Different Brick Wall Living Room Ideas To Try
Brick walls have been around for a long time, and were a common sight, especially in older homes or buildings. When drywalls, pre-fabricated walls, and building blocks weren’t invented yet, the ol’ brick wall was a necessity. Nowadays, you can still see them in older buildings, as well as buildings that want to retain that old-world look. Oftentimes, you can also see bricks being used as a decorative & aesthetic element in interiors, adding a sort of rough and rugged appeal to the space.
There are many contemporary ways to install or apply a masonry finish to your living room. Methods and techniques vary, as well as materials, depending on the look you want to achieve. Bricks are often used as accent walls, usually behind the sofa, the wall of the fireplace (real or otherwise), or even the TV wall. The depth and texture it gives instantly sets an attractive focal point in the space.
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Bricks are one of the materials that have proven their timelessness. Not only do they look good, but they are also sturdy, which is why older buildings still have their original masonry intact! No matter what the style or color scheme of your space, these walls will surely be a great additional feature.
If you have a modern space that mainly uses white or any light colors for the walls and furniture, a red brick wall is an excellent choice to add contrast and texture to the space. The example above uses the home’s original vintage bricks to give it rough, imperfect edges and create visual interest.
Exposed Red Brick Wall Living Room
Exposed brick walls are often left unfinished, showing their natural color. Depending on how old or new your masonry is, and where the material is sourced, it could be a bright terracotta color, or a more washed-out red or orange. These surfaces are often used as accent walls and work well in spaces that mainly use whites or other subtle colors. Bricks are also often painted over, allowing just its texture/pattern to be seen through.
You might be surprised by what you’ll find on your walls when you tear down plaster walls or cement on old buildings. This small apartment living area pictured above has been transformed into a perfect ‘instagrammable’ space just by exposing its original brick walls. The white-painted walls and the light laminate flooring look gorgeous paired with the red tones and the simple, mid-century modern furniture pieces.
The colors that would complement this shade, however, depend largely on the color of your bricks. Because they are made out of clay, their color will vary depending on your location. You will have to determine their dominant color and determine their perfect pairs from there. Here’s an easy guide you can follow.
- Reds – exposed bricks that have primarily red undertones work well with whites, light cream colors, and cool greens
- Beige/brown – yellow-toned bricks go well with neutral paint colors such as taupes and grays. Both warm and cool-toned neutrals would work well.
Brick Accent Wall
Finding beauty in imperfections is what makes design so fun and interesting. Uncovering gorgeous brick walls from layers of plaster and making it the defining characteristic of the space, easily gives you a conversation piece in your home. The uneven surface and varying colors of the masonry add a nice touch of texture and contrast to the simple color scheme of the room.
The many grooves/spaces between each piece also make it very convenient to place nails or screws, so you will also find wall-hung shelves on the walls. Overall, decorating these areas may seem a little intimidating at first, but it’s a pretty easy material to work around with. You can expose one a whole wall, or just apply cladding to certain areas, either way, they can instantly create a focal point in any space.
Faux Bricks
If you want to add that brick wall look but your apartment doesn’t have the right walls to install one, or you don’t want the mess involved with brick-laying, you can opt for a really realistic-looking wallpaper just like this modern living room did. The colors also complement the orange tones in the painting placed on it.
If you’d like to achieve a realistic brick wall look, but don’t want to bother with the installation process of real masonry, there are many faux options available that you can use depending on where you want to apply it. Here are some faux options you can consider for your living room:
Brick wallpaper – excellent quality wallpapers would definitely look like the real thing when installed properly. For walls not exposed to excessive heat or moisture, wallpaper would be a good alternative and would be faster to install. There are also textured wallpapers available if you want to give it a little more realism!
Faux brick panels – if you want a more 3D effect, but want the installation ease of wallpapers, you will find faux panels on your local hardware stores or even online. These panels come in different sizes and usually made from MDF or foam boards, and have a relief texture that mimics actual masonry. They usually have interlocking seams so that they install seamlessly.
Ceramic tiles – available in most hardware stores, ceramic tiles can come in varying sizes and color options. This is a great choice if you’re installing them in areas prone to water/moisture exposure. Try to choose interlocking style bricks so that the seams would look natural.
Brick veneers – the most popular type of veneers would be the Z-Bricks. They are basically thinner pieces used for facing/aesthetic purposes. They are lighter than normal thick masonry options and don’t require metal framing to install.
DIY methods – there are many different DIY methods for faux cladding or panels using different materials. The most popular ones include the use of putty or joint compounds, cut MDF boards, and even styrofoam.
Most of these faux options, except paper wallpapers and foams, can be painted or whitewashed. Please use the correct paint materials according to your substrate to achieve the best results!
White Bricks
The rough, imperfect texture of a white-painted or whitewashed masonry wall adds more style and attitude to this small nook in the living area. Painting the bricks white allowed the space to keep its white and gray color scheme, creating a light and refreshing atmosphere.
For spaces with colorful schemes or furniture pieces, white-painted walls are often used. For a little bit of contrast, you can also use gray or black painted bricks, to make light-colored pieces stand out. Other popular colors used over them would be yellow/cream colors and mint. There are many different combinations you can play around with to make your walls work for your space! Just remember that your color choices will affect the overall look of the space!
White-painted brick walls are a popular feature in mid-century style spaces and modern spaces in general. The white-painted masonry allows the unique texture to shine through. while keeping the wall surfaces subdued to help the furniture pieces stand out in the space. If you have existing wall paint that you would like to keep, you might wonder what paint colors go well with painted masonry. If you have white walls, then it’s a no-brainer that it would look good together.
If red terracotta or painted options isn’t your style, you can also consider white or cream-colored bricks. Although not as common, cream tones adds the same texture and depth to the space, but has a naturally neutral color that matches any style.
Modern Room with Bricks
One style that particularly looks good with brick accent walls would be Mid-Century modern. The light, simple, and cozy silhouettes help tone down the texture-heavy surface. Mid-century spaces tend to use white walls a lot, so adding a masonry wall will add a bit of variety in textures. The natural wood accents of the barn door and flooring really tie the design together for a cohesive look. See more examples of living rooms with barn doors here.
This loft living room benefits from high ceilings and light wood beams to create a natural feeling environment that helps keep the surfaces from looking too dark. The rough, imperfect texture of this white-painted masonry wall adds more style and attitude to this small nook in the living area. Painting the bricks white allowed the space to keep its white and beige color scheme, creating a light and refreshing atmosphere.
Traditional Style Room With Bricks
Classic-style living rooms with white walls and arch ceilings, combined with white-washed brick walls create a really cozy and laid-back atmosphere. The exposed surface serves as a great accent wall that complements the clean and simple lines of the living room area.
This living room adds a touch of elegance to its exposed brick walls by adding some wainscoting wall panels. This ties up the whole look together and also makes adding convenience outlets easier. Pairing beige wall paint with red bricks is also a cohesive design choice. The colors that would complement this shade, however, depends largely on the color of you bricks. Because they are made out of clay, its color will vary depending on your location. You will have to determine their dominant color, and determine its perfect pairs from there. Here’s an easy guide you can follow.
Small Room with Exposed Bricks
A dark gray wall paint can make an attractive design when paired with an exposed masonry demising wall. A small living room can use dark wood and leather furniture to give it a masculine style.
If you want a small living area that goes for a laid-back ambiance with a rustic touch, combine masonry with wood finishes and a soft plush sofa to balance out the hard surface textures. A small wooden shelf with a neoclassic look can also be installed, giving you extra display space.
Bricks are known for their fireproofing capabilities, so they are often used on exterior walls, and around fireplaces. Which is why most old fireplaces would most likely be made out of them. They are very easy to decorate, as the material in itself already brings attention. Artworks, framed or unframed, really look extra appealing placed on masonry walls, especially with excellent lighting.
Loft With Exposed Brick
Bold red terracotta bricks are an excellent material of choice when you want an art wall that will stand out. It’s a plus if your loft living room benefits from a high ceiling and large windows to create a bright environment that helps keep the surfaces from looking too dark. However, you can also benefit from slightly whitewashing your masonry so it has a more toned-down look that pairs well with contemporary designs.
White Washed Bricks
The imperfections and strong texture of a white-washed wall are a testament to its natural age. The strong texture can be toned down with white paint and complements the simple silhouette of the modern furniture pieces used in the living room. See white washed brick fireplace designs here.
The imperfections and strong textured in the white washed wall is a testament to its natural age. The strong texture is toned down with the white paint and complements the simple silhouette of the modern furniture pieces used in the living room. See white washed brick fireplace designs here.
Painted Black Bricks
If you have a gray-and-white color scheme on your walls, a black-painted brick wall would be a good option for your accent wall. It gives your space a bold statement wall that will definitely make whatever you place against it stand out. See more black brick fireplace designs here.
Going for a modern, mid-century vibe, this living room features the original brick hearth. Coupled with a combination of modern furniture pieces and painted masonry, the space evokes a unique atmosphere. The brick-clad fireplace wall was painted in a matte black color to match the very sleek, masculine feel of this modern space. The materials used have clean edges that target a contemporary aesthetic.
If you have a gray and white color scheme on your walls, a black-painted brick wall would be a good option for your accent wall. It gives your space a bold statement wall that will definitely make whatever you place against it stand out.
Painted Gray Bricks
Gray bricks are also a nice option if you want to add a more outdoor-like feel to your living room. These options are also available in thinner profiles, which are perfect for cladding/decorative purposes like accent walls. Gray ceramic tiles can easily be found and are easier to install than masonry. This is a great alternative for modern spaces looking to find a way to add a textured wall in their space while keeping the modern aesthetic. The use of gray-painted tiles on this fireplace definitely makes it stand out, even when paired with gray walls. The added depth and texture of a mall wooden mantle makes this small space the focal point of the living room.
Stacked Stone Brick Cladding
Tiles or faux brick cladding are also a great alternative if you don’t want to deal with the complicated installation process of traditional bricks. Slate tiles come in different sizes with pre-arranged random widths and thicknesses of slate, adding more texture and depth to any surface you apply it on. If red terracotta or painted options aren’t your style, you can also consider cream-colored bricks.
Instead of red terracotta, the accent wall of this resort-style living area uses multi-colored tiles, which imitates the natural color variety found in natural stone bricks. Unlike terracotta shades, the colors are more subdued and earthy, matching the natural wood finishes of the furniture.
Bricks with Fireplace
Bricks are known for their fireproofing capabilities, so they are often used on exterior walls, and around fireplaces. Which is why most old fireplaces would most likely be made out of them. They are very easy to decorate, as the material in itself already brings attention. Artworks, framed or unframed, really look extra appealing placed on masonry walls, especially with excellent lighting.
You can easily add the look to any modern space. The country-style living area above, installed thin cladding on the walls of its electric fireplace and wooden mantle to make it the focal point of the space. The natural red color of the clay gives it a warmer and cozier vibe.
Slate tiles is also a great alternative if you don’t want to deal with the complicated installation process of traditional bricks. Slate tiles come in different sizes with pre-arranged random widths and thickness of slate, adding more texture and depth to any surface you apply it on. Black slate tiles is another great alternative to actual red clay masonry. They also add a natural texture and depth to any wall and can be applied both indoors and outdoors. Slate tiles specifically look really good in modern spaces, so this material is the best choice paired with the electric fireplace and wall-mounted TV installed on the walls.
Painted Brick Fireplace Ideas
You don’t always have to cover a whole wall with bricks. For example, a fireplace area painted over partially in white adds just the right amount of subtle texture in a classic-style living room with French doors. Using bricks for the small fireplace area adds a subtle rustic touch to this Country-style living room. The surfaces can be painted in slate gray to give them a more modern vibe that matches the overall look of the space. The added depth and texture of a brick-clad mantle can already make a small space become the focal point of the living room.
Exposed brick walls are often left unfinished, showing their natural color. Depending on how old or new your masonry is, and where the material is sourced, it could be a bright terracotta color or a more washed-out red or orange. These surfaces are often used as accent walls, and works well in spaces that mainly uses whites or other subtle colors. Bricks are also often painted over, allowing just its texture/pattern to be seen through.
Designing With Brick Surfaces
You might be surprised what you’ll find on your walls when you tear down plaster walls or cement on old buildings. This apartment living area pictured above has been transformed into a perfect ‘instagrammable’ space just by exposing its original brick walls. The white-painted walls and the light laminate flooring looks gorgeous paired with the red tones and the simple, mid-century modern furniture pieces.
Reds – exposed bricks that have primarily red undertones work well with whites, light cream colors and cool greens
Beige/brown – yellow-toned bricks go well with neutral paint colors such as taupes and grays. Both warm and cool-toned neutrals would work well.
You can easily add the look to any modern space. The country style living area above, installed thin cladding on the walls to enahnce the space. The natural red color of the clay gives it a warmer and cozier vibe.
For spaces with colorful schemes or furniture pieces, white-painted walls are often used. For a little bit of contrast, you can also use gray or black painted bricks, to make light colored pieces stand out. Other popular colors used over them would be yellow/cream colors and mint. There are many different combinations you can play around with to make your walls work for your space! Just remember that you color choices will affect the overall look of the space!
Mid-century modern style apartments definitely maximizes the charm of terracotta tones. The accent wall features a fireplace, TV and a hanging rack for bikes, making it the main feature of the living room. The terracotta red complements the soft tones of the modern furniture pieces and enhances their simple charm.
Classic style living rooms with white walls and arch ceiling details, combined with white-washed brick walls creates a really cozy and laid-back atmosphere. The exposed surface serves as a great accent wall that complements the clean and simple lines of the living room area.
These white-washed surfaces are actually often ceramic tiles that has a 3D texture, giving the effect of a real brick wall, but less of a pain to install. This is a great alternative for those who would like to achieve the look without having to spend too much downtime for the installation and curing of real masonry.
This tiny living room stripped down the plaster on the walls to reveal the red bricks underneath. But instead of removing a whole wall, only select parts of the wall were exposed, and the rest were left as plain walls. For this room, the walls where the doors and windows are has the exposed masonry, allowing us to see the structural details of the original surfaces.
Bold red terracotta bricks are an excellent material of choice when you want an art wall that will stand out. This loft living room uses perpendicular masonry walls, creating a small art wall corner. The bright modern artworks look even better placed against the rugged textured surface, and it also complements the simple modern furniture pieces used in the space.
You don’t always have to cover a whole wall with bricks. You can use it just for the fireplace area and even paint over bricks to add just the right amount of subtle texture in a classic style living room.
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