One of the best and easiest ways to transform a space is through adding some wall panelling. With a huge range of different styles, materials and colours available, there aren't many design styles that won't be elevated with panelling.
In this post, we'll go over different styles of wall panelling, giving you all the inspiration you need for your next project. From different materials to colours, we've got you covered:
Create a Feature Wall With Slatwall Panelling
Image Credit: Naturewall
A style that has continued to grow in popularity in recent years, using slatwall panelling in your home is the perfect way to add a modern, minimalist touch to your space. Slatwall panels are also ideal for creating extra depth and contrast in a surprising subtle way.
Natural, earthy tones tend to work best with this style, looking the best in all different species of wood, and flatter colours like black and grey. Fitting in any room, whether that be the kitchen, living room or bedroom, slatwall panels will never fail to add a natural, modern touch to your space.
Keep It Classic With Beadboard Panelling
Image Credit: Homebase
One of the most timeless styles of panelling, the beadboard style can fit perfectly in multiple different spaces. Consisting of verticle planks of wood next to each other with a slight beaded groove between them, they provide that little extra depth compared to other styles.
Some of the most effective colours for this style of panel tend to be soft yet darker colours such as greens, blues and greys. The darkened tone gives the panels their own character allowing them to stand out in a space, whilst not overbearing the rest of the space.
Contrasting the top half of the wall is another super effective way to create visual interest; light tones such as white/off-white and cream can highlight any colour it's paired with.
Embrace Elegance With Board and Batten Panelling
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Another timeless style of decorative panelling, board and batten panelling is a perfect option to add elegance and style to your space. Coming in wood, the style usually covers the lower half of the wall, allowing it to stand out from the upper half. The difference with this style is the chair rail/molding separating the portions of the wall.
Solid yet soft colours also work well with this style, most notably light colours such as grey. This style has more depth through it's design, therefore can benefit from having a more toned down colour. However, if it's suits your interior style, don't shy away from using some bolder shades!
Go Rustic With Brick Panelling
Image Credit: Victoria Plumbing
For the ultimate urban feel in your space, brick panelling is the perfect way to add a rustic/industrial feel. Made from thin, lightweight bricks that are super easy to install, just like regular tiles. This makes it the ideal way to create a brick wall texture effect without the huge amount of work a real exposed brick wall would take.
Due to the natural colour and texture this style of panelling gives off, neutral interiors tend to complement it the best. Another style that goes well is a darker interior, with black or dark grey walls to contrast the tones of the brick.
Add Texture With Stacked Stone Panelling
Image Credit: Victoria Plumbing
Another style perfect for adding a natural feel to your space, stack stone tiles can bring the feeling of nature indoors. Similar to the brick panel style, this style of panelling comes in thin panels that are installed just like regular tiles.
This style comes in a few different colours, all complementing different colours for the rest of the space. Common colours are natural greys, tan/beiges and blacks. All of these maintain the core natural feel of the stone material, creating depth and texture without overbearing your space.
Be Eco-Friendly With Reclaimed Wood Panelling
Image Credit: Naturewall
As well as being as eco-friendly you can get, the rustic, coastal feel that reclaimed wood panelling can create is unmatched. The wood grain is on fulll display with this style, leading to so much texture and visual interest wherever you choose to use it.
You can find almost all species of reclaimed wood for your panelling, all complementing different colours better. Oak panels will go perfectly with some soft greens, whilst walnut slots right in with some lighter shades of a similar colour such as beige/brown.
There's also a few different texture effects that come with the reclaimed wood style, such as a driftwood effect, heightening the coastal feel.
Create An Accent Wall With Plywood Panelling
Image Credit: Theplywood
One of the most budget-friendly options for panelling, using plywood can be the perfect option for an accent wall. It's also one of the easiest type of panelling to install, you can do it yourself with hardly any hassle.
Whether you want to leave the wood in it's natural state creating warmth and texture, or paint them a colour of your choice, it's completely up to you. The natural feel can be a great addition for a mid-century modern or a rustic space, whilst painted panelling can give you minimalist or eccentric feel, depending on the colour you choose.
Elevate Visual Interest Throught 3D Panelling
Image Credit: Naturewall
Perhaps the boldest style of panelling in this post, 3D panelling is also the most versatile when it comes to how many different directions you can take it. With so many different designs available, you can use almost all the other panelling materials mentioned in this post to create the 3D effect.
Some of the most effective ways that 3D panelling is used in homes is through overlapping wooden panels in a disorganised way, including a wave pattern with PVC or wood, or bold geometric shapes with the same materials. All can look great in any colour depending on the space, however basic shades such as white, grey, black and natural wood prevent the shapes from overbearing the space.
Colour Palette Ideas
Apart from the panelling that uses natural materials for their colours, there are certain colour schemes that any coloured panelling will look good in. Some combinations that can liven up any space are:
Dark Green and White/Cream
Navy Blue and White
Black/Dark Grey and Wood Tones
White On White
Beige and Creame
Burgundy and Dark Wood Tones
White and Red
Teal and Oak
Soft Yellow and Wood Tones
Overall, any style of wall panelling can be one of the best (any easiest) ways to both elevate and trasnform a space. Different interior styles will complement different panel styles better, as will the colour palette you choose.
Panelling is the perfect way to add elegance, minimalism, modernism and overall style to your space, hopefully you now have all the information you need for your next project.