Wall Panelling 101: A Guide to Different Types

Shaker Style Panelling

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Shaker style panelling is characterised by its simple, clean lines and lack of ornamentation. The panelling itself consists of thin MDF boards that are spaced evenly with a small gap between each board. 

The great thing about shaker style panelling is that you can choose to create a stunning yet subtle feature on an entire wall as our client Tracey did in the living room pictured above. Check out Tracey's full house tour here and see what other beautiful products went into this living room design here. 

Alternatively, you can choose to create a half panelled wall around an entire room which is equally as stunning and it will create a contrast between the wall and the panels., as pictured below. 

This shaker style creates a discrete, yet visually interesting texture that adds depth to a room without overwhelming it. The boards are often painted in muted, earthy colours such as white, beige, or grey, which further emphasises the minimalist nature of the style but you can go bold with two different shades of the same colour as the image above shows. 

Shaker style panelling can be incorporated into traditional or modern interiors,  as it usually created a perfect harmony of modern traditionalism working beautifully well in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. It can also be used to add texture and interest to hallways.

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

The narrow boards are less prone to warping than wider panels, which means that they will maintain their shape over time, and so this is a good investment if you’re looking for a long-lasting design element.

Shaker style panelling’s minimalist aesthetic and attention to detail make it a popular choice for homeowners who are looking for a subtle, yet visually interesting way to update their interiors

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Acoustic Wood Wall Panelling

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room and @dasilvadesign

Acoustic wood wall panelling is a popular choice for those looking to enhance the aesthetics and of course acoustics of a room. These panels are made from a variety of different wood types, each with its unique texture and appearance, and are designed to absorb sound waves and reduce noise levels.

These panels absorb sound waves and prevent them from bouncing around the room, which can result in an echo or reverberation effect which makes these panels excellent for 'echoey' hallways, large rooms or spaces with high ceilings, where sound tends to travel and linger. 

In addition to improving the acoustics of a room, acoustic wood wall panelling can also enhance its visual appeal. Take a look at how our designer Celine has used this gorgeous effect in her bedroom here and her snug in the image above. Click here to see Celine's House Tour and click here to see the beautiful products that went into her breath-taking bedroom. 

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room and @dasilvadesign

The panels are often made from high-quality materials and are designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. They are also easy to maintain and can be cleaned with a simple damp cloth or vacuum.

Acoustic wood wall panelling is also an eco-friendly choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. Many manufacturers use sustainable and responsibly sourced wood, and the panels themselves can be recycled at the end of their life cycle. 

Tongue & Groove Panelling

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Tongue and groove panelling is a popular choice for homeowners who want to add a touch of rustic elegance to their interior spaces. This style of panelling features a unique interlocking system, where the edges of each board are designed to fit seamlessly together, creating a smooth and uniform surface. It can be used to create a wide range of looks, from traditional and rustic to modern and contemporary. 

One of the primary benefits of tongue and groove panelling is its durability. The interlocking design helps to prevent moisture from seeping in between the boards, which can lead to warping, cracking, and other forms of damage. This makes it an ideal choice for areas of the home that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Tongue and groove panelling is also relatively easy to install as the panels can be nailed or glued directly to the wall, and the interlocking design helps to ensure a tight and secure fit. Make sure you consider the width and thickness of the panels, as well as the profile of the tongue and groove joint. Be sure to measure your space carefully and purchase enough panels to cover the entire area, including any corners or awkward angles.

Whether you're looking for a traditional or modern look, this type of panelling can help you achieve your desired aesthetic while providing long-lasting beauty and functionality.

Shiplap Panelling

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Shiplap panelling is a popular choice for adding a touch of rustic charm and character to an interior design scheme. This type of panelling features wooden boards that overlap each other, creating a distinctive pattern and texture on walls, ceilings, and even furniture.

The term "shiplap" comes from the way the boards are cut and joined together, with a groove on one edge and a slightly raised ridge on the other. This design allows the boards to fit together snugly, creating a tight seal that helps to keep out drafts and moisture. It can be used in a variety of settings, from traditional cottages and farmhouse-style homes to sleek apartments and commercial spaces. Here our client has used it on their celling to give a cosy coastal feel. 

When properly installed and maintained, it can last for decades without warping, cracking, or splitting. This makes it a great choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, entryways, and bathrooms. Shiplap panelling is also relatively easy to install, especially when compared to other types of wall coverings like wallpaper or tile. It can be nailed directly to drywall, plaster, or studs, and can even be installed over existing panelling or wallpaper in some cases.

Geometric Panelling

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Using geometric shapes in the design of wall panels or other architectural features is an epic way to create a feature wall in your home. You can arrange triangles, squares, rectangles, and other polygons in different patterns and configurations to create this visual effect and add depth to your room.

By using different shapes and sizes, designers can create a sense of movement and dimensionality that can be very effective in large open areas such as lobbies or hallways. It can also create a sense of order and symmetry in a space as by using repeating patterns and shapes, designers can create a harmonious and balanced environment that is pleasing to the eye.

Geometric panelling can be brilliant to create a focal point or accent wall. By using a bold or unusual pattern in a small area, you can draw attention to a particular feature or element of the space. Here our designer Tracy has used it to create a subtle yet eye catching feature wall in her teenage son's bedroom. A great way to bring a masculine and creative element in the space without it feeling cohesive to the rest of the house. Click here to see the rest of the products that make up this brilliant bedroom. 

In conclusion, geometric panelling is a versatile and effective design technique that can add a lot of visual interest and depth to a space. Whether you are designing a commercial or residential space, geometric panelling can be a great way to create a sense of order, symmetry, and harmony.

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Wooden Moulding 

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Strictly speaking this is not really panelling but I believe this deserves a special mention as it can look just as regal and glamorous but without the large price tag that comes with MDF panels. 

These decorative elements can be used to enhance the look of every room type there is! Wooden mouldings come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, ranging from classical to contemporary, and can be painted or stained to match any décor. We see many of our clients opting for this in their hallways and living rooms as a more subtle effect. Take a look at the image above and see the rectangular beading next to the sink, it keeps the wall from remaining blank and gives it a more classic feature.

Dado rails can add a touch of style and elegance to any room. They are typically installed at chair-height on walls and can be used to protect the walls from chair backs or other furniture or they can be used to visually break a large wall. These can be simple or ornate, with intricate designs and patterns that add a touch of sophistication to any room.

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

It is important to consider the style and design of the room. For example, if the room has a classical or traditional design, ornate and intricate mouldings may be more appropriate. Conversely, if the room has a modern or contemporary design, simpler and more streamlined mouldings may be a better choice.

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