How2Day: Interior Brick Panel Options

Adding interior brickwork to a room can make the space feel more natural. interior decoration of living room image by Canakris from Fotolia.com
Bricks are some of the oldest building blocks used by mankind, and, according to Brickcollecting.com, bricks have been in use in North America since 1612. Bricks can be made in a variety of ways, but in general they are made from clay and water that is then cooked to varying degrees. Bricks are used to construct entire buildings and are capable of withstanding the elements. They are also, however, used in the interior of a house for both practical and aesthetic concerns. Today interior brickwork is more a matter of personal style than necessity.

Real brickwork can be added to the interior of a home for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Although expensive, real brick has its advantages. The main advantage of real brick is that it will last a lifetime. For a room that you know you will not want to redecorate, using real brick can save you money in the long term. Due to the nature of bricks, they are capable of absorbing tremendous amounts of heat, which makes them ideal for use in the kitchen or near an open fire. Not only will they protect the home from the heat but also, after absorbing the heat, the bricks will radiate this back out into the room. Real brick comes in many different colors, depending on the materials used in its construction.

Panelling is often constructed in ready-made blocks that are quick and simple to install. When constructed this way, real bricks are not an option. To get around this, companies use a mold and cast concrete, plaster and other inexpensive materials that can look like bricks. With these prefabricated panels, the decorator needs only glue or drill the panels into the wall for an instant natural and rustic feel to the property. Faux brick panelling can be used for walls, floors and fireplaces. Depending on the construction material, faux brick panels can be used indoors or out.

A cheap, fast and easy alternative to real or faux brick panelling is wallpaper. Using advanced computer designing software and detailed printers, manufacturers are capable of producing lifelike brickwork on wallpaper. Many varieties are available, ranging from those that look like normal brickwork to varieties that look aged, weathered or that even have additional features added, such as moss. The downside to using brick wallpaper is that there is no texture to the bricks and the wallpaper will not absorb the heat as real bricks would; however, brick wallpaper can quickly transform a space into a rustic haven.

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