2025 has seen wall panelling make a big comeback. It has been gradually been coming back into favour over recent years. This year we have seen a big push to revive the featured that had previously been a common feature within homes between the 1950’s through to the 1970’s. We’re not talking about recreating dusty studies or 1970’s throwbacks. These days you will find wooden panelling appearing in a wide range of rooms within homes. These include boutique hotels to minimalist townhouses in London. It looks pretty impressive when done correctly.

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The Revival of Wooden Wall Panelling

Many of us want our homes and offices to look sleek and to be minimalistic in appearance. This has encouraged people to consider more natural materials. For this reason it has now made it back on the radar of interior designers. Wood fits the requirements perfectly in this respect. Wooden panelling provides a more natural look. It also promotes a calming feel to a room.

What Is Wooden Wall Panelling?

Wooden wall panelling is quite simply where one adds wood or panels resembling wood to walls. It sounds simple enough but when done correctly t can have a big impact on a rooms appearance. Well set out and placed wooden wall panelling can change the feel of a room. It can give the perception of depth, cover up poor plastering and reduce echoes in open-plan flats.

Why Wooden Wall Panelling is Appearing Everywhere

Aside from looking great, wooden wall panelling comes with a range of great benefits. It’s sustainable making it a well sought after product by those that are environmentally conscious. It is also easy to install. This makes it an ideal choice for all those that enjoy and are good at DIY. This is also great for insulation, reducing the amount of heat transfer and adding a layer of thermal resistance. They add a layer of insulation within a room and help regulate room temperature. So, a home with these panels will feel warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Wooden wall panels can also reduce the amount of sound within a room. They do this by absorbing sound and reducing echoes. These also provide far better protection against scuffs than a lick of emulsion. These perks makes the panels ideal for various places within the home especially rooms where there is heavy footfall, for those with wild children, and for protecting walls when vacuums get a little overly excited.

Many of us like to have natural materials in our homes for aesthetics. They have a more grounding, calming feel to them which is often juxtaposed against glass, gloss and smart tech.

This type of product is extremely versatile and durable. For those wanting to create a more Scandi-style escape like look, light oak slats should be your panelling of choice. Want a more dramatic look, then consider deep green board-and-batten. You are not restricted in your options with wall panelling. There are an abundancy of colours and styles to help you create the look and vibe that suits.

Choosing Suitable Materials

Want to create a high end natural feel? Then the obvious choice is solid wood timber. Both oak and walnut are timeless choices. Oak brings with it a golden warmth, whereas walnut gives a much darker warmth alongside character and texture. Where budget is a determining factor, or, if you plan to paint, then a moisture-resistant MDF is a better option. It is easy to work with and can be painted the colour of your choosing.

Want a good in-between option? You can get a real-wood effect by using wood veneers bonded to stable boards. These don’t have the same price tag as real wood and here are plenty of suppliers that offer FSC-certified as well as recycled options for those looking to be green.

What Works Where?

Although there are no specific rules when it comes to where to use wooden wall panelling there are some good guidelines to consider.

For example, using fluted or slatted wooden panels will add clean, evenly spaced vertical lines. These give a modern and elegant look that works incredibly well within bedrooms, living rooms and also offices. They are perfect within rooms where you want to evoke a calm peaceful mood.

Looking for something with a more classic appeal, then consider either shiplap and tongue-and-groove styles. These can work well in kitchens and bathrooms, and any room or space needing a bit of heritage character.

If you want a look that has more of an impact on the onlooker, or a more architectural look to make a staircase or wall really stand out and catch the eye then a board and batten option would be most suited.

In reality, the best style is often the one you feel best fits the room or space. Ensure you go for something you feel you will still appreciate over the next ten years rather than a style that is currently trending and could be off trend in a matter of months.

Kitchens & Bathrooms

One thing I have learnt over the years is that you should never assume anything. That is very relevant in this case. We shouldn’t assume that wood doesn’t have a place in steamy rooms such as a kitchen or bathroom. When prepared correctly, there is no reason for it not to be used. All that is required is moisture resistance, meaning properly sealed panels, good ventilation and of course proper installation.

These days we can easily find purpose-built panels that are waterproof and look just like real wood. Therefore, these can be a great alternative to tiles for anyone redesigning a bathroom.

Should you Paint, Stain or Keep it Bare?

This decision is greatly influenced by the vibe you wish to recreate. Real wood can look great whether it is oiled or stained. These will both bring out the grain and give a soft, tactile finish. Painted panelling on the other hand is more versatile. Popular paint colours to consider could include lush rich greens, cool navy blues, and soft smoky greys. Neutrals and a range of whites can work exceptionally well in rooms that do not get much sun exposure to lighten up the room and give it an appearance of increased size. Untouched or barely finished wood also have their place. These are suitable for both minimalist or Scandi looks. These have an understated, soothing appeal.

Can You DIY Wall Panelling?

Of course! There are some panelling kits that are specifically designed for this purpose. These include tongue-and-groove styles and also pre-made slatted boards. Where walls are straight, for those with a steady hand and a good spirit level, installing your own Wall panelling is possible.

If however you have opted for a more complex layout, or a polished or even made to measure look it might be an idea to hire a joiner to ensure a more professional fitting.

The Cost

The cost of wooden panelling can vary significantly. MDF and pre-primed panels are more affordable. Bespoke timber joinery can cost thousands. Your budget and preference will dictate which option is most suited to you. It’s important to remember that the addition of wooden panelling adds a perceived value to a space. It can hide scrapes and scratches, doesn’t date the same as other trends and can be considered more as an investment in a classic timeless look for your home.

Sustainability

For all conscious about the footprint left by their home, there are a number of sustainable panel options available. In order to to identify these, look for FSC-certified wood. This includes fast-growing species like bamboo or poplar. It can also include products made from recycled fibres. The use of panels cuts the requirement for regular redecorating. This in itself helps sustainability and your pocket.

In Conclusion

Wall panelling isn’t an ill fated quickly fading trend. There has been a growing move towards increased texture, good craftsmanship and spaces that promote well being, calm and are aesthetically pleasing. This could be a feature wall, or simply the addition of a few slats behind the bed. Whatever you decide, the information provided within this post should help you create a beautiful room featuring wooden wall panelling.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading my post, The Revival of Wooden Wall Panelling and found it both interesting and useful.

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Would you consider, or do you already have wooden panels within your home?

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Image credit: The Wood Veneer Hub