Panelling design: Types of wall panelling: which is which?

Types of wall panelling: which is which?

Are you currently renovating a period property or simply want to refresh your kitchen, bedroom or bathroom? Well, you probably already know wall panelling has become increasingly popular – but if you’ve ever looked at the different styles and were left confused as to which is which, I’ve got you covered.

Dating back to the late 15th century, this type of wall covering is an affordable way to refresh your rooms and a perfect project for any enthusiastic DIY lover. Check out my step-by-step guide on getting the look right in your home.

From the Georgian wall panelling design in a glamorous dining room to updating your splashback with the classic tongue-and-groove painted in a waterproof and stain-resistant shade, let’s take a look at five different types of wall panelling you could use to revive your home…

Add a grand touch with period-inspired wall panelling

This first wall panelling design is often confused with Shaker – however, these smaller wooden panels laid to form perfect squares are reminiscent of the Jacobean era. You can truly use this wooden wall panelling design to create a focal feature that will stand the test of time – without breaking the bank, of course.

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Create the perfect home office spot using wall panelling and choose a classic desk to complete the look like the Brindle natural oak and painted desk, £579.99, from Oak Furnitureland.

Now, if you’re looking to add a luxurious feeling to your space, Georgian-inspired wall panelling is the perfect solution. Oozing a regal feel, this type of wall panelling design is set to totally take your rooms to the next level. Let your creativity run free and play around with these stand-out decorative mouldings. Choose oversized metallic frames and vintage pieces to tie the opulent look together or pair it with modern décor to design a contemporary scheme.

Louise Holt‘s focus for this property was to recreate the Georgian aesthetic, so attention to detail was key when designing the interior, from the windows and doors to the flooring and wall panelling, in order to ensure authenticity.Design a classic modern bedroom scheme with a traditional wood panelling design, oak flooring and add contrast with modern décor and bedding such as the Geometric flowers bed linen set, £45 for a double, The French Bedroom Company.

If you want to revive your period property, go for wall panelling from the same era. So, mix and match different sizes of rectangular shapes to add character to your dining room, bedroom or hallway using these sleek wooden panels and recreate the Edwardian or Victorian look with a modern touch.

Match your wall panelling with timeless sanitaryware like the Edwardian 120cm basin with chrome wash stand with high level WC, from Burlington.

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Go the traditional route with Shaker-style panelling

Grab your kit and roll up your sleeves – Shaker-style panelling is one of the most popular designs in the interiors’ world at the moment – and probably one of the easiest to achieve from the bunch of styles, too. Often seen in living areas, but also just as stylish in other rooms, you can use these wooden batons to design a feature wall behind your sofa or media unit and instantly upgrade your entertaining area.

Go for a moody interior with jewel tones, bold prints and metallic accents – the dark jade green Charleston sofa from Furniture and Choice beautifully complements the blue wall panelling.Why not mix and match your favourite shades to add dimension through Shaker-style wall panelling? Keep it warm with Dulux‘s Paint mixing eggshell in Pink Sandstone and Brave Ground, from £17.50 each.If you want to go for wall panelling but not take away from your scheme, paint it in a crisp white shade. Choose decor in a neutral colour palette for a pared-back look and add a statement touch through the abstract Enya rug, £269.99, MY Furniture.Don’t want to go all-out on wall panelling? Then, choose the Shaker design in a trendy shade in your bathroom and place it at dado height. Finish it off with a clever picture rail for wall art or to keep all your essentials on hand. The Richmond 1700mm freestanding slipper bath, from Bathroom Mountain, has its mixer seamlessly installed within the wall covering.

Keep it simple with tongue-and-groove panels

This chic wall panelling design is set to up-level your space – you can either go full-height or on half the wall, or even swap your tiled splashback for a panelled one, too, but choose a waterproof and heat-resistant finish. Complement your classic Shaker-style cabinetry perfectly with these wooden panels and add open shelving or picture rails to make the most of your space and put your stand-out crockery, colourful spices and decanted condiments on display.

Match your tongue-and-groove cladding to your cabinetry for a cohesive look, like in the Pembrook kitchen collection, from £10,000, by Daval.Olive & Barr’s Green shaker kitchen, from £10,000, features tongue-and-groove wall panelling, dark wooden worktops and a practical open shelf that stretches on the entire wall for extra storage space.

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Refresh your home with geometric panelling

Perhaps a more challenging style of wall panelling but worth it in the end, this geometric design fits both modern and classic schemes. Ensure you gather plenty of patience if you’re engaging in this type of DIY project as attention to detail and lots of measuring are crucial. Remember, you should have fun when deciding on your desired wall panelling design – and why not come up with a new way of laying these wooden panels, completely unique to your room?

Get your creativity flowing and come up with an intricate panelling design. Lundy Bay carpet in Teepee, from £24.99 per sq m, Lifestyle Floors.

Create a cosy look with reclaimed wood panelling

Love that modern rustic look? Then, this last style of wall panelling is the right one for you. For example, you could design the ultimate entertaining spot with a feature wall in your home bar area. Leave wooden beams and brick tiles exposed and pair the cladding with natural textures. This would also look great in a bedroom to create a relaxing sanctuary-like aesthetic. All you need is a cup of hot chocolate and a Christmas movie and you’re set for a warm evening.

Add to the tactile experience in your home with reclaimed beam cladding, from £127 per sq m, Indigenous.

Need more wall panelling inspo? Here are 14 ideas I love

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Beautiful Wooden Wall Panelling Design Ideas for Your House In 2022

Many people can’t get over the magnificence of wood! This natural material is both ageless and adaptable to a variety of applications. Whether you’re looking for a rustic cottage-style bedroom with rough edges and asymmetrical lines, or a modern western-style bedroom, wood is the solution to all of your needs. Bedrooms with wood walls and panels have an enticing charm, texture, and depth. These days, there are many patterns for skilfully moulded wooden wall panelling designs from which to choose. And the most significant thing is that it is effortless to put up and use. Any room may benefit from this ingenious design feature, which is suitable for any decor style. 

Continue to be unconvinced? Check our selection of wooden wall panel designs and panels for your room that will add a touch of whimsy to your space.

An Eye-Catching Ash Wood Panelling

(Source: freepik)Ashwood is widely used and has an enigma that can only be explained once the homeowner sees the wood panelling

Ashwood is a robust, thick, and long-lasting wood. Bows, tools, and baseball bats are all made from this material. It should come as no surprise that we recommend a design built of ash wood panel since it will last you a lifetime. Take a look at this ash wood wall panelling from floor to ceiling on one side of the bed. If it does, doesn’t it give the impression that you’re living in a cave? You may also add lighting to the ceiling, as seen in this picture, to provide the room with a more sophisticated feel.

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A Geometric Cedar Wooden Wall Panel Made of Cedar Wood

(Source: freepik)Geometric patterns look eye-catching to the guests, especially if they are made of wooden wall panelling design with a glossy finish

Another innovative technique to modernise your bedroom environment is using wood panel designs with geometric patterns. It’s an unorthodox design that works nicely with the aesthetics of contemporary bedrooms. Furthermore, this design may be modified to suit your preferences. Notice how the symmetry of geometric patterns is shown in this image? It creates a smooth appearance while being eye-catching. Aside from that, cedarwood has a lovely perfume and is mosquito repellent, making it an excellent option for a bedroom.

Walnut Wood Panels 

Wooden wall panelling can also be used cleverly to give more depth to the room.

You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for panel designs for a bedroom that’s limited on space. Offset hardwood walnut panelling, such as the one seen in this picture, is a fantastic option for a contemporary bedroom. This beautiful cladding pattern is the focal point of this bedroom’s interior design. This wooden panelling wood design gives depth to a tiny bedroom, making it seem more prominent due to its depth.

Reclaimed Oak Wall Panels and Trim

Create a focal point in the living area by installing wood panelling just behind the television unit.

Whether you choose new or salvaged wood, the finished Kashmiri wood panelling designs on your bedroom wall will be eye-catching and bring significant flair to the place you live. Adding a focal wall or panelling the whole room with salvaged wood can instantly change the look of space from plain to spectacular in seconds! Reclaimed wood panelling adds a rustic touch to your bedroom, giving it a rough but polished appearance that complements the rest of the room.

Cove Panels Made of Rustic Barn Wood

(Source: freepik)Another method of incorporating wood panelling into a living room is to keep the walls basic and painted in a neutral tone of paint

Reclaimed barn wall panel wood design with cove panelling creates a dramatic effect in a bedroom whether used as a feature wall or floor to ceiling wall. It is true to its name that this style of panel design brings in the atmosphere of an old rustic barn to any bedroom, and it does it well. When it comes to rustic barn wood, the options for experimenting with different shapes, textures, and styles are almost limitless.

Panels Made Of Soft Wood

Softwood panelling is most effective when used to create two-colour contrast wall design patterns that look appealing to the eyes.

If you are not a fan of rustic designs but enjoy the notion of incorporating wood into your bedroom decor, softwood wood panelling in the living room for the walls may be a good option for you. This type’s texture is smooth, and it is also easy on the eyes because of its light colour. Take note of how the walls in this photograph make a sophisticated statement about the room’s overall design. Think of integrating two tones, such as those shown above, to make your bedroom decor more visually appealing.

Ornamental Wooden Wall

Skilled carpenters can provide a high-quality finish for intricate woodwork to create a beautiful ornamental wooden wall panelling design.

The ornamental wooden wall panelling in this living room comprises a continuous grid of square dark wood panels that runs the whole length of the wall. Each square hardwood frame is bevelled and intricately crafted, lending a luxurious appearance to the living room as a whole for this wooden wall panels interior design.  Remember that each square of the wooden panelling may either be machine-cut or hand-cut by carpenters before being completed on site. To get the required gloss, the hardwood panelling is polished after being stained and dried.

Rectangular Wooden Panelling 

(Source: freepik)Rectangle wooden panelling is the second most common design pattern after the standard square-shaped panels

Design the ceiling in conjunction with the living room wooden wall panelling designs. Cut-outs in the smooth rectangular shapes of the hardwood wall panelling and roof provide a fascinating 3D impression and elevate the design to a whole new level. These rectangle panels can be customised and used in different ways to create a stunning wooden wall panelling design. 

Vertical Wooden Battens

(Source: freepik)Vertical wooden battens are great at creating a contrast 

Notice how the living room is given a sleek and contemporary appearance by an assortment of vertical wooden battens. The slatted wall is aesthetically pleasing, provides texture, and creates a sense of depth in the room. Vertical panels also help divide the room into different sections without spending too much money on décor. As seen in the above design, the vertical battens provide a nice touch of depth to the space.

Black Veneer Wooden Panelling 

A black veneer is one of the most popular colours and wood types often used for wall panelling in large villas and offices. 

The use of black veneer in a straightforward manner to cover the full length of one wall, which also features a short alcove, creates a striking visual contrast with the rest of the room in this example. Take note of how the light-coloured furniture, floors, and ceiling stand out against the dark wood panelling and wall treatment. This wood strip wall design is really stylish and looks stunning when paired with a room décor that has bright colours.

Wood Wall Panelling with Lights 

The lights act as a direction track and help people and guests using the stairs find the route to different rooms in the house.

As a background for the television or a side-drop for steps in the house, the wood panelling extends from the wall up to the ceiling, where it makes space for lighting and then connects with the lower level by vertical battens. This is a fantastic approach to visually linking the multiple floors of a house as it solves two different purposes with a single installation of the wood panelling. 

Decorative Wooden Panelling 

Wood panels are highly customisable and hence there are plenty of decorative options available for wall panelling. 

Incorporate both purpose and beauty into thewooden wall panelling. The design of the bottom cabinets is carried up the walls and the ceiling. To create permanent wall panels, projected shelves, and strategically positioned gaps (surfaces completed in wall paint), longboards have been put horizontally and used to provide a background for the things on show.

3D Wood Wall Panelling Design

The LED lights housed inside the projected panels give off a gentle glow, offer warmth, and improve the overall look of the wall.

This feature wall is covered in a diamond pattern, which creates an appealing geometric impression; the natural colour variations of the wood give it a dynamic appearance. Create a 3D effect with your wooden wall panelling by overlapping different-sized rectangular box panels of varying thicknesses. In this example, different-sized rectangular box panels of varying thicknesses overlap. 

Flower Carving Panelling

Carved wooden wall panelling is one of the most commonly used patterns on everything from walls to doors!

After all, who says that wooden wall panelling is only available in horizontal or vertical configurations? This living room’s exquisite flower carving in walnut wood provides an original background and a nice touch of craftsmanship while still functional and stylish. Make sure the surrounding space is bright and uncluttered, with as little furniture as possible to focus all attention on the wall.

Infusing a warm and pleasant atmosphere into the overall decor of a living room is made possible by adding decorative wooden wall panels with the help of NoBroker. Furthermore, wood is a beautiful medium that makes a house seem more welcoming and seamlessly blends with a range of design types, including contemporary, classic, and transitional. Keep in mind that certain wood tones are dark and tend to produce a gloomy atmosphere when used in conjunction with other dark colours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wooden Wall Paneling

Q. What is wooden wall panelling and is it useful?

Answer – Wooden wall panelling is one of the popular ways to decorate walls by installing designer wall panels made of wood. They are often paired with an accessory such as LED lights. 

Q. Which are the different types of wood used for wooden wall panelling design?

Answer – Teak, Sheesham, Plywood, Sandalwood and MDF are some of the most popular woods often used for wall panelling. 

Q. Is wooden wall panelling a good option for interior walls with low height?

Answer – Interior walls are the best option for installing wooden wall panelling as they are away from harsh weather and can be decorated as per the liking of the homeowner.  

Q. What is the average cost of wood wall panelling for a large living room?

Answer – The actual price of the wall panels made of wood depends on the type of wood and design. The average price for a 12 feet by 8 feet wall is between Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000

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How To Panel A Wall — DIY Wall Panelling Guide Using MDF Wood

Keen to learn how to panel a wall? Wall panelling has picked up momentum recently, with Instagram users sharing their wall panelling transformations across the home, especially in the hallway, bedroom, living room and bathroom.

DIY wall panelling has taken over both people’s homes and social media feeds, as ‘wall panelling DIY’ saw a search increase of over 250 per cent, according to data from Google Trends.

Wall panelling can come in a few different forms, so it’s really important to do your research and choose the style you think will best suit your home. For example, mouldings include grand period designs, tongue and groove, traditional shaker-style, Jacobean-style grid, or dado style.

But don’t be put off if you’ve never done it before: with a little know-how, you can make decorative wall panels easily and quickly, with great results.

Wall panelling adds character, charm and personality to a property. Whether you’re inspired to install some bathroom wall panels or some stylish bedroom wall panels, follow our guide on how to panel a wall using MDF wood.

How to panel a wall

‘Panelling adds warmth, depth and character to any space no matter the size,’ says Craig Phillips, celebrity builder and expert. ‘It truly transforms a room and is completely different to a typical feature wall.’

Before you begin, the essentials you will need include:

• MDF wood panelling
• A spirit level
• No Nails Glue (or a similar brand)
• Decorators caulk
• Saw or cutter
• A notebook and pen to jot down sizes
• Paint
• Sandpaper or an electric sander
• Hammer
• Pin
• Tape measure
• A calculator (we recommend trying this calculator and online visualiser to get the measurements correct).

Step 1: Planning

Panelling a wall is an exciting DIY task, but before you begin it’s important to plan and prepare your wall first.

‘As with most DIY jobs, preparation is key to getting the look you want,’ Chris O’Boyle, Trading Director for Everyday Repair and Maintenance (EDRM) for Homebase, tells House Beautiful UK. ‘Start by having a clear idea of what your panel walls will look like by sketching it down in a notebook. That way, you’ll stay on track and know how many panels you need to complete your project.’

HB’s tip… Instagram is a great place to seek out inspiration if you’re stuck for ideas. Use the hashtags #wallpanelling and #wallpanellingideas to see what other people have been up to. We recommend not to rush your panelling. If you can’t decide what style to go for, push your project back until you can decide.

Step 2: Measure your wall

When panelling a wall, you need to measure how many pieces of MDF wood you need (home retailers such as Homebase, Wickes and B&Q, or your local timber merchants will stock various types of wood). Once you have worked out how much you need, it’s time to measure your walls. This is one of the trickiest parts of panelling, so take your time until you’ve got it spot on.

• Use your tape measure to work out the full width and height of the wall you are deciding to panel.

• Decide how many panels you want. Some prefer panelling only half the wall, while others love the full panelled look.

• Remember to account for top and base panels (the frame) as well as vertical and horizontal panels.

‘It may sound obvious, but make sure you measure your walls accurately. To ensure your panels are even and give you a neat finish, write down all your measurements clearly and carefully, down to the last millimetre,’ says Chris.

And, always double check your measurements to ensure it’ll fit like a glove. ‘Measure your wall. And then measure it again, just to be sure,’ advises Craig. ‘It’s crucial that your measurements are correct and that your panel sizes are even and fit the space perfectly. Work out the distance you would like to have between each panel – this will help determine how many panels you’ll need.’

Step 3: Cut the panels

Now it’s time to cut the panels, which is dependent on the size of your wall, or how much you want to panel. You can either cut the panels yourself or ask a professional (B&Q will cut MDF wood for free, depending on how many you have).

‘Using a saw and mitre box at a 90-degree angle, carefully cut the panels that will be horizontally placed according to the measurements,’ explain the experts at Richard Burbridge. ‘Repeat this process for all of the vertical panels, then lightly sand the ends until smooth.’

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Step 4: Sand and smooth your walls

Next, it’s time to sand and smooth down your walls. You can either use sandpaper or an electric sander if you have one to hand.

‘Prepare your walls before attaching the panels by sanding and smoothing them down. This removes any lumps or bumps which may otherwise show through,’ adds Chris.

Step 5: Apply the panels to your wall

Start by adding the frame. First with the base panels, followed by the top. Place your panel onto the marked wall and use a laser level to ensure the panel is straight. Apply strong adhesive to the back and apply to the wall – be sure to press down firmly and leave to dry.

Continue to add the vertical panels first, followed by the horizontal panels.

Craig recommends sticking the panels to the wall using No More Nails glue but for extra security and hold, Richard Burbridge recommends using both nails and adhesive.

Tip: Use a pipe and cable detector before nailing or drilling into any walls. If you are unsure it is safe to nail into your wall, opt for a strong adhesive instead.

Step 6: Fill in any gaps

Once you have applied the panels to your walls, go over them with decorators caulk to patch up any unsightly gaps, cracks or holes. You may need to fill some in the sides, depending whether any gaps appeared (don’t worry as you can cover this with paint).

‘Don’t panic if some of your panels are a couple of millimetres short, simply fill them with Polyfilla before sanding to create smooth, seamless joins,’ Craig explains.

Once filled, sand this down to complete the look.

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Step 7: Paint your wall panel

Now it’s time for the fun part! Before painting, ensure that the adhesive, decorators caulk and filler (if used) is fully dry and has set.

To achieve an Insta-worthy look, opt for scene-stealing shades of inky blue, green or blush pink. Scroll through some of our favourite looks for inspiration below…

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How To Plan And Install Panelling

It may have taken us way longer than expected (we started the project back in December last year!) but we’ve finally finished panelling our guest bedroom – and we love it!

It adds interest, texture and a luxurious feel to any room and we think it suits the style of our apartment which is, let’s face it, way more grand than we are!

Installing panelling is a really easy DIY project and we learned a lot from the last panelling project in our house in Manchester where we added panelling to the wall along the side of our staircase.

Planning the panelling for the staircase was easy but planning panelled walls for a whole room is a bit more involved. Don’t worry though, it’s still not difficult and we’re sharing the exact steps we took. (Just ignore the semi-stripped doorframe!)

Warning: We go into as much detail as possible to help you if you’re thinking of planning & installing panelling. There are lots of before, progress and most importantly lots of after pictures if you just want to skip straight through to those though!

This is what you will need to plan and install panelling:

* This post contains affiliate links to the products we used to complete this project. We only share products we love and think that you will, too! 

Step 1 – Planning

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Paper
• Ruler

Step 2 – Preparation

• Masking tape – lots of it!
• Laser level (this is the one we have and love) or a long spirit level
• Ladder (depending on how high your panelling will be)

Step 3 – Installation

• Timber moulding strips
• Nail gun & nails (this is the nail gun we use) – alternatively No Nails
• Mitre saw (this is the one we have) – alternatively  fine saw & mitre box
• Sandpaper – about 120 grit

Step 4 – Finishing

• Caulk – lots of it!
• Caulk gun (this is the one we have – don’t opt for a plastic one!)
• Primer & paint to finish the panelling and room

Here are our tips on how to plan and install panelling on your walls:

Step 1 – Planning

This is the most important bit of this project and it’s also the most time-consuming part. It may seem like a lot of faffing to prepare such detailed plans and drawings but once you’ve perfected the planning nothing else can go wrong! It’ll also save lots of time in the long run!

Start by measuring your room.

You want to measure every length, opening, bulge and recess. Also make a note of any fixture and fittings like sockets, light fittings or built-in furniture that can’t (or shouldn’t) be moved.

Draw a plan of your room.

You don’t need any fancy software to do this just the measurement you took, a ruler and pen and paper are perfectly fine.

Once you’ve got your drawing you’re ready to start planning!

Design your panelling options.

Get yourself some sketch paper (any thin paper that you can see though is more than enough – even baking paper will do!) and lay it over your drawing.

Now it’s time to start sketching.

Your drawing doesn’t have to be perfect at this point it’s more about getting an idea of what could work and what your options are. As you can see, I also moved the furniture around in the drawing to line up with the panelling.

Have a look at your room.

Are all walls equal sizes? Do you have any specific features that need to be taken into consideration? Do you already have a look for the panelling in mind?

Start by drawing lines that represent the width of each of your panelling panels. Basically, you’re dividing your walls into sections. Literally just draw lines along the walls of your room and try to find a pattern that works for you.

Here are some tips to get the pattern to work:

• Can you find a common width? How wide is the door? How wide is the smallest wall – could that be the panel size?
• Adjust the width of the panels.
• Adjust the width of the space between the panels.
• The sections don’t have to be the same size – you could use two or even three different panel widths. We’d recommend using no more than two or three different sizes to keep a coordinated feeling.
• Do you have any art that you want to be able to hang within a panelled section? Make sure the sections are big enough!

Try as many options as possible and even if you think you’ve already found the perfect solution, try and find a few more. You’d be surprised at how many more options you can find! Sometimes the ones you struggle to find are the best ones!

Note: Our drawings are more precise than they have to be for the purpose of showing you the steps. I’m sure no one could have made any sense of my scribbles otherwise!

Start to prepare your detailed floor plan.

When you’ve decided on a design that works for you it’s time to get specific. Draw out the design in detail and to scale on the drawing of your room. When you’ve drawn in all panels it’s time to start thinking three dimensional.

Draw the elevations of your room.

Don’t worry, it sounds way more complicated than it is! Imagine that you’re folding down the walls of your room. You already have your floor plan so all you have to do is project the edges of the room upwards. Don’t forget to mark the positions of your windows and doors, too!

You should end up with something looking like this.

Draw the panelling.

Now that you’ve prepared your floor plan and drawn your elevations it’s time to add the panelling. You’ve already drawn the lines for your panelling on the floor plan so it’s just a matter of projecting the panels up onto the elevation (the same as you did with the walls).

Now you can really start to see how the panelling will look in your room and you can start to think about how you may want to divide the panels further.

Do you want a dado rail or a picture rail? How high will your panels be? What gap is there between the skirting, will you have panels over doors and windows? And most importantly – how does it look? Do you like the scheme so far? Do the panel sizes look in proportion? Would any adjustments make it look better? Don’t forget to take the width of the timber moulding into consideration, too!

Make sure you’re really happy with the design before moving on to the next step. Remember, working out where the panels go is much easier and quicker on paper!

Here are some tips to get the pattern to work:

• Don’t forget to take the positions of sockets and switches into consideration! You don’t want to end up with a socket in the middle of a panel! Don’t assume they are at the same height!
• Take all of the walls of your room into consideration. It’ll feel more harmonious if the panelling on the opposite walls mirrors each other. 
• Planning is the most important step of the whole process. Actually attaching the panelling is really easy as long as you’ve done your prep work.

Step 2 – Preparation

Transfer the measurements of your drawing to the walls.

Having worked out the design for the panelling it’s time to transfer it to your walls. With all of the planning you did in step one this should be fairly easy.

Work your way around the room with your tape measure and pencil and make a mark where every vertical line/panel piece will be. Then make marks where every horizontal line/panel piece will be.

In our case, we’re installing a dado rail with a small panel beneath it and a larger one above it.

Tape your design onto the walls.

Your walls should now be covered with loads of little dots representing where you’ll be attaching your panels. To make life as easy as possible, we used our new laser level to project the lines onto the wall.

With our lines projected onto the walls, it was then just a matter of working our way around the room with a lot of masking tape and marking where the panels will be.

It was so quick and saved a lot of messing with a spirit level! Best of all you can project a line all the way around the room (both horizontally and vertically) which means that it’s ideal to get the panels on opposite walls to align perfectly with one another.

When it comes to actually attaching the panelling it’ll make life much easier if you don’t have to install it directly on the masking tape so it’s important to decide if you’re taping within the measured lines or outside of the lines. This way you can install the panelling next to the masking tape.

If you’re panelling a large room we’d totally recommend using a laser level like ours but a normal spirit level will work fine, too.

Step 3 – Installation

As weird as it may sound, installing the panelling is the easiest part of this project!

Cut your timber to size.

Double-check your measurements (more than once!) before cutting. It’s advice I give here all of the time but we’ve still made so many mistakes over the years! Measure twice, cut once!

You can cut the panels by hand with a fine saw and mitre box (which is what we did when we fitted the panels along the wall of our staircase) but I would really recommend using a mitre saw.

It may look like a scary tool but I honestly can’t believe we ever did any DIY without it and it’s easily one of our most used tools! Ours is an entry-level version that really wasn’t expensive.

Give any edges that are rough a quick sand with some sandpaper (around 120 grit). The cleaner the cuts and edges are the easier it’ll be to attach the timber to the wall and achieve a professional finish.

If you have to join any pieces of panelling in length don’t just push two ends together. Cut both at a 45° angle so that they slot together. This way the join will be invisible when you’ve painted it.

Tip: We’d recommend buying your panelling at timber merchants and not a DIY store. We found the quality to be better but more importantly, the pieces of timber tend to be much straighter which makes installing them much, much easier!

Attach the panelling!

This is the step you’ve been waiting for.

We used No Nails to attach the panelling along our staircase wall but with so many panels to attach it’s not something I’d recommend for a larger project.

This time we used our nail gun to attach the panels (which is still our favourite tool ever!). Nail guns are really expensive and although we love ours we wouldn’t recommend buying one for just one project (although you’d be surprised how often you end up using it).

Luckily you can easily hire nail guns if you don’t want to splurge on one of your own.

Attaching the panelling to the wall is the easiest and quickest part of this project. Hold the panel in position (depending on how you’ve planned either inside or outside of the masking tape edge) and nail it to the wall.

If you’re installing a dado rail, we’d recommend starting with it. It’ll be your main horizontal line and you can use it as a guide to making sure that every other panel you nail is parallel to it.

Because you taped the panelling pattern to the wall with masking tape you don’t need to do any measuring or even check if it’s level as you already did that in the previous step!

Ideally, you’ll have someone to help with this step as it’s so much easier if you have someone to hold the piece of panel while you nail it to the wall. Just remember to take the position of any cables or pipes into consideration before you start to nail into the walls!

We used No-Nails a couple of times where we thought there might be a cable (and still managed to nail into one – whoops!).

When you’ve finished attaching all panels remove the masking tape and you’re done!

Step 4 – Finishing

This step is a bit time consuming but it’s vital to achieve a flawless and professional finish. You have to caulk every edge and join.

Caulk is your friend!

It’ll hide any imperfections, it’ll join the panels to the wall and it’ll make everything look tidy and clean!

To apply the caulk hold the caulk gun at an angle to the edge and squeeze a thin strip of caulk into the gap. Then dip your finger into some water and smooth the caulk pushing it into the edge.

You can sand caulk when it’s dry but it’s a complete pain. It’s also much quicker to take your time getting the caulk right while it’s still wet.

All that’s left to do is stand back and admire your new panelling!

We recommend waiting at least 24 hours for the caulk to dry before starting to paint the room.

Planning and installing panelling may seem super involved but actually, it’s not complicated or difficult at all. Really it’s just 4 steps (that we’ve gone into a lot of detail explaining) and most of the prep work can be done from the comfort of your sofa! Just take your time and make sure to plan and tape everything as precisely as possible.

I love how our new panelling turned out! It’s really given the room such an elegant feel.

Tips on how to plan and install panelling:

Do

• If you have to join two pieces of timber to create a longer piece of panelling, cut both ends at an angle to join them. It’s a more secure connection and the join will be much less visible.
• Get your calculations right. We calculated the amount of panelling we needed 4 times and we still managed to miscalculate because we missed an entire wall. Both of us. Twice.
• When cutting multiple pieces that are the same size, cut yourself a template piece that you can use to check the size of all other pieces you cut. Making sure that all pieces are exactly the same size will make installing the panelling much easier!
• Use a nailer and mitre saw. If you’re only panelling a small area a fine saw and mitre box and some glue will work but I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re panelling a larger area or if your walls aren’t 100% straight.
• Use a laser level. It is, of course, possible with a normal spirit level but it might drive you mad and the project would take a lot longer to complete.

Don’t

• Don’t forget to take the position of sockets and switches into consideration! You don’t want to end up with something like this! 
• Don’t forget to find out where cables and pipes are located. Although we were really careful we nailed into a cable! Needless, to say it wasn’t our finest DIY moment. Use glue if you’re even remotely unsure of the position of cables.
• Caulk is what makes the panelling perfect! Don’t even be tempted to skip this step! When applying caulk, wet your finger. It’ll make smoothing it much easier and cleaner.
• Don’t ignore your furniture and artwork. Think about where you’ll be placing your furniture and where you want your art to be displayed while planning the layout of the panelling.

Here are a couple of panelling questions we get asked again and again...

Is panelling easy to install? 

Yes! Planning the layout of your panelling takes time but installing it is easy and fairly quick, especially if you’re using a nailer to attach it. It’s something even a novice DIYer can easily accomplish. If you’re in an old house it’s likely that nothing will be straight. This can make installing panelling a bit more difficult as it can look wonky, even if it’s perfectly level and straight.

How do you attach wood panelling to a wall? 

For this type of panelling, you can use a nailer or some strong adhesive to attach panelling to your walls. We’d recommend using a nailer as it makes installing the panelling quicker and easier, especially if you have uneven walls. This is the nailer we used to attach our panelling. We love it and highly recommend it. 
Strong adhesive works well, too it’ll just take a bit longer to panel your room as you’ll have to wait for the adhesive to dry. The best adhesive for panelling is this glue that we used to attach our pictures rails and panelling in areas where we couldn’t nail.

Can you use screws for panelling? 

We’d recommend either using glue or a nail gun to attach the panelling. Screws have fairly large heads and would be difficult to countersink. You’d end up with fairly large holes to fill which would be more difficult to hide, too,

How much does wall panelling cost?

The more panels you use the more expensive the project will be. The cost, especially if you panel all of the way up the wall quickly adds up. Make sure you know what you’re letting yourself in for! We spend about 400€ on this room.

As you can see, the room is soooo close to being finished! We still need to add curtains, I’d like a rug under the bed and there are the all-important finishing touches to add but we’re almost there now!

Do you love panelling as much as we do? Have you ever considered panelling any of your walls? What do you think of our white walls?

If you enjoyed this post, you will love these ones, too!

25 Unique Decorative Wall Panel Designs For Accent Walls

Decorative wall panels are a great way to add color, texture and depth into a simple space and give it an extraordinary transformation. These wall panels can be made of various materials like MDF, glass, vinyl, fabric, PVC and so on. Besides, a well-designed panel can also become the focal accent in the room and light it up like never before. Read along to find out 25 unique decorative wall panel designs that you can implement in your upcoming projects to make it stand out. 

1. The Bold Black Beauty

Image Source: Google

A black and gold accent wall can add just the right amount of drama and elegance to even the simplest of spaces and add the perfect oomph to it.

2. Induce A Sense Of Industrial Chic With Concrete

Image by: Evolve India

Many people might shy away from using concrete indoors owing to its ‘raw and unfinished’ look, if paired with the right materials, concrete can actually give a raw yet warm look to the space, just like you can see in this picture.

3. Include Intricate Wood Detailings

Image Source: Google

Wooden decorative wall panels have been a go-to for designers over the years and they sure won’t go out of style in the near future. So, you can put your blind faith on panels with intricate wood detailings just like this and see your room getting filled up with warmth and interest.  

4. Go Vintage With Patinated Bronze Panels

Image by: Evolve India

Looking for a quick solution to add an antique vibe to your spaces? Evolve India’s Antico Brass Slate Patina panels would be a sure way to achieve this instantly. Why ‘instantly’? You can easily install these panels on any smooth surface within the hour to get a long-lasting and mesmerizing look.

5. Design Stunning Interiors With Concrete

Image Source: Google

This beautifully designed living room space designed by Amazing Interiors is yet another example of how beautiful concrete finished interior walls can look. These zigzag designed wall panels add a dynamic and creative feel to the space thus giving it an eye-catching look.

6. Get Creative With Rust

Image by: Evolve India

The Square Mosaic 3D rust finish decorative wall panel by Evolve India can be an ideal pick if you are looking to achieve a contemporary living room design. Click here to know more about these panels. 

7. Go All Out With Marble

Image Source: Google

Let’s admit it, this space looks absolutely heavenly and one of the major reasons is the marble accent wall with the gold inlays. So, if your design includes a lot of white or if you are designing with marble, this living room space can surely be your ultimate inspiration.

8. Boost The Elegance Of Your Space With Liquid Metal Copper

Image by: Evolve India

Design a soothing and sophisticated drawing room with these subtly designed liquid metal copper decorative wall panel by Evolve India. Besides, since copper is a metal that bears antibacterial properties, the space you design using these panels are sure to be a lot safer.

9. Bedazzle Your Guests

Image Source: Google

If you are looking to go all out, these dazzling golden wall panels are the best bet. Whether you are designing a residential space or a commercial one, this decorative wall panel design is a sure way to add an element of uniqueness to your interiors.

10. Give Your Guests A Warm Welcome With Floral Copper Patina Panels

Image by: Evolve India

This reception backdrop of Taj Yeshwantpur designed by RC Architecture showcases an abstract floral design in a liquid metal copper patina finish that catches the eye of any guest walking in, thus creating a mesmerizing first impression they are sure to remember. So, if you are working on a hospitality project and would like to design such a space, these panels would definitely be a great pick.

11. Why Should Rooms Have All The Fun?

Image Source: Google

Corridor designs can be exciting too and this hallway depicts that aptly. The honeycomb design of the wall panels paired with the warm brown wood and the fur carpet light up this corridor in such a way that everyone who walks through here is sure to stop for a moment to appreciate the beauty.

12. Add A Touch Of Drama

Image by Evolve India

These beautiful liquid gunmetal finished decorative wall panels by Evolve India are a sure way to achieve an elegant powder room that too within no time.  

13. Invite Excitement Into Your Bedroom 

Image Source: Studio Osmosis

A great way to light up small bedroom interiors is to install unique wall panels as bed backdrops and pair it up with lights. And voila! You’ll no longer have to worry about any other thing in the space.

14. Achieve A Warm, Earthy Look With Corten Steel Wall Panels

Image by: Evolve India

Stellar backdrops like this one made with Evolve India’s corten steel finish decorative wall panels instantly raise the elegance quotient of your spaces. 

15. Where Classic Meets Modern

Image Source: Manoj Patel Design Studio

This quiet, peaceful and aesthetic bedroom space instantly invites us to draw the curtains and stay in bed forever. The backdrop of the bed covers the entire wall, framing the headboard and also gives the room a unique, never seen before look.

16. Design An Elegant Foyer

Image by: Evolve India

Give your foyers a soothing and serene look with a design like this that is sure to calm your mind every time you walk in from a chaotic day at work.

17. Mix & Match

Image Source: Google

This combination of wood and stone along with gold inlays is surely unique and can help you achieve classy, chic and cozy interiors without much effort.

18. Spark A Conversation

Image by: Evolve India

Boring walls are a thing of the past and with wall panels like this installed in your dining space, family time will always be filled with fun and laughter.

19. Induce A Beachy Vibe Into Your Spaces

Image by: Evolve India

Encapsulate the soothing beauty of the cool blue seas with these concrete finished ready to install wall panels. 

20. Embrace The Warmth Of Wood

Image Source: Modsy

If you’re looking to design a warm and cozy bedroom space, then dynamically designed wood panels like these can definitely be an ideal choice for you.

21. Break The Monotony

Image by: Evolve India

Are your clients tired of looking at the same old bare walls? Install a pair of colorful copper panels like these and see the mood of the space change in a blink.

22. Stand Out With Classic Wall Panels

Image Source: Google

These intricately designed panels are symbolic of the Indian heritage and culture and give this living room space a charming look while also making it the favorite space for all the house members and the guests to hang out and make memories.

23. You Can Never Go Wrong With Wood

Image Source: Google

Wood panels are always a great idea when it comes to wall designing. Whether you are designing a living room or a bedroom, these panels can be an ideal pick to achieve an elegant and aesthetically pleasing space.

24. Illuminate The Bedroom With A Large-Scale Floral Design Panel

Image Source: Livspace

This larger than life floral design wall panel, that also looks like a wall art adds just the right amount of sophistication and class to this otherwise simple bedroom space and enhances the beauty quotient of the space. If you’re looking for unique large-scale wall art pieces like this, click here. 

25. Induce A Dynamic Vibe

Image Source: Google

The dynamic wave-like cutting of the wall panels take the design of this bedroom to a whole different level. The warm wood work and the combination of white and grey furnishings enhance the look further and give the bedroom space a cozy and serene feel.

23 Wall Panelling Ideas: Modern and Classic Styles to Try

(Image credit: Loaf)

Wall panelling ideas are particularly popular at the moment, especially for those looking to add some character and charm to plain walls. 

One of its many qualities is that installing wall panelling isn’t actually as disruptive as you might think, and often it’s well within the capabilities of a competent DIYer. MDF panelling styles, which can later be painted, are particularly common and forgiving to use. They can simply be stuck onto an existing wall with adhesive and you’ve got a brilliant wall panelling idea created within minutes.  

However, this isn’t the only option. From contemporary cladding to hardwood panels, there’s something for every home, no matter the style, era and budget. 

Take a look at our selection of the 23 best wall panelling ideas to stoke the fires of your inspiration. 

How to Create These Wall Panelling Ideas

DIY wall panelling is a big trend right now, and many of these wall panelling ideas you’ll be able to recreate yourself at home if you have the right tools, or if you get MDF pre-cut for you at a DIY store or timber yard. 

If not, look into using a carpenter to create your wall panelling idea — most will have some experience of this type of project, but if not, it’s largely a super quick and simple task in comparison to, say, building a bespoke built-in cupboard. 

1. Install Acoustic Panelling for Better Soundproofing 

(Image credit: Nature Wall)

This wall panelling from Naturewall doesn’t only just look good, it has a special acoustic felt backing that has Class A-rated sound absorption. Maybe you’ve got noisy neighbours, or you want to create a zen space for a home office, the soundproofing applications are pretty much endless. 

This panelling can also be used on the ceiling, so can help muffle noise from upstairs in the house, perfect if you’ve got squeaky floorboards to contend with. To install, you only need to glue these panels to the wall or fix with screws through the felt, making it super easy for even an amateur DIYer to do. 

2. Create New England Style Wall Panelling

(Image credit: Loom & Last)

Simple wood cladding, fitted in horizontal strips and painted a fresh white is the ideal way to create an airy New England style feel in the home. This style of cladding, sometimes called shiplap, is super popular in the US, especially in coastal towns, for its fresh, nautical vibe. 

Combine it with pale wood floors and painted joinery details elsewhere for a cohesive look. 

3. Use Narrow Strip Cladding for a Contemporary Look

(Image credit: Interior Fox)

Contemporary fluted panelling is one of the biggest interior trends in recent years, with both retailers designing new panelling styles and DIYers creating the look at home.  

Whether you choose to painted MDF or timber for slatted panelling, the cutting involved in this type of wall panelling idea is quite intensive, as you’ll need lots of thin strips. For natural timber, you’ll need to use adhesive to apply these to the wall, but with mdf, you can pin them with a nail gun before filling the holes and painting. 

4. Create a Hidden Door in Your Wall Panelling 

(Image credit: Luke Arthur Wells)

This clever wall panelling idea is a clever way to disguise a door in your space. This could be for some hidden storage, or how about for an ensuite bathroom? In this instance, it’s been used as an under stair storage idea, with the panelled wall covering over the awkward nook under the stairs. 

For this project, build out a stud wall and door first, before affixing your panelling. The panelling strips will add some extra weight to the door, so using adjustable hinges will help you keep your lines straight on the panelling once it’s finished.  

5. Showcase the Beauty of Natural Timber in Your Panelling

(Image credit: BC Designs)

Though it’s a bit more pricey than using MDF, you can’t beat internal timber cladding as a form of panelling. It brings instance warmth and richness to your space, and brings a connection with natural materials that’s an important part of biophilic design. 

For a highly contemporary finish, opt for a rich toned timber such as walnut or a very pale timber, such as ash. Narrow strips of timber fitted either horizontally or vertically, with tiny spaces between ensure a super sleek end result. 

6. Choose Shaker Style Wall Panelling for Classic Appeal

(Image credit: Albion Bath Company)

Shaker style wall panelling is a classic design that adds a sense of depth and interest to walls. It’s best suited to period homes where it may have naturally been found, but Shaker panelling has become a modern design staple and has also been adopted as a way to bring some character to new builds.  

As they’re so popular, Shaker style wall panels can often be bought in kits and packs, meaning you don’t have to do too much maths and get the timber cut yourself. You can try any sort of proportion of panelling for your room, from simple squares to this interesting set-up used in a small bathroom. 

7. Use Pegs to Create Hanging Storage for your Panelling

(Image credit: Luke Arthur Wells)

This simple addition to Shaker panelling adds hanging storage, which can be super useful in rooms like a utility room or guest bedroom, or used for decoration, as in this cute nursery design. 

These Shaker pegs are really easy to install. You can buy screw-in Shaker pegs from Amazon , which you can simply screw in by hand. 

8. Choose Reclaimed Wood for Instant Character

(Image credit: Waters Baths of Ashbourne)

The rustic weathered vertical wall cladding used in this bathroom creates a warm backdrop for the back-to-wall bath as well as providing a handy shelf for toiletries.  

Sourcing reclaimed wood is a great idea for panelling, not only might it be cheaper than new timber, but it’s good for the planet and means you can embrace the natural patina of the timber in your space. 

9. Use Wall Panelling to Create a Useful Shelf

(Image credit: Interior Fox)

This narrow timber strip wall panelling not only creates a modern, fresh feel in this living space, but it also plays a handy practical role. 

Wall panelling comes in particularly useful when you want to create built-in features, such as storage cupboards or shelving, allowing you to easily cover a simple timber framework. 

Here, the shelf provides a useful spot to display artwork behind the sofa. 

10. Use Half Panelling in a Hallway

(Image credit: Simon Maxwell)

Hallways are the areas prone to getting bumped and knocked, messing up your paintwork and requiring regular repainting. Panelling can be a great hallway idea for solving this, especially when used halfway up the wall where the majority of the scuffs occur.  

Not only does it protect the walls, but panelling can be painted in a hardier finish such as an eggshell or satin, which will fair better and be easier to clean. 

11. Go For Coastal Vibes With Weathered Boards

(Image credit: Live Love Laugh Ltd)

Recreate a beachside feel in your home all year-round by using your wall panelling to conjure up a seaside mood. 

Opt for slightly weather-beaten timber with a rustic finish — think fishing boats and huts and aim for a slightly imperfect look for a coastal house. 

If you are worried about the whole thing looking a little too shabby, limit the panelling to just a small section of the room and make a feature of it to draw the eye. 

12. Create Harmony in the Bedroom

(Image credit: Furniture and Choice)

Wall panelling is a great way to pull an interiors scheme together and this bedroom  is a brilliant example of that.

The number of configurations and styles means that you can select one to reflect items of furniture used elsewhere in the room for a smart, harmonious and cohesive look.  

Here, the simple panelled frame of the bed is mirrored on the walls — as well as the floors. The muted pink wall behind serves to add warmth and another dimension. 

13. Fake It With Wallpaper

(Image credit: Mineheart)

Still after new wall panelling ideas but wary of fitting it yourself? You could always opt to cheat your way to wall panelling if you want an easy shortcut to the look. This Amethyst Panelling wallpaper from Mineheart is inspired by Georgian architectural details and is pretty convincing. 

14. Create a Feature With Wall Panelling 

(Image credit: Nature Wall)

Wall panelling doesn’t have to be used around a whole room to be effective. Whether you want a feature wall, to add it to alcoves or as a fireplace idea, or even just to create an interesting design on one wall as in this example. 

Here, a small strip of wall panelling has been used to make a feature of the mirror, helping to ground it in the space and drawing the eye.  

15. Try Wall Panelling for Dining Rooms

(Image credit: Furniture and Choice)

Wall panelling suits dining rooms particularly well, where its warmth adds a welcoming convivial touch. Paint it in a soft muted tone, such as the powdery grey shade shown here, for a relaxing atmosphere. 

Panelling is also a clever choice in a small dining room where you often find that pulling chairs in and out can damage walls and paintwork. Choosing a hardy paint, as you would in your hallway, will help keep your space looking fresher for longer. 

16. Mix it up With This Geometric Panelling 

(Image credit: Lifestyle Floors)

For an easy wall panelling idea that is perfect for more contemporary, modern interior schemes, consider creating a geometrical pattern.

Simple battens attached to the wall in a symmetrical geometric design and then painted give you this slightly more out of the ordinary panelling design that’s sure to give your space the wow-factor. 

17.

Get Creative With Paint 

(Image credit: Dulux)

Combine panelling with some clever paint ideas and the world is your oyster. In this design, Dulux paint has been used to create a crisp painted line through this panelling, adding a contemporary twist to this traditional look. 

You could also paint the insides of Shaker panels a different colour for a dramatic, colourful look. 

18. Embrace Pale and Interesting

(Image credit: Norsu Interiors)

Sometimes simple is best. Muted shades and subtle yet effective tongue-and-groove wall panelling in this living room create a relaxing yet super stylish space. 

Tongue-and-groove panelling is easy to fit and can be bought unpainted to finish off on a DIY basis — a cost effective and quick way to update or finish off your home. 

19. Use Panelling in a Bathroom

(Image credit: Bathroom Mountain)

Wall panelling ideas are particularly useful when it comes to bathroom design. Not only will wall panelling add warmth and character but it can also have a practical role too.  

If you want to build in pipework, for example, you can cover your boxing in with wall panelling — a neat and stylish way to finish off your bathroom and add a handy storage ledge at the same time. 

Many people are now opting for wood cladding as an alternative to tiles — on walls and bath panels alike. If you choose to do this, be sure to check the wood you use is suitable for use in wet areas, or select a sealant that will protect it from moisture. Moisture-resistant MDF works well too.

20. Create Panelling Using Mouldings 

(Image credit: Sofas & Stuff)

Making panelling with beading is a cost-effective way to add interest to your walls, as this generally costs much less than whole sheets of MDF and is much easier to cut at home. 

It also lends itself to creating large panels, which are a great way to highlight the proportions of a room — and not only does this wall panelling style add drama, but it can make ceilings feel higher too, making it a great small living room idea.  

In this living room, larger panels have been combined with a different, shorter set of panels in order to ensure the room remains cosy and that the furniture isn’t dwarfed by the walls.

21. Mix and Match Panelling Styles

(Image credit: Loaf)

For extra interest, why not mix and match panelling styles across a room? This bedroom feature Shaker style panelling on the walls behind the bed, with beaded details under the window. 

This offers you versatility to use panelling in spaces where it might otherwise look awkward. Shaker panelling is better for large expanses of wall, but becomes a bit trickier when used in small gaps. Embracing a few types of panelling, but uniting them in the same wall colour, can solve this problem easily. 

22. Paint Panelling in Gloss for a Luxurious Feel

(Image credit: Architect Your Home)

This wall panelling has been painted in a deep forest green in either a gloss or satin finish that reflects light into the room. This glossy finish gives the room traditional charm, as well as providing a more durable finish than a flat matt emulsion or eggshell. 

When it comes to choosing between satin vs gloss for your panelling, it’s personal preference. Satin is a subtler sheen, while gloss is super shiny, but both will work to create period panelling. 

Here’s it’s the perfect pairing with the antique-style leather armchairs – while the bed nestles into the alcove created by constructing built-in wardrobes either side with panelled fronts. 

(Image credit: Orac Decor)

These beautifully ornate wall panels from Orac Decor are a particularly interesting way to add character, especially to a period home. These panels can just be affixed using adhesive and painted the same colour as the wall, adding a sense of original features to a space that may have been completed stripped of its historic charm.

Orac Decor’s panels come in lots of varieties, including more decorative modern styles.  

What Material is Best For Wall Panelling? 

Those after wall panelling ideas should be aware that there are lots of different materials for wall panelling. Whilst timber is the traditional option, many people opt for MDF wall panelling these days — is it cost effective, easy to paint and doesn’t tend to warp or twist. 

If you plan on using MDF in a room with high levels of moisture (such as the bathroom) be sure to opt for moisture resistant MDF.

It is also possible to buy tiles that mimic the look of wood panels or cladding. 

Hugh is Digital Editor of homebuilding.co.uk and has worked on a range of home, design and property magazines, including Grand Designs, Essential Kitchens, Bathrooms, Bedrooms and Good Homes. Hugh has developed a passion for modern architecture and green homes, and moonlights as an interior designer, having designed and managed projects ranging from single rooms to whole house renovations and large extensions. He’s currently renovating a Victorian terrace in Essex, DIYing as much of the work as possible. His current project is a kitchen renovation which involves knocking through walls and landscaping a courtyard garden. 

Types of decorative panels for wall decoration of all rooms with photos of elite design projects

Contents

1. 1. The history of the appearance of decorative panels (boiserie)
2. 2. Advantages of wall panels in aristocratic practicality
3. 3. Wall Panel Shapes: Common Classification
4. 4. 3d panels – what is it?
5. 5. Materials for wall decorative panels: photos of elite design projects
6. 5.1. Natural wood – luxurious and solid
7. 5.2. Gypsum boards – sustainable classic
8. 5.3. Facing stone – palace wealth
9. 5.4. Soft textile and leather panels
10. 5.5. Glass: a brilliant choice in favor of crystal
11. 5.6. Metal, cork and bamboo – rare decorative panels
12. 5.7. Wood and resin boards are also lovely
13. 6. Examples of decorative panels in the rooms of the house from leading interior designers
14. 6. 1. Hall
15. 6.2. Living room
16. 6.3. Kitchen
17. 6.4. Bedroom
18. 6.5. children’s girls
19. 6.6. Baby boy
20. 6.7. Bathroom
21. 6.8. Cabinet

The history of the emergence of decorative panels (boiserie)

For the first time, finely finished surfaces with wood began in ancient Egypt around 3000 BC. e. But the country that glorified decorative panels (boiserie) is France since the reign of Henrys (II – IV). It was the founder of the Bourbon dynasty who introduced the fashion for wooden cladding, which subsequently reached its zenith, becoming almost a classic of the modern interior.

Boiserie is a decorative wood carving in the form of panels, which serves as a luxurious decoration for the palaces of royal families and the houses of the nobility. Such decoration elements could be inlaid with glass, sheathed with fabric or covered with gilding. Most often they were painted in two colors: either related, or, conversely, contrasting. Boiserie flaunted not only on the walls, but also on other surfaces, such as: ceilings, doors, window frames, shelving and fireplaces.

Illuminated natural wood decorative panels in dark brown look amazing in the bedroom, given the combination of traditional classic and trendy modern finishes.

The advantages of wall panels in aristocratic practicality

It becomes clear that wall panels are not just a practical way of decorating that came from distant centuries, but also a luxurious method of decoration in the spirit of real French aristocrats. Modern boiserie is not only solid wood, but also veneer, fiberboard, chipboard, MDF, stone, bamboo, gypsum, acrylic glass, polymer fibers, aluminum and more. other. The more valuable the composition, the more beautiful and majestic the decorative panels look. However, artificial materials also have many different advantages, as each of them has its own unique characteristics.

Decorative panels have a number of common strengths:

1. Absolutely level surfaces without requiring additional preparation of the base, and also hide serious defects, sewer pipes, internal wiring, etc.
2. They serve as an alternative to other finishing materials: all types of wallpaper, Venetian plaster and ceramic tiles, while perfectly “working” with them in pairs.
3. Due to the abundance of manufacturing materials, they have many textures in various color nuances (3d panels are considered one of the most popular types).
4. They have different indicators of moisture resistance, sound insulation and thermal conductivity, so they can be applied to any room in the house.

Dark brown veneered wood wall panels look organic in a modern classic bedroom interior; carving on the decor in a geometric strict ornament creates a visual three-dimensional effect

Of course, natural wood wall panels are very rich and at the same time durable, therefore they are considered one of the best among other ranges. But there are many more “brothers” from other materials that can fit perfectly into the interior of the rooms. For example: all pressed chipboards often imitate some non-standard textures (and they can greatly diversify almost any design), PVC-type polymer bases will turn out to be a chic alternative to wall tiles in restrooms, and various gypsum 3d panels, due to their relief coating, will be luxurious look in the interior of the living room or bedroom.

Wall panel shapes: common classification

• Slabs are square or rectangular wall panels in standard sizes 500 x 500 mm or varying from 300 to 1000 mm (depending on the manufacturer). As a rule, they are universal, as they have an unequal facing surface and are mounted differently (but most often they are installed on a wooden crate). The most popular type of plates are 3D panels (gypsum, wood, etc.).
• Laths are narrow long decorative panels of the type of lining, reaching a size of up to 4000 mm and fixed to the crate or hidden fasteners, which are connected to each other using a tenon-groove system. Most often they are made of polymeric materials, such as polyvinyl chloride or plastic.
• Sheets are wide-format wall decors that can reach dimensions up to approximately 2500 mm in length and width. Often made of chipboard or fiberboard of different densities. They can be laminated, soft panels (lined with fabric or leather), and also imitate the natural texture of wood, stone or other materials. Usually, installation is carried out using glue on a flat surface prepared in advance for beacons.

The photo shows a modern bathroom interior, decorated not only with floor tiles with a tire track pattern, but also with stone veneer wall panels in sheet format.

3d panels – what is it?

3D wall panels are a type of decorative coating with a three-dimensional pattern, which can be both embossed and smooth, the main thing is its visual effect, reminiscent of something three-dimensional: abstract graphics, complex ornament, photographic image or something else. Most often, panels are made of gypsum, wood, ceramic or metal, as well as any other organic or synthetic material, including exotic (straw, reeds, bamboo, etc.).

Decorative 3D panels on the wall in the bedroom near the head of the bed are made of two materials, one of which is sheathed with fabric, and the other has a polymer base

Decorative panels on the wall in the living room are presented in the form of a white gypsum 3D panel with a floral print

View the project

Materials for wall decorative panels: photos of elite design projects

Wall panels are currently used as one of the most elegant and extraordinary coatings suitable for all types of surfaces. The variety of elite materials from which such decorative elements are made encourages the use of this type of finish for all existing premises in apartments and country houses: bathrooms and toilets, hallways, stairwells, living rooms, halls, kitchens, bedrooms, nurseries, cabinets, etc.

Natural wood – luxurious and solid

Facing surface made of natural wood, especially valuable species (oak, wenge, cherry, teak, maple, walnut, etc.), always looks stunning, luxurious and really rich, bringing a piece of palace aristocracy to any room, regardless of its purpose . Wooden decorative panels look especially beautiful along with such styles as classic, chalet, chateau, eco, oriental, ethnic, Scandinavian and eclectic. The best rooms for their adaptation will be: hallways, halls, living rooms, bedrooms or offices.

Tip! If you need to build an interior design in the classic English direction, then the tree in this case will be the best helper. For a greater gloss, it must be varnished, decorated with carvings or create a patina effect.

Decorative panels in the bedroom made of natural wood in a warm walnut shade are luxuriously decorated with perimeter lighting and floor lamps

Decorative panels made of natural solid wood on the wall in the pool hall are presented in the form of a panel that combines the wood of two processing techniques: a lacquered light brown canvas with natural veins and a strict graphic ornament applied to it, creating a small three-dimensional effect

Gypsum boards – an eco-friendly classic

Gypsum boards are now at the peak of popularity. Here, the environmental friendliness and hypoallergenicity of the composition plays a role, as well as its durability and excellent disposition for restoration, and at the same time, the duration of the use of the material from the very beginning of the formation of architectural art. Gypsum is absolutely indispensable in such styles as empire and classicism, in which ancient elements occupy an important place: stucco, bas-reliefs, columns, statues and other decor, usually light (even natural white) color. Today, finishing can be done much easier than it used to be, because there are gypsum 3D panels made with relief patterns exactly like during the Renaissance.

Gypsum 3D panels on the bedroom wall are a white panel with a graphic floral pattern

Pure white gypsum decorative panels in the form of stucco are installed in a classic living room above the doorway and bookshelves, they are luxuriously complemented by a panel of stone veneer in its natural beige nature.

Facing stone – palatial wealth

Stone veneer is the most durable and at the same time the most expensive material from which wall panels are made. Nature itself created a unique pattern on them, showing how elegant and graceful natural lines are. On the facing side, stone plates can be glossy or matte, rough or smooth. Relief panels made of slate, granite or marble look organically in the interior of a room, loggia or patio, which, due to their texture, will complement such areas as loft, East Asian, classic, Victorian, Alpine, modern, art deco, etc.

The wall panel in the kitchen plays the role of a stone apron, successfully played with backlighting, which makes the natural gray relief of the rock even more worthy.

A decorative stone panel on the wall in the bathroom shows how charming a classic setting can be, when it is diversified with a pastel white and gray pressed rock panel with an almost symmetrical pattern.

Textile and leather soft panels

Decorative panels made of fabric, natural leather, suede, felt or brocade, for example, have always been considered a sign of high design taste. In addition to the chic surroundings, soft surfaces with foam rubber or filler of similar properties create additional warmth and comfort in the decoration. It is necessary to take into account the range of 3d panels, which are also made of textiles. This is especially true for the interior of the bedroom, nursery and lounge room. Various surfaces made of dense materials look luxurious in baroque and rococo styles, in modern modernity, in inspiring Indian, colorful kitsch, etc.

Tip! Designing a bedroom with carriage-covered wall decor will give the same effect as other 3D panels, especially if the texture of the material itself has a printed pattern.

Soft wall panels in the bedroom always look majestic and very cozy, especially if they are complemented by another kind of similar decor, as in this design project: wooden structures with backlighting, giving a 3D effect

The photo shows a unique version of the loft-style bedroom, decorated not only with concrete-styled surfaces that give a brutal color, but also with soft dark gray wall panels.

Glass: a brilliant choice in favor of crystal

Glass panels for walls are made from different types of materials: acrylic, tempered, etc. Most often, such decor finds its place near the kitchen or dining area, as well as in bathrooms. The fact is that the material itself is not afraid of temperature changes, and at the same time it is easy to clean. Of course, one cannot ignore the fact that the crystal brilliance from the play of relief panels looks stunning, indicating the prestige of the area where tiles or skinals flaunt. Wall elements can be even more amazing if they have some kind of mother-of-pearl backing or are decorated with sandblasted ornaments. Details with real semi-precious stones look especially elite. Glass panels are great for such areas: neoclassicism, hi-tech, loft and other modern interior styles.

Tip! To achieve the best effect from 3D glass panels, you need to complete them with special lighting, expressed in the form of spotlights or LED-lamps.

Glass wall panels in the form of rhombuses with a mirror shine successfully emphasize the gloss of a bathroom in an elite country mansion

The white-gray glass wall panel in the form of a set apron fits amazingly into the classic kitchen interior: here is the beauty of the shine and the practicality of the material itself, from which the skinal is made

Metal, cork and bamboo – rare decorative panels

Cork or bamboo decorative panels are considered rare in modern interiors. However, it is they who add exclusivity and high cost to high-end design projects. Especially good together with ethnic, ecological or eclectic style.

It has become very fashionable to furnish the rooms in the house with aluminum wall panels, which are perfectly combined with other metal parts, such as furniture legs or handles. This option is suitable for many modern styles, including loft, industrial, hi-tech, functionalism, neoclassicism, minimalism, brutalism, etc.

The photo shows a luxurious design project for the elevator lobby of a country house in gray tones; the most outlandish element of the room can be considered aluminum 3D panels with a mirror finish

Wood and resin boards can be pretty too

Particle boards and fibreboards can also be used in decorative finishes, if they are laminated on the facing side, covered with rich fabric (the skin of some wild python), or covered with some exotic material: seashells, mother-of-pearl, stone veneer, etc.

Wall panels made of polymers (such as PVC) will be a chic companion for damp rooms or rooms in a modern style, as they do not deform from water, retaining their original appearance, and can also be a rather complex structure, which is easiest to make from artificial material . And if before the plastic decor did not look the best, now you can find really worthy finishing materials.

View project : Interior of the house “Barvikha-2” .

Polymer wall panels look extremely interesting in a bedroom of this type, when it is necessary to perform surface finishing in a complex detailed format, adhering, first of all, to a modern style.

Please note that in our architectural and design office you can order the interior design of the apartment. A team of professional designers will fulfill your every desire!

Examples of decorative panels in the rooms of the house from leading interior designers

Hall

Wall panels in a noble warm brown color in the hall are an impeccable companion of a real classic interior in a large country house

Living room

Flawlessly combined solid wood wall panels in light pastel colors perfectly complement the modern classic interior of the living room, given its design diversity of all components of the project.

Kitchen

Luxurious version of the skinali yellow-brown color near the headset; decorative panel on the wall is made of natural stone veneer with a natural natural pattern that fits so well with the eclectic design of the kitchen with a classic finish

Bedroom

The natural dark brown wood finish in the bedroom on the roof of a country house is uniquely done with decorative wall panels with a three-dimensional effect achieved by internally illuminating some details.

The photo shows an unsurpassed modern bedroom interior with floor-to-ceiling windows, made using sophisticated design techniques, in which wall panels from different materials are simultaneously connected: fabric, stone and polymer

Children’s girls

The classic interior often looks very gallant, dignified and mature; to make the design of the children’s room more cozy and cute, rather than strict, it was decorated with soft white decorative panels in neat beige polka dots

Boy’s nursery

A spacious, nautical-themed boy’s bedroom is dignified with wall-to-wall wall panels that represent an oceanic composition with a lighthouse, a submarine, and a giant octopus.

Bathroom

Decorative panels made of artificial material with a 3D effect made the bathroom more non-standard and attractive in appearance.

Decorative panels in gray natural stone really added variety to the modern style bathroom, given the picturesque view from the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that provide plenty of natural light.

Cabinet

The decorative wall panel is presented in the form of a picturesque panel depicting snow-capped mountains and taiga trees: the picture makes the office less strict, giving a cheerful mood

Wall panels in interior design

For those who are going to update the interior of their apartment, information about what finishing material to choose for the walls will come in handy. In addition to the standard options (wallpaper and simple painting), there is an interesting and rather bold one – wall panels. They have long been part of office and public spaces, now they are zealously used as a facing material for walls in residential buildings (private houses, apartments). They, like wallpapers, differ in:

• size;
• uniform;
• material;
• fastening method;
• functions performed.

Wall panels in the interior are a great way to disguise problem areas of walls and radically change the design of a room.

Modern room design with wall panel

Apartment interior with wall panel

Original room design using wall panels

Contents

• 1 Advantages of wall panels
• 2 Variety of decorative wall panels with photo
• 3 Embossed 3d wall panels
• 4 Soft panels for creative interior
• 5 PVC panels: types and features of the interior 9006 rooms 9005 installations
• 7 External texture of MDF wall panels
• 8 Use of decorative wall panels in the interior
• 9 Video: Wall panels in the interior
• 10 50 photo examples of wall panels in the interior:
  • 10. 1 See also

Advantages of wall panels

The material for wall decoration must meet all the requirements. Advantages of panels among other options:

• no need to prepare the walls for installation;
• thanks to the panels, the walls acquire a perfectly flat surface without the use of plaster;
• improves heat and sound insulation of the room;
• ease of installation of panels saves time;
• are characterized as wear-resistant and durable material;
• under the panels you can hide wires, pipes; install embedded equipment;
• a wide range of colors, textures and materials will allow you to choose panels that match the taste of the residents and the style of the room.

See also Wall decor – a paper fan with your own hands

A variety of decorative wall panels with photo

Panels differ in shape, have characteristic properties, are used in a particular room, perform certain functions. Forms are divided into three groups.

1. Slatted panels are long planks made from PVC, fiberboard, chipboard, MDF. Often fastened in rooms with many angles, in small rooms. Light panels are able to visually correct the space of a small room (kitchen, bathroom, hallway, balcony). The horizontal arrangement of the planks will stretch the walls, and the vertical arrangement will visually raise the ceiling of the room. Wall panels of this form are easy to install, fastened with brackets or self-tapping screws to an aluminum or wooden crate.
2. Tiled panels – square from 30 cm to 1 m. Attached with steel fixing plates or adhesive. If you arrange the wall panels on the plane in different ways, then you will get interesting options for wall decoration. When the plates are located at different angles and at several levels, you can get the original interior design of the room. The final touch will be built-in lighting between the levels.
3. Sheet wall panels – the largest in size (1. 22 by 2.44 m, thickness – 3 cm), most often made of PVC and fiberboard. They form a multi-level structure with a printed pattern, texture that imitates other finishing materials (wood, stone, brick) or a combination of them. The panels are fixed with glue, the seams formed between them are filled with moldings.

   Room design with wall panel

   Interior wall panels

Species	Material	Benefits	Defects
Wood panels	Oak, cedar, maple, alder, walnut, pine	Eco-friendly material; Ennobles the interior; Compatible with other cladding materials	Does not tolerate moisture; High cost
MDF – panels	High temperature compacted waste wood	Have sound and heat insulating properties; Can be made moisture resistant, fireproof; Easy care	Not recommended for use in the kitchen or bathroom
fiberboard – panels	Wood fibers compressed at 180-200 C	Wide range of colors and textures	Low moisture resistance
chipboard – panels	Formaldehyde-impregnated sawdust and shavings	Large selection veneered panels, plastic	Harmful to humans and the environment; Cannot tolerate high humidity; Installation difficulties
Bamboo panels	Bamboo board	Easy to install; Withstand changes in humidity; Vapor permeable; Universal; Acceptable price	Cannot withstand severe mechanical damage
Gypsum vinyl panels	Vinyl coated drywall	Strong, durable; Compatible with other finishes	Insufficient moisture resistance; Not all products are suitable for cleaning
Glass panels	Tempered glass	Resistant to external environmental influences and moisture; Serve as a solid base for creating patterns	Do not clean with products containing abrasives; Difficulty in cleaning the surface in the form of streaks and stains; Exposure to direct sunlight will ruin the pattern on the panels over time
Stone veneer	Cut stone	Environmentally friendly and safe material; Rugged and reliable; Adapts to any surface shape	High cost
Soft panels	Leather, textile	Easy care; Resistant to moisture, sunlight and temperature changes; Sound insulation	Frequent cleaning required; In case of any damage, the whole panel is replaced

The following types of panels deserve special attention. Some of them appeared relatively recently, differ from the previous ones in their originality and creativity.

Modern room design with wall panel

Apartment interior with wall panel

Original room design using wall panels

See also The use of stencils in the interior: photos, varieties

Embossed 3d wall panels

The cladding material has a 3-layer effect, has a three-layer structure. The basis of such panels is usually MDF, fiberboard, drywall. Due to the processing with enamel and PVC film, they are characterized as a durable and strong material.

At first, 3d panels were used only for wall decoration, but now, thanks to the abundance of colors, textures and patterns, they are attracted to the design of ceilings, decorating the head of the bed, contrasting walls. They help to effectively divide the room into zones.

Important! An indelible impression will be made by the interior of the room with 3d panels illuminated by floor, wall or ceiling lamps.

Room design with wall panel

Interior wall panels

See alsoDecorate a chest of drawers with your own hands

Soft panels for a creative interior

With the help of soft panels you can create a luxurious interior in the apartment. They are divided by material, geometric dimensions, pattern.

1. Material

• The fabric is the most affordable type of upholstery: elastic, does not sag during prolonged use. The disadvantage is the inconvenience when cleaning the panels.
• Leatherette. Its cost is higher than textile, but it looks luxurious and does not cause difficulties in cleaning.
• Faux suede – pleasant to the touch. Helps bring the most creative design ideas to life.

2. Size

Modern room design with wall panel

Apartment interior with wall panel

Original room design using wall panels

• Small – seemingly small slabs from 40 cm to 1 m. During installation, the seams are closed with decorative overlays.
• Large panels. With one or more slabs, you can cover the entire wall.

3. Drawing

• All kinds of diamonds, squares, circles, triangles, carriage tie.
• Creativity of a designer decides a lot.

Panels can be used several times after being removed. They will significantly transform the apartment and create an atmosphere of fairy tale and magic. Any interior style will be emphasized.

Room design with wall panel

Interior wall panels

See also DIY storage box decor

PVC panels: varieties and features

Polyvinyl chloride has been used as a facing material for exterior and interior walls in public, industrial and residential buildings for more than 20 years. Due to their versatility, practicality and reasonable price, they quickly conquered consumers.

Differ in:				Advantages	Defects
Vidam	Description	Coated	Description
Lining	A set of slatted panels, length 3 m, width 10 cm. More popular “European” with a wide lock. Fasten to the crate or directly to the wall. Usually done in white.	Matte	Without any coating	Possess such qualities: moisture resistance, heat resistance, wear resistance, durability	Man-made material
				Wide range of colors and patterns
Panels	The usual length is 25 cm. They differ from other types by an inconspicuous seam after assembly. Surface to be painted, varnished or thermal film applied	Glossy	Can be coated with one or more coats of gloss varnish	Easy care	Prolonged heating releases toxic substances
				Imitation of different textures
Sheets	Width of sheets 80 cm – 2 m, length – 1.5 – 4 m. Glued directly to the wall surface. Sheet panels are rarely used because surface preparation is tedious	Drawings	Applied with thermal film	Easy to install	Fading, turning yellow when exposed to direct sunlight
		Pictures of	Offset printing applied
Tile	Produced in the form of a square, 30 by 30 or 1 by 1 m in size. They are attached in the same way as lining. Mosaic or pattern available	Colored	Dyed during the production of the material itself by adding paint	Resistant to fungus, mold	Easily deformed by point impacts

Modern room design with wall panel

Apartment interior with wall panel

Original room design using wall panels

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PVC panels in the interior of rooms: installation locations

PVC panels are vapor-tight, so it is recommended to use them only in the bathroom, kitchen and hallway, balcony and loggia.

Kitchen. The material is well suited as aprons of the working area, due to moisture resistance, ease of care and variation in decorative design depending on the style of the interior.

Bathroom, toilet. Panels can be mounted on walls, ceilings and decorative screen devices under the sink. PVC in the bathroom is a good choice of finish, because of the ability to not absorb moisture and prevent mold.

Room design with wall panel

Interior wall panels

Balcony, loggia. Well suited for ennoblement of these premises without high costs. Combined with other types of finishes, with plastic window frames.

Corridor, entrance hall. It is advisable to use plastic as a finish in these rooms. They are more likely to be polluted, and thanks to PVC, cleaning will be a pleasure.

Modern room design with wall panel

Apartment interior with wall panel

Original room design using wall panels

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External texture of MDF wall panels

The front surface of the facing material is decorated with several types that are used for a particular room and perform specific functions.

1. Veneer. The panels are very similar, due to the texture and color, with natural wood. They are lined with 3 mm layers of real wood.
2. Laminated. A PVC film is applied to the surface. Compared to other types, this one has an extensive selection of colors, shades, patterns and textures. This finish gives the room solidity.
3. Photo printing. All kinds of images are applied to the surface of the panels and fixed with a water-repellent varnish. So that the pattern does not fade over time.
4. Painted. With the help of special paints, the material is given one or another color. The paint is able to smooth out any unevenness and give the panels an elegant look.

Room design with wall panel

Interior wall panels

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Using decorative wall panels in the interior

When choosing a finishing material, you need to know where and how it can be used. Any factor affects the perception of the interior of the room, the atmosphere in the apartment, the mood, well-being and health of its inhabitants.

• Wooden panels are installed in rooms with low humidity: living room, bedroom, children’s room. With their help, you can create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort.
• Fiberboard combines the warmth of nature and the evolution of modern technology. It is also recommended to mount in corridors, hallways, living rooms or bedrooms where there is no high humidity.
• Plasterboard panels combine with mirrored surfaces and create an inimitable look in the living room or bedroom. Thanks to gypsum and gold moldings, you can create an exquisite classic-style interior.
• Soft finish is appropriate in offices, bedrooms (creates an imitation of a palace), children’s rooms – it serves as a safe cover.
• Bamboo wall decoration can immerse you in a rustic country style and decorate the interior in ethnic and African style.
• Glass panels have proven to be the ideal cover for backsplashes in the kitchen. A variety of drawings and “live” paintings create a comfortable and pleasant environment.

See also The choice of decorative plaster – a smart decision

Video: Interior wall panels

See alsoDecorative brick in the interior: we select the style

50 photo examples of wall panels in the interior:

See also Paper window decorations for the New Year 2023. Stencils, original and traditional decor

types, how to choose, ideas for interiors

Wall decoration is the most important step in the process of creating a beautiful interior. Among the wide variety of materials that are used in this task, wall panels for interior decoration occupy a special place. This type of cladding allows you to transform any room in a matter of hours, while avoiding construction dust, dirt and chemical odors that invariably accompany painting, wallpapering or applying decorative plaster. The high aesthetics and durability of the panels makes them a very attractive design option and makes it possible to embody any artistic ideas in the environment.

What are wall panels?

Interior wall paneling is a sheet cladding material that is usually attached to a batten of wood or metal battens. Elements are joined end-to-end or overlapped, according to the tenon-groove pattern. This type of installation easily hides the initial imperfections of the surface – the wall does not even have to be plastered, but in return you will have to sacrifice a few centimeters of room space. Some types of plates are glued to the base with special adhesives.

The range of decorative wall panels is very wide: many colors, textures, reliefs, including three-dimensional 3D drawings and patterns. Properly selected option gives the interior a modern and original look, favorably emphasizing one or another part of the room. Panels look best in combination with other types of finishes – wallpaper complementary in shades and texture, plain coloring, brickwork.

Types of wall panels, their pros and cons

For the production of wall modules, modern technologies and many types of raw materials are actively used. Wood, bamboo stalks, gypsum, cellulose, cork, leather and fabric are eco-friendly floorings that can be recommended for use in living rooms – the living room, bedroom or nursery, but polyurethane (PVC) panels are more suitable for decorating the corridor, kitchen and bathroom .

solid wood wall panels are highly valued for their respectable appearance, strength and excellent thermal insulation properties. As a completely natural material, wood passes air and moisture well, providing natural ventilation and creating a healthy microclimate in the room. The disadvantage of such a finish may be only the high cost, but the numerous advantages fully justify all the costs.

Panels made of MDF are almost equal in quality to boards and even surpass them, since they are more resistant to moisture and do not deform over time. However, a beautiful cut pattern in this case will not be real, but obtained by veneering, which somewhat reduces the elitism of the finish. From the point of view of ecology, fine-dispersion boards are absolutely safe, as they do not contain harmful resins.

chipboard panels are affordable due to their low cost and wide range of exterior finishes, but they emit formaldehyde that is harmful to health. Particle blocks are very afraid of moisture, so in the immediate vicinity of the walls they can quickly swell and lose their aesthetics.

MDF boards are thin, light and inexpensive. If necessary, the sheet is very easy to cut with a clerical knife, and ordinary glue will be enough to fasten it to the wall. The wrong side of this material is rough, the front side in the case of wall decoration is laminated with a film with some kind of pattern or texture. Fibreboards quickly bend and soak when exposed to high humidity.

gypsum boards have a high density and weight. Due to the increased fragility, they should be handled with care. The plasticity of gypsum allows you to create unusual reliefs and three-dimensional 3D effects. Heavy blocks are attached to the walls mainly with glue, since any other fastening can simply destroy the integrity of the modules.

Bamboo panels harmoniously fit into exotic design trends – Japanese, African, Hawaiian, although nothing prevents them from making them the highlight of modern minimalism. As a rule, these slabs consist of dried bamboo stalks fastened together and glued to a fabric base. Natural material comes in various thicknesses and shades, and its strength, environmental friendliness and moisture resistance make it the best wall covering in any room.

Upholstered panels are made in the same way as, for example, headboards. A padding is laid on the base of fiberboard or plywood – a thin layer of foam rubber, synthetic winterizer or felt, which is then sheathed with fabric or leather (sometimes leatherette).

In the interior, such solutions look unusually original and expensive. However, a soft stove usually decorates only one area in the room – the area behind the bed or the wall above the sofa in the living room. This type of finish looks very appropriate in a lounge cafe and other places for evening relaxation.

Plastic (polyurethane, vinyl, PVC) panels is one of the most inexpensive and versatile wall cladding materials. The simplicity of drawing a picture on the front side of these plates gives a huge scope for the implementation of all design ideas. Plastic is most resistant to humidity, temperature extremes and mechanical damage, but with all its positive qualities, it can create a greenhouse effect in rooms, preventing normal air circulation.

Wall panel construction types

According to the type of construction, wall panels are slatted, tiled and sheet. The first two varieties look a bit monotonous, since they consist of interchangeable typesetting blocks that fill the surface of the walls. Sheet ones are presented in a wide variety of design options, so they can be a good addition to the most sophisticated interiors.

Slatted panels are made up of planks 2 to 4 m long, 12–30 cm wide and up to 10–12 mm thick. They are mounted on the crate using the thorn-groove system, and look like an ordinary wooden lining (although they can also be made from other materials).

The tiles are reminiscent of kitchen or bathroom ceramic tiles. More often, these are square blocks ranging in size from 30 to 100 cm, which are attached to the wall with glue, and are snapped between each other with grooves. With their help, you can create both plain coatings and all kinds of chess, patchwork, mosaics.

Sheet panels can be made in the form of connected elements (as a puzzle or wallpaper) or represent one complete picture. The dimensions of such plates are different, so you can always choose the right size for a particular room.

How to choose wall panels

In addition to the aesthetic properties, which are usually a determining factor when buying decorative wall tiles, it is also important to consider their performance characteristics. In particular, the level of toxicity, flammability, combustibility and smoke formation are considered significant parameters. Natural materials are the safest for health – wood, bamboo, glass, gypsum, but great care should be taken with polyurethane, vinyl and soft-filled structures.

If the finish will consist of a certain number of elements, it is advisable to purchase a set from the same batch or series, it is possible with a margin, as slight differences in shades or patterns sometimes appear in different editions.

The reputation of a store and manufacturer can tell a lot about the quality of a product, so it never hurts to read online reviews or take other people’s experiences into account. The material itself, even before its acquisition, must be inspected for chips, scratches, swelling, and contamination. Joints and fasteners should ideally fit each other, and the patterns on them should match in lines and colors.

Wall panels for interior decoration – photo

Below on this page is a collection of photos with examples of the use of different types of decorative plates in interior design. Numerous images will help you decide which wall panels for interior decoration are suitable for a particular room, whether to use them, and if so, how exactly. We wish you pleasant viewing and inspiration for the implementation of the most creative design projects!

Wall panels in the interior | Porte Richi

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We tell you what problems in the interior wall panels will help to solve. We share tips on how to fit wall panels into your interior in any style.

#wall panels

#interior doors

#entrance doors

#design

Panels are used for wall cladding instead of wallpaper or paint. They hide wall defects and add accent to interior design. Wall paneling looks aesthetically pleasing and fits equally well into modern and classic interiors.

What problems in the interior can be solved by wall panels

1

Defects and uneven walls. Walls with bulges, slopes and through holes are a common problem for apartments in the secondary market, especially Khrushchevs.

The paint on such walls falls unevenly, the color is uneven. And wallpapering turns into a real quest: due to the fact that the wall goes downhill, it is difficult to draw a neat drawing, and wallpaper consumption increases.

The solution to the problem is wall paneling. You don’t have to join the pattern, as when pasting wallpaper, so after the repair there will be almost no waste left. Irregularities, chips and through holes on the walls do not need to be removed: they will not be visible behind the panel.

Volumetric wall panel with baffles visually levels walls

2

Wires visible. Wires from household appliances are striking in the interior. They also get confused, interfere and can be dangerous for children and animals.

Fasten the wires to the wall before installing the panels. The panels are not installed close to the wall, leaving an air gap. This place is just enough to hide everything that spoils the look of the interior.

3

Poor sound insulation. Thin walls are a common problem in apartments in high-rise buildings. Because of this, the sounds of the working TV in the living room are heard in the bedroom. Or a child in the nursery wakes up from the noise from the next room.

The panels will not solve the problem completely, but they will help improve the situation. The air gap between the wall and the panels softens the sounds from neighboring rooms and apartments, thereby increasing sound insulation.

Wall panels between dining room and bedroom. Loud noises from the canteen will not interfere with sleep

Finishing materials for wall panels

The base of the panel is made of MDF, wood or chipboard. Veneer, eco-veneer or enamel is applied to the base. Topped with a layer of decorative varnish that protects the finish from damage. The material will not wear out over time, scratch or fade even in direct sunlight.

1

Veneer – a thin cut of natural wood. For panels choose American walnut, ash, wenge, olive, eucalyptus, sucupira. Dark shades are suitable for a hallway or office, light ones for a bedroom or living room.

A layer of decorative varnish emphasizes the structure of the wood and protects the finish from damage.

High interior doors with walnut veneered wall panels – study option

2

Ecoveneer – polypropylene or PVC film with a wood or paint texture. The material does not fade in the sun and does not absorb moisture.

Eco-veneer is resistant to scratches, so it is suitable for a house or apartment with pets.

Invisible door with wall panels in eco-veneer looks harmoniously with slatted panel

3

Enamel is a finish of polymer additives, resins and colorants. All components form a film that protects the surface from damage. The finish is strong and durable. A layer of decorative varnish additionally protects against chips and cracks.

For wall panels, Italian enamel is used, which does not fade in the sun. For example, white enamel does not turn yellow over time.

Doors with enamel panels can be painted in any color from the RAL Classic palette. Among 196 colors you will find the right shade for your interior.

Enamelled panels look harmonious in classic and modern interiors.

Interior doors with enameled wall panels look like a single unit

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Veneer and enamel is a finishing material that combines the properties of two materials at once. Ash veneer is responsible for aesthetics. This is a light, almost white, tree with bright annual rings. But ash is soft, it needs reliable protection from household damage. Enamel copes with this task.

One or two layers of enamel are applied to the veneer. Enamel performs not only a protective function, but also an aesthetic one. With one layer, you get an open-pore veneer – a surface with a slight sheen and a clearly traced wood pattern. Two layers form a closed-pore veneer – the wood pattern is less visible, but the enamel color is deeper.

Wall panels with enamel veneer will fit into a neoclassical interior. The solution is also suitable for a modern interior, for example, in a Scandinavian style.

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Gloss is lacquered veneer or enamel. To get a glossy panel, 5-7 layers of colorless Italian varnish are applied to the base. Each layer is allowed to dry, carefully polished, then the next one is applied. The peculiarity of the gloss is a pronounced gloss and a mirror surface.

How to use wall panels in the interior

Install the concealed door and wall panels in the same finish. This will help emphasize the minimalist interior.

Invisible door visually disappears into the wall thanks to the finish

Doors in the same finish as wall panels emphasize the minimalist style

Complete the lower third of the wall with panels. This solution is also called “Winscott”. In combination with a door in the same finish, it will support the classic style of the interior.

Interior model LSH 40 in enamel, completed with wall panels. Similar design of the door and panels with infill accentuates the classic style

The front door for the apartment “Sofia” is similar in color and shape to the wall panels. Hallway in a classic style looks harmonious

Panel the wall with the door. Such a decision will emphasize the conciseness and harmony of the interior.

Concealed door with wall panels in sucupira veneer for modern interiors

Interior door LSH18 with wall panels

Watch a video review of an interior door with wall panels

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Panel the wall. It will become an accent in the interior.

The same finish of B4 interior doors and wall panels visually connects them in the interior

Entrance door for the apartment “Step” in the interior in Art Nouveau style. The panel on the adjacent wall brings coziness and dilutes the color scheme of the hallway

Complete your front door with wall panels from the outside. Such a decision will highlight the facade of the house.

The front door for the Husky Pro house is completed with baffle panels – wooden slats

Entrance door for apartment “Martina” with wall panels

Watch a video review of the entrance door with wall panels instead of architraves

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Highlight the interior door – use wall panels instead of trim. Cover any area around the door with panels. Such a solution visually enlarges the opening and draws attention to it.

Interior door LSH16 in enamel with panels and frosted glass visually raises the ceiling thanks to vertical lines

Concealed door with veneered wall panels adds warmth and comfort to your home

Interior door LSH16 in enamel with panels instead of architraves. The milling of the web continues smoothly on the panels.

Come to Porte Rici branded showrooms and evaluate samples of doors with wall panels live.
We will produce wall panels and doors for your interior. Our managers will tell you more about the solution and write it down for measurement.

How to hide interior doors: four solutions

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How to care for interior and exterior doors

The use of MDF wall panels in interior design

Wall panels as interior decoration are becoming more and more common among designers around the world. Today, a variety of textures and textures of MDF panels allows you to create a unique home environment in affordable ways.

What are MDF wall panels in the interior and what are they? Due to this structure, the panels can be given any shape, even rounded. The panels are widely used:

• as an alternative to paint, wallpaper and plaster;
• when wear-resistant vandal-resistant material is needed;
• for masking numerous wall defects;
• for faster finishing of large surfaces.

Design: Akant Interiors

Project author: Elena Sidorina

Author of the project: Marina Filippova

Project author: Svetlana Dikushina

Project author: Tatyana Alenina

Types of MDF boards

• Veneered MDF board : a great alternative to natural wood, looks very noble. Suitable for both large volume use and accents.

Project author: Anna Gutsalova

Author of the project: Max Kasymov

Project author: Anna Kovalchuk

Authors of the project: Eugene and Maria Latyshev

Project author: Svetlana Dikushina

Author of the project: Max Kasymov

• laminated panel : the top layer not only protects the board from moisture, but also allows you to experiment with designs. It is laminated panels that can imitate wood, stone, brick and other textures.

Design: So Bytie

Authors of the project: Maxim and Evgenia Konstantinov

Author of the project: Olga Pogorelova

• 3D panel : this is a type of laminated panel, a three-dimensional pattern is created on the base by repeatedly painting the panels to create relief, and then laminating them.

Design: GM Interior

• lacquered panel : paint formulations give MDF sheets a glossy or matt finish, which is much appreciated by designers. With the help of plain panels, you can create different visual effects.

Design: Sweet home

Project author: Elena Gorenstein

Author of the project: Olga Kolesnik

Project author: Elina Musakulova

Advantages and disadvantages of panels

The popularity of MDF panels is due to a number of reasons:

• they are very durable: there is no air between the fibers of the plate, so they do not crack – this is a big plus for wall decoration in new buildings.
• panels are easy to process: it is easy to cut out any shapes from MDF, create different three-dimensional surfaces that can only be in your fantasies.
• panels are installed without noise and almost without dust. This finish is convenient to use if you are doing repairs only in this room.
• panels do not require additional painting and processing.
• panels provide additional sound and heat insulation. Great option if you have noisy neighbors.
• low cost. Especially when compared to natural wood panels.

Design: Taupe Home

Design: Zeworkroomstudio

Among the disadvantages are:

• not very good moisture resistance. In the bathroom, it is better to refrain from using MDF.
• increased flammability.

Project author: Alexandra Hartke

How to use MDF panels in the interior of different rooms

In fact, the panels can be placed in any room of your apartment or house. Consider the most popular options.

MDF panels in the interior of the living room

Emphasis on TV

Some designers prefer to mask the TV, but some pros, on the contrary, suggest focusing on it. For example, with the help of finishing with wall panels – veneered or with wood texture.

Design: So Bytie

Design: Alena Shishkina

Design: Alexandra Hartke

Project author: Svetlana Dikushina

Isolation of the functional area

Most living rooms combine several functions: one of the ways to isolate them without building additional partitions is to decorate part of the wall with panels. It could be a reading nook or a home office.

Design: Design Philosophy

Design: Taupe Home

Design: GM Interior

Project author: Kirill Ponomarenko

Basic decoration of one of the walls

If your task is to make the interior more effective and interesting without bright colors and complex accents, embossed wall panels are what you need. They delicately focus attention on themselves, but will not distract attention from other pieces of furniture and decor.

Design: Kameleono

Design: Kohlrabi

Project author: Irina Khalezova

Protecting the bottom of the wall

MDF panels can help if you need to make the bottom of the wall stronger. This is especially true for interiors where pets and children live. The panels can be washed and even painted if necessary. Plain panels at the bottom of the walls go well with printed wallpaper, decorative bricks and stucco.

Project author: Elena Drobotova

Project author: Elina Musakulova

Ideas for using panels in the bedroom

Emphasis on the wall at the head of the bed

MDF panels in the interior of the bedroom are most often mounted on the wall behind the bed – an interesting replacement for the usual wallpaper and paint. Such a finish will best fit into a modern minimalist interior – take a closer look at interesting 3D textures and wood-like panels.

Design: Icon

Design: So Bytie

Authors of the project: Eugene and Maria Latyshev

Project author: Elena Sidorina

Author of the project: Nika Vorotyntseva

Combination of materials

Wall panels look harmonious in combination with a mirror sheet located in a strip under the ceiling or behind the bedside tables. Mirrors reflect light and the interior and make the space airier and more voluminous.

Project author: Julia Grabko

Project author: Mikhail Novinsky

Creating a textured surface for an accent

If the room has protruding architectural elements, decorative fireplaces or TV niches, it is interesting to decorate them with panels – this way they turn into an accent.

Project author: Irina Khalezova

MDF panels in the interior of the nursery

Separation of the play area

Wall panels are great for wall and ceiling surfaces where a lot of child activity is guaranteed. For example, in the zone of a game or sports corner. Use colored panels or woodgrain to protect the walls from warping and give the room a harmonious look.

Design: Mooi

Design: MOPS

Accent color

In the nursery, you can freely experiment with colors. If you do not want to repaint the walls entirely, you can stop at one or two accents. And wall panels are perfect for this.

Design: Bilbao Design

Author of the project: Olga Pogorelova

Entrance decoration

Wall protection

The anteroom is a walk-through area and is most exposed to the load on the walls. The area for hooks with clothes becomes unusable the fastest. You can protect it with the help of MDF panels in the interior of the hallway.

Project author: Tatyana Alenina

Design: IVA

Door masking

Most of the doors and cabinet fronts are concentrated in the entrance area. To make the space look unified and harmonious, some of them can be masked and the panels will help with this.

Project author: Inna Velichko

Project author: Anna Kovalchuk

Wall decor

MDF panels in the hallway decoration may not have a practical function, but simply be a tool for decorating the space. Volumetric textures are best suited for this.

Design: Alena Shishkina

85 photos of original and stylish panels for various stylesDecoration and interior design

Decor and interior design > Site map > Bedrooms > Bedroom panels – the best decorative panels and stylish wall decoration (85 photos)

decorating the room. They are easy to install and have high performance properties. There are wall panels on the market in a wide variety of colors and textures. The panels themselves can be made from various materials.

Advantages of wall panels in the bedroom

Decorative panels for the bedroom have a number of positive qualities:

• no pre-preparation of the walls is necessary. Often they do not even need to be leveled;
• cavity panels can be used to mask wires and cables;
• durability;
• ease of installation;
• additional sound insulation and thermal insulation of the room;
• easy replacement of one or more panels in case of damage.

On the photo of wall panels in the bedroom you can see different variations of such materials. They can be used both for finishing all walls and creating a variety of decorative elements. A wide selection of wall panels allows you to choose the best models for any style of interior.

Types of wall panels

There are many types of wall panels. These can be soft panels made of textiles, or dense products made of gypsum or plastic. When choosing panels, you should take into account the material of the walls and the particular style of the room.

Plastic

One of the most affordable options. Differ in high moisture resistance. They are rarely used in bedrooms, since plastic is not an environmentally friendly material, and moisture resistance is not a key requirement for this room.

Modern plastic does not support combustion and has a long service life. In bedrooms, plastic panels are usually used to construct various decorative structures.

3D Panels

Three-dimensional design that creates an attractive 3D effect on walls. Often used in bedrooms to create unique decorative designs.

The texture of the 3D panel can be painted in any glossy or matte shade. As a rule, products have an acrylic coating. There are also panels finished with veneer.

Gypsum

They are distinguished by increased strength and a high level of sound insulation. They have a small mass, but they look massive, which makes the interior more elite and luxurious. They can imitate various natural materials – stone, wood, etc. Gypsum panels allow you to create the effect of stucco and similar architectural solutions.

Wooden

The best solution for the bedroom thanks to the environmentally friendly wood. The panels are coated with a special agent (wax or varnish) that protects the wood from moisture, mechanical damage and other negative influences.

Wood paneling is perfect for classic or Scandinavian style bedrooms.

One of the varieties of wood are bamboo panels. Differ in good thermal insulation and moisture protection.

This category also includes cork wall panels. They have an original texture and a unique pattern. The advantages of cork are good thermal insulation, sound insulation and breathability.

Veneered

They look like solid wood, so they look very elite. They are panels made of chipboard or MDF, on which natural wood is applied in a thin layer. An excellent solution for bedrooms decorated in a classic style.

Fibreboard, chipboard or MDF

Inexpensive panels made from wood derivatives. They are distinguished by ease of installation, a wide variety of patterns and the possibility of combining colors. They are fastened with special adhesives or clasps. They can imitate the texture of any tree species.

MDF panels are considered to be the most reliable and high-quality ones, since this material surpasses chipboard and fiberboard in almost all operational characteristics.

Soft

Soft bedroom wall panels are made from textile materials, artificial or natural leather, felt. Inside the panel there is a special filler, usually represented by synthetic winterizer or foam rubber.

Have good soundproofing effect. Such panels often decorate only part of the wall, creating an original visual effect.

Wall panel designs

Wall panels can be made in almost any color, shape, texture and texture. This allows you to choose the perfect products for any interior and create original design solutions. There are several main design options:

• imitating brick;
• under a tree;
• with embossed surface;
• with various patterns.

Wall panels in the interior of the bedroom

Fabric panels are an excellent option for the bedroom. They will look great over the head of the bed. Such panels will give an atmosphere of calm and tranquility, contribute to relaxation and rest.