5 Panelling Ideas So Good You’ll Want to Redecorate Immediately
When you imagine wall panelling, you might picture a grand period hallway or a moody feature wall behind a bed. But in 2025, panelling is no longer reserved for traditional interiors or statement walls alone.
It’s become a versatile design feature that can completely transform any space, from kitchens to alcoves, adding instant depth, warmth, and architectural interest.
And better yet, you don’t have to be an interior designer or a builder to achieve these creative looks.
So, if your walls are feeling a little lacklustre, here are five clever ways to use panelling to breathe new life into your home.
1. Give your kitchen splashback an upgrade
Forget costly kitchen renovations. One of the easiest ways to refresh tired kitchen splashbacks is with panelling.
Whether you go for high-impact, ribbed wall paneling or classic shaker-style paneling, adding panels as a statement splashback can give your kitchen a bespoke, high-end finish without replacing any of the cabinetry.
If your kitchen leans towards a modern style, you could try colour drenching your panels to match your pre-existing kitchen.
For a cottage or farmhouse style, beadboard or v-groove panels in a contrasting colour (like off-white against navy or olive) add a cozy, handcrafted charm. Finish the look with new handles or brass knobs, and your “new” kitchen will feel both timeless and on-trend.
2. Leave boring fireplaces in 2025
How do you transform a fireplace, whether that be modern or traditional, into a feature? Try utilising panelling!
You also need to pick the right panel type, from shaker-style mouldings to fluted panels, and the best part is that they can be custom-cut to fit your space perfectly. This ensures you get a look that’s uniquely yours without compromise.
Safety is also key. Our fire-rated panels are designed specifically for installation near heat sources, giving you peace of mind while achieving a stylish, standout feature.
3. For DIY storage solutions
Panelling isn’t just decorative, it can also be incredibly practical. If you’re short on storage space, use panelling as part of a built-in solution that looks aesthetically pleasing too.
For example, create a wall of shallow panels that conceal hidden cupboards or drawers. When painted the same colour as your walls, they blend seamlessly into the background, giving the illusion of a sleek, uninterrupted surface.
Another clever trick! Use panelling to disguise unsightly utility areas, like boiler cupboards or under-stair spaces, like the image above. Add boards to the doors and walls, then paint everything in a unifying colour to create a tidy, and again cohesive look.
For DIY enthusiasts, this is all in a weekend's work. All you need are the panels themselves, adhesive (all of which we provide), and a good coat of paint. The result? A custom-built aesthetic that’s both functional and full of personality.
4. A media wall that’s more than functional
Media walls are often a necessity in living spaces, but sometimes they can leave the wall behind them looking sparse or utilitarian.
Panelling offers a stylish way to integrate your screen and shelving into the room’s design, rather than letting it stick out like a sore thumb.
For a modern look, try a fluted or slatted wall design. It adds a subtle texture that catches the light and reduces glare from screens. A darker colour, like charcoal, walnut, or deep forest green, creates contrast and makes the media wall feel intrusive.
Alternatively, surround your media unit with shaker panels or box mouldings to frame it like a feature rather than a fixture.
Pair it with minimalist décor and ambient lighting, and you’ll have a home entertainment setup worthy of a design magazine.
5. To add character to recesses and nooks
Recesses and alcoves can be tricky to style, often ending up as wasted or cluttered spaces. Panelling is the perfect way to give these overlooked corners some personality.
A tongue-and-groove backboard instantly adds depth and makes a small reading nook, bench seat, or office corner feel like an intentional space.
For shallow alcoves, consider a panelled backdrop in a contrasting colour, it helps define the space and gives it a cool edge. If you want to take the look further, you can also frame built-in shelves with panelling to give them a tailored, finished look.
For a softer, more inviting atmosphere, paint the panelling in warm neutrals like mushroom or oatmeal, and add soft textiles or plants to complete the look. It’s a small change that can make even the most awkward corner feel like it belongs in the room.