How to Hide Wall Irregularities: 10 Interesting Solutions

Not every new construction can boast of perfect walls — let alone the old stock. Irregularities catch the eye and spoil the appearance of an apartment. Stepan Bugaev told which materials to choose and how to hide surface defects without leveling the walls.

Stepan Bugaev Expert Founder of the Flatplan startup and the design studio 'The Point', which is in the top-100 best by AD magazine. Curator of the Interior Design School at HSE University

Turn a flaw into a strength

Every coin has two sides — an uneven wall can become an interior feature. Loft style is an excellent example of combining incompatible elements. Here brick and concrete walls coexist with expensive modern or antique furniture. Indeed, why level what can become a stylish decorative element? Of course, such an option for finishing may not suit everyone — but it looks impressive.

Design: 'The Point'

Hide defects under wallpapers

If the wall is uneven, refuse to use solid-color wallpapers. Choose vinyl or flocked wallpapers with an active pattern. They are characterized by high density, multi-layering, and embossing — such decoration easily conceals minor wall defects.

Design: 'The Point'

Walls with tongue-and-groove

For lovers of Provence, Scandinavian, and eco styles, I suggest hiding irregularities under tongue-and-groove: it can be painted in any suitable color. This type of finishing not only handles wall leveling 'with a bang', but also provides sound insulation. Wooden finishes are practical, budget-friendly, and can boast a long service life.

Design: 'The Point'

Choose an unusual material

An unusual decor for your apartment will be a wall finished with cork panels. You can handle the installation yourself without additional help — wall surfaces do not require thorough preparation, unlike other types of finishing. Cork comes in various shades and textures — it will definitely diversify your interior.

Be inspired by English style

One of the recognizable elements of an English-style interior is wooden panels. They not only hide wall irregularities but also give your living space an original and luxurious look. Finishing with natural materials can hit the wallet — use panels decorated to look like wood. Keep in mind that such an approach is not suitable for small rooms: decorative panels visually reduce the space.

Design: 'The Point'

Attract textiles to the rescue

An original and slightly extravagant solution is to decorate an uneven wall with curtains. This approach will not go unnoticed in your home. Choose a material of complex composition that fully retains its pleasant texture but does not fade in sunlight or get stained. Textiles not only conceal room flaws but also add warmth and color to your room.

Don't fear experiments

If you're not afraid of bold decisions, paint the uneven walls in black or dark blue. Of course, such an interior may not suit every owner — to avoid making the color oppressive, use popular decorative techniques. Do not direct light fixtures at the walls — black absorbs light. Rays should come from the walls: choose lighting fixtures that can be hidden under gypsum structures or 'sunken' into niches. Do not neglect bright decorative elements — they will bring life to dark walls.

Design: 'The Point'

Redirect attention to decor

To divert attention from wall irregularities, use volumetric decor — large wall panels or posters. Place pictures and frames where there are most defects — this can be the wall by the head of the bed, above the sofa in the living room, or near the dining table. Posters and paintings can be easily replaced if during an exhibition or trip you come across a new cool piece.

Design: 'The Point'

Decorate the wall with plants

If your apartment has only one uneven wall, create a plant wall in that spot. Such living decoration attracts the eye and will definitely not leave you or your guests indifferent. Moreover, plants are excellent at purifying the air in the room.

Enhance the effect of irregularity

Play on flaws: some use decorative stucco to create irregularities — and you already have them. Enhancing the effect and highlighting wall relief can be achieved with proper lighting — ceiling and spotlights, projectors, as well as wall lighting from below.

Design: 'The Point'