13 Modern Ways to Use 3D Wall Surfaces
The latest trend in wallcoverings has gone to another dimension
Textured, touchy-feely coverings are set to be the next big thing in feature walls. But, unlike the 1970s versions, this generation of 3D walls feature larger patterns that are more stylish, sculptural and have a downright arty feel. A number of companies are producing chic wall panels made from gypsum plaster, MDF, plastics such as PVC, embossed metal, fibreglass, ceramics and every other material you can think of. So, if you’re looking to create a real design statement at home, take a look at these bold graphic ideas for bringing walls to life.
Be bold with blocks
When choosing your 3D surface, think about the architecture of your home and what will work with it over time. Will you stay in love with your choice?
In this contemporary kitchen, the 3D wall replicates the concrete block one outside. The block shapes also mirror the kitchen units.
When choosing your 3D surface, think about the architecture of your home and what will work with it over time. Will you stay in love with your choice?
In this contemporary kitchen, the 3D wall replicates the concrete block one outside. The block shapes also mirror the kitchen units.
Add an ocean of calm
Wave-like patterns are particularly popular in 3D wall panel designs, perhaps because they have a relaxing effect. They also have the added benefit of making a wall seem longer.
In general, less is more when it comes to 3D surfaces – one standout feature wall may work better than a room full of textured surfaces. However, don’t be afraid to experiment. Here, a 3D panel works well next to painted brickwork. Rather than a pattern clash, the two textures complement each other.
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Wave-like patterns are particularly popular in 3D wall panel designs, perhaps because they have a relaxing effect. They also have the added benefit of making a wall seem longer.
In general, less is more when it comes to 3D surfaces – one standout feature wall may work better than a room full of textured surfaces. However, don’t be afraid to experiment. Here, a 3D panel works well next to painted brickwork. Rather than a pattern clash, the two textures complement each other.
10 ways to update exposed brick
Sort some shapes
Buying a bespoke panel isn’t the only way to get a 3D wall. In this room, bright blue paintwork peeps through a grid of interlocking 3D hexagonal tiles for a modern honeycomb look.
Using a 3D effect on a dividing wall in an open-plan space can be a smart way to define areas.
Buying a bespoke panel isn’t the only way to get a 3D wall. In this room, bright blue paintwork peeps through a grid of interlocking 3D hexagonal tiles for a modern honeycomb look.
Using a 3D effect on a dividing wall in an open-plan space can be a smart way to define areas.
Stick to stone
If you prefer a more old-school approach to 3D surfaces, then a wall of slim stone tiles might work for you. This look is a cool update of the brick-clad 1970s trend. Here, the wall not only warms up what might be a rather cold space, it also visually links with the garden wall outside. Try mini oyster slate tiles for a similar look.
If you prefer a more old-school approach to 3D surfaces, then a wall of slim stone tiles might work for you. This look is a cool update of the brick-clad 1970s trend. Here, the wall not only warms up what might be a rather cold space, it also visually links with the garden wall outside. Try mini oyster slate tiles for a similar look.
Go all white
While white can make a room feel brighter and bigger, it can also look dull when you’re faced with four flat, pale walls. Adding a textured wall panel, still in white, can be a way to solve the problem. These panels, with a soft, curvy pattern, can also be painted if colour is more your thing.
A wall between two alcoves is always a natural spot for a feature wall, and equally so when you’re going 3D.
While white can make a room feel brighter and bigger, it can also look dull when you’re faced with four flat, pale walls. Adding a textured wall panel, still in white, can be a way to solve the problem. These panels, with a soft, curvy pattern, can also be painted if colour is more your thing.
A wall between two alcoves is always a natural spot for a feature wall, and equally so when you’re going 3D.
Beautify your bathroom
A 3D surface can be particularly effective in bathrooms, and it also doesn’t feel like too much of a style leap as we’re already used to working with touchy-feely ceramic surfaces in these spaces.
This oversized crackle pattern on large rectangular tiles has a hotel-chic feel, and matching them with the bath panel adds extra impact.
A 3D surface can be particularly effective in bathrooms, and it also doesn’t feel like too much of a style leap as we’re already used to working with touchy-feely ceramic surfaces in these spaces.
This oversized crackle pattern on large rectangular tiles has a hotel-chic feel, and matching them with the bath panel adds extra impact.
Feature some flower power
Perhaps slick modern geometrics don’t do it for you? This ceramic design features gorgeous flowers for a romantic feel that brings to mind classical frescoes.
Perhaps slick modern geometrics don’t do it for you? This ceramic design features gorgeous flowers for a romantic feel that brings to mind classical frescoes.
Live large
A 3D wall behind a bed can be particularly effective, instantly creating a supersized headboard. This retro design is unusual without being too busy or over-stimulating.
3D panels like this are often made from MDF or gypsum plaster and can be painted if required. If you’re only planning to cover a certain area of a wall, measure carefully. Here the panel is wide enough to encompass the bed and bedside tables.
A 3D wall behind a bed can be particularly effective, instantly creating a supersized headboard. This retro design is unusual without being too busy or over-stimulating.
3D panels like this are often made from MDF or gypsum plaster and can be painted if required. If you’re only planning to cover a certain area of a wall, measure carefully. Here the panel is wide enough to encompass the bed and bedside tables.
Make a small start
If you love the idea of tactile surfaces, but a wall of 3D is too much commitment, dip your toe in and start with a small, contained area.
In this room, the wardrobe features simple embossed metal panels – a gentle way into the trend, but with a cool, industrial twist.
How to make your freestanding wardrobe work perfectly
If you love the idea of tactile surfaces, but a wall of 3D is too much commitment, dip your toe in and start with a small, contained area.
In this room, the wardrobe features simple embossed metal panels – a gentle way into the trend, but with a cool, industrial twist.
How to make your freestanding wardrobe work perfectly
Take it outside
This isn’t just an indoors trend. In outdoors spaces, textured walls are having a moment, too. Think timber panels or stone cladding.
A large textured panel can be a great way to define a garden’s sitting or lounging area. And it adds privacy.
This isn’t just an indoors trend. In outdoors spaces, textured walls are having a moment, too. Think timber panels or stone cladding.
A large textured panel can be a great way to define a garden’s sitting or lounging area. And it adds privacy.
Boldly go
Going 3D is already a statement interiors choice, so why not step it up a level and go for bold colour on your panel or tiles? This rich red feature wall gives a slightly eastern feel to this sophisticated seating area.
Ready-to buy 3D wall panels are usually modular and come in set sizes such as 60cm x 60cm; other options are bespoke panels and also smaller 3D tiles, as seen in the ‘Sort some shapes’ section above. All can usually be fixed to walls using standard tile adhesive, but always ask for instructions for fixing from the manufacturer. You will also need to take care that your walls are perfectly flat, and check that wall surfaces are suitably primed for fixatives.
Going 3D is already a statement interiors choice, so why not step it up a level and go for bold colour on your panel or tiles? This rich red feature wall gives a slightly eastern feel to this sophisticated seating area.
Ready-to buy 3D wall panels are usually modular and come in set sizes such as 60cm x 60cm; other options are bespoke panels and also smaller 3D tiles, as seen in the ‘Sort some shapes’ section above. All can usually be fixed to walls using standard tile adhesive, but always ask for instructions for fixing from the manufacturer. You will also need to take care that your walls are perfectly flat, and check that wall surfaces are suitably primed for fixatives.
Don’t forget wood
Wood panelling is perhaps the original 3D surface trend. Who hasn’t admired original panelling in country homes. Indeed, many of us already have tongue-and-groove at home.
This modern-rustic kitchen features wood panelled walls with a modern touch, thanks to the long, sleek planks and neat alignment. It’s also proof that top-to-toe wood can look marvellous.
Have you used 3D surfaces on your walls, and do you love the end result? Share your ideas and Comments below.
Wood panelling is perhaps the original 3D surface trend. Who hasn’t admired original panelling in country homes. Indeed, many of us already have tongue-and-groove at home.
This modern-rustic kitchen features wood panelled walls with a modern touch, thanks to the long, sleek planks and neat alignment. It’s also proof that top-to-toe wood can look marvellous.
Have you used 3D surfaces on your walls, and do you love the end result? Share your ideas and Comments below.
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Adding a 3D wall panel can be a shortcut to creating interest beside a staircase. Dark grey walls have been in vogue for a while, but adding a textured panel in this shade moves the trend on nicely here. The subtle pattern adds drama without being over the top, and means there’s no need for busy artworks to lift the area.