Create Visual Interest With Wall Protection

Wall protection is often considered a necessity for busy environments, preserving the look of a building and reducing continuous maintenance and repair costs. Explore the many options you have to make your wall protection the feature wall, rather than an eyesore.

Contrast. With the use of so many different materials and finishes in building environments, make wall protection stand out. Don’t try to blend it into the wall; rather, use color to make feature elements more striking. Contrasting colors can help the visually impaired — try bright colors like yellows, blues and greens.

Continuity. Create color continuity by color-coding the wall protection in different areas of your buildings. This will not only make the environment look more inviting, but it will also help with wayfinding.

Simulate. If concrete, brick or natural woods won’t work with the requirements of the facility, wall protection products can simulate woods and metals while still remaining durable. This allows for a classic, upscale design without the concern of scratches or chips. Some materials produce a 3D effect on a 2D surface, creating visual intrigue but maintaining walls that are easy to clean.

Customize. For years, protective wall covering meant single-color sheets. Now there are many different options, combinations or customizations to make your buildings unique. Products that incorporate images and custom designs or patterns create fully protected feature walls full of vibrant imagery and artwork. This is ideal for emphasizing branding while keeping the walls free from damage.

This article originally appeared in the College Planning & Management September 2016 issue of Spaces4Learning.

About the Author

David Bronovicki is senior product marketing manager for interior wall protection, including Acrovyn®, Acrovyn by Design® and the award-winning Acrovyn Wall Panel System, at Construction Specialties. To learn more visit www.c-sgroup.com, call 800/233-8493 or email Dave at [email protected].

Featured

  • Designing Third Spaces That Do What AI Can't

    In 2026, education is evolving faster than ever. With AI reshaping everything from lesson planning to personalized instruction, schools and universities are turning their attention to what AI can’t replicate: spaces that foster collaboration, community, and creativity.

  • Washington State University Debuts New Engineering Hall

    Washington State University recently celebrated a dedication ceremony for the new Schweitzer Engineering Hall on its Pullman campus in Pullman, Wash., according to university news. The facility measures 66,288 square feet, and its completion marks the first milestone in a larger university effort to modernize the engineering and design district.

  • Minnesota District Converts Middle School into Community Hub

    White Bear Lake Area Schools in White Bear Lake, Minn., recently announced the end of a major renovation project that converted a former middle school into a new centralized district and community hub, according to a news release.

  • Houston-Area High School Receives Best Project Award from ENR

    Tomball West High School near Houston, Texas, recently received a K–12 Education Best Project Award in Engineering News-Record’s 2026 Texas & Southeast Best Projects Awards, according to a press release. The new facility was completed in May and opened its doors to students for the fall 2026 semester.