Cork wallpaper: features of selection and placement in the interior

To make a home more natural and natural, it is not at all necessary to choose a log house for construction. A simpler solution is to use cork wallpaper for walls. Consider the features of the choice of such coatings and options for their placement in the interior.

A few years ago, cork wallpaper was not very popular, but now they are chosen quite often. Such coatings are made using cork oak, more precisely, its bark. It grows on the shores of the Mediterranean, in Africa, Portugal, Italy, Spain. Portugal is a recognized leader in the production of a variety of materials from cork. Such wallpapers are also created in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.

Cork materials have many advantages:

• A variety of patterns, drawings.Thanks to this you will be able to choose a coating that will be ideally combined with a specific interior design. These materials always have the optimum temperature, they are pleasant to the touch.
• Fire resistance Cork wallpapers are resistant to fire, and at the same time they also prevent the spread of flame. Such coatings for many years retain the original appearance, freshness, there is no unpleasant smell from them.
• If you want to make walls less sound-proof, cork wallpapers can be an ideal option. They are even purchased for music studios.
• Durability. The structure of these materials has a unique property: they do not abrade and retain integrity for decades. Popular such coatings makes them resistant to high temperatures, liquids, chemicals.

• Cork materials absorb radiation from technical devices. Such wallpapers are ideal for rooms that have computers: for offices, work rooms.
• These materials are environmentally friendly. They are often used in kitchens, children's rooms.Cork contributes to the creation of a special microclimate, which has a very good effect on human health.
• Such wallcoverings provide heat and sound insulation in the room. For this reason, they are well suited for panel structures characterized by increased noise permeability.
• Cork wallpapers provide a leveling effect. Due to the sufficient thickness of such coatings with their help, you can hide small defects of the walls.
• Dust does not collect on these surfaces, they do not electrify.

However, wallpaper from cork is not only pluses. There are some disadvantages of such coatings:

• It is worth applying wax to these materials. Otherwise, various odors will be absorbed into them.
• Cork coverings are not resistant to various mechanical damages. We must remember this when choosing such materials for the room in which children live - it is quite possible that the kid will want to scratch such an interesting surface.
• Some nuances when sticking such wallpaper on the walls. Such coatings should not be bent, otherwise there will be creases. They can be glued only with special glue.Before sticking, it is recommended to store wallpapers for a while so that they lie down.
• Enough high cost. Some end up choosing cheaper wall coverings.

The bark is removed from the plant, after which the “raw material” is crushed and subjected to hot pressing. From heating, natural glue is released - a binder in the finished coating. Cork wallpapers are created as follows: bark of cork oak is applied on thick paper and non-woven base.

In some cases, a special varnish, a protective wax, is also applied to the surface. This contributes to a significant increase in wear resistance of coatings prevents damage by mold, fungus, waterlogging. Wax and varnish for a long time retain all the properties of the cork, they will not interfere with the air exchange. In some cases, the cork is additionally stained.

There are three types of cork coatings. They differ from each other in the structure of paintings, the area of ​​use and size:

• Cork roll wallpaper for walls - The most common type.Consumers choose such materials especially often. These coatings are three-and two-layer. In the first case, a foil layer is added to the base and veneer layers, which is small in thickness. It is located between them. In the layer that is at the top, there are voids and pores, so there is a play of light, beautiful shine. Foil can be silver, copper, golden.

• Liquid cork coatings in appearance it can be compared with liquid plaster. Using such materials, it is possible to make the surface as flat as possible, to mask various defects. Joints are missing, which is also very convenient. The composition of these coatings included acrylic glue, cork crumb. These wallpapers are versatile, they are used in a variety of rooms.

• Consumers choose also cork panels. They consist of two layers. Upper - this is a thin veneer, which is additionally impregnated using wax composition.Such materials are suitable for rooms with high humidity. The bottom layer is pressed cork.

It is very pleasant to touch cork coatings, they are associated with naturalness, nature. Natural drawing of such material is quite monotonous, but there are also tinted wallpapers.

Different options are available to consumers: from dark brown to sand tones. For cork characterized by various small patches. Common shades - brown, gray, ocher. Many people choose natural colors because, if necessary, you can quickly find a similar coating and replace the wallpaper.

The use of wall-paper on cork base in rolls and other types of similar coatings is possible in a variety of rooms:

• Kitchen. If you chose cork coverings for this room, you should also take care that the kitchen unit also has a natural pattern, natural color. The perfect style for a kitchen with cork wallpaper is classic.

• Kids room. Thanks to the remarkable sound insulation properties, naturalness, freshness, such coatings are a great option for a children's room. Since there will be no disturbing sounds, the child’s sleep will become sound and pleasant. These materials are hypoallergenic, which is also very important for kids.

• Living room. Cork will make this room original and at the same time cozy, bright. Meeting with family and friends in such a room will be even more pleasant.
• Cabinet As already noted, cork coverings provide excellent sound insulation, so that they are very well suited for such rooms. Since they will not be distracted by extraneous sounds, you will be able to fully concentrate on the work.

• The entrance hall. Cork materials can be used here, because such coatings do not absorb dust, dirt.
• Bedroom. Since cork materials are environmentally friendly, provide comfort, you can sleep well and gain strength for new achievements.

Cork coatings are very well combined with a variety of surfaces: with reeds, bamboo, wood, textiles, plaster, decorative stone. The natural color of the material can be combined with beige, sand, brown shades. Especially often cork coverings are used for rooms decorated in classic style. However, other options are possible. You can purchase colored wallpapers and combine them with any design you like.

Choosing a suitable wallpaper under the cork of a tree, you should consider the overall design and type of room. You should not use such coatings in small rooms - it is better to buy lighter wallpapers made of other materials for them, so the space will visually expand.

Alternate cork with other materials.otherwise the design will be dull. Monotony is no longer in fashion. Some combine beautiful patterns cut from wallpaper with cool shades.

It is necessary to stick coverings from cork with care, attentiveness. It is recommended to take into account The following expert advice:

• Unpack the wallpaper in the room where they will be pasted. So the material can adapt, its temperature and humidity stabilize.
• If you are going to stick wallpaper, first prepare the surface. To do this, remove the previous finish, putty the wall, put a primer on it, let it dry completely.
• A few hours before work, cut wallpaper into strips. Put them on a surface that should be perfectly flat - so you eliminate the likelihood of deformations. Then you need to fix the markup on the wall.

• Do not forget that you need to stick cover from the window to the door structure.
• It is recommended to stick cork materials with an assistant. One of you will apply glue, the other will glue the wallpaper.
• Such coatings need to be pressed to the surface strongly enough. Each time make sure that there are no air bubbles. You can use a rubber roller. If bubbles are present, you can pierce the coating where air has accumulated. Particular attention should be paid to the joints.

Instructions for gluing cork wallpaper, see the following video.

Ensure cleanliness of the cork is very simple. Such surfaces are quickly cleaned of dirt. To get rid of the spots, you need to treat the coating with suitable means, however, aggressive chemicals will not do.

To remove fat you can use vinegar, diluted with water, or potato starch. To get rid of dirt, lightly rub the surface of fine-grained sandpaper. However, you need to be as careful as possible if there is no protective wax on the wallpaper. Cork coatings can be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner.

Cork wallpaper in the interior will create an atmosphere of comfort, warmth, which in this case is emphasized even more with the help of various additional elements. The use of such natural materials allows you to make the interior more luxurious, status.

The perfect design for the kitchen, when all the elements are combined in color and create one big picture.

Interesting patterns are chosen by people who are tired of plain surfaces and want to bring an element of creativity into the room. These options are great for children's rooms. If you want to experience the real pleasure, being indoors, and surprise your guests, you can decide to depict the whole landscape. Such walls are true works of art.