What is cork wallpaper?
Cork wallpaper is an absolutely natural, harmless material made from oak bark. Cork is produced in three variations: wallpaper, panels and rolls. The first type has a paper or non-woven base under the cork surface. The coating has a poor color palette in warm tones, differing only in shades.
Production technology
Cork wallpaper is made from oak bark, which is removed from the trunk every decade, after which the tree continues to live and begins to grow again. The bark is crushed and pressed under a high temperature, during which a sticky substance is produced, due to which the resulting material is applied to a non-woven or paper base.
Characteristic
Cork canvases have quite convenient parameters, which are somewhat different from conventional wallpaper coverings.
Paper base | Non-woven base | |
---|---|---|
Width (m.) | 0,5 | from 0.3 to 1 |
Thickness (mm.) | up to 1 | 2-3 |
Density (g / sqm) | 220 | 220 |
Features of the
Cork coverings represent an absolutely natural surface, which gives them the right to be considered harmless, which means they are suitable for decorating children's rooms and are not afraid of allergy sufferers.
- Unlike many other materials, cork wallpaper boasts high sound insulation performance.
- An important feature can be considered the ability to keep warm in cold weather and vice versa, cool in heat outside.
Cork wallpapers can be divided into two types, waxed and non-waxed. Such materials differ in price and characteristics. The surface protected by wax does not absorb odors, but it is expensive. Cloths without a protective coating are called porous, they are not recommended for finishing kitchens and rooms where there may be unpleasant odors.
What types are there?
Paper or non-woven backing
The most common type of cork wallpaper. The material does not cause difficulties in repair and has a relatively low cost compared to slabs and rolls. As with other types of wallpaper, in this case, there is a base on which oak veneer is applied, after passing the preparation procedure.
Self-adhesive
The cover has a base made of adhesive paper and a protective film. The cork is applied directly over the paper. This type of coating greatly simplifies the work. When finishing, it is worth especially carefully applying the canvas to the surface of the walls and accurately measuring the joints, since there will be no opportunity to correct it.
In addition to walls, self-adhesive wallpaper can be used to decorate door and window openings or update furniture.
No base
The most environmentally friendly, but at the same time very fragile material. The base performs a binding and strengthening function, this type of canvases does not provide for it.The covering is made of pressed pieces of tree bark, which are glued together with a substance released during heating.
Liquid
Liquid cork wallpaper is packaged and sold as a mixture that consists of oak bark crumbs and an acrylic-based substance. This type of decoration can beautify the interior of the building and the exterior.
The composition is applied to the wall with a trowel or spray, the tool is determined by the desired final effect.
Pros and cons
Cork coverings have many benefits. However, the disadvantages should also be considered when choosing a material.
pros | Minuses |
---|---|
Environmental friendliness | High price |
Provide sound insulation | Requires careful preparation before application |
Long service life | |
Antistatic | |
Moisture resistance |
Photos in the interior of the rooms
Into the hallway
Considering the ease of maintenance, cork wallpaper will be one of the best ways to decorate the hallway. The material can be combined with other types of wallpaper. Self-adhesive wallpaper can be used to decorate the places most vulnerable to dirt.
To the kitchen
Wax-coated cork wallpaper should be used to decorate the kitchen, otherwise they will quickly absorb odors. Since the material is not afraid of moisture, the wallpaper can be used to decorate the work area, namely the apron. The design of the dining area will also be successful, natural material will make the interior more comfortable.
Into the bedroom
A fun way to decorate a bedroom. Cork wallpaper has a soft warm surface and is perfect for decorating the bedside area, for example, at the head of the bed. The cork flooring will harmoniously look in the interior of a modern, country and eco style.
On the balcony
A good choice of material for the balcony and loggia. Cork wallpapers are not afraid of bright light and high humidity, in addition, they will get rid of street noise. Coloring allows you to decorate the interior in a light or dark palette. The finish can be combined with other materials such as liquid wallpaper or wood paneling.
In the living room
Cork wallpaper will support the natural theme in the interior of a living room or hall. Finishing can be done around the entire perimeter of the room or select only some areas, for example, behind the TV or sofa.
Using self-adhesive wallpaper, you can decorate some elements or cut out some shape that will decorate the wall, such as a tree.
In the nursery
For a children's room, cork wallpaper is good in many ways. Firstly, it is an environmentally friendly material, you can not be afraid of allergic reactions or harmful substances.
The material will maintain a comfortable environment by keeping it warm or cool, and the wall surface will always be warm and soft. The appearance of the wallpaper allows you to decorate the interior of the nursery in different styles.
What can be combined with?
Bamboo flooring harmoniously coexists with other finishing materials, especially successful combinations are obtained with natural materials. Given the texture of the material, the design will not be pretentious and overloaded.
- With bamboo wallpaper. Materials that are closely related to each other look like a single whole. The decoration will look good in the hallway, living room and on the balcony.
- With other types of wallpaper. Cork can be combined with other types of wallpaper, such as paper, non-woven or vinyl. Considering the durability of cork and the short lifespan of wallpaper, this is not the most practical combination. Non-woven or vinyl will be a more suitable choice, and a variety of colors and textures will make the interior more interesting.
- With wood paneling. Materials that are similar in nature are successfully combined in the interior of the balcony, hallway, living room or dining room. Both materials are practical and durable.
- With plaster. A smooth plastered wall will look good with textured cork. This combination can decorate a living room, bedroom or corridor. The combination is neutral, calm.
- With stone or brick. The stone will stand out against the background of the cork wallpaper. The combination is suitable for hallways, balconies or living rooms.
Presentation in various styles
Country
Taking into account the peculiarities of the stylistic direction, the cork flooring will successfully fit into a cozy rustic style. The interior uses natural materials both for decoration and for filling the room. Walls can be decorated with a combination of cork and wood planks, plaster or other type of wallpaper.
Eco style
Natural materials are used to create eco-style designs. The combinations can be varied, for example, with an untreated tree. You can fully bring eco-style to life in spacious rooms.
Ethno-style
Ethno-style is filled with mystery and unusual details. Subdued lighting and themed decorative elements complete the interior picture.
The interior can be combined with cork and vinyl wallpaper with a beautiful pattern or imitation of Venetian plaster.
Loft
Urban-style walls will look equally harmonious with or without decoration. Cork will make the interior of the loft softer and more comfortable, while retaining the "zest" of the stylistic direction.
Pattern and colors
The color palette of the cork flooring does not differ in variety, however, it allows finishing in light or dark colors. The range starts from light gray and sandy and ends in dark brown and ocher.
The pattern may differ, the surface is homogeneous, interspersed and of different density. To add color, the surface can be painted or varnished.
Finishing non-standard surfaces
In addition to walls, cork can decorate other surfaces and decorative elements. Also, with the help of self-adhesive sheets, you can update some pieces of furniture, thereby making them unique.
Ceiling
An unusual way of decoration will make the design of the room more interesting. For standard low-rise rooms, it is better to use a light-colored coating. In this case, the finish will not visually make the ceilings lower, but will only stand out with an unusual texture.
It looks interesting to decorate the walls with a cork covering, passing to the ceiling. This technique makes the room taller and unites the planes.
Interior doors
The interior door can be updated and made more interesting by decorating it with self-adhesive wallpaper. In addition to the aesthetic side, the coating will increase the noise insulation performance of the door. Decorating can be done by finishing the door completely or by decorating it with partially carved figures.
How to glue?
What kind of glue?
The cork is a heavy enough material, in order for it to be securely attached to the wall, it is necessary to use a special adhesive. There is glue just for cork, it takes into account all the nuances of the material. In the absence of the possibility of purchasing such an adhesive, you can choose a different composition designed for heavy types of coatings. You can also use acrylic-based glue.
Gluing technology
The technique of working with cork wallpaper is somewhat different from other types and has its own nuances.
- Before gluing itself, you need to prepare the surface. To do this, the wall is cleaned of old finishes, leveled and primed.
- Using a level or plumb line, a vertical line is marked, which will serve as a ruler for even gluing the canvases. The line is marked from the middle of the wall and is equal to the width of the canvas.
- It is necessary to prepare the material. The wallpaper is cut into canvases of the required length, after which they must be left to lie down on the floor for a while.
- The glue is applied to the wall, on a part equal to the width of the canvas, after which the strip of wallpaper is pressed against the surface.
- The canvases are glued end-to-end starting from a horizontal line in both directions.
- If glue gets on the front side of the canvas, then it must be allowed to dry and carefully removed.
Video
Cleaning and maintenance
Cleaning and preventive maintenance is carried out with a damp cloth or sponge. You can use a vacuum cleaner or dry cloth. Chemical and abrasive detergents should be avoided. Stubborn dirt can be removed with sandpaper.
Photo gallery
Considering the features of the material, we can say with confidence that this is an excellent option for interior decoration. Not every coating can boast of such high indicators in relation to humidity and sunlight. Cork can be used to decorate not only living rooms, but also a balcony or loggia.