Renovating
Get to Know Wood Veneer Wall Coverings
Achieve the beauty of wood on the walls without expensive wood panelling
Few materials exude visual warmth like natural wood. But if a rustic reclaimed-wood feature wall doesn’t quite jibe with your contemporary or modern style, consider a wall covering made from real wood veneer. From simple wood grain to intricate inlaid geometric patterns, there are lots of striking decor options. Here’s what to know.
Why It’s Special: Adds unique depth, texture and warmth
Natural wood veneer is earthy and calming, and the grain characteristics make each installation unique.
“Wood veneer wall covering on a wall immediately adds a depth and texture difficult to achieve with any other wall treatment,” designer Andra Birkerts says. In her bedroom seen here, the wood grain in each inlaid piece of the Phillip Jeffries wall covering catches the light differently, depending on its orientation, to create a luminous dance of pattern and texture across the wall.
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Natural wood veneer is earthy and calming, and the grain characteristics make each installation unique.
“Wood veneer wall covering on a wall immediately adds a depth and texture difficult to achieve with any other wall treatment,” designer Andra Birkerts says. In her bedroom seen here, the wood grain in each inlaid piece of the Phillip Jeffries wall covering catches the light differently, depending on its orientation, to create a luminous dance of pattern and texture across the wall.
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Imagine this home office with a white painted ceiling instead of the richly stained wood veneer wall covering. Chances are it wouldn’t be nearly as memorable. With the inherent natural qualities of wood, Birkerts says, “you immediately change the feeling in a space when you use it.”
Bridges traditional and modern
Designer Tom Riker of jamesthomas Interiors says he chose a wood veneer wall covering in a chevron pattern for this small media room to add a sense of intimacy similar to the feeling of wood walls in an old-world library. However, while adding an elegant cosiness, it doesn’t divert from the look of the Chicago condo’s overall contemporary design.
Designer Tom Riker of jamesthomas Interiors says he chose a wood veneer wall covering in a chevron pattern for this small media room to add a sense of intimacy similar to the feeling of wood walls in an old-world library. However, while adding an elegant cosiness, it doesn’t divert from the look of the Chicago condo’s overall contemporary design.
Here, Maya Romanoff’s chevron design from the company’s Ajiro collection, the same wood veneer wall covering used in the previous media room, effortlessly blends into the traditional French-style master bedroom.
The chameleon of the wall-covering world, wood veneer is a great choice if you’re not sure what your style is, want design flexibility or think your style might change in the future.
Patterns to partner with chevron
The chameleon of the wall-covering world, wood veneer is a great choice if you’re not sure what your style is, want design flexibility or think your style might change in the future.
Patterns to partner with chevron
It’s bendable
Don’t think just because veneer wall covering is made of wood that it must be installed on a flat, single-plane surface. It’s likely more flexible than you might imagine. Here, it makes a sweeping statement on a curved niche wall.
Don’t think just because veneer wall covering is made of wood that it must be installed on a flat, single-plane surface. It’s likely more flexible than you might imagine. Here, it makes a sweeping statement on a curved niche wall.
In fact, wood veneer wall covering is so pliable that it will bend around a sharp 90-degree outside corner, as shown in this hallway. While it makes for an eye-catching finish on a single feature wall, it’s also a full-room wall-surface option.
Where to Install It
Living rooms, studies, dining rooms and bedrooms are ideal locations for wood veneer wall covering. And you don’t have to limit it to walls – it’s a great ceiling finish too. However, avoid installation in rooms with high humidity. Powder rooms, like the one here, are fine, but it’s a good idea to bypass full bathrooms.
Wood veneer wall covering can also fade and discolour with exposure to sunlight, so avoid installing it in rooms with direct, bright or even a lot of reflected light. Or install light-blocking window treatments or glass with a UV rating for protection.
Living rooms, studies, dining rooms and bedrooms are ideal locations for wood veneer wall covering. And you don’t have to limit it to walls – it’s a great ceiling finish too. However, avoid installation in rooms with high humidity. Powder rooms, like the one here, are fine, but it’s a good idea to bypass full bathrooms.
Wood veneer wall covering can also fade and discolour with exposure to sunlight, so avoid installing it in rooms with direct, bright or even a lot of reflected light. Or install light-blocking window treatments or glass with a UV rating for protection.
Sealing the Deal
Most wood veneer wall covering is not manufactured with a protective coating on it. Laura Romanoff, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Maya Romanoff, says for extra durability in high-traffic spaces, it’s a good idea to apply a coat of polyurethane.
A thin coat helps guard against moisture penetration and can be done in the field after the wall-covering adhesive has dried (after 48 hours). Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Or, for extra cost, Maya Romanoff can add polyurethane at the factory before shipping.
Most wood veneer wall covering is not manufactured with a protective coating on it. Laura Romanoff, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Maya Romanoff, says for extra durability in high-traffic spaces, it’s a good idea to apply a coat of polyurethane.
A thin coat helps guard against moisture penetration and can be done in the field after the wall-covering adhesive has dried (after 48 hours). Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Or, for extra cost, Maya Romanoff can add polyurethane at the factory before shipping.
While most wood veneer wall coverings are available in a number of standard stain options, if you want a custom colour, Romanoff says it’s best to have it applied in the factory versus staining it yourself after installation. Otherwise, oil residue from fingers and brushes with other substances may affect the quality of the stain absorption.
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TELL US
What do you think of this innovative wall covering? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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Wood veneer wallpaper is made of micro-thin slices of wood attached to a paper backing. Unlike architectural wood panelling that is built in, wood veneer is installed like other wall coverings. While there are simple grain patterns available, the vast majority of wood veneer wall coverings are hand-inlaid in pieces to create eye-catching patterns, like the geometric example seen in this Chicago dining room.