30 wall paneling ideas — modern and traditional panel designs

Wall paneling ideas have come a long way and are no longer reserved for historic homes. Now, many of the best decorative moldings are often more budget-friendly, sustainable, and easy to DIY. 

Whether you want to go classic or contemporary with shiplap or wainscoting looks, there's no better way to add more design interest to a room than with this wall covering. 

Plus, be it wood or MDF that you choose, wall panels can add to the natural shape of a room, enhance space, and even insulate and protect walls. These DIY projects are some of the most effective you can pull off on your own.

Wall paneling ideas for durability and aesthetic appeal

This historical deco feature is timeless and sure to work in the bedroom, living room, or even hallway space. Installing new DIY wall paneling, be that shiplap, wainscoting, or a simple chair rail, can be a good way to return the character to a home that has been stripped back, to fill in gaps in an existing scheme, or to help a new addition to blend in. 

Giovanni Scippo, director at 3D Lines, says: "You have plenty of options and very creative ones that are available now from traditional woodwork to easy DIY wall panels. If you are looking for something permanent and durable, go for wood or engineered wood wall paneling or wainscoting. The most popular designs are bold grids and vertical panels. You can customize the colors and sizes. For the cheaper end, vinyl wall panels are affordable and easy to install."

1. Acoustic wood veneers

For modern styling personified in every way, choose a striking wood strip decorative panel in a light, Scandi-inspired shade, or rich and dark hue for a dramatic dance with tactility.

 Jen & Mar from Interior Fox, says: "We are cladding enthusiasts and love how it adds a point of interest to walls — it works well in all types of properties, especially new builds as it really helps to add character and interest. However, people are moving away from the simple MDF cladding and working with waved elements and smaller panels. An overall more updated and luxurious way of incorporating this technique."

You can grab acoustic slat wood panels from Wayfair in warm and cool finishes.

2. Regencycore

Ready for some Bridgerton-inspired scandal at home? With ‘The Bridgerton Effect’ causing searches for Regency-inspired interiors to rocket, Ryan McDonough, design expert at MyJobQuote, comments on how wall paneling is a DIY update that will turn your home into a Bridgerton-inspired escape:

"To transform your living space into a regal room, you should install traditional square wall paneling, which is a common feature in Bridgertons 19th century-style homes. For DIY wall paneling, you will need some wooden panels, a pencil, a tape measure, a laser level for measuring, and a saw and miter box for cutting."

"Once the panels are secure, you can paint them using pastel shades. For a more contemporary aesthetic, you can use dark paneling, such as navy or even black, which will pair perfectly alongside wooden flooring and gold accents."

3. Horizontal panels

Whereas vertical paneling gives the illusion of added height, horizontal panels widen a room, making them a great choice for small spaces. 

Shown here in this fun and feminine bedroom scheme, fresh white horizontal panels contrast beautifully with the pale gray upper walls, adding a chic layer of texture and depth. 

Shiplap wall paneling, like these white panels from Wayfair, looks great in a bedroom.

4. Display art

Are you ready to get creative, and inject some serious personality into your walls? Paint within the box and consider panels as framed canvases in which to unleash your inner maximalist artist! This gloriously distinctive and fun DIY wall painting idea knows no bounds and makes a fun and unique decor alternative to wallpaper ideas. 

Robin Antill, director at Leisure Buildings, says: "To make your wall paneling ideas really stand out, use bright color choices. Traditional paneling is given an edgier vibe by bold and vibrant tones."

5. Half wall paneling

Elevate your living room design, and give it a peppering of Edwardian grandeur by implementing a half-wall DIY board and batten design for an added dimension of subtle interest and texture. Both smart and stylish, opt for paneling in a fresh neutral finish and contrast with an uplifting shade on walls to mix things up with a two-tone scheme. 

6. Matching styles

Twin it to win it! In open-plan kitchens where one space ends and another begins, provide a flowing sense of continuity and unison by coordinating DIY Shaker-style paneling with similar Shaker-style cabinets, finished in a matching hue. Your space will feel even bigger for it, and the difference in scale between the wall paneling and paneled cabinets will add a dynamic element for added impact. 

7. Contemporary colors

Refresh your entire scheme with wood paneling painted in a paint color trend for a modern twist. You could also paint window frames and doorframes in the same accent hue for a defined aesthetic with a color-pop difference. This painting idea is a more subtle way of introducing mood-enhancing color into a space, without overwhelming it.  

8. Choose panels over tiles

As well as offering visual appeal, panels are quick to install, and low maintenance too, making them a popular alternative to bathroom tile ideas. 

Helen Dennett, marketing communications manager for Nuance, says: "Using bathroom wall paneling ideas, large wall areas can be covered in a fraction of the time it takes to apply individual ceramic tiles. You can easily fit panels directly to existing surfaces, including plasterboard and tiling, which means you don’t have to worry about preparing the wall beneath. Removing the need for grout also makes the surfaces easy to clean — a real benefit for those with a busy lifestyle."

9. Add personality

Interior experts at Hillarys say: "Be brave with color! Paneling doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with textured or fun paints. Horizontal wood-paneled walls can also help balance out bolder reds, oranges, and bright blues."

"Paneling is a simple way to bring character and dimension to boring rooms and can also add insulation and protection to walls. Use paneling to frame a piece of artwork in the center of one of the rectangles or alternatively, contrasting wall panels with a luxury texture like marble will make your space look more elegant."

10. Natural tactility

Bring nature into your urban home with raised textures on walls - adding comfort, organic pattern, and reassuring tactility. 

Shoshanna Shapiro, owner and principal designer of Sho and Co. says: "Spring decorating trends will bring more woven textures and natural materials into the mix. Clients recognize the importance of biophilic design — think muted colors, shiplap walls, bleached woods in paneling and walls, and nature-inspired colorways for a warm and contemporary look."

Design experts at Magnet say: "More and more consumers are turning to the beauty of the outdoors for interior inspiration. Homeowners are also tapping into the trend for tactility this Spring, experimenting with textures in interior design alongside patterns and colors."

"Tactility can be incorporated into a room in numerous ways and is a lot easier than you may think. From wood-paneled walls to cozy carpets, getting creative with materials can completely transform the atmosphere of any room."

11. Dark colors

Intricate dark wood paneling is not to everyone’s taste, and when used full height it can feel a little imposing. There are many more subtle options that go to chair rail height, like with board and batten paneling, and that can be painted in a softer more colorful shade to add warmth and interest. Why not learn how to DIY a wood accent wall in a weekend and get the look?

12. Traditional molding

Not sure where to start when choosing paneling? How about the era of your home? Ornate, heavy wood paneling would look natural in a Victorian home but could be out of place in something built in the last few decades. Taking cues from the style and history (or lack thereof) of your house is an easy and failsafe way to ensure your paneling choice suits your space. 

Use traditional molding like this wooden molding from Wayfair to create the look.

13. Nautical shiplap

Shiplap wall paneling is a great way to add a modern stamp to a space, especially if you give yours a fresh coat of white paint.

Create a DIY shiplap wall for a budget-friendly home update that will have your scheme looking shipshape in a jiffy.

14. Dark wainscoting

Creating a timeless look is easy and affordable with the best DIY wainscoting ideas. Shown here, molded wainscoting paneling adds depth to this home office. The contrast of dark walls with white furnishings adds a modern finish to the space.

In addition to choosing wood paneling that suits the style and history of your home, there are other aesthetic considerations, for example, whether you should use paneling on an entire wall, or just a portion of it. The degree to which you use paneling in the room will have a major impact on the visual effect.

15. Low picture-frame wall panels

Wall paneling should mimic the style of the home you live in. DIYer and Real Homes Real Expert panelist Jo Lemos added traditional trim to the lower third of the living room in his 1930s home to suit the style of the architecture. 

"Our last two homes have been a newly built townhouse and a 1930s red-brick semi-detached and we have added DIY paneling to both," he explains. The type of paneling should be sympathetic to the property but you can also have some fun with it."

Feeling inspired? Have a bash at DIY picture frame molding for a low-cost feature wall that requires minimum effort. 

16. Light grey bedroom wall paneling

16. Light gray paneling

Wall paneling can create a soothing aesthetic, so works well for decorating a bedroom space also. Try choosing a light color for an even more relaxed space.

This light gray color paint from Lick is a great choice to recreate the look.

17. Sustainable paneling

With many homeowners looking to improve their existing space with sustainability in mind, color, and pattern enthusiast Amy Vroom of The Residency Bureau created textured wall panels from recycled wood tiles. "For this Seattle basement, I wanted to add depth and texture to give an otherwise long room, dimension. By using recycled wood tiles at one end of the space, it created a focal point for the room and warmed up the cozy TV and reading area."

18. Bright colors

Modern wall paneling is all about embracing colorful living room and bedroom ideas. We love this hot turquoise shaker wall paneling in the bedroom which you could totally DIY. 

Points of caution with interior paneling? If yours is original and beautiful wood paneling and in good condition, don't impulse-paint it. First, make sure you're certain the paint will give the look you're after. Then, if you're 100 percent certain paint is the way to go, make sure to prep your surface properly. Depending on how it's finished, that may mean sanding or deglazing it (or both!), then wiping it clean with a damp towel and a dry microfiber cloth. Equally, carved or intricate panel designs can be tough to paint since paint can easily pool in crevices, so use a light hand or hire a pro.

19. Painted tongue and groove panels

For cohesion in a bedroom or living room space, paint half-wall panels in a color that is present in your soft furnishings and other decorative elements around the room. This purple tongue and groove paneling add all the relaxed vibes to this bedroom space.

Where paneling is not used at full height, paneling tends to look best installed at either one-third or two-thirds of the room’s height, although this may be influenced by features such as fireplaces or windowsills.

20. Add mirrors

Add character to white wainscoting wall paneling using mirror ideas to create a gallery-esque finish. Not only does it look cool and clean-cut but it also enhances the space.

You should also consider the size of the individual panel frames. Larger areas look good with bigger frame sizes, while small, awkward spaces tend to suit reeded paneling or beadboard.

21. Floor to ceiling paneling

For a dramatic and almost gothic finish, consider wall paneling ideas of the past with floor-to-ceiling oak panels. This look is more expensive but will add charisma to your property, and possibly even increase your home's value.

22. Layer with frames

Wall paneling makes the perfect backdrop for gallery wall ideas also. Choose white or another color that best complements the rest of your interiors, and the artwork you'll have on display, for a really modern look.

23. Add patterns

The best wallpaper ideas often ride solo but if you choose a busy or floral pattern, teaming this with classic wall panels can actually complete the look and add a little more zest to traditional rooms that need it most.

This floral wallpaper from Wayfair makes a great addition.

24. Wallpapered wall paneling

Another way to play with wallpaper and wall paneling ideas is to wallpaper over the paneling. An ideal DIY if you've inherited worn wood paneling and need a quick fix as those exposed grooves and trim will add design interest to every space.

25. 2D panelling

To enhance space with wall paneling, Simon Teer of Teer & Co says "Unconventional wall paneling layouts and compositions, like those that can be achieved using our versatile 2D and 3D Wall Paneling, can also help retain a sense of space in a small room. These modern paneling systems allow creative minds to imagine and realize innovative feature wall installations that, when used in moderation, do not overwhelm but enhance small spaces and still bring the acoustic, microclimate, and wellbeing benefits that we should look to integrate into our rooms."

26. Wide paneling

Half-wall paneling up the staircase to match the rest of the hallway pulls the lofty appearance of this entryway together perfectly. The wide spacing helps make the entryway look bigger.

27. Board and batten

New construction homes, like Lemos's townhome, above are packed with modern amenities, but they often lack the charm of older abodes. Board and batten paneling feels modern enough for new homes, while still adding a touch of character to the space. Take a cue from Lemos, and paint the trim a bold color for extra oomph.

28. Earthy colors

A favorite of ours on the color chart, dark yellows exude a fiery hue reminiscent of tasty saffron, cumin, and turmeric.

These are all spices that contain powerful antioxidant and mood-boosting properties. So adding color to your diet and your interiors can contribute to a happy heart and mind!

To create an even warmer bedroom idea, incorporate wood wall panels and heavy fabrics in warm shades, or a busy pattern on an accent wall. Mustard and ocher shades in particular will radiate warmth in any room.

If feature wall ideas get a thumbs down, a statement ceiling is another ultra-modern way to update a bedroom space. Sunny yellow shades complement most other colors — especially bold ones like blues or reds.

29. Unconventional colors

Paneling in the bedroom adds sophistication to a period bedroom design. But if your wall panels are white, it's time to consider going against tradition with an unconventional color scheme such as yellow!

But if you're not blessed with these features in your bedroom, then faux is the way to go. This wallpaper in a wood paneling effect means you can combine the flexibility of wallpaper.

This eccentric wallpaper has beautiful fine detail and is perfect for creating a feeling of grandness reminiscent of stately homes and vintage bedroom designs.

30. Art deco

We love art deco wall panelling ideas and this look is sure to lift both a period home or a contemporary space. The gold accents add a touch of luxury which are further complemented by the fresh ivory color of the wall panels, making this a really decorative feature.

How to choose the right wall paneling

With all the types of wall paneling out there, which should you choose for your home? It all comes down to the architecture of your space. 

"Choosing wall paneling is really is up to what you like but, there are a few things to consider," says Jo Lemos, a DIY blogger and member of Real Homes Real Experts panel.  

"Will it fit in with the other features of the property? Parisian Avant-Garde style paneling is better suited to a stately building rather than a new build, and likewise, modern paneling may not work well in an old cottage. If you are looking to install paneling yourself, research paneling designs for the age of your property to get an idea of what best fits."

For example, Lemos installed simple board-and-batten paneling in a new construction townhome and painted a dark green for a bold statement. When he and his partner moved to a 1930s home, however, they switched up their paneling approach to something more fitting of the era. 

"For our 1930s living room, I wanted to go a bit more formal so I used a decorative picture frame molding. I didn't want the paneling to be too ornamental, as houses from this period were stepping away from paneling and leaning more towards more widely available wallpaper," Lemos explains.  

FAQs

Is real wooden panelling or MDF panelling best?

Solid oak panelling is expensive and tends to be newly fitted only where it is the true authentic option or when matching existing elements, which makes it wise to work with a specialist.

Most wall panelling on the market today is made from MDF, with the intention that it is painted. Once fitted and painted, it would be difficult to distinguish it from real wood wall panels.

Provided the walls are fairly level, MDF panelling is easy to fit on a DIY basis. If the walls are uneven, they can usually be battened first. Ensure the company you are buying from offers good instructions before you invest.

Does wall panelling make a room look smaller?

This will depend on the level of natural daylight, the height of wall panelling, the natural wood tone or colour palette if wall panelling is painted to finish, and the tone of accompanying plain walls, ceiling and flooring. 

Simply put, a lighter wood wall panelling tone, like ash or oak (or a light colour palette if painted), will certainly help us avoid making a room feel smaller. 

If we assume an average level of daylight into a small space: Low-medium height (up to 4ft) mid-tone wall panelling combined with a lighter tone wall above and ceiling with a light flooring tone will help ensure that wall panelling works in a small room. 

Floor-to-ceiling height wall panelling is best applied in larger rooms and to create just one feature wall.

Should I buy reclaimed wood paneling?

It is possible to purchase original wood paneling that has been salvaged from period properties. While it adds authentic aged character, quantity can be an issue. Be certain of your room’s dimensions, and what proportions suit the style and period of your home.

A complete reclaimed room, including matching doors and sometimes a fireplace with overmantel, all restored and ready to install, will be a major investment. If this is the approach you want to take with panelling you could opt for more modest Victorian pine panels that require a mix-and-match approach.

Where there is a low stock of wood wall paneling available, what you do find can sometimes still be used to replace missing panels in a larger run, but are often repurposed as something else, such as cupboard doors. If you come across a large quantity, you may find that the dealer will only sell the set, as complete suites are rarer and more valuable.