Today there are many options for decorating the walls of rooms in any stylistic direction. One of them is upholstery of walls with soft panels.
Soft beige wall panels
Soft wall panels in the nursery
Designers claim that soft wall upholstery is an easy-to-implement solution and an interesting idea. In addition to the aesthetic appearance, when finishing in this way, noise insulation and thermal insulation increase.
Wall panels in the interior of a country house
Soft panels on the bedroom wall in ethno style
Advantages of wall panels for the bedroom
- Easy to install as they are sold in ready-made pieces.
- They do not require preliminary thorough and deep treatment of the walls.
- Can be mounted on uneven surfaces.
- Hides defects, electrical wires and other communications.
- They have good sound and heat insulation qualities.
- Durable.
- Pleasant to the touch.
Another important advantage is that panels are often sold as separate elements, rather than as a single monolithic surface. Using small fragments, like a construction set, you can assemble decor of any size and shape.
This is especially valuable in small, narrow or simply non-standard bedrooms. The possibility of variable assembly will also be appreciated by owners of massive furniture, which must be played with, taking into account its presence.
Briefly about the main thing
The use of soft wall panels to decorate a bedroom has been known for a long time, but still does not lose its relevance. Such decor is not only elegant, it is also functional: the design absorbs external sounds and retains heat.
Aesthetic appearance and practicality allows you to include finishing in a variety of design solutions, from classic to modern. The panels are varied in shape and size; the carriage screed looks especially luxurious. Natural and artificial leather, flock, jacquard, silk and velvet are suitable for upholstery. When choosing a suitable option, take into account the size of the bedroom and the style of the interior; a panel headboard will help give the room a solid or, conversely, romantic look.
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Cons of wall panels
- Soft volumetric panels are more expensive than traditional wallpaper and wall paints.
- Not suitable for rooms with high humidity.
- Over time, dust and odors accumulate and require deep professional cleaning.
- It is impossible to hang something bulky (shelf, TV) on the wall if you do not first provide for fastenings, even before installing the panels.
Installation subtleties
The panels are fastened using three main methods: adhesive, frame or connecting.
The adhesive method involves gluing elements onto perfectly aligned wall surfaces. It is usually used for the installation of thin sheet panels, lightweight PVC products, with a base of plywood, gypsum.
The frame method is suitable for any type of panels. It consists of creating a frame on the wall from wooden bars, slats or a metal profile. Using this method allows you to achieve high strength in fastening parts, hide communications behind the structure, and does not require leveling the wall surface.
The advantages are also the speed of work, the possibility of fastening elements joint to joint or in an open way, in which the fasteners are a decorative element.
In the third installation option, special planks are used - rustics. They are designed for fastening tile or slatted panels. In its finished form, the composition on the wall consists of elements located at a certain distance, which is covered with rustications. At the same time, connecting strips play the role of decor in the bedroom interior. Installation of panels using this method is done on a prepared frame.
What are soft wall panels made of?
The basic composition of any wall panels is a solid base, soft filler and upholstery material.
Plywood, chipboard or fiberboard sheets, and PVC are used as the base.
The softness and plumpness of the panels is given by polyurethane foam (better known as foam rubber) or padding polyester. With foam rubber they will be more voluminous and thicker, but over time the filler may fall down a little under its own weight. Sintepon makes the panels lighter; it is preferable in models with a screed.
Upholstery material is the most variable component. There are three principle groups:
- Genuine Leather;
- Leatherettes;
- Textile.
MDF
MDF panels are made from compressed wood chips, which are specially treated with antiseptic substances.
The material is quite affordable, meets environmental standards and meets the technical requirements of finishing. It is often used as a basis for further painting or painting.
Finish options
Obviously, genuine leather (and suede) trim is the most expensive option. By its very presence it adds luxury to any room, but it also requires an appropriate setting. Furniture made of natural wood, plain or multi-colored embossed wallpaper will harmoniously combine with leather panels.
Faux leather is a more budget option for a respectable bedroom. Modern artificial materials are in no way inferior to their natural ancestor. They look decent, do not accumulate dust, and can even be wet cleaned.
Fabric upholstery is the most common. In addition to a wide variety of colors and patterns, textiles allow the use of various tie techniques. The most popular of them - carriage - resembles plump diamonds with decorative buttons or studs in the corners.
It is fabric panels that are considered the most comfortable and suitable for the atmosphere of the bedroom. The effect is enhanced by materials that are pleasant to the touch and look, such as:
- Velours;
- Velvet;
- Atlas;
- Silk;
- Tapestry.
Ensembles where the upholstery of panels, bed frames, blankets, decorative pillows or other elements are made of the same fabric look great.
Glass
In the manufacture of this type, tempered glass is used, which is durable and wear-resistant. The glass version of the panels is varied. Their surface can be either matte or smooth glossy. 3D panels in the bedroom are considered new.
Modern versions of glass coatings can imitate various natural materials, such as stone, brick, wood, etc. They can be equipped with lighting, which will advantageously emphasize the uniqueness of the room and make the room more spacious.
The only negative that may be present during operation is the formation of stains, smudges or fingerprints on the glass. To avoid them, you will have to carefully care for the material.
How panels are attached to walls
Several mounting options are used, but in any case, the work begins with careful measurements and markings of the wall.
Fundamentally different ways:
- Glue;
- Frame;
- Fastening elements.
The first group combines PVA glue, modern “liquid nails,” and double-sided tape. Panels with a self-adhesive back side are available for sale. PVA is applied to the entire surface of the panel, and construction acrylic adhesive is enough to be applied dotted or in zigzags.
- The frame method is essentially assembling a soft panel directly on the wall. To begin with, a frame is assembled from wooden slats over the entire surface.
- The slats are fixed with dowels. Then soft filler is glued between the slats.
- The final stage is covering with fabric. The fabric is fixed on the longitudinal and transverse slats with decorative nails.
- You can use a simple furniture stapler with staples, and then seal them with a beautiful braid that matches the fabric.
Solid large panels are difficult to glue, so they are hung by drilling holes in the base. Screws are firmly fixed to the wall and a soft panel is hung on them.
Recently, a magnetic fastening method has also appeared. If the manufacturer has equipped the panels with a sufficient number of magnets, then you can attach a metal plate to the wall and the base of the panel will “stick” to it perfectly.
Flaws
- quite high price;
- even with minor damage, you will have to replace it entirely;
- Quite a lot of dust accumulates in uneven surfaces and requires frequent cleaning;
- soft decorative panels will certainly fit well into any interior; will create a special atmosphere and comfort in the room;
- the choice of such panels is extremely diverse;
- At the same time, they are very easy to attach to walls.
Some of the details that were presented in the article can be seen in more detail in the video.
DIY wall panels in the bedroom (step by step instructions)
It will not be difficult for a craftsman who is familiar with the main types of furniture work and tools to make soft panels on his own. All materials are available both at specialized wholesale stores and in retail sales.
The general sequence of actions is as follows.
- Develop a sketch of products. Calculate their size, shape, quantity.
- According to the calculated values, cut a sheet of chipboard (or other material) and cut the seal into the same pieces (without indents or allowances).
- The fabric is cut taking into account the thickness of the panel and the fold on the reverse side. It is fixed first on two opposite sides, then on the rest with a furniture stapler. Be sure to pull the fabric tightly and evenly. The process is similar to upholstering the seat of a stool or chair.
Advice! If you plan to stitch the panels, then the holes for the threads that secure the buttons must be drilled in the base in advance.
The buttons are secured with strong acrylic thread and secured at the back with the same furniture stapler. It is better to place several staples in different directions. It is also important to maintain good tension.
The undeniable advantages of making soft panels yourself:
- At any time, you can change the design idea for the bedroom, add or reduce the number of elements, take a different fabric;
- Non-standard elements (usually narrow pieces or halves in the corners of the room) are made just as quickly as standard ones; no need to specially order them and wait;
- Independent selection of materials gives confidence in their quality and environmental safety;
- Having leftover plywood or fiberboard, padding polyester from other works, you can save a lot;
- There is no chance of paying and receiving a product of the wrong quality or configuration due to a manager’s mistake.
One should not remain silent about the fact that repairs made by oneself always bring more satisfaction than those ordered and paid for by craftsmen.
Reviews
“We attached soft panels to the surface of the old bar counter. Thanks to this, the interior of the restaurant has changed significantly. It’s now comfortable to sit next to such a counter and its surface is easy to clean.” Alexander, Volgograd
“In the interior of the restaurant in a classic style, wall panels with a carriage frame made of light beige leather were installed. They look great and blend in with the furniture.” Olga, Samara
“We secured the panels to a plasterboard partition. This partition is very convenient to move and can be used to cover unsightly areas with plumbing and wires. No one will notice anything behind the panels.” Pavel, Moscow
“We finished all the walls with soft wall panels. We have a karaoke bar and need effective soundproofing. It turned out very well and the neighbors are not complaining.” Dmitry, Sochi
“Our restaurant is located in a very old building. The walls crumble badly and cannot be covered with decorative materials.”
“The problem was solved by decorative soft panels on a frame made of aluminum profiles. Moreover, they installed all the walls in a room of 300 square meters. m in four days." Vladimir, Ekaterinburg
Photo of soft wall panels for the bedroom
No. 6. The best manufacturers
Soft wall panels are popular in different countries of the world where they have their own production facilities. In Russia, the products of foreign enterprises are poorly represented, since the cost of panels due to transportation increases significantly. There are well-equipped production facilities in different parts of the country that also produce custom panels. We will focus on the largest and most proven ones.
MolleMebel
This company specializes in the manufacture of beds, but is gradually expanding production with related products. The company is equipped with modern European equipment, which produces different types of wall panels: fabric, leather, eco-leather and Alcantara. There are a lot of design options; there is a separate series of panels for cinema halls and clubs.
"House of Walls"
The company produces furniture, leather furniture facades and soft wall panels. The manufacturer is proud of the high quality of its products and its individual design, using the highest quality and safest raw materials. The company offers the creation of panels according to the customer's design and assistance in developing sketches. Leather, suede, Alcantara, fabric, as well as fibers with specific properties: non-flammable, antibacterial, odor-eliminating, can be used as facing materials for panels. The range also includes 3D panels.
"MOLIZE"
The leading domestic company for the production of designer furniture, MOLIZE, has recently mastered the process of manufacturing soft wall panels, and now this direction has become the main activity of the company. Consistently high quality of products is ensured by cooperation with the best manufacturers of leather, fabric and accessories, training of company employees at European enterprises and constant quality control. The panels are made with upholstery made of leather, fabric and leatherette; custom orders are possible.
"MK Stroy"
This company is based in Yekaterinburg and produces soft wall panels simultaneously with the manufacture of furniture. The range includes options made of leather, eco-leather and fabric; it is possible to manufacture panels according to customer requirements for size and color.
LLC "Miagky Sign"
This Perm company, among other products, also produces soft wall panels under the Soft Sign brand. Foam rubber and synthetic padding are used as filler; the upholstery is made of flock, velor, jacquard, tapestry and other furniture fabrics, genuine leather and leather substitutes. The company offers both ready-made options with a unique design and the development of panels according to its own ideas.
Knerzer Group LLC
The company produces children's furniture and soft wall panels, offering a wide selection of ready-made options with upholstery made of leather, leatherette and fabric. At the customer's request, panels of any size (from 5 cm) and design are manufactured.
"Parquet Avenue"
The company was opened 12 years ago and initially specialized in the production of floor coverings. Today, the manufacturer’s range has expanded significantly, and soft wall panels have become almost the main area of activity. The manufacturer focuses on the production of panels with leather upholstery.
Product advantages: elegance and practicality
Soft wall panels are considered universal. With their help you can create a unique interior both inside a residential and commercial space. Considering that most luxury country houses are equipped with a large number of auxiliary areas that mostly perform an entertainment function, like many recreation centers where the primary task is to create a comfortable, relaxing environment, it is practically impossible to do without fabric upholstery on the walls. It will fit perfectly into a home theater, a billiards room, a lounge area, and a children's playroom.
A soft and voluminous panel on the wall with a square pattern fits perfectly into the bedroom
The main positive properties of soft walls include:
- Good sound absorption, especially necessary in cases where an adult bedroom is located behind the wall of a children's room.
- Thermal insulation, which helps to retain warm air indoors, which is important in the cold season to maintain the desired air temperature.
- The ability to hide an uneven wall surface or wiring, providing original lighting behind the wall panel itself.
- Organizing a safe play area for children who like to run quickly around the area available to them.
- Excellent combination with other finishing materials, as well as appropriateness in many interior styles.
- The ability to make zoning if it is necessary to create emphasis on a specific part of the room.
- Resistance to deformation, because the soft wall panel quickly takes its original shape, even if you lean on it for a long time.
- Ease of use (the top coating often has an algesic and dust-repellent treatment).
- Ease of installation - which is important if repairs need to be completed in a short time.
- A decorative component, without which not a single elite design project can be created.
A fabric panel on the wall in a warm light color perfectly decorates a room with a bed without a headboard.
Look at the project: Interior of the house “Discord!
Recommendations for selection
To ensure that soft panels are not purchased in vain, it is important to follow these tips from designers:
- It is better to buy panels made of padding polyester for the bedroom. They are lightweight and do not load the structure. A good option is to decorate a certain area in the bedroom with them, for example, the area above the head of the bed. As for the choice of color, you need to build on the shades of curtains or wallpaper. Sometimes it makes sense to play with contrast. It is better to choose calm shades.
- For the living room and children's room, it is better to choose more durable options made of foam rubber and polyurethane. They will withstand the negative impact and will look beautiful. If we compare them with padding polyester panels, they are somewhat larger.
- Wall panels in the interior of a children's room should be primarily functional. Namely, from foam rubber, since they are voluminous and softer.
- As for the living room and hallway, it is advantageous to use a leather surface or leatherette. As an option, suede or velvet. The main requirement for soft finishing in such rooms is increased wear resistance. And if there is antibacterial impregnation, then this is simply ideal.
In this matter, it is better not to save money and buy quality products. Or you can make soft panels for the walls with your own hands. This will reduce the cost, however, it will require more time and effort. But it's worth it.