Cork wallpaper is one of the ways to make the interior of your home cozy and unusual, while maintaining environmental performance and safety at a height. In addition, the material will fill the design of the apartment with natural motifs that have been so popular for several years.
What is cork wallpaper?
Cork wallpaper is a completely natural, harmless material made from oak bark. Cork coverings are made in three variations: wallpaper, panels and rolls. The first type has a base of paper or non-woven under the cork surface. The coating has a poor color palette in warm colors, differing only in shades.
Production technology
Cork wallpapers are made from oak bark, which is removed from the trunk each decade, after which the tree continues to live and begins to grow again. The bark is crushed and pressed under high temperature, in the process of which an adhesive substance is produced, due to which the material obtained is applied on a base of non-woven or paper.
Characteristic
Cork canvases have quite convenient parameters, which are somewhat different from ordinary wallpaper coatings.
| Paper base | Non-woven base | |
|---|---|---|
| Width (m.) | 0,5 | from 0.3 to 1 |
| Thickness (mm.) | up to 1 | 2-3 |
| Density (g / m) | 220 | 220 |
Features
Cork coatings are a completely natural surface, which gives them the right to be considered harmless, which means they are suitable for finishing children's rooms and are not afraid of allergies.
- Unlike many other materials, cork wallpaper boasts high noise insulation performance.
- An important feature can be considered the ability to retain heat in cold weather and vice versa, cool in the heat of the street.
Cork wallpaper can be divided into two types, those that are covered with wax and no. Such materials differ in price and characteristics. The surface protected by wax does not absorb smells, but has a great value. Cloths without a protective coating called porous, they are not recommended for use in the kitchen and rooms where there may be unpleasant odors.
What types are there?
On paper or non-woven base
The most common type of cork wallpaper. The material does not cause difficulties in the repair and has a relatively low cost compared to the plates and rolls. As with other types of wallpaper in this case, there is a base on which oak veneer is applied, after undergoing the preparation procedure.
Self adhesive
The coating has a base 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 should be especially careful to apply the canvas on the surface of the walls and accurately measure the joints, since it will not be possible to correct it.
In addition to the walls, self-adhesive wallpaper can finish door and window openings or upgrade furniture.
Without foundation
The most eco-friendly, but at the same time very fragile material. The basis carries out the binding and strengthening function, this type of cloths does not provide it. The coating is made of compressed pieces of tree bark, which are glued together by a substance released when heated.
Liquid
Liquid cork wallpaper is packaged and sold as a mixture, which consists of crumbs of oak bark and acrylic-based substances. This type of decoration can decorate the interior of the building and exterior.
The composition is applied to the wall with a spatula or sprayer, the tool is determined by the desired final effect.
In the photo children's room with a classic design. The decoration and filling of the room is designed in warm colors from light beige to brown.
Advantages and disadvantages
Cork coatings have many advantages. However, the disadvantages should also be considered when choosing a material.
| pros | Minuses |
|---|---|
| Environmental friendliness | High price |
| Provide sound insulation | Requires careful preparation before applying |
| Long service life | |
| Antistatic | |
| Moisture resistance |
Photos in the interior of rooms
In the hallway
Given the ease of care, cork wallpaper will be one of the best ways to finish the hallway. The material can be combined with other types of wallpaper. With the help of self-adhesive wallpaper you can decorate the most vulnerable to pollution places.
To the kitchen
For the decoration of the kitchen is to use cork wallpaper with a wax coating, otherwise they will quickly absorb odors. Since the material is not afraid of moisture, wallpaper can be used to finish the work area, namely the apron. The design of the dining area will also be successful, the natural material will make the interior more comfortable.
In the photo is a minimalist kitchen in bright colors. The corner wall, trimmed with cork wallpaper, is convenient for placing children's drawings and souvenirs.
To the bedroom
An interesting way to decorate a bedroom. Cork wallpapers have a soft warm surface and are perfect for decorating the bedside area, for example, at the head of the bed. Cork cover will harmoniously look in the interior of 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, besides they will relieve street noise. Coloring allows you to arrange the interior in a light or dark palette. Finishing can be combined with other materials, such as liquid wallpaper or wood panels.
In the living room
Cork wallpaper will support the natural theme in the interior of the living room or hall. Finishing can be performed around the perimeter of the room or select only some areas, for example, behind a TV or sofa.
With the help of self-adhesive wallpaper, you can decorate some elements or cut out some shape that will decorate a wall, for example a tree.
In the nursery
For children's room, cork wallpapers are good in many ways. First, it is an eco-friendly material, you can not be afraid of allergic reactions or harmful substances.
In the photo children's room. The wall is decorated with houses cut from self-adhesive wallpaper.
The material will maintain a comfortable environment, keeping it warm or cool, and the surface of the walls will always be warm and soft. The appearance of the wallpaper allows you to design the interior of the nursery in different styles.
What can be combined?
Bamboo covering harmoniously coexists with other materials of decoration, especially successful combinations are obtained with natural materials. Given the texture of the material, the design will not be elaborate and overloaded.
- With bamboo wallpaper. Close to each other materials look like a single entity. Finishing 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. Given the durability of cork cloth and a small life of paper wallpaper, this is not the most practical combination. Flizelinovye 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 similar in nature are successfully combined in the interior of a balcony, hallway, living room or dining room. Both materials are practical and durable.
- With plaster. Smooth plastered wall will look good with a textured cork coating. Such a combination can decorate the living room, bedroom or corridor. The combination is neutral, calm.
- With stone or brick. The stone will stand out from the cork wallpaper. The combination is suitable for hallways, balconies or living rooms.
Representation in various styles
Country music
Considering the peculiarities of the stylistic direction, the cork covering will successfully fit into a cozy rustic style. The interior uses natural materials for finishing and for filling the room. Walls can be decorated with a combination of cork and wooden planks, plaster or other type of wallpaper.
The photo shows a kitchen interior in the style of country.
Eco style
When creating a design in eco-style using natural materials. Combinations can be varied, for example, with untreated wood. You can fully embody eco-style in spacious rooms.
Ethno-style
Ethno-style is filled with mystery and unusual details. Subdued lighting and themed decorative elements will complete the picture of the interior.
The interior can be combined cork and vinyl wallpaper with a beautiful pattern or imitation of Venetian plaster.
Loft
The walls of the urban style will look equally harmonious with and without trim. The cork will make the interior of the loft softer and cozier, while maintaining the "zest" of the stylistic direction.
Drawing and colors
The color palette of the cork coating is not different, however, it allows you to finish in light or dark colors. Gamma starts from light gray and sand and ends in dark brown and ocher color.
The pattern may differ, the surface is homogeneous, with inclusions and different densities. To impart color to 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 cloths, you can update some pieces of furniture, thereby making them unique.
Ceiling
An unusual way of finishing will make the design of the room more interesting. For standard low rooms it is better to use a light shade coating. In this case, the finish will not make the ceilings lower visually, but will only stand out with an unusual texture.
In the photo interior in a modern style. The strip of cork wallpaper on the ceiling visually pulls the space, while not making it dark.
It looks interesting wall decoration cork coating, rolling on the ceiling. This technique makes the room taller and combines the plane.
Interior doors
The interior door can be updated and made more interesting, finishing 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 trimming the door completely or by decorating it with partially carved shapes.
In the photo there is a living room with a complex wall decoration made of cork, liquid wallpaper and mirrors. The combination of materials makes the space bigger and more interesting.
How to glue?
What kind of glue?
The cork is heavy enough material, in order to keep it securely on the wall it is necessary to use a special adhesive. There is an adhesive specifically for cork, it takes into account all the nuances of the material. In the absence of the possibility of acquiring such an adhesive, you can choose another composition designed for heavy types of coatings. You can also use glue on acrylic base.
Adhesion technology
The technique of working with cork wallpaper is somewhat different from other types and has its own nuances.
- Before sticking it is necessary to prepare the surface. To do this, the wall is cleaned of the old finish, level and primed.
- A vertical line is marked with a level or plumb line, which will serve as a ruler for even sticking of cloths. 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. Wallpapers are cut into canvases of the desired length, after which they must be left for a while to rest on the floor.
- Glue is applied on the wall, on a part equal to the width of the canvas, after which a strip of wallpaper is pressed against the surface.
- Cloths are glued end-to-end from the horizontal line in both directions.
- If the glue hit the front side of the canvas, then it needs to be allowed to dry and carefully remove.
Video
Cleaning and care
Cleaning and preventive care is done with a damp cloth or sponge. You can use a vacuum cleaner or a dry cloth. It is worth avoiding chemical and abrasive detergents. Strong dirt can be removed with emery cloth.
Photo gallery
Given the characteristics of the material, we can say with confidence that this is an excellent option for interior decoration. Not every coating can boast such high levels in relation to humidity and sunlight. Pith cover can be issued not only living rooms, but also a balcony or loggia.
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