Wall paneling is a favored design element by interior designers due to its versatility in instantly bestowing architectural character to any area. Although its traditional purpose was to insulate a room and shield walls from furniture (like chair rails), it is mainly ornamental and employed to introduce depth and fascination to a space.
In addition to shiplap, beadboard, and picture frame molding, there is a wide array of other popular wall paneling types to choose from. The choices are limitless, catering to diverse design styles ranging from traditional to contemporary and everything in between.
If you need ideas to inspire your next wall paneling project, these are the top wall paneling ideas for any room that you’ll want to replicate.
1. Board-and-Batten Paneling
Wall paneling known as board-and-batten is composed of flat boards with narrow strips called battens affixed on top.
While it is commonly found in Craftsman, cottage, and farmhouse-style homes, board-and-batten can be suitable for various design aesthetics. This bedroom showcases a unique twist on the traditional use of this feature by extending it from the lower portion of the walls all the way up to the vaulted ceiling.
2. Painted Wood Paneling
To add texture to walls, you can use vertical wood paneling. However, using too much of it can make the space feel gloomy and outdated. To give it a more contemporary appearance, consider painting it. In this mudroom, a trendy two-tone look is achieved by using a combination of deep hunter green and bright white.
3. Farmhouse-Style Shiplap
Shiplap, a highly favored concept for wall paneling, brings attraction and uniqueness to any room. Despite being commonly linked to farmhouse-style, shiplap walls can be implemented in various design styles, not just rustic. While the standard width of the boards is about 6 inches, you have the flexibility to adjust this measurement for a contemporary appearance, as seen in this bedroom with wider boards.
4. Tongue-and-Groove Paneling
Tongue-and-groove paneling, like shiplap, is made up of separate planks that interlock either horizontally or vertically. In this dining area, the walls are adorned with tongue-and-groove paneling arranged vertically, which creates a visual effect of elongation and openness in the room. To achieve a sharp and immaculate appearance, the paneling has been treated with a coat of warm white paint.
5. DIY Wall Paneling Idea
This bedroom wall gains dimension and elegance from a trim work pattern resembling fretwork. The concept of DIY wall paneling involves utilizing round wood plaques and half-round molding to construct a geometric design. By painting it in the same vibrant blue as the wall, the trim work pattern blends in, creating a subtle and textured appearance.
6. Beaded-Board Walls
This cozy bedroom is adorned with beaded-board topped with crown molding, which adds a touch of subtle texture. The beaded-board features thin strips of wood separated by a small ridge, also known as the bead. It can be installed as wainscoting or cover the entire wall and is often associated with a traditional look due to its vertical grooves.
7. Reclaimed Wood Plank Wall
To achieve a rustic wall paneling concept, consider placing reclaimed wood boards in a shiplap design, which will bring unique charm to an accent wall in a living room or bedroom due to the diverse textures and tones of the wood. The character is further enhanced by the presence of exposed nail heads, knots, cracks, scuffs, and other distinctive markings.
8. Raised Trim work
The traditional appearance of this living room is enhanced by raised trim that has beveled edges. The plain white walls are given more depth and style with the addition of a series of rectangles. If a more modern look is desired, one can select trim with flat edges or go for an organized grid pattern composed of squares instead of rectangles.
9. Wood Wall Treatment
In this bedroom, an eye-catching herringbone accent wall is created by installing narrow wood strips at an angle. The strips were intentionally spaced slightly apart to enhance definition, while the use of different wood tones adds captivating texture. To highlight the wall as the main feature, the remaining bedroom furniture and decor were kept relatively simple and neutral.
10. Modern Beaded-Board Wainscoting
Beaded-board wainscoting, whether painted white or with its natural wood finish, suits cozy cottages and country-style interiors perfectly. Yet, this bathroom takes a daring approach by opting for a striking black paint job that adds a bold touch to this conventional wood paneling concept. The contrasting dark paneling complements the white tile and polished brass accents, creating an extraordinary blend of modern and vintage glamour.
11. Unique Wall Paneling Ideas
To enhance visual depth, incorporate mirrors into wall paneling concepts. A homeowner applied a grid of molding on top of a pre-existing mirrored wall to enhance its appeal. In case you have existing trim work, think about affixing mirrors that are precisely tailored to fit within the panels, thus creating the illusion of a larger space.
Make an Accent Wall.
Incorporate wall paneling to establish a focal wall in your area. In this bedroom designed by Interior Impressions, a flat wall trim is employed to construct a geometric pattern, which is then enhanced by applying a vibrant navy blue paint. To achieve a more harmonious appearance, it is also possible to coordinate the paint color with the remaining walls.
Consider attempting Picture Frame Molding.
Picture frame molding, also known as box trim, imitates the appearance of picture frames on walls and serves as a form of decorative wall paneling. This method involves dividing a wall into two separate boxes using molding, and is commonly accompanied by ornamental baseboards and crown molding. As a result, this technique adds a sophisticated and timeless touch to any space, creating an elegant and luxurious atmosphere.
Highlight a staircase.
Enhance the appearance of your stairway by incorporating decorative wall molding and wall paneling, as depicted in this design by Sandifer Design Build. In addition to adding visual appeal and depth to the area, the wall paneling cleverly conceals the storage door beneath the stairs.
“Establish a Fluted Feature.”
House of Ponce, an interior design studio, utilized fluted wall paneling to add a striking element to this spacious living room. The slim design prevents the paneling from overpowering the room visually, while stretching it across the ceiling imparts a bespoke and luxurious touch.
Shiplap is worth a try.
Shiplap is a popular choice for wall paneling in coastal and farmhouse-inspired designs. It is commonly used vertically or horizontally, but the latter is more prevalent. While white is the typical color for shiplap, feel free to experiment and paint it in a bold shade to create a striking impact.
Experiment with 3D paneling.
Although wood wall paneling is a favored choice, it is not the sole option available. If you desire a more contemporary and textured appearance, consider selecting 3D wall paneling.
This graphic black 3D wall paneling is utilized to highlight the stairway area and enhance the prominence of the chandelier. It is offered in a wide array of shapes, styles, and colors, ensuring compatibility with any design, and its installation process is exceptionally simple.
“Establishing a grid pattern is advised.”
In order to achieve a decorative grid pattern similar to the one found in Colleen Simonds’ home office, utilize slender pieces of unadorned wall trim. To maintain a natural and rustic ambiance, keep the wood visible, or opt for a white coating to enhance its elegance.
Choose wainscoting as an option.
Wainscoting, which emerged in the 18th century, has become widely used as a method for wall paneling. This approach involves the use of wood panels, wall trim, chair railing, and molding to adorn the lower part of a wall.
Although it is frequently installed as a half wall or a 1/3 wall, it has the flexibility to be installed at various heights, adding a sophisticated and architectural appearance to any area.
Find the perfect matching kitchen cupboards.
To achieve a seamless and personalized appearance, consider installing wall paneling that complements the style and hue of your kitchen cabinets. In this contemporary kitchen design, the bulkhead above the cupboards and shelves is adorned with wall paneling, ensuring harmonious integration with the overall aesthetic. This allows other elements such as light fixtures and furniture to take center stage as the primary focal points.
To achieve a bold appearance, opt for the color Black.
Achieve a bold and striking design by incorporating black wall paneling into your living room, as showcased in this interior design by Andrea May Interiors. This concept entails painting the wainscoting and wall trim black and combining it with black and white wallpaper for a high-contrast effect. To prevent the room from appearing overly monochrome, decorative items and artwork are strategically employed to introduce vibrant splashes of color.
22. Develop a Feature with Texture
Interior Impressions created a textured and geometric installation of wall paneling, which is available in various shapes and sizes. To maintain a modern feel and avoid appearing excessive or outdated, the feature wall was designed with small tiles to keep it relatively small.
Make the fireplace stand out.
Utilizing wall paneling enhances a fireplace’s prominence and adds an architectural touch to the entire area. In this particular room by Andrea May Interiors, molding and trim are utilized to achieve an elegant appearance, although shiplap or barn board wall paneling can also be utilized for a slightly more rustic feel.
