What is wall panelling?
Wall panelling is the process of covering the interior walls of a building with decorative or functional panels. These panels can be made from various materials, including wood, PVC, fabric, MDF or even metal.
You’ve probably noticed stylish restaurants featuring it, scrolled through Pinterest boards dedicated to it, or seen DIYers on Instagram proudly installing it - the new era of wall panelling has arrived.
How panelling made a decorative comeback
Interior trends come and go, but wall panelling has an especially rich history, often used in grand European homes and public buildings.
In its earliest forms, carved wooden panels served both practical and decorative purposes, insulating stone walls, hiding structural flaws, and showcasing fine craftsmanship. Styles evolved over time, from the ornate wainscoting of the Georgian era to the sleek, minimalist lines of mid-century modern interiors.
By the late 20th century, panelling had fallen out of fashion in many places. But in recent years, it has made a remarkable comeback.
Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have been key in inspiring homeowners and designers to reimagine the look, pairing classic craftsmanship with modern materials, bold colours, and creative layouts.
It’s become an easy way to add character to a room, whether in a cosy bedroom, a sleek hallway, or a dramatic dining space And with today’s DIY-friendly kits and a wealth of online tutorials, achieving the look no longer requires a team of master carpenters.
Popular modern trends in panelling
Wall panelling has evolved far beyond traditional wood wainscoting.
Contemporary trends focus on both style and function. Slatted timber panels remain popular for adding warmth and a sense of vertical height, while geometric MDF designs bring a bold, architectural edge.
Painted panels in deep, saturated colours, like forest green, navy, or terracotta, add character and depth to a room, while lighter tones keep spaces airy and bright. Textured finishes, such as fabric-covered or ribbed panels, are increasingly sought after for their tactile appeal.
Sustainability is also shaping choices, with reclaimed wood and eco-friendly composites offering style without compromising environmental values.
More than anything, it’s about celebrating the style that you like. We recommend taking a look at our products for some design inspiration.
Not just for aesthetics
Many people choose to use wall panels because of their aesthetic quality.
Thanks to advances in materials and manufacturing techniques, wall panels now come in an impressive range of finishes, from intricate 3D textures and geometric patterns to eco-friendly options made from recycled materials. Your choices are endless!
But the appeal of wall panelling goes beyond looks:
- Durability: Panels protect the wall from scuffs, scratches, and moisture.
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Easy maintenance: Many materials can be wiped clean, making them practical for high-traffic areas.
- Concealing flaws: They can hide cracks, uneven surfaces, or wiring.
- Insulation and acoustics: Certain materials improve thermal performance and sound absorption.
Plus, if you select the right manufacturer, you can even get custom-sized panels to perfectly fit your space.
5 popular types of wood panelling
There are lots of styles to choose from when you’re considering using wall panelling in a project.
Ribbed panels tend to have softer, convex grooves, rather than just smooth concave grooves. Their ribs create strong shadow lines and a 3D effect, which is great for industrial, modern and luxury environments.
This is one of the most popular designs because it combines texture, warmth, and a clean, contemporary aesthetic. These are often used for feature walls, half-height units, media units, and anywhere you'd like to make a visual impact!
Unlike slatted panels, which are made of individual strips with gaps between them, fluted panels are a continuous solid surface with carved or moulded channels, creating a textured, rhythmic look.
In bead and butt panelling, each panel has a bead on one edge and a flat butt joint on the other, creating a subtle alternating pattern of rounded ridges and flat seams. Its chunkier and more traditional look can make any room cosy.
5) Tongue and groove wall panels
These panels are great at adding rustic charm to cottages or modern elegance to minimalist designs. By creating a clean, uniform look with subtle shadow lines, this style is sure to add a classy lift in any room.
Choosing the right panelling for your project
One of the biggest advantages of wall panelling is its flexibility. You can use it in virtually any room in the home or commercial space.
Here are some common uses:
- Feature walls: Use panels behind a bed, TV unit, or fireplace to create a dramatic focal point.
- Hallways and entrances: Add durability and style to communal areas.
- Bathrooms: With moisture-resistant materials, panels can bring warmth and texture to spaces that typically rely on tiles.
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Offices and boardrooms: Improve acoustics while adding a professional, polished finish.
- Retail and hospitality spaces: Create memorable, Instagram-worthy backdrops that reinforce brand identity.
Why quality matters
When selecting wall panelling, quality should always be a top priority.
High-quality panels not only look more refined but also perform better over time, resisting warping, fading, and damage from everyday wear. This is particularly important in high-moisture or high-traffic environments, where inferior materials may quickly deteriorate. You want your investment to last as long as possible!
You’ll find that quality panels also tend to be easier to clean, with surfaces that resist stains and can be wiped down without losing their finish. This is a lifesaver if you choose to panel in busy areas like kitchen islands and hallways.
Installation is another factor to weigh carefully. While some quality panels are designed for simple DIY mounting, others, especially large-format or intricate designs, benefit from professional installation to ensure perfect alignment and a flawless finish.
Where to find the perfect panelling
Finding the right wall panelling is as much about exploration as it is about selection. Specialist interior design showrooms offer the advantage of seeing full-sized displays, allowing you to appreciate scale, texture, and colour in real life. This hands-on experience is invaluable for understanding how a panel’s finish reacts to light or complements other materials in your space.
Online retailers provide convenience and a vast array of styles, often with free or low-cost samples you can order to test at home. Comparing samples side-by-side in your actual room will help you make confident choices.
At Panels by Sofia, for example, we supply you with 3 for 2 on selected panel samples, so you can really see how different panel types would look on your walls before committing.
As a panel specialist, we offer a curated range of high-quality designs to suit every style, space, and budget, from contemporary slatted panels to moisture-resistant finishes for bathrooms and kitchens.
Our team can guide you through the selection process, provide expert installation advice, and help you find the perfect match for your project.
For a wide variety of premium options and expert advice, check out our full range of UK-made products at Panels by Sofia.