Brickwork Effect Wallpaper: Style vs. Authenticity
What is brickwork effect wallpaper?
Brickwork effect wallpaper is a printed wall covering designed to mimic the appearance of real brick. It is often used to give a room a rustic, industrial, or urban feel without the cost or labour of actual brickwork. While some designs look convincing from a distance, up close they are flat and lack the depth, texture, and natural variation of real bricks.
Why people choose it
-
Low initial cost compared to building a real brick wall.
-
Quick installation with standard wallpaper tools.
-
Easy to change if you want a different look in future.
However, while it offers a short-term aesthetic solution, it cannot match the authentic charm or durability of genuine brick.
The problem with brickwork effect wallpaper
-
No texture – it is printed, so there’s no tactile feel of real brick.
-
Limited realism – lighting reveals it as flat rather than dimensional.
-
Short lifespan – can peel, fade, or tear over time.
-
Not suitable for all environments – moisture can damage wallpaper in kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor spaces.
The real alternative, brick slips
At Slips from Stock, we supply real clay brick slips that create a genuine brick wall finish. They are cut from full bricks, meaning they have the same depth of colour, texture, and natural variation as traditional masonry.
Benefits of using real brick slips instead of wallpaper:
-
Authentic look and feel – real texture that wallpaper cannot replicate.
-
Durable and long-lasting – built to withstand everyday wear.
-
Versatile – suitable for feature walls, kitchens, bathrooms, and external facades.
-
Adds value – a true material upgrade, not a temporary visual trick.
Brickwork effect wallpaper can be a quick fix for a decorative update, but nothing replaces the warmth, texture, and authenticity of a genuine brick surface. With Slips from Stock brick slips, you can create a wall that not only looks like brick but is made from the real thing – giving you a feature that feels as good as it looks.