impact

In a hallway, every centimetre counts. Our sheets are only 2–4 mm thin and take virtually no space from the room. Graphic joint patterns turn a long corridor into a designed wall. On request, we also produce bespoke designs to the drawings of architects and interior designers.

Hallway with a concrete-effect wall and graphic joint pattern
Graphic joint pattern: concrete-effect wall in a hallway

Offices, showrooms and shops: concrete effect for commercial spaces

In offices, showrooms and shops, the wall stands for clear architecture and lets products and brands take effect. Because the sheets are light, they are also a solution where solid concrete would be too heavy or too complex. Find out more under Shop Fitting.

Office with a wall element in an exposed concrete look with board-formed texture
Board-formed wall element in an office
Showroom with a board-formed concrete-effect wall
Board-formed texture as a backdrop in a showroom

Columns and curves in a concrete effect

The sheets are bendable and follow curved surfaces too. This way, walls and columns can be finished in the same material. See how it looks on our page Column Cladding.

Event hall with a column in an exposed concrete look
Column in an exposed concrete look in an event hall

Concrete-effect wall: paint, wallpaper, plaster or sheets on a roll?

Concrete-effect paint and wallpaper work mainly through the image, and plaster is built up on site in several steps. Our sheets on a roll bring a finished, tactile mineral texture: about 3 × 1 m, handmade in Italy and around 60% recycled Carrara marble. They are fixed to a sound, even substrate. You will find even more inspiration in our Concrete wall ideas.

How to fix the sheets yourself is explained in our guide DIY concrete-effect wall.

Frequently asked questions about concrete-effect walls

Which wall is best for a concrete effect?
A single, clearly visible surface usually works best: behind the sofa, behind the bed or at the end of a hallway. The substrate should be sound and even.

How thick is a concrete-effect wall?
HeavyRoll and Concrete Art sheets are only 2–4 mm thin. The wall looks solid, while the room stays practically the same size.

Can I see the surface beforehand?
Yes. On request, we will send you samples so you can check the texture and colour in your own room.

Designing a concrete-effect wall – request samples

Planning a concrete-effect wall? Write to us – you will receive samples and a quote for your project.

 

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