Beyond paint and wallpaper there are other options for decorating the walls in your home. Thinking a bit out of the box you can come up with a variety of unique and different treatments for walls. These include fabric, upholstered panels, leather, wood and stone.  Of course in the kitchen and bathroom tiles and stone are common wall treatments.

Fabric can be applied to walls in a similar fashion as wallpaper. Applying it with starch and water makes it easy to remove and a great option for a rental property. Adding padding behind the fabric and finishing with trim will create a traditional look that can also help block sound.

Upholstered panels, as seen in this room, are great for a media room or home theater where they can muffle sound from outside as well as in.  Along with carpeted floors, these panels create a sound barrier for the room. Panels can be covered in coordinating upholstery to your furniture or flooring. Leather and suede are also good options for these panels. Panels can also be cut and created in a range of sizes, from squares to larger vertical panels.

Wood panels, beadboard, wainscoting and board and batten are all additional options for wall coverings. Wood can add pattern and texture to the walls. These can be stained or painted to match your décor.

Next time you are making over a room or hall, consider one of the above options beyond a coat of paint or wallpaper for a look that is anything but ordinary.