Don't settle for boring walls
Maybe you want to add a little personality to your home. Maybe you want to cover up drywall with unsightly dents and dings. Whatever your ultimate goal, transform your space with the help of these stylish wall paneling ideas.
One of the more common wall panel decorations, wainscoting breaks up large swaths of drywall with white trim and wood paneling that runs along the lower half of the wall. The decorative wall paneling has been around for centuries and can add character to even the smallest rooms.
Remember, the ideal wainscoting height for a bathroom or other small space is about 1/3 of the wall. Otherwise, the look can overwhelm the room.
Does traditional wainscoting feel too, well, traditional, for you? Put a contemporary spin on it by pairing it with picture frame moulding and painting everything the same color for a monochromatic modern design.
To save money on trim—especially if you have to install potentially costly drywall too—consider using inexpensive MDF, rather than solid wood trim.
Skinny wood wall paneling is a great way to dress up the wall behind a headboard, especially if you want the focal point of the bedroom to be something other than your bedding.
These tongue and groove wood planks nestle tightly together to form a flat wooden wall surface that adds mid century charm to this living room. For a contemporary update, think about painting grooved wall panels white.
Similar to tongue and groove, you can’t go wrong with shiplap—a type of wood paneling commonly used in modern farmhouse decor. Shiplap turns any wall into an accent wall, adding warmth and texture to kitchens, bathrooms, dining rooms, and living rooms.
Shiplap can be a fun addition to a kids’ room, too, especially when the wood boards are installed vertically, painted a bold color, and decorated with something adorable, like these two happy suns.
Instead of a traditional white board-and-batten wall panel, go for something daring, like emerald green board and batten against lighter moss green walls. You’ll instantly up the glamour of a bedroom or home office.
We also love this shiplap-esque take on classic white board and batten. It’s a great trick to try when you want the room to look taller than it actually is.
Want wall paneling ideas that feel ultra-modern? You might like 3D wall paneling. These panels feature eye-popping 3D designs that lightly protrude out from the wall. They are typically made from lightweight, easy-to-clean PVC and add drama to any room.
For a slightly subtler 3D design, opt for flatter 3D panels with an abstract geometric pattern.
Velvety upholstered fabric panels are bedroom mainstays. What we like about this version is that the panel features vertical upholstered planks that run from floor to ceiling, making this small bedroom feel more spacious.
Did you know that you can have a brick accent wall without installing individual bricks? Yup, there’s such a thing as faux brick wall panels that mimic the look and texture of real bricks and work perfectly as decorative accent wall panels.
Get a glamorous, high-end look with a metal accent wall made from steel panels. Or, if you don’t have gobs of money, swap out the steel for nail-up faux tin tiles that you can attach to the drywall with construction glue and nails.
You may not be able to replicate this bedroom view, but you can replicate its two-toned wood block paneling. Even at half the size, it would still be an impressive way to zhuzh up a room.
Can’t decide on a favorite wall panel style? Try mixing panel types, such as wood slats with oversized gray tiles, to create your own unique look.
This custom-designed main bathroom pairs old-school white beadboard with a marble floor and vanity. The wood paneling adds a humbleness to the overall design, keeping it from feeling too ostentatious.
One of our favorite wall panel decor ideas is taking reclaimed wood from an old barn and repurposing it into an accent wall. Because the boards have been out in the elements, no two boards look the same, giving your space a completely unique look.
If the thought of a wall panel feels too permanent, try a movable wood lattice screen panel like the one seen here in Guinevere Antiques in London.
