Brick wallpaper has emerged as one of the most popular interior design trends, offering homeowners and renters an affordable way to achieve that coveted industrial or rustic aesthetic without the expense and permanence of real brick. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy accent wall or transform an entire room, brick wallpaper provides a versatile solution that combines style with practicality.
What is Brick Wallpaper?
Brick wallpaper is a decorative wall covering designed to mimic the appearance of real brick walls. These wallpapers come in various materials, textures, and styles, ranging from flat printed designs to three-dimensional textured versions that closely replicate the look and feel of authentic brickwork. Modern brick wallpaper options include traditional paste-the-wall varieties and innovative peel-and-stick alternatives that make installation easier than ever.
The beauty of brick wallpaper lies in its ability to deliver the warmth and character of exposed brick without the structural requirements, mess, or cost associated with actual masonry. This makes it an ideal choice for apartments, rental properties, and spaces where installing real brick would be impractical or impossible.
Types of Brick Wallpaper
Peel and Stick Brick Wallpaper
Peel and stick brick wallpaper has revolutionized the DIY home décor market. This self-adhesive option requires no paste, water, or special tools. Simply peel off the backing and apply directly to clean, smooth walls. The adhesive is typically designed to be removable, making it perfect for renters or anyone who likes to change their décor frequently. Most peel and stick options can be repositioned during application, reducing the stress of getting it right the first time.
Traditional Paste Brick Wallpaper
Traditional brick wallpaper requires wallpaper paste for installation. While this method demands more preparation and skill, it often provides a more permanent and seamless finish. These wallpapers tend to be more durable and are ideal for long-term installations in owned homes. The paste method also works better on textured or uneven walls where peel and stick options might not adhere properly.
3D Textured Brick Wallpaper
Three-dimensional brick wallpaper takes realism to the next level with embossed or foam-backed designs that create actual depth and texture. When you run your hand across the surface, you can feel the individual “bricks” and mortar lines. This tactile quality makes 3D brick wallpaper the most convincing option for those seeking an authentic look. These textured varieties also help hide minor wall imperfections better than flat alternatives.
Vinyl Brick Wallpaper
Vinyl brick wallpaper offers exceptional durability and is often washable, making it suitable for high-traffic areas, kitchens, and bathrooms. The vinyl coating protects against moisture, stains, and wear, ensuring your brick accent wall maintains its appearance for years. This type is particularly popular in commercial spaces and family homes where walls face more abuse.
Popular Brick Wallpaper Styles
White Brick Wallpaper
White brick wallpaper creates a clean, fresh aesthetic that works beautifully in modern, Scandinavian, and coastal design schemes. The lighter color helps brighten spaces and makes rooms feel larger while still providing the texture and interest of brick. White brick is incredibly versatile, complementing virtually any color palette and furniture style.
Red Brick Wallpaper
Classic red brick wallpaper delivers timeless appeal with warm, earthy tones that create cozy, inviting spaces. This traditional style works exceptionally well in industrial lofts, rustic farmhouse interiors, and vintage-inspired rooms. Red brick wallpaper pairs beautifully with leather furniture, wooden accents, and metal fixtures.
Grey Brick Wallpaper
Grey brick wallpaper offers a contemporary take on the brick wall trend. The neutral grey tones create sophisticated, urban-chic spaces that work well in modern and minimalist interiors. This style is particularly popular in home offices, living rooms, and bedrooms where a calmer, more subdued aesthetic is desired.
Weathered and Distressed Brick
For those seeking character and history, weathered or distressed brick wallpaper features aged, worn appearances with varied coloring and texture. These designs tell a story and add instant personality to spaces. The imperfect, vintage look is perfect for creating authentic industrial or shabby-chic interiors.
Benefits of Choosing Brick Wallpaper
Cost-Effective Alternative
Installing real brick veneer or exposed brick can cost thousands of dollars, not including the structural modifications often required. Brick wallpaper provides the same visual impact for a fraction of the price, with most quality options ranging from affordable to mid-range pricing. This makes achieving your dream aesthetic accessible regardless of budget.
Easy Installation
Unlike real brick installation which requires professional masons, most brick wallpaper can be installed as a DIY project in just a few hours. Peel and stick varieties are especially beginner-friendly, requiring only basic measuring and cutting skills. This accessibility empowers homeowners to transform their spaces without hiring contractors.
Renter-Friendly
One of the greatest advantages of brick wallpaper, particularly removable varieties, is that it allows renters to personalize their spaces without violating lease agreements or losing security deposits. When it’s time to move, simply peel off the wallpaper, leaving walls undamaged.
Versatility
Brick wallpaper works in virtually any room of the home. Create a stunning focal wall behind your bed, add industrial charm to your kitchen backsplash area, bring warmth to your living room, or add character to a home office. The design possibilities are endless, and changing your look is as simple as replacing the wallpaper.
Lightweight and Non-Structural
Real brick adds significant weight to walls and may require structural reinforcement. Brick wallpaper adds virtually no weight, making it safe for all wall types, including drywall, plaster, and even some temporary surfaces. This also makes it suitable for accent ceilings or other creative applications.
How to Choose the Right Brick Wallpaper
Consider Your Space
The size and lighting of your room should influence your brick wallpaper selection. Lighter colors like white or cream brick work best in smaller spaces or rooms with limited natural light, as they help maintain an open, airy feel. Darker brick tones create drama and coziness but work better in larger, well-lit spaces.
Match Your Design Style
Your overall interior design should guide your choice. Industrial and urban styles call for exposed, weathered, or grey brick. Farmhouse and rustic aesthetics pair beautifully with classic red or whitewashed brick. Modern and Scandinavian designs typically favor clean white or light grey brick patterns.
Quality Matters
Not all brick wallpaper is created equal. Look for high-resolution prints with realistic shadowing and depth. Check reviews regarding adhesive quality, especially for peel and stick options. Higher-quality wallpapers will have better color accuracy, more detailed textures, and longer-lasting materials.
Texture Level
Decide how much texture you want. Flat printed wallpaper offers a subtle brick effect, while 3D textured options provide dramatic realism. Consider how the texture will interact with furniture placement and whether you want the tactile experience of embossed brick.
Sample Before Committing
Many manufacturers offer sample swatches. Order these to see how the color and texture look in your specific lighting conditions and against your existing décor. What appears perfect online may look different in your home’s unique environment.
Installation Tips
Prepare Your Walls
Clean walls thoroughly to remove dust, grease, and debris. Smooth walls work best for peel and stick varieties. Fill any holes or cracks and sand smooth. For traditional paste wallpaper, ensure walls are properly primed according to manufacturer recommendations.
Measure Carefully
Measure your wall dimensions accurately and add a few extra inches to your calculations to account for pattern matching and trimming. Creating a layout plan before you begin helps ensure proper alignment and reduces waste.
Start from a Corner
Begin installation from a corner or edge, working your way across the wall. Use a level to ensure your first strip is perfectly straight, as this sets the foundation for the entire installation. A crooked first strip will compound problems as you continue.
Smooth Out Bubbles
Use a smoothing tool or credit card to work out air bubbles as you apply the wallpaper. Work from the center outward, pushing bubbles toward the edges. For stubborn bubbles in peel and stick wallpaper, you can often peel back and reapply.
Trim Excess
Use a sharp utility knife and straight edge to trim excess wallpaper at corners, ceilings, and baseboards. A sharp blade ensures clean cuts without tearing. Replace your blade frequently for the best results.
Maintenance and Care
Brick wallpaper is generally low-maintenance. Dust regularly with a soft brush or vacuum attachment. For washable varieties, gently wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap solution when needed. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing that could damage the surface or print.
For textured brick wallpaper, dust can accumulate in the grooves. Regular maintenance prevents buildup that becomes more difficult to remove over time. Peel and stick varieties may need edge touch-ups occasionally if corners begin to lift in high-humidity areas.
Design Ideas and Inspiration
Living Room Accent Wall
Create a stunning focal point behind your sofa or entertainment center with brick wallpaper. This draws the eye and anchors your furniture arrangement while adding texture and warmth to the space. Pair with industrial lighting fixtures and metal accents for a cohesive look.
Bedroom Headboard Wall
Transform your bedroom by installing brick wallpaper behind your bed. This creates an instant headboard effect and adds architectural interest. White or grey brick works beautifully in bedrooms, providing texture without overwhelming the restful atmosphere.
Kitchen Backsplash Alternative
While not suitable for direct exposure to water and heat, brick wallpaper can create a backsplash look in areas away from the sink and stove. Consider using it on a breakfast nook wall or on upper cabinets for an industrial kitchen aesthetic.
Home Office Transformation
Add professionalism and character to your home office with a brick wallpaper accent wall behind your desk. This creates an attractive background for video calls and provides visual interest that inspires creativity and productivity.
Commercial Spaces
Brick wallpaper works wonderfully in retail stores, restaurants, cafes, and offices seeking an urban or vintage vibe. The cost-effectiveness and easy installation make it ideal for businesses wanting to create ambiance without major renovations.
Brick Wallpaper vs. Real Brick
While real exposed brick has undeniable authenticity, brick wallpaper offers several practical advantages. Real brick is permanent, expensive, heavy, and may require structural modifications. It can also harbor dust and allergens in its porous surface.
Brick wallpaper provides flexibility, affordability, and ease of installation while delivering most of the visual impact. For renters or those who enjoy changing their décor, wallpaper is clearly the better choice. However, if you own your home, plan to stay long-term, and have the budget, real brick veneer might be worth considering for certain applications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Preparing Walls Properly
Skipping wall preparation is the most common installation mistake. Dirt, texture, or imperfections will show through wallpaper or prevent proper adhesion. Take time to clean and smooth surfaces before applying wallpaper.
Ignoring Pattern Matching
Brick patterns need to align properly at seams. Failing to match the pattern creates obvious breaks that ruin the realistic effect. Pay attention to where each strip begins and ends to maintain pattern continuity.
Using Wrong Adhesive
If your brick wallpaper requires paste, use the type recommended by the manufacturer. Wrong adhesives can fail to hold properly or damage the wallpaper. For peel and stick varieties, ensure your wall surface is compatible with the adhesive.
Rushing the Process
Installation requires patience. Rushing leads to crooked application, trapped air bubbles, and poor seam matching. Set aside adequate time to complete the project without pressure.
Overusing Brick Wallpaper
While brick wallpaper is stunning, using it on every wall can overwhelm a space. Typically, one accent wall provides sufficient impact while maintaining visual balance. Consider your room’s size and existing elements before deciding how much brick to incorporate.
Where to Buy Quality Brick Wallpaper
Quality brick wallpaper is available from numerous sources, both online and in physical stores. Home improvement retailers, specialty wallpaper stores, and online marketplaces all carry extensive selections. When shopping online, pay attention to product reviews, sample availability, and return policies.
Look for brands known for quality printing, realistic designs, and reliable adhesives. Price doesn’t always indicate quality, but extremely cheap options often disappoint with unrealistic prints or poor adhesion. Mid-range products typically offer the best value.
Environmental Considerations
If sustainability is important to you, look for brick wallpaper made from eco-friendly materials with water-based inks and low-VOC adhesives. Some manufacturers now offer wallpapers made from recycled materials or sustainably sourced paper.
Removable wallpapers generate less waste than permanent options when you’re ready for a change, as they don’t damage walls requiring repair and repainting. Consider this when choosing between permanent and temporary options.
The Future of Brick Wallpaper
As technology advances, brick wallpaper continues to improve in realism, durability, and ease of use. New printing techniques create increasingly convincing textures and depth. Innovations in adhesive technology make application and removal even simpler.
The trend toward personalized, changeable interiors suggests brick wallpaper will remain popular for years to come. Its ability to deliver high-impact style affordably and temporarily aligns perfectly with modern living preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is brick wallpaper easy to install?
Yes, especially peel and stick varieties. Most homeowners can install brick wallpaper as a DIY project in a few hours. The process involves measuring, cutting, and applying the wallpaper to clean walls. Peel and stick options require no special tools or paste, making them particularly beginner-friendly. Traditional paste wallpaper requires more skill but is still manageable for those comfortable with basic home improvement tasks.
Can renters use brick wallpaper?
Absolutely. Removable peel and stick brick wallpaper is specifically designed for renters. It adheres securely to walls but can be removed without leaving residue or causing damage when you move out. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first and check your lease agreement regarding temporary wall coverings. This makes brick wallpaper one of the best options for renters wanting to personalize their space.
How long does brick wallpaper last?
Quality brick wallpaper can last 5-10 years or more with proper care, depending on the type and location. Traditional paste wallpaper typically lasts longer than peel and stick varieties. Factors affecting longevity include wall preparation, installation quality, humidity levels, sun exposure, and maintenance. High-traffic areas may show wear sooner than protected spaces. Vinyl-coated options generally outlast paper-based wallpapers.
Can brick wallpaper be painted over?
Traditional paste wallpaper can sometimes be painted over, though it’s not ideal and may show texture irregularities. However, peel and stick varieties should not be painted as the adhesive backing and removable nature make them unsuitable for paint. If you want to change colors, it’s better to remove the wallpaper and either apply new wallpaper or paint the bare wall. Painting over wallpaper should be a last resort.
Does brick wallpaper work in bathrooms?
Brick wallpaper can work in bathrooms if you choose the right type. Vinyl or vinyl-coated brick wallpaper is moisture-resistant and suitable for bathroom use. However, avoid applying any wallpaper in direct water exposure areas like shower walls. Bathrooms with good ventilation work best. In high-humidity bathrooms, peel and stick varieties may eventually lose adhesion at the edges. Consider using brick wallpaper on walls away from the shower or tub.
How do I remove brick wallpaper?
Removal depends on the type. Peel and stick brick wallpaper is designed to peel off easily—simply lift a corner and pull slowly at a 45-degree angle. If any residue remains, it can usually be removed with mild soap and water. Traditional paste wallpaper requires more effort: score the surface, apply wallpaper removal solution, let it soak, then scrape off with a putty knife. Steamers can also help loosen stubborn paste wallpaper.
Is 3D brick wallpaper worth the extra cost?
If realism is important to you, 3D textured brick wallpaper is worth the investment. The depth and texture it provides create a much more convincing brick appearance than flat printed options. The tactile quality adds another sensory dimension to your space. However, 3D wallpaper is harder to install perfectly and shows installation imperfections more readily. It’s also more difficult to clean. For those on a budget or wanting subtle brick texture, flat wallpaper may be sufficient.
Can I use brick wallpaper on ceilings?
Yes, brick wallpaper can be applied to ceilings, though installation is more challenging due to working overhead. Peel and stick varieties work better for ceilings as they don’t require paste application while holding the wallpaper above your head. Ceiling brick wallpaper creates dramatic industrial or loft-style spaces but should be used sparingly as it can make rooms feel smaller. Lighter brick colors work best for ceilings to avoid creating a heavy, enclosed feeling.
How much brick wallpaper do I need?
Calculate your wall’s square footage (height × width) and add 10-15% extra for pattern matching, trimming, and mistakes. For single rolls, check how much coverage each roll provides. Most wallpapers list coverage per roll. For peel and stick sheets, count how many sheets you’ll need based on dimensions. Remember to account for windows and doors by subtracting their square footage. Always round up and order slightly more than calculated to ensure you have enough.
Does brick wallpaper look fake?
Quality brick wallpaper with high-resolution printing, realistic shadowing, and good texture can look remarkably convincing, especially from normal viewing distances. Three-dimensional textured varieties are most realistic. However, close inspection will usually reveal it’s not real brick. The key is choosing quality products with detailed, varied brick patterns rather than obviously repetitive designs. Proper installation also affects realism—visible seams or bubbles immediately signal wallpaper. For most purposes, quality brick wallpaper provides sufficient visual impact without needing to fool anyone into thinking it’s real masonry.
