Almost everybody paints their walls or slaps on some wallpaper and calls it a day. This works fine but can make the room feel bland or lacking in personality. Wall panelling gives your home personality and added texture to switch things up. It was originally created as added insulation, but it is now used for design and aesthetic purposes in modern homes.
If you searched for wall paneling ideas, you’d be hit with millions of different inspirations. It takes time and mental effort to wade through those results, which is why this article exists. We have put together the best panelling ideas to set the right mood in your modern home.
What is Wall Panelling?
Wall panelling involves attaching panels to your walls either by screwing them on or using an adhesive. The panels are often natural wood but can be plastic, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), or gypsum. You should choose your panels based on your budget, their characteristics, and the room. For example, natural wood panels tend to be pricey, so if your budget is tight, you should opt for more affordable options such as MDF panels.
Additionally, PVC panels are water and mold proof which makes them the best option for your bathrooms, basement, or kitchen. You can also opt for fiber cement panels if you don’t like having to maintain your panels often.
10 Wall Panelling Ideas
You should try the following ideas for your next wall panelling project in your home:
- Accent Walls
- Board-and-Batten Panelling
- 3D Wall Panelling
- Wainscoting Wall Panelling
- Contrast Wall Panelling
- Geometric Wall Panelling
- Shiplap Wall Panelling
- Backsplash Wall Panelling
- Wallpaper and Wall Panelling Combo
- DIY Wall Panelling
- Accent Walls
An accent wall has a different color or design from the other walls in a room to bring contrast and diversity. It also creates a focal point in the room, drawing eyes to it. People usually paint an accent wall as a different color but wall panelling can help you achieve the same effect.
You can use any type of wall panel to achieve a flawless accent wall and any of the other ideas explained in this article. For example, you can do a colorful 3D wall panel accent wall or a shiplap accent wall.
- Board and Batten Panelling
Board and batten uses wood strips to create a layered effect on a wall. It is flexible and can be installed outdoors or in your home’s interior. This type of wall panelling is also common in farm-style homes. Although it has been around for ages, it is still a staple and can seamlessly fit into your modern home.
It is also quite easy to install, so you can purchase the narrow strips and get to work yourself. You will also need some aluminum, steel, and wood composite to get the job done.
- 3D Wall Panelling
3D wall panels are new in the wall panelling scene, so they are great for your home if you want that ultra-modern touch. They are often purely decorative and take the least amount of effort to install. They also come in a wide range of designs, making it easy for you to add depth to your space.
- Wainscoting Wall Panelling
Wainscoting wall panelling covers only the bottom part of your wall with crown molding on top. You can make it cover half or a quarter of your wall. It’s a great way to spice up your space without feeling like you’re being over the top.
You can extend the wainscotting and paint the upper part of the wall the same color for a more uniform look. This can make your room look taller and more airy.
- Contrast Wall Panelling
You can always create a striking contrast with your wall panels. For example, consider painting the wooden boards black and using some white to paint the rest of the walls. You can also do blue panels against yellow paint. This can make things interesting if they become too monochromatic or boring.
- Geometric Wall Panelling
Fun shapes make for a fun modern home. You don’t have to apply your panel strips in a uniform and straight line. You can make them slanted or asymmetrical to create a whole new pattern.
A geometric wall panelling in the bedroom can act as a great background for the bedframe. This keeps all the attention in the room on that bed. For example, consider a colored diamond shape for your bedroom.
- Shiplap Wall Panelling
A shiplap-style wall panel has each panel slightly overlapping to create a tight seal and prevent gaps. You can install shiplap vertically or horizontally, depending on your preference and style.
A horizontal shiplap wall panel may make your home feel and appear wider. This is especially so when you opt for muted colors such as cream or white. If you want a more modern look, consider installing your shiplap panels in a herringbone pattern.
- Backsplash Wall Panelling
It is quite common to use wallpapers as a kitchen backsplash. However, wall panelling can give a more classy and refined look. When implementing this idea, it is best to opt for shorter and thinner strips. Larger wall panels may give the opposite of the modern look.
- Wallpaper and Wall Panelling Combo
You don’t have to choose between wallpapers and wall panels when you can get the best of both worlds. This is an especially fun idea if you’re a maximalist. Consider a flashy wallpaper with a more muted wall panel. On the flip side, you can have both the wallpaper and wall panel be muted for some uniformity.
- DIY Wall Panelling
The best thing about wall panelling is that you can always come up with your own unique ideas. You can install the panels in boxes, diamonds, circles, and even cylinders. However, creating your own designs and combinations will be a lot more time-consuming. Nevertheless, having a unique and custom look to your home is worth it.
Conclusion
You don’t always have to opt for the traditional look. Use wall panelling to add some creativity to your home and have it look as modern as possible. From fun geometric shapes to colorful 3D wall panels, there is so much you can do with wall panels. Relax and have some fun with it.
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