8 wall panelling ideas for your home.

Panelling… it’s EVERYWHERE and as an Interior Designer I’m often asked what would be a good way to add character to your home, particularly those pesky new builds or the all new extention to your period home. Well, panelling could be your friend here as honestly, there’s a style to suit and delight all tastes from county cottage to period home grandeur all the way to a modern scandi look. So, let me take you on a journey of discovery of different panelling styles, I just know there’ll be one for you in there. Make sure you read to the end to see the panelling FAQ’s I’m most asked about.

1. Wooden Mouldings.

A neutral pinky lounge with wall mouldings.

Wooden mouldings are an inexpensive way to add a panelling detail to your walls. They can be picked up at most DIY stores and I’ve linked some here which I’ve used in my own home. This style really gives that feeling of warmth and grandeur and looks excellent in period properties with tall ceilings. There’s usually a bit of maths involved in working out where to put it but as long as you use even spacing between them and mark it out on the wall first you can’t really go wrong. The moulding can be glued on with adhesive and the painted to match the wall colour underneath with artwork placed centrally.

2. Scandi inspired

What could be more perfect than a scandi inspired bedroom with wooden slatted feature panelling. Imagine waking up in a calming, neutral space with soft linens, muted colours and natural materials in the form of these slatted panels. Here it’s been used behind the bed as a headboard or it can be used elsewhere in the room to make a feature of a wall or part of one. What also works really well to add maximum impact to your decor scheme is to paint the panels in a colour of your choice this could be a quick update to existing panels or a planned out and executed frome the start.

3. 3/4 wall panelling

This 3/4 up the wall panelling is still super popular and what started in 1930’s hallways has now extended in to lounges, bedrooms and dining rooms. What will make this really pop is painting it all one colour from the skirting, across the panels and up to the ceiling (you could even go over the ceiling of you’re feeling extra brave!) Adding this detail to a wall takes it from being boring, flat and uninteresting to a bold statement. The addition of the panelling adds areas of light and shade across what would have been a flat wall and this light and shade causes variences in the tone of the colour therefore, adding interest. Now don’t you go saying I never teach you anything!

4. Rustic Wooden Panelling

For a touch of beach house style you could clad a wall in wider, bare planks adding that textural interest. Whether you plan to clad your walls in reclaimed timber boards or new wood doing this will elevate the decor scheme and take that plain boring wall to the next level. Coupling this with other natural materials such as a stone floor and white washed walls will give the home an architectural delight.

5. Square panelling.

This one is such an all rounder and looks good most eras of house. It can make a striking feature behind a bed or sofa. You could even make this shape of panelling into a headboard and paint it a different colour to give the impression of a headboard. You can really play with scale here and create something fun and interesting.

The dark and moody tone on the wall here pairs beautifully with the rustic, reclaimed floorboards and vintage furniture giving a relaxed stately home feel to this bedroom come office.

6. Add a peg rail

Adding a peg rail to your panelling shoe horns in some extra storage for all your little bits and bobs. Add some natural wicker/rattan baskets and bags and you can just chuck keys, sunglasses and other small bits away. These peg rails are becoming increasingly popular in boot and utility rooms where we want functional things hidden and put away whilst still having a pretty space to come home to.

7. Panelling instead of tiles

Just make sure your chosen panels are moisture resistant and the correct type for use in a bathroom!! They can then be painted in a suitable bathroom paint and voila you got yourself a lovely splashback. I’d probably beware putting this in a kids bathroom but totally safe for your own grown up sanctury. To up the spa at home experience I’d definitely be adding some lush handwashes and moisturisers, scented candles and fluffy white tiles to finish the room.

8. Panelling FAQ’s

Is panelling hard to DIY?

Depends on the wall - if just a square straight wall no but if trying to go round windows or upstairs it may be best left to the professionals unless you’re pretty handy.

Doesn’t it make the room feel smaller?

No, it may make a space feel more cosy and intimate which can only be a good thing. Having shiplap panelling running vertically from floor to ceiling can also stretch a low ceiling upwards giving an illusion of light.

How high up the wall shall I place it?

Either 1/3 or 2/3 up the wall. Splitting a wall in half drags the ceiling down and makes the room feel smaller.

And Lastly…

I hope that answered a few of your panelling questions and gave you some ideas for your space. If you have enjoyed reading this please consider signing up to my newsletter below. Here, I’ll tell you all the latest news and developments at Hill Home Design in my quest to make good Interior Design accessible to all.