Getting that exposed brick look is a popular design choice, but installing real brick or even thin brick veneer can be expensive, time-consuming, and messy. Fortunately, brick looking wallpaper offers a fantastic alternative. It mimics the texture, color, and depth of real brick, providing a dramatic visual impact for a fraction of the cost and effort. You can achieve an industrial loft vibe, a cozy rustic feel, or a modern accent wall with the right faux brick wallpaper.
Choosing the right type of brick looking wallpaper
When you’re shopping for brick looking wallpaper, you’ll encounter a few main types, each with its own pros and cons. Understanding these differences will help you pick the best option for your project, budget, and DIY comfort level.
Peel and stick brick wallpaper is the most user-friendly option. It comes with a strong adhesive backing, meaning you just peel off the protective layer and apply it directly to your wall. No paste is required, and if you make a mistake, you can often reposition it. This makes it ideal for renters or for DIYers who want a project that’s easy to manage. Many high-quality peel and stick options offer impressive realism. For more on this versatile type, check out our easy peel and stick wallpaper guide and discover the best high-quality peel and stick wallpaper for your home.
Traditional paste-the-wall or paste-the-paper wallpaper requires wallpaper paste, which you’ll apply either to the wall or the back of the paper. This method is more traditional and can offer a very durable, long-lasting finish. However, it’s also messier and requires a bit more skill and patience. Mistakes are harder to correct, and removal can be more involved. If you’re looking for a permanent, high-end finish and don’t mind the extra work, this might be for you.
Textured brick wallpaper goes a step further than just printing a brick pattern. These wallpapers have raised surfaces that mimic the rough texture of mortar and brick. This adds a significant layer of realism, making the faux brick feel much more convincing to the touch as well as to the eye. High-quality textured options can be incredibly convincing.
3D brick wallpaper often refers to the textured varieties but can also encompass designs that use shading and depth to create a truly three-dimensional appearance. These are designed to pop off the wall, providing a very impactful visual experience. Be aware that ‘3D’ can sometimes be a marketing term, so look for actual texture or very sophisticated printing techniques.
Evaluating realism: what makes faux brick convincing?
Not all brick looking wallpaper is created equal. If you want your faux brick wall to truly impress, you need to look beyond just the pattern. Here are the key elements that contribute to realism:
Color variation and depth
Real brick walls aren’t a uniform color. They have subtle variations in shade, from lighter, weathered bricks to darker, richer tones. The best brick wallpaper replicates this natural variation. Look for designs that incorporate multiple shades of red, brown, gray, or even white, depending on the brick style you’re after. Good printing techniques will create a sense of depth, making individual bricks appear to have slightly different depths and angles.
Mortar lines
The mortar between the bricks is just as important as the bricks themselves. Realistic wallpaper will have well-defined, yet slightly imperfect, mortar lines. The color of the mortar should also vary slightly – it’s rarely a perfectly uniform white or gray. Look for subtle shading and texture in the mortar to enhance the three-dimensional effect. Some wallpapers even have a slightly raised texture in the mortar lines.
Texture and finish
This is where many wallpapers fall short. A flat, glossy print will never look like real brick. High-quality faux brick wallpaper will have some level of texture. This can range from a subtle matte finish that diffuses light realistically, to raised surfaces that mimic the roughness of brick and the slight grittiness of mortar. If you can get a sample, feel it. Does it feel like a printed surface, or does it have some tactile quality?
Scale and pattern repeat
Ensure the brick pattern is scaled appropriately for your wall. An oversized brick pattern can look cartoonish, while an undersized one might look too busy. Also, check the pattern repeat. A large or obvious pattern repeat will be a dead giveaway that it’s wallpaper. The best designs have a very subtle or no discernible repeat, making the wall look more natural.
Popular brick looking wallpaper styles and their applications
Brick looking wallpaper isn’t just for one look. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used to create a variety of atmospheres in different rooms.
Classic red brick
This is the quintessential exposed brick look, often associated with industrial lofts, urban apartments, and rustic farmhouses. It brings warmth, texture, and a sense of history to a space. Use it on a single accent wall in a living room or dining room to create a cozy fireplace surround, or cover an entire wall in a bedroom for a dramatic focal point. It pairs well with modern furniture for a striking contrast, or with vintage pieces for a cohesive look.
White brick
White brick wallpaper offers a brighter, more airy take on the brick aesthetic. It’s perfect for achieving a modern farmhouse, Scandinavian, or minimalist look. It can make a small room feel larger and more open, and it provides a clean, neutral backdrop for artwork and decor. Consider it for kitchens, bathrooms, or entryways where you want a clean, stylish feel.
Gray or charcoal brick
For a more contemporary or industrial edge, gray or charcoal brick wallpaper is an excellent choice. It can add sophistication and a moody atmosphere to a room. This style works well in home offices, media rooms, or even as a bold statement in a living area. It pairs beautifully with metallic accents, dark wood, and minimalist furniture.
Distressed or aged brick
These wallpapers mimic the look of old, weathered brick, often with chipped paint, subtle cracks, or uneven textures. They are ideal for creating an authentic vintage or rustic feel. Use them in a den, a breakfast nook, or even a commercial space like a cafe or boutique to add character and a story to the walls.
Painted brick
Some faux brick wallpapers simulate the look of brick that has been painted over, revealing hints of the brick color underneath. This can add a unique, artistic touch to a room. It’s a great way to get a specific color palette while still retaining the brick texture. Consider it for creative spaces, or as an unexpected element in a hallway.
Where to use brick looking wallpaper
The beauty of brick looking wallpaper is its adaptability. You can use it in almost any room to add character and style.
Living rooms and family rooms
An accent wall behind a sofa or fireplace can instantly elevate the style of your living room. It provides a focal point and adds warmth and texture. Pair it with comfortable seating and soft lighting for a cozy atmosphere.
Bedrooms
Create a dramatic headboard wall or add a unique touch to a guest room. The texture and color variations can make a bedroom feel more inviting and visually interesting.
Kitchens
Use it as a backsplash behind your stove or sink for an industrial kitchen look. Ensure you choose a washable and durable type if using it in a high-moisture or grease-prone area. It can also be used on an entire wall for a more impactful statement.
Dining rooms
A brick accent wall can make your dining room feel more intimate and sophisticated, especially when paired with appropriate lighting and decor.
Home offices
Add a touch of urban cool or rustic charm to your workspace. A brick wall can be inspiring and make your office feel more like a dedicated, stylish retreat.
Entryways and hallways
Make a strong first impression with a brick looking entryway or hallway. It can add character to these often-overlooked spaces.
Commercial spaces
Restaurants, cafes, bars, boutiques, and salons often use brick wallpaper to achieve an industrial, rustic, or trendy ambiance. It’s a cost-effective way to create a desired atmosphere.
Installation tips for a seamless look
Even the most realistic wallpaper can be let down by poor installation. Follow these tips to ensure your faux brick wall looks as authentic as possible.
Prepare your walls
Clean your walls thoroughly. Remove any old wallpaper, grease, or dirt. Ensure the surface is smooth and dry. For peel and stick, a slightly glossy paint finish can help prevent it from sticking too permanently, making future removal easier. For paste-the-wall, a primer is often recommended to ensure good adhesion and prevent the paste from soaking into the drywall.
Plan your layout
Decide where your pattern will start. For a cohesive look, try to center a key brick or mortar line on a prominent wall or feature. If you’re working with a repeating pattern, pay attention to the pattern match. For brick, the pattern repeat is usually less critical than with floral or geometric designs, but it’s still good to be mindful.
Cut carefully
Use a sharp utility knife or a rotary cutter and a metal ruler for clean, straight cuts. Measure twice, cut once. Pay attention to corners, outlets, and windows. For outlets and switches, turn off the power at the breaker box, remove the cover plates, and carefully cut out the openings. You can always trim excess material later.
Use a smoothing tool
Whether you’re using peel and stick or traditional wallpaper, use a smoothing tool (like a wallpaper brush or a plastic smoother) to work out air bubbles and ensure good adhesion. Start from the center of the panel and work outwards.
Overlap or butt joints?
For peel and stick, you’ll typically butt the edges of the panels together for a seamless look. Some traditional wallpapers require a slight overlap, while others are designed to be butted. Check the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If butting, ensure the edges are perfectly aligned to avoid visible seams.
Clean up as you go
Wipe away any excess paste immediately with a damp sponge. For peel and stick, be careful not to smudge the printed surface.
Common mistakes to avoid
Installing brick looking wallpaper is generally straightforward, but a few common pitfalls can undermine the final look.
Using low-quality material
The temptation to save money can lead to purchasing cheap wallpaper that lacks realistic texture, color variation, or durability. This will always look like wallpaper, not brick. Invest in good quality, especially if realism is your top priority.
Not preparing the walls properly
Skipping the cleaning and priming steps can lead to poor adhesion, bubbles, or peeling. Make sure your walls are in good condition before you start.
Visible seams
This is the most common mistake. If the panels aren’t aligned correctly, or if you’re using a paste-the-paper method without trimming edges properly, visible seams will make it obvious that it’s wallpaper. Take your time and ensure precise alignment.
Ignoring pattern direction
Even brick has a natural orientation. If you hang panels upside down or in inconsistent directions, the brick and mortar lines will look unnatural and unprofessional.
Using the wrong type for the location
In high-moisture areas like bathrooms or kitchens, you need wallpaper that is water-resistant and washable. Using a paper that isn’t designed for these conditions will lead to it peeling, bubbling, or degrading quickly.
Comparing brick looking wallpaper to other alternatives
While brick looking wallpaper is a fantastic option, it’s helpful to know how it stacks up against other ways to achieve a brick aesthetic.
Real brick or thin brick veneer
Pros: Ultimate realism, adds structural character, can increase home value.
Cons: Very expensive, labor-intensive installation, adds significant weight, permanent, requires skilled labor.
Brick tiles (ceramic/porcelain)
Pros: Durable, water-resistant, available in many styles, easier to install than real brick.
Cons: Can be expensive, requires grout, installation is still a significant DIY project or professional job, may not have the same natural variation as real brick.
Brick-effect paint or stencils
Pros: Can be very inexpensive, allows for custom color.
Cons: Extremely difficult to achieve realistic texture and depth, labor-intensive, results can look amateurish. Often lacks the dimension that wallpaper provides.
3D wall panels (other materials)
Pros: Can offer realistic texture and dimension, available in various materials like MDF or PVC.
Cons: Can be significantly more expensive than wallpaper, installation might require more specialized tools, may not always mimic brick specifically but rather a general textured look.
Brick looking wallpaper strikes a balance. It offers a high degree of visual realism, significantly more than paint or stencils, at a much lower cost and with much easier installation than real brick or tiles. For many homeowners, it’s the perfect compromise.
Maintaining your brick looking wallpaper
Keeping your faux brick walls looking great is simple, especially with modern materials.
Cleaning
For most vinyl or washable wallpapers, a damp cloth with mild soap is sufficient for cleaning. Gently wipe away dust or smudges. Avoid abrasive cleaners or excessive water, especially if the wallpaper isn’t specifically rated as scrubbable.
Durability
High-quality brick wallpaper is surprisingly durable. Peel and stick options are generally resistant to scuffs and fading. Traditional wallpapers can also be very long-lasting when properly installed and maintained.
Repairs
If a small section gets damaged, you might be able to carefully cut out the damaged piece and replace it with a new piece of wallpaper, ensuring a good match. For peel and stick, this is often easier than with traditional paste-up wallpaper.
By choosing the right type, installing it carefully, and performing basic maintenance, your brick looking wallpaper can provide years of stylish, realistic appeal. Whether you’re aiming for a chic urban loft or a cozy cottage vibe, faux brick offers a practical and beautiful solution. For other transformative wall coverings, consider the vibrant patterns available in Rifle Paper Co. wallpaper or the natural beauty of Yellowstone wallpaper designs.