The use of brick walls in home design has become increasingly popular, adding a unique and timeless aesthetic to living spaces. Whether it’s a modern, rustic, or industrial look you’re going for, exposed brick walls can transform your home’s interior.
From living rooms to kitchens and bedrooms, there are numerous creative ways to incorporate brick wall designs into your home. In this article, we will explore 29 stunning brick wall ideas that can help you elevate the visual appeal of your living space, providing inspiration for your next home improvement project.
29 Modern and Timeless Brick Wall Ideas
Exposed brick wall
Rather than covering it up, let those handsome bricks shine by keeping parts of the wall exposed. The raw, natural texture will add plenty of visual interest and dimension to the space. Depending on the size of the wall, you could paint, stencil, or hang art on certain sections while letting others retain their original burnt red or earthy gray hues. The contrast between the dressed-up and stripped-down areas lets viewers appreciate both the bricks and your decorative details.
Whitewashed brick
If that red brick wall feels a little too bold, soften it with a coat of whitewash. The white or very light gray paint tones down the high contrast for a more relaxed vibe. Whitewashed bricks give off breezy cottage or farmhouse aesthetics, making your living room feel brighter and more airy. For variation, keep some stretches of brick their natural color for a two-tone look. Or go for different whitewash shades on separate walls. Either way, your whitewashed brick offers a lightweight backdrop for your furniture and gives the room an easy, coastal personality.
Accent wall with stacked stone
Accent wall with stacked stone – Instead of actual brick, how about bringing in some faux brick panels? Today’s insulated panels mimic authentic stacked stone or brick while weighing much less. Arrange a few large gray/tan panels in a half or full wall for a super charming focal point. The organic texture and natural hues add earthiness to sleek, modern spaces or randomness to orderly traditional ones. Floating wood shelves mounted over the faux brick provide contrast and display space. For fun, incorporate a fireplace or alcove within the feature wall, so the brick forms a cozy, welcoming frame.
Herringbone brick pattern
If you want brickwork with a little more shape and direction, try laying bricks in a timeless herringbone pattern. The interlocking design looks put-together, almost like fabric. To make a real impact without overwhelming, use herringbone brick on a single accent wall. Keep surrounding walls and furniture simple to let the dynamic bricks take center stage. Depending on your color scheme, paint the mortar between a lighter or darker shade than the bricks themselves for emphasis. White mortar with red bricks or black mortar with gray bricks both make the pattern pop beautifully. If minimalism is more your speed, the pattern’s repetitive geometry brings movement to a pared-down room.
Brick fireplace
Of course, the most classic way to bring brickwork into a living room is with a stately fireplace. The timeless material helps a mantel feel grounded, whether topped with marble, wood, stone, or metal. For traditional charm, build out the fireplace to the ceiling with a chimney breast. For a lighter look, keep it lower profile. Flank built-in bookcases or display shelving on either side for symmetry and functionality. Their wood tones contrast nicely with the bricks. Or try open cubbies to showcase cherished vases and candles. Remember to style the mantel carefully to tie the whole architectural feature together. A few framed photos, some foliage, and staged books make it feel curated.
Distressed brick
If the uniformity of typical brick walls feels dull, liven things up with distressed bricks full of personality. Taking new bricks and manually chiseling the edges or treating them with acid gives an antiqued, industrial vibe. The uneven surfaces, along with varied colors and textures, ensure no two bricks are alike so the wall has loads of richness. Pair exposed pipes along the ceiling with a concrete floor for a full urban loft effect. Contrast the brick’s imperfections with super sleek lines in your furniture. Or throw in some reclaimed wood and metal accents to fully capture the old-meets-new aesthetic.
Mix brick with other materials
Mixing brick with other materials adds a lot of eclectic style. The mixture of diverse textures like weathered brick, smooth marble, and organic wood brings incredible dimension and contrast. One striking idea is to incorporate a bold panel of matte gray brick next to glossy ivory marble slabs. Tying it together is some recycled barn wood trim and steel accents. The industrial metals play well with the brick’s urban appeal. Altogether, the wall becomes an ever-changing mosaic full of surprises that is still unified thanks to considerate detailing.
Brick alcove for TVs or art
Carving out brick alcoves for displaying art and televisions works beautifully. Size a recessed niche perfectly to fit your extra-large flatscreen, using the surrounding brick as an organic frame. For art, create a narrow vertical space to spotlight a signature printed canvas or ornate mirror. Make sure to install proper lighting within the brick cavity to literally highlight your treasured possession. When the TV or artwork is mounted flush with the brick surface, it appears to merge and become one with the wall itself. The bricks lend atmosphere and importance.
Paint a faux brick mural
Painting playful faux brick murals means enjoying the pattern and texture without any weight or permanence. If your living room leans modern, paint a black chalkboard-style trompe l’œil mural for stunning contrast. The eye-fooling depth is endlessly interesting to study. For more funky spaces rich with bright colors, choose a mock-brick design in vivid primaries or neon rainbow shades. This optical pop art makes for a very fun, very bold accent wall that injects life into the room.
Brick veneer
Brick veneer panels offer an authentic look without heavy installation. These insulating foam boards come textured and colored to realistically mimic stacked brick or stone masonry. Simply adhere the lightweight panels to any smooth wall for an instant aged upgrade. Paint, wallpaper, or panel the other walls normally. The simulated brick will look like a structural feature for a beautiful contrast. For variation, mix brick panels with neutral shiplap or exposed “wood beam” accents.
Brick shelves
Installing open brick shelving lets you organize items attractively. Build out a wall section with exposed brick layers to mount floating shelves in a matching style. The sturdy industrial shelves display all your favorite decorative objects, books, and plants to perfection. For separation from the brick wall, finish the open backs of the shelves in natural stained wood. Or paint the shelves a contrasting crisp white for definition. The items displayed will benefit from the organic brick backdrop.
Final Thoughts
Now you’ve got lots of appealing ways to integrate brick into your living room wall design. From whitewashed bricks to painted faux murals, exposed brickwork, and panel accents, the possibilities are wide open. Hopefully, these ideas and tips spark inspiration for creating your ideal aesthetic! Let me know if you need any other details as you plan your perfect brick-feature wall.
