Wall panelling can be just as confusing as finding the right colour scheme for a room. Did you know there’s a huge selection of styles and inspiration waiting to be discovered? There’s often a fear of having panelling but it can add so much depth and character to a room.
I’ve pulled together useful information to help you get find the best style to suit your room.
The first rule to panelling is selecting the right wall. If you’re looking for the wall to be your main feature, select the first wall you see upon entering a room. Measurements are crucial to ensure the panel sit equally along the wall. But wait, there’s one more important factor to consider – STYLE. The style of wall panelling you select will help you determine how you want your room to look and feel. There is no hard and fast rule and generally speaking, you can be as creative as you’d like.
Here’s my review of different types of panelling that you can use and things you might need to consider when installing it. Once you’ve selected your style, you can either source a decorator to complete the task for you or buy a ready-made kit in some instances which you could put together.
You can also download my Panelling 101 Measuring Guide Sheet which will give you more information on how to measure and complete your own panelling. It includes a checklist and measuring guide so you can achieve the perfect finish.
Shaker Wall Panelling
Shaker style panelling as well as kitchen and furniture design is a timeless design that features a flat centre panel and square edges. The design is often symmetrical and does not include intricate carvings or ornamentation. The panelling style for walls stemmed from the shaker style furniture that has been around for centuries. In fact, it is also one of the most popular kitchen design styles to date.
Panelling a room using shaker style design follows the same principles. Most shaker wall panels are square or rectangular frames equally spaced out on a wall. There are several ways to complete this style of wall panel, but the EASIEST way is to purchase a ready-made kit which has pieces cut to size. All you’ll need to do is ensure you have enough to cover your specific wall. Homebase offer a Shaker Wall Panel set which will allow you to put this up with ready-made cut to size pieces which need an adhesive to add to the wall. You can then compliment this with the right colour scheme to bring your room together.
Tongue and Groove Wall Panelling
Tongue-and-groove panelling is a seamless panelling style that offers no break between the panels. As with all other panelling, you can paint or stain it, or keep a natural wood finish if you prefer. It’s made from planks (similar to the style of flooring) with a small tongue along one edge and a matching groove along the other. The tongue slots neatly into the groove of the neighbouring plank. This means they click into one another along a wall.
If you’re looking to show off a seamless finish on a wall with a striking colour then then this can be a really effective way to bring your wall to life. You can make it more eccentric with brighter colours, or authentic and natural by staining the wood instead. There’s a huge range of options with this effect.
Something one-of-a-kind!
If you’re looking for something totally different and eclectic there are so many different companies that offer ready-made panels to specific heights that can be used. Two of my favourite places are Wood UPP and Orac Décor. What I love most about these styles is the vast way that they can be hung and styled in a room to create an AMAZING backdrop.
Put simply, if you are looking for the WOW factor then consider investing in quality panels from these two places. Order a few samples to assess how they would sit on your wall so you can find the right texture to elevate in your room.
Orac Décor specialises in giving walls that extra bit of personality through 3D wall coverings and panels. They have a range of wall coverings that can suit almost any style of design you’re looking to achieve, from modern to classic and ornate – you name it, it’s there.
How does it work?
Similar to tiles or flooring, you purchase these wall tiles by paying for packs according to the number of meters you’re looking to cover on your walls. Remember you don’t always have to cover a whole wall. You can segment your wall to accentuate certain areas (maybe a corner or chimney breast) for the wall covering.
The Orac Décor team offer videos and guides on their website to help you with installation, so even if you hire a decorator to help you, all the information is readily available to get this up on your walls.
Wood UPP Panels are absolutely stunning. I’ve ordered samples myself and love the finish of the panels. In addition, Wood UPP pride themselves on sustainable production which is an added bonus. These types of panels were widely used in commercial spaces for sound reduction but have now made their way into our homes due to the finish and aesthetic look of the wood. The akupanels designed by Wood UPP are ideal for most rooms but in particular open plan spaces were noise can travel around the room. If you’re looking to improve this between rooms then it’s a worthwhile addition that’s equally pleasing on the eyes.
Images have been provided with permission from Wood UPP and Orac Décor.
Asymmetrical and Free Style panelling
If you’d like to get creative there are certainly so many ways you can create a wall feature in a unique way with panelling. Asymmetric lines offer an eye-catching appeal to a room. It also makes your space one-of-a-kind and unique.
You can also use different sized pieces of wood to bring together something that’s totally different and doesn’t follow the norm. For example, take a look at this.
Sometimes it can be daunting exploring this option on your own, so I’ve pulled together a guide to help you plan your own bespoke panelling below.
Did you know?
If you’re looking to create your own design style for panelling you can easily order wood cut to size if you don’t have the tools. Just be sure to measure your wall a few times and check it over with someone to avoid errors with the panels when they arrive. Keep your measurements to hand so that you can readily match the panels to what you had measured out.
If you’re going to do this on your own, download a guide here of all the items you’ll need. It includes a measuring guide, tools you’ll need and advice for when you’re ready to decorate.
