How to do wall panelling and panel your walls
iNTERIOR DESIGN TIPS FOR WALL PANELLING
Wall panelling is one of the most effective ways to elevate the interior of your home. Whether you're aiming for a traditional look or something rather more contemporary, the options are endless, and the impact is significant. The process, however, can be daunting with so many design choices and techniques to consider. But that's where we come in to help guide you through the decision-making process. If you want to take your home design to the next level, our Perfectly Panelled course can equip you with the tools and knowledge to create a beautiful, functional, and stylish panelled space.
By now, you’ve likely chosen the room you wish to panel, but perhaps you’re still unsure about which walls to focus on. Gone are the days of a single feature wall; modern panelling can wrap around entire rooms (including ceilings if you’re feeling adventurous!). While planning your panelled design, keep in mind that the size of each wall typically varies. This means you can’t always use the same panel size around the room, especially if your space is not perfectly square. If you’re working with a more irregular layout, like most of us, this can seem like a tricky challenge. But don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of tips and strategies to help you achieve a cohesive and defined result.
WALL PANELLING IDEAS
Picture Rail
A picture rail combined with beautiful coving can create a refined, elevated interior. This combination is perfect for those looking to subtly elevate the room without going over the top. A picture rail also offers flexibility when it comes to wall colours, as you can use a darker hue on the lower section of the wall and a lighter shade on the top. This helps create a sense of space and makes the room feel more dynamic. If you are feeling daring you can always highlight the rail with a dominant colour.
Dado Rail or Chair Rail
Dado rails are an excellent option for spaces like hallways, staircases, and entrances, as they guide the eye through the room. The dado rail allows for a variety of design choices, such as leaving the upper and lower sections of the wall plain or adding panelling to both. One popular approach is to add tongue-and-groove panelling to the lower half of the wall and leave the upper half painted or wallpapered. This technique can help break up large, imposing spaces and create a classic, yet modern look.
Decorative Moulding Profiles
If a dado or picture rail isn’t your style, you can experiment with a more decorative moulding profile that repeats around the room. For rooms that are not perfectly square, consider varying the panel widths to maintain a balanced design. If you're unsure about panel sizes, our Perfectly Panelled course includes a fantastic panelling calculator, a free tool that helps you determine the perfect panel sizes, the perfect panel gap and layout for your walls.
Shaker Panelling:
Shaker panelling is a modern choice that works well in a variety of rooms. You can take it all the way to the ceiling for a bold look, or stop two-thirds of the way and add a picture rail or shelf. Adding an internal beading, can elevate the design and give it a more sophisticated feel. However, shaker panelling can be quite permanent, so if you are planning to redecorate in a few years, wallpaper with a similar look may be a more flexible option.
WALL PANELLING TIPS FOR DIFFERENT CEILING HEIGHTS
For Low Ceilings
For Long, Narrow Hallways
For Long, Narrow Hallways
Opt for floor-to-ceiling moulding profiles. Avoid splitting the room with a dado or picture rail, as this can make the room feel even smaller. Instead, go for a full wall panel design to visually open up the space.
For Long, Narrow Hallways
For Long, Narrow Hallways
For Long, Narrow Hallways
A dado rail with decorative shiplap panelling for the lower half of the wall creates visual interest and depth. Pair it with a plain, textured wallpaper above, or a painted finish in a complementary colour.
For High Ceilings
For Long, Narrow Hallways
For High Ceilings
If you have tall ceilings, take full advantage of the space by adding decorative coving and even a panelled ceiling to draw the eye upward. You can also use more intricate moulding profiles to add drama and elegance.
NEED A HELPING HAND? TRY OUR WALL PANELLING COURSE
PERFECTLY PANELLED
Wall panelling is an incredibly versatile and impactful way to transform your home interior. With the right planning and tools your panelling can considerably enhance the aesthetic of your home.
Perfectly Panelled is the perfect course for you if you wish to test out your ideas with your own measurements and tour the room in 3D.
With a clear plan and a helpful budget calculator, you will be able to create a beautifully panelled space that fits your home and budget perfectly.
Happy panelling!