Feature Walls: Plaster, Stone, Brick and Decorative Ideas

What Is a Feature Wall and Why Add One?

A feature wall creates a focal point in any room by treating one wall differently from the others. Instead of painting all four walls the same colour, you designate a single wall to showcase decorative finishes, materials, or textures that draw the eye and add architectural interest.

Feature walls became mainstream in UK homes around 2010, but the techniques and materials have evolved dramatically. Modern feature walls go far beyond a simple accent paint colour—they incorporate specialist plastering techniques, natural materials, and three-dimensional textures that transform ordinary spaces into designer interiors.

Key benefits of a well-executed feature wall include:

• Creates visual depth in small or boxy rooms
• Defines zones in open-plan living spaces
• Showcases architectural features like fireplaces or alcoves
• Provides a backdrop for furniture or artwork
• Adds perceived value during property viewings (especially in reception rooms)
• Allows experimentation with bold designs without overwhelming a space

According to research from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, well-designed interior features can add 3-5% to property value in the competitive UK housing market. Feature walls represent one of the most cost-effective ways to achieve this uplift, particularly when using quality materials and professional installation.

Plastered Feature Walls: Techniques and Finishes

Decorative plaster finishes offer some of the most sophisticated and long-lasting feature wall options. Unlike paint that can be repainted easily, plaster finishes become part of the wall structure itself, providing durability and timeless appeal.

Venetian Plaster (Polished Plaster)

Venetian plaster creates a smooth, marble-like finish with subtle depth and lustre. This traditional Italian technique uses slaked lime mixed with marble dust, applied in multiple thin layers and burnished to a polished sheen.

Application process: A skilled plasterer applies 3-5 ultra-thin coats (approximately 1mm each) using a flexible stainless steel trowel. Each layer is burnished at specific angles to create the characteristic depth and light reflection. The entire process takes 3-4 days including drying time between coats.

Modern Venetian plaster products from suppliers like Armourcoat come in over 100 colours and can be tinted to match any interior scheme. The finish is naturally breathable, making it suitable for older properties where wall moisture management is critical.

Textured and Relief Plaster Finishes

Textured plaster creates three-dimensional patterns that add tactile interest and play with light and shadow throughout the day. These techniques range from subtle to dramatic depending on the desired effect.

Popular textured plaster techniques include:

• Skip trowel: Irregular, organic texture created by partially flattening plaster with random trowel strokes
• Combed patterns: Uniform linear or crosshatch designs made with notched trowels
• Stippled finish: Fine texture created by dabbing with a sponge or stippling brush
• Spanish knockdown: High peaks knocked flat with a trowel for Mediterranean aesthetic
• Stucco effect: Heavy texture resembling traditional lime render

These finishes typically use standard gypsum plaster compounds like British Gypsum Multi-Finish, making them more affordable than Venetian plaster. Total costs range from £35-70 per m² including materials and labour.

Tadelakt: Moroccan Waterproof Plaster

Tadelakt plaster provides a waterproof, polished finish ideal for wet areas. This ancient Moroccan technique uses lime plaster mixed with specific aggregates, then polished with river stones and sealed with olive oil soap.

The resulting surface is completely waterproof without tiles, making it perfect for shower enclosures, bathroom feature walls, and even kitchen splashbacks. Tadelakt costs £90-180 per m² installed but eliminates grouting issues and provides a seamless, spa-like aesthetic impossible to achieve with tiles.

Brick and Stone Feature Walls

Natural materials bring warmth, texture, and organic character to modern interiors. Brick and stone feature walls work particularly well in industrial-style conversions, country properties, and contemporary homes seeking contrast with smooth plaster surfaces.

Exposed Brick Features

Exposing original brickwork creates instant character in period properties. However, this requires careful planning—not all internal brick is suitable for exposure, and structural considerations apply.

For properties without suitable original brickwork, brick slips (thin-cut brick faces) provide an authentic alternative. These 20mm thick tiles replicate the appearance of full brick at a fraction of the weight and cost.

Brick slip installation requires a perfectly flat substrate. The wall should be freshly skimmed with Multi-Finish plaster and fully dried (minimum 14 days) before adhesive application. Use flexible tile adhesive rated for internal use—never standard cement-based adhesive, which can crack as plaster moves with seasonal humidity changes.

Natural Stone Cladding

Stone cladding brings organic texture and natural variation impossible to replicate with manufactured materials. Popular options for UK feature walls include:

• Split-face slate: Dramatic texture with grey/black tones (£55-95/m² installed)
• Sandstone panels: Warm honey/buff colours with subtle variation (£48-85/m² installed)
• Limestone strips: Contemporary linear installation with cream/grey palette (£60-110/m² installed)
• Stacked stone: Three-dimensional ledgestone effect in various colours (£65-120/m² installed)

Stone cladding weighs 25-40kg per m², requiring secure fixing to solid substrates. Dot-and-dab plasterboard walls cannot support stone cladding safely—the wall must be either solid brick/block or timber-framed with 18mm plywood backing installed specifically for this purpose.

The Stone Federation of Great Britain recommends mechanical fixing (stainless steel clips or rails) for stone panels over 15kg/m². This ensures long-term stability and prevents adhesive failure, particularly in rooms with temperature fluctuations.

Wood Panelling and Timber Feature Walls

Wood brings warmth, acoustic benefits, and biophilic design elements to modern interiors. Timber feature walls range from rustic reclaimed barn wood to sleek contemporary slat systems.

Vertical Timber Slat Walls

Vertical slat systems have become the defining feature wall trend of 2024-2026. These consist of evenly-spaced timber battens (typically 20-40mm wide) mounted on a backing board with consistent gaps between each slat.

Installation specifications:

• Slat width: 20-40mm (28mm most popular)
• Slat thickness: 9-12mm
• Gap between slats: 15-25mm (creates shadow lines)
• Backing board: 9mm acoustic felt or MDF
• Wall fixing: Batten framework fixed to studs at 400mm centres

Pre-fabricated slat panels from suppliers like Wickes and B&Q cost £45-85 per m², including backing board. Custom hardwood installations by joiners range from £95-180 per m² depending on timber species and finish.

These systems provide excellent acoustic dampening—the air gaps and felt backing absorb sound reflections, reducing echo in hard-surfaced rooms. This makes them particularly valuable in open-plan living areas and home offices.

Reclaimed Wood Feature Walls

Reclaimed timber creates one-off feature walls with genuine character and sustainability credentials. Sources include architectural salvage yards, reclaimed flooring suppliers, and specialist dealers offering barn wood, scaffold boards, and pallet wood.

Installation costs vary enormously (£60-200/m²) depending on timber preparation requirements. Reclaimed wood often needs planing, de-nailing, treatment, and colour matching before installation—budget 4-6 hours prep time per m² of coverage.

Paint and Wallpaper Feature Walls

For those seeking impact without construction work, paint and wallpaper offer the most accessible feature wall options. Modern materials have evolved far beyond basic finishes.

Specialist Paint Effects

Contemporary paint techniques create depth and interest without requiring plastering skills:

• Limewash: Traditional breathable paint with chalky, matte finish (£6-9/m²)
• Metallic paints: Subtle sheen reflecting light dynamically (£8-15/m²)
• Magnetic paint: Functional feature wall accepting magnets (£12-18/m²)
• Chalkboard paint: Interactive surface for homes with children (£7-11/m²)
• Ombré/gradient: Colour transition from dark to light (professional application £35-60/m²)

Application over newly plastered walls requires proper preparation. Fresh plaster must receive two mist coats (paint diluted 30% with water) before specialist finishes. Skip this step and the plaster will absorb paint unevenly, creating patchy results that show through even multiple top coats.

Textured and 3D Wallpapers

Modern wallpapers provide instant texture and pattern without wet trades. Options suitable for feature walls include:

• Flock wallpaper: Raised velvet patterns for luxury feel (£25-85/roll)
• Grasscloth: Natural woven texture from plant fibres (£40-95/roll)
• 3D geometric patterns: Embossed designs creating shadow effects (£18-45/roll)
• Photographic murals: Large-scale images or abstract designs (£150-400/wall)
• Textured vinyl: Durable washable surfaces mimicking materials (£15-35/roll)

High-quality wallpaper requires perfectly prepared walls. The surface should be skimmed smooth, sanded, and sealed with acrylic primer before papering. Any imperfections telegraph through thin papers, particularly in raking light from windows.

Feature Wall Placement: Which Wall to Choose?

Selecting the right wall makes the difference between a feature that enhances your room and one that overwhelms it. Professional interior designers follow specific principles when choosing feature wall locations.

The best wall for a feature finish is typically:

• The wall you see when entering the room (creates immediate impact)
• The wall behind the main furniture piece (bed headboard, sofa, dining table)
• A wall with architectural features (chimney breast, alcoves, window surrounds)
• The shortest wall in rectangular rooms (visually widens narrow spaces)
• A wall without doors or windows (provides uninterrupted surface area)

According to guidance from the British Institute of Interior Design, feature walls work best when they comprise 20-30% of visible wall area in a room. This creates focal point without overwhelming the space or competing with furniture and artwork.

Cost Breakdown: What to Budget for Different Feature Walls

Feature wall costs vary dramatically depending on materials, room size, and installation complexity. Here’s what to expect for a standard 4m × 2.4m wall (9.6m²) in 2026:

These figures assume a straightforward installation on a prepared wall. Additional costs apply for wall preparation, electrical work (relocating sockets), or structural modifications. Always obtain three written quotes and check references before committing to specialist finishes.

For more detailed pricing information on plastering services, see our comprehensive cost to plaster a room guide.

Maintenance and Longevity of Different Feature Wall Materials

The long-term performance of feature walls varies significantly by material. Understanding maintenance requirements helps you choose finishes appropriate for your lifestyle and property type.

Plaster-based finishes generally provide the best durability-to-cost ratio for high-traffic areas. Unlike paint that shows every scuff mark, textured and polished plaster finishes develop character over time while remaining structurally sound for decades.

Feature Walls in Specific Rooms: What Works Where

Different rooms have specific requirements that influence feature wall material selection. Consider environmental factors, function, and existing design elements when planning.

Living Room Feature Walls

Living rooms offer the most flexibility for feature wall treatments. The wall behind the television or fireplace typically works best, creating a natural focal point without competing with screen viewing.

Recommended options: Venetian plaster, timber slats (improving TV sound), stone cladding around fireplaces, luxury wallpaper. Avoid highly reflective finishes directly behind televisions—they create distracting glare during viewing.

Bedroom Feature Walls

Bedrooms benefit from textured finishes that add depth without visual noise. The headboard wall is the natural choice, creating a hotel-style aesthetic.

Recommended options: Soft textured plaster, fabric wallpapers, timber panelling, subtle paint effects. Consider acoustic properties—textured surfaces absorb sound, creating quieter sleeping environments particularly valuable in urban locations.

Kitchen and Bathroom Feature Walls

Wet areas require moisture-resistant materials. Standard wallpaper and unsealed wood are completely unsuitable—they’ll deteriorate within months in steamy environments.

Recommended options for bathrooms: Tadelakt waterproof plaster, porcelain tiles with feature patterns, glass mosaic, sealed natural stone. See our detailed guide to bathroom plastering in wet areas for substrate preparation requirements.

Recommended options for kitchens: Glazed brick slips (easily cleaned), sealed stone, toughened glass splashbacks with printed designs, ceramic tiles with feature patterns. The area behind cookers must be non-combustible—timber and wallpaper are prohibited by Building Regulations Part B.

Dining Room Feature Walls

Dining rooms suit bold, dramatic finishes that create atmosphere without overwhelming food presentation. The wall visible from the main seating area works best.

Recommended options: Dark Venetian plaster, reclaimed wood, metallic paint effects, large-scale wallpaper murals. Deep colours make spaces feel intimate and sophisticated—ideal for evening entertaining.

DIY vs Professional Installation: Making the Right Choice

Some feature wall techniques suit competent DIYers, while others absolutely require professional expertise. Choose wrong and you’ll waste money correcting amateur mistakes.

Suitable for skilled DIY (with proper research and tools):

• Paint effects and ombré techniques
• Wallpaper installation (excluding expensive hand-printed papers)
• Pre-fabricated timber slat panel systems
• Simple textured plaster using skip-trowel technique
• Brick slip installation (after practicing on scrap board)

Requires professional installation:

• Venetian plaster (technique takes years to master)
• Tadelakt waterproof plaster (improper installation fails catastrophically)
• Heavy stone cladding (safety-critical fixing requirements)
• Custom timber installations requiring precise carpentry
• Any work affecting structural walls or requiring Building Regulations approval

Even if you plan DIY installation, budget for professional wall preparation. A perfectly flat, smooth substrate is essential for quality results with any finish. Many feature wall failures result from poor preparation rather than bad finishing technique—spending £150-250 having a professional plasterer skim coat your wall provides the foundation for successful DIY finishing work.

Feature Wall Trends for 2026

Interior design trends evolve rapidly, but certain feature wall approaches have genuine staying power. Current movements reflect broader shifts toward sustainability, wellness, and textural richness.

Key feature wall trends for 2026 include:

• Earth-tone palettes: Terracotta, ochre, sage green, warm greys replacing previous cool grey dominance
• Natural materials: Unfinished timber, raw stone, lime plaster celebrating material authenticity
• Curved plaster features: Soft rounded corners and arched recesses replacing sharp angles
• Acoustic performance: Textured surfaces chosen for sound-dampening properties not just aesthetics
• Seamless storage integration: Feature walls incorporating concealed cupboards and alcove shelving
• Biophilic elements: Living walls, preserved moss panels, natural materials connecting interiors to nature

The interior design trends for 2026 emphasise comfort, natural materials, and personalisation over minimalist aesthetics. Feature walls provide the perfect canvas for expressing individual style while adding tangible value to properties.

Common Feature Wall Mistakes to Avoid

Even expensive feature walls fail when fundamental principles are ignored. Learn from common errors to ensure your investment delivers lasting results.

The most frequent feature wall mistakes include:

• Wrong wall selection: Choosing a wall with multiple doors/windows that breaks up the feature
• Scale mismatch: Bold patterns overwhelming small rooms or tiny patterns lost in large spaces
• Ignoring lighting: Failing to consider how natural and artificial light affects the finish throughout the day
• Poor substrate preparation: Applying finishes over uneven, dusty, or damp walls
• Trend-chasing: Selecting fashionable finishes that’ll feel dated within 2-3 years
• Moisture ignorance: Using inappropriate materials in bathrooms, kitchens, or on cold external walls
• Budget cutting: Choosing cheap materials that deteriorate quickly, costing more long-term

Planning Permission and Building Regulations

Most internal feature walls don’t require planning permission or Building Regulations approval. However, certain scenarios trigger legal requirements that can’t be ignored.

You need Building Regulations approval when:

• Removing or altering structural walls (even partially)
• Installing heavy stone cladding that affects structural loading
• Creating feature walls in listed buildings (requires Listed Building Consent)
• Work in conservation areas that affects the building’s character
• Installing combustible materials near heat sources (kitchens, fireplaces)

The UK Government Building Regulations portal provides guidance on when approval is needed. When in doubt, consult your local authority building control department before starting work—retrospective applications cost significantly more and can affect property sales.

For properties built pre-1900, always assume the presence of lime plaster and potentially hazardous materials. Victorian and Edwardian properties often contain horsehair plaster reinforcement, and walls may have been painted with lead-based paints. Professional assessment protects your health and ensures appropriate handling of historic materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most cost-effective feature wall option?

Accent paint in a bold colour remains the most affordable feature wall option at £110-170 for an average wall including materials and professional application. For greater impact at modest cost, consider textured paint effects or quality wallpaper (£270-480 installed), which deliver designer aesthetics without requiring specialist trades. The key is proper wall preparation—investing £150 in professional skimming creates the perfect base for any finish and prevents problems that would cost far more to rectify later.

How do I choose between Venetian plaster and wallpaper for a feature wall?

Choose Venetian plaster for permanence, durability, and timeless sophistication in high-value rooms (living rooms, master bedrooms). It costs £770-1,440 installed but lasts 15-20+ years and adds substantial property value. Choose wallpaper for pattern flexibility, easier updating, and lower initial cost (£270-480). Wallpaper suits trend-conscious homeowners happy to update every 7-10 years. For rental properties or homes with young children, wallpaper provides better value as it’s cheaper to replace when damaged. For period properties or luxury renovations, Venetian plaster’s authenticity and longevity justify the premium.

Can I install a feature wall on plasterboard dot-and-dab walls?

It depends on the feature wall material. Lightweight finishes like paint, wallpaper, Venetian plaster, and brick slips work perfectly on plasterboard. However, heavy materials like natural stone cladding and solid timber panelling require either solid substrates or specially reinforced framing. Plasterboard fixed with dot-and-dab adhesive is only secured to the masonry wall at irregular points—it cannot support concentrated loads over 15kg/m². For heavy features, a plasterer or builder must either remove the plasterboard and work directly on the masonry, or install a supporting framework fixed through to the structural wall behind. Never attempt to hang heavy materials on plasterboard using just the adhesive—eventual failure is guaranteed.

What feature wall materials work best in bathrooms?

Bathrooms require moisture-resistant materials capable of withstanding high humidity and direct water exposure. The best options include: Tadelakt waterproof plaster (£90-180/m²) for seamless, spa-like aesthetics; porcelain or ceramic tiles with feature patterns; sealed natural stone like slate or limestone; and glass mosaic tiles. Standard wallpaper and untreated timber are completely unsuitable—they deteriorate within months. Even “moisture-resistant” wallpapers fail in British bathrooms lacking adequate ventilation. For areas outside the direct shower zone, standard Venetian plaster works well provided the room has mechanical ventilation (extractor fan) running during and for 20 minutes after bathing. See our guide to bathroom plastering for detailed substrate preparation requirements.

How long does a feature wall installation take?

Installation duration varies significantly by material and wall condition. Simple paint feature walls take 4-6 hours (one working day). Wallpaper requires 6-8 hours for proper preparation, hanging, and trimming. Brick slip and timber slat installations take 1-2 days. Venetian plaster requires 3-4 days due to the multiple thin coats applied with 24-hour drying periods between layers. Natural stone cladding takes 2-3 days accounting for precise cutting and secure fixing. These timelines assume the wall is already prepared—add 1-2 days for plastering or repairs if needed. Always factor in drying times before using the room: fresh plaster needs 14-28 days to dry completely, during which furniture should be kept away from the wall.

Do feature walls increase property value?

Well-executed feature walls typically add 1-3% to property value, translating to £2,000-8,000 on an average UK home valued at £280,000. The return depends on material quality, installation standard, and appropriateness for the property type. High-end finishes like Venetian plaster and natural stone deliver the strongest returns in premium properties where buyers expect quality finishes. In mid-market properties, well-chosen wallpaper or timber features appeal to style-conscious buyers without the premium installation costs. Poorly executed feature walls—garish colours, cheap materials, amateur installation—can actually reduce value by suggesting the property needs updating. During viewings, feature walls create memorable impressions that help properties stand out in competitive markets, but only when they complement rather than dominate the space.