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10 Best Wall Panelling Designs To Dress Up Plain Walls

The blog discusses the concept of wall paneling as a decorative element for walls. It explains the installation process and the common materials used for wall panels, such as wood, glass, metal, fabric, and more. It also describes some popular wall panel designs, including wainscoting, beadboard, and groove/shiplap panels.


October 18, 2023


Get the best decor ideas to beautify the walls with interesting panel designs!

Walls are like empty canvases and you can define them with different design and decor elements. From paint color, and wallpaper to stunning paneling, walls can be decorated with various ways and how! Speaking of wall panels, there are various types of panels available and you can select them as per your needs and requirements. Stunning wall panels like veneer can help turn empty walls into impressive pieces!

Before we talk about what kind of wall panels are available in the market, it is best to get the basics of wall paneling right. Read on to know more about its definition, installation, and popular designs to make the best selection for creating beautiful walls:

What is Wall Panelling?

Decorative wall panelings help add a distinctive look to the room!Decorative wall panelings help add a distinctive look to the room!

Simply out, wall panelings are decorative materials that are attached to the walls with strong adhesion. Wall panelings are available in different materials like wood, veneer, plywood, and more. 

How To Install Wall Paneling?

Lighter wall panels are easier to install by yourself as compared to wall cladding options!Lighter wall panels are easier to install by yourself as compared to wall cladding options!

Wall paneling installation vastly depends on the material used for panels. It is always a good option to hire a professional to install a wall panel design. However, lightweight panels can be easily installed with a do-it-yourself method. But, before installing interior wall panel design, it is important to clean and sand the walls down to create a smooth surface. 

You can refine the walls with stunning panel designs like marble louvers or wooden louvers that suit your existing or required interior design style or requirement. Also, prior to adding heavy wall panels, consult with an expert as it may challenge the strength of the wall.

Which are the common materials used for Wall panels?

Wood, stone, glass, and more..wall panels made of different materials ooze unique elegance!Wood, stone, glass, and more..wall panels made of different materials ooze unique elegance!

Here are some common materials from which eye-catchy wall panels are crafted! 

Materials Description
Wooden Panels A wooden wall panel is typically made of MDF (medium-density fiberboard). These can be used in almost all rooms or areas of the home.
Wainscoting Wainscoting is a decorative panel usually made of wood, tile, or marble and provides protection to walls. This paneling majorly covers the lower portion of a wall or partition.
MDF MDF (medium-density fiberboard) is one of the most common wood wall panel design materials. It’s also a cost-friendly choice for budget interiors.
Veneer Veneer panel is made of real wood, plywood and other materials. These add a real wooden finish to the walls and add a rich look to the interiors.
Glass A glass wall panel is reflective and adds an illusion of more space. It’s a luxe option for modern, contemporary interiors.
Metal A metal panel design adds a raw yet refined look to the interiors, It works best for industrial design style spaces.
Fabric Fabric wall panels work as a protective barrier against outside noises. Plus it adds to the decorative outlook of the space too.
Chipboard A chipboard wall panel is made from recycled materials i.e.wooden chips and shavings and makes a great choice for eco-friendly wall panels.
PVC

PVC Wall Panels are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and make a great decorative wall cover choice. In comparison to other materials, PVC panels are durable and require less maintenance.

Best Wall Paneling Designs To Upscale Your Interiors 

Wainscoting Wall Panels

Wainscoting panels are today preferred for adding a transitional outlook in interiors!Wainscoting panels are today preferred for adding a transitional outlook in interiors!

Wainscoting panels are typically wooden panels that are crafted or joined from the beadboards. These panels are a fine blend of wall paneling, baseboard, chair railing, and molding that gives a classic and ornate outlook to walls.It covers only half or 1/3rd of the lower section of the wall. Known for the traditional looks, wainscoting panel designs can be angular, continuous, or anything.

Wainscoting panels are used mostly for practical purposes like protecting the walls from damage (where the footfall is more i.e.kids room) and keeping the home warm and cozy. However, wainscoting panels can also be considered for creating an accent wall too!

Beadboard Wall Panels

In traditional or transitional style homes, beadboard paneling makes a peculiar design element!In traditional or transitional style homes, beadboard paneling makes a peculiar design element!

Beadboard is a traditional style wall paneling that originated from the English interior home style. If you feel there is quite a bit of similarity between beadboard and wainscoting, then know that the latter was developed from beadboard paneling style!

Beadboard paneling is typically a wood paneling that features vertical grooves. It is available in large sheets of paneling which can be cut to size as per requirements. It is available in various styles and widths.

Shiplap/Groove Wall Panels

The vertical design of groove panels adds height to the room!The vertical design of groove panels adds height to the room!

Groove and Shiplap wall panels have an ‘almost’ similar look but these are not the same. The major difference is the installation technique used for the same. Tongue and groove is a style or method of joining two wood panels together. In groove paneling, one side of the panel has a protruding projection called “tongue” and the other side has an open slit called “groove”. This method or system interlocks the two panels together. Groove panels allow for an easy installation process and also hides the nails too. 

Shiplap panels were earlier used to waterproof ships and proven to be effective against wind and water. It is a type of wooden paneling that features long planks and can be mounted either horizontally or vertically. Shiplaps have a slight gap between two panels and they overlap each other, The ridges formed by the same works as a safeguard against possible damage.

Raised And Flat Wall Panels

Raised panels add an intended elevated look whereas flat panels provide a clean look!Raised panels add an intended elevated look whereas flat panels provide a clean look!

Raised panels typically feature a square or rectangular design that appear like portrait molds. These panels as the name suggests are raised a bit above the walls. Raised wall panels were a must-have design element in Victorian style plush interiors. 

Essentially, raised wall panels were crafted in solid wood and best suited for large scale homes wherein height and depth of the space could be accentuated even more. For plush villas, luxury interiors, raised panels can help beautify the space in a traditional manner!

Flat wall panels on the other hand feature smooth, clean lines that sort of merge well with the walls. In modern, contemporary style interiors, flat wall panels can make a clean line, sleek design addition. Since these panels create a fine border on the walls, you can add lovely wall art, decorative veneers to enhance it further!

Board and Batten Wall Panels

With board and batten panels, a geometrical design look can be added to walls!With board and batten panels, a geometrical design look can be added to walls!

Board and batten panels were quite popular in early 20th century European homes. The board wall panels were added next to each other to form a neat, structured look and batten panels helped hide the ridge joints of board panels. 

These panels make perfect accent walls. For that intended texture element, select board and batten panels!

Wooden Wall Panels

For the added warmth, texture, and design, opt for wooden panels!For the added warmth, texture, and design, opt for wooden panels!

Wooden wall panels add a certain level of warmth and personality to the room. Be it traditional or modern contemporary style interiors, wooden wall panels add a stately look to interiors. Decorative wooden panels like smoke oak veneers, wooden laminate panels, and more such types make an apt choice to beautify walls.

While selecting the wooden panels, ensure to check the shades or tones of these panels as these may darken the room’s atmosphere. 

Metal Wall Panels

Add sleek metal panels in a modern industrial style interior!Add sleek metal panels in a modern industrial style interior!

Metal grid panels are a perfect choice for industrial style interiors. These panels add flair to walls and make a viable choice when you wish to add only chosen design elements to your home. Since only metal panels may add a rather steely or cold look, it is best to pick a design for panels that has a certain element of wood, fabric to it for that perfect balance!

Opt for metallic veneer panels to form accent walls in minimalist, modern-industry style interiors.

Stone Wall Panels

A powder room can be well elevated with stone finish wall panels!A powder room can be well elevated with stone finish wall panels!

Walls in your home deserve much better than simple paint color. Stone wall panels are the ideal choice for adding the tactile look to the walls. You can add stone laminate panels that match with your existing or preferred interior design. For a foyer, powder room, balcony, etc attractive stone panels can jazz up the look of the entire room or area!

Brick Wall Panels

Brick wall panels look perfect in industrial style inspired interiors!Brick wall panels look perfect in industrial style inspired interiors!

Brick as a material adds a very warm, earthy look to your space. In industrial style interiors, exposed brick wall design is something of a peculiar design element. Brick wall panels make an apt choice for creating that accent wall for your seating in the living room, entertainment room, and more.

For crafting a bachelor’s pad, gentleman’s room; you can consider adding texture laminate panels resembling bricks for that intended dramatic look! 

Fabric Wall Panels

Fabric wall panels are great for noise insulation!Fabric wall panels are great for noise insulation!

Fabric wall panels are not only decorative types of panels but also help to cut out noise from adjacent rooms. Ideally, the thickness of fabric panels will allow for eliminating the noise from outside. For master bedrooms, guest rooms, you can add fabric laminates to instill a sense of privacy, quietness, and of course attractive design!

Mirror Wall Panels

Mirror wall panels open up the space visually!Mirror wall panels open up the space visually!

Have space constraints? No worries. Simply add attraction to walls with mirror panels. It will reflect the light and provide an illusion of a bigger space. Plus, mirror panels add a touch of glamor and drama when you wish for something distinctive to the walls. 

The foyer, bedroom, and passageways are some of the best zones in your home to add mirror panels. You will instantly notice the difference as the space will feel more open and elongated!

Quick Tips to Maintain Decorative Wall Panels

  • Remember to check the wall panel material beforehand for its maintenance purposes. 
  • Don’t let the dust build-up on the wall panels. Lightly dust or vacuum the same regularly.
  • Direct exposure to sunlight may lighten or discolor the panels. Add blinds or curtains to shield the panels if you can.
  • Not all wall panels are water-resistant. So if your chosen wall panel is not waterproof then keep it away from wet or moist zones. It is better to add only water resistant panels in such areas.

FAQs

1.What is a wooden wall panel and can you add it to interiors?

Wooden wall panels are typically flat or curved sheets that are made from wood-based materials and bonded together with an adhesive. In home interiors, you can create an accent wall with wooden wall panels.

2.What are different types of wall panelings available?

Wainscoting panels, flat panels, wooden panels, groove panels, fabric panels are some of the most common types of wall paneling available. 

3.Which material is most preferred for wall paneling?

MDF is one of the most preferred materials for wall paneling for being budget-friendly and low-maintenance.

4.Is wall paneling a good choice?

Wall paneling is an affordable, eye-catchy, and affordable way to style your walls. Be it classic or modern interior, wall panels add a new character to interiors as well as exteriors.

Frikly offers the finest home improvement and decor solutions that are perfect for your home interiors. From designer veneers to leather laminates, you can pick from various wall paneling options

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