In a modern UK home, walls are no longer just structural barriers; they are vast canvases that define the mood, add texture, and reflect the homeowner’s style. Moving beyond standard emulsion paint, contemporary design embraces a range of innovative and tactile finishes that add depth and sophistication.
Whether you’re looking for a durable solution for a busy hallway or a dramatic feature for a sitting room, here is a complete guide to the best wall finishing options popular in British homes today.
1. Paint Finishes: The Foundation of Modern Design
Standard emulsion paint remains the most popular and cost-effective option, but the finish (or sheen level) you choose is crucial for durability and aesthetics.
| Finish Type | Sheen Level | Best For | Modern Trend |
| Matt | Very low | Bedrooms, sitting rooms, ceilings (hides imperfections well). | Deep, sophisticated, flat colour. |
| Eggshell / Soft Sheen | Low to Mid | Hallways, stairs, children’s rooms (wipeable and durable). | A subtle, gentle sheen that reflects a little light. |
| Satin / Silk | Mid to High | Kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms (highly durable and moisture-resistant). | Reflective finish, easy to clean, but highlights imperfections. |
| Limewash / Clay Paint | Ultra Matt | Feature walls, low-traffic areas. | Creates a beautiful, subtle, cloudy, mottled effect with natural pigments. |
Modern Tip: For a minimalist, high-end look, decorators often opt for high-quality matt paint on walls and ceilings, using satin or eggshell exclusively on the skirting boards and woodwork to provide a subtle, durable contrast.
2. Decorative Plasters and Textures
Moving beyond flat colour, textured plasters offer a tactile, bespoke finish that mimics expensive natural materials.
A. Venetian Plaster (Stucco Veneziano)
-
What it is: A traditional Italian finish made from slaked lime, marble dust, and natural pigments, polished to a highly glossy, mirror-like sheen.
-
Aesthetic: Creates a deep, multidimensional look reminiscent of polished marble or limestone. It is seamless and feels cool and smooth to the touch.
-
Modern Use: Perfect for dramatic feature walls in modern dining rooms, luxury bathrooms, or behind a modern fireplace. It is naturally antibacterial due to the lime content.
B. Microcement
-
What it is: A thin, polymer-based coating that bonds seamlessly to almost any surface (plasterboard, MDF, tiles).
-
Aesthetic: Creates a modern, industrial, raw concrete look but with a much smoother, finer finish. It is naturally cool-toned (greys, charcoals, whites).
-
Modern Use: Extremely popular in UK kitchens and bathrooms because it is 100% waterproof and requires no grout lines. It’s used for entire wet rooms, floors, and seamless walls/backsplashes.
3. Panelling: Adding Architectural Detail
Panelling is experiencing a huge revival, transforming plain walls into architectural features that add period character and warmth.
A. Shaker Style Panelling (Wainscoting)
-
What it is: A classic style featuring square or rectangular frames (stiles and rails) that cover the bottom third or two-thirds of the wall.
-
Aesthetic: Traditional, elegant, and gives any room a sense of formality and structure.
-
Modern Use: Often painted in a deep, rich colour (like deep blue or forest green) on the panelling, with a light neutral colour above the dado rail, creating a cosy, contrasting effect in sitting rooms or hallways.
B. Tongue-and-Groove (T&G)
-
What it is: Vertical planks that slot together with a simple T&G joint.
-
Aesthetic: Rustic, coastal, or cottage feel.
-
Modern Use: Highly practical in bathrooms and utility rooms as it is easier to wipe down than plaster and adds instant character. Usually painted white or a soft pastel.
C. Slat Wall Panelling
-
What it is: Thin, vertical timber slats mounted onto an acoustic backing board, often veneered in oak or walnut.
-
Aesthetic: Very contemporary, Scandinavian, and minimalist.
-
Modern Use: Fantastic as a full-height feature behind a bed or a television unit. The acoustic backing also helps to dampen sound, making it ideal for open-plan living.
4. Wallpaper and Murals
Wallpaper has evolved from busy patterns to textural and impactful feature options.
A. Textural/Fabric-Backed Wallpaper
-
What it is: Papers that mimic the look and feel of natural materials like grasscloth, linen, silk, or rough hessian.
-
Aesthetic: Adds incredible depth and softness to a room without needing a bold pattern.
-
Modern Use: Great for bedrooms and formal dining rooms, bringing warmth and a quiet luxury feel.
B. Digital Murals
-
What it is: Custom-printed wallpaper that covers an entire wall with a single, large-scale image or design (e.g., abstract art, a panoramic landscape, or a stylised map).
-
Aesthetic: Maximum dramatic impact; completely unique to the space.
-
Modern Use: Feature walls in home offices, studies, or playrooms. They require highly accurate measuring and expert installation.
🛠️ Key Considerations for UK Homes
-
Damp and Moisture: In older UK homes, always ensure the wall is treated for damp before applying any non-breathable finish (like vinyl wallpaper or some cementitious coatings). Lime-based plasters and clay paints are often better for allowing walls to “breathe.”
-
Soundproofing: If noise is an issue, consider thicker wall finishes, acoustic plasterboard behind panelling, or specialist sound-dampening paint to improve internal acoustics.
-
Longevity: For high-traffic areas, opt for finishes that are either highly durable (like satin paint or microcement) or easily repairable (like simple panelling).
By thoughtfully selecting a finish that balances aesthetics with the functional demands of the room, you can ensure your walls elevate your entire modern British home.
