Gone are the days when faux wood was perceived as a cheap and tacky alternative to the real thing. The new generation of clever imitation wallpapers and floors are so convincing that it’s hard to tell the difference on first glance. In addition they are more economical and require less maintenance and upkeep.

Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek set the trend in motion in 2010 when he launched his hugely successful line of Scrapwood wallpapers. Mimicking the distinctive look of his trademark reclaimed wood furniture, the wallpaper gives the illusion of a real distressed wooden plank surface.

Amtico’s Signature wood collection of vinyl flooring has honed in on the trend for natural, rustic wood flooring. The Amtico wood collection replicates the intricate details of the grain, right down to each individual knot and imperfection.

British brand Muriva have designed the Wood Blocks wallpaper. Creating a tessellated effect, the design resembles stack of wooden blocks of varying colors and sizes.

Bois by French brand Elitis is a wood effect vinyl wallpaper available in a variety of natural and stained wood colors with a matt embossed finish.

Astek’s Faux Paperweave vinyl wallpaper is embossed to give a realistic texture.