Wall Paneling Ideas
Wall planks and paneling are enjoying a resurgence. Gone is the outdated look of paneling from the 1970s. Today’s planks and panels are a refreshing alternative and can bring new life to your home. Whether you’re going for a classic look or a more modern style, planks and panels add dimension and visual interest to any room. A popular trend with decorative wall panels is to install them on one wall, creating an accent wall to serve as a focal point. From the handcrafted feel of shiplap to the texture-rich appearance of 3D panels, there are many ways to give your walls a stylish surprise.
Many panels and planks are ready to install — no painting needed. For more flexibility and customization, select unfinished panels that are ready for a primer and paint color of your choice to suit your décor.
Have questions about wall planks and panels? Read the Wall Planks and Panels FAQ.
Edge Profile
The term “edge profile” refers to how wall planks fit together during installation. Both shiplap and tongue-and-groove wall planks have their own joining methods. See their respective sections for further details.
Shiplap Wall Planks
When you want to bring a wow factor to your room, shiplap is a great choice. Shiplap adds instant character and evokes the ambiance of a rustic farmhouse or country cottage. With grooves cut into the edges of the wood plank, shiplap is easy to install with just a few tools, like a tape measure, stud finder, level, circular saw or table saw, hammer, and nails. The planks overlap one another with the lip of the upper board, an L-shaped notch, overlapping the lower board to provide a tight fit. Shiplap is traditionally placed on the walls horizontally; however, vertical and diagonal installation isn’t out of the question. It also works well for accent walls.
You can leave shiplap in its natural state or explore a world of design possibilities by painting it. Choose a color to blend in with your décor or let it be the standout star of the room. If the shiplap is likely to come into contact with water and moisture, consider adding a waterproof finish to protect the wood.
Tongue-and-Groove Wall Planks
Tongue-and-groove planks feature a protrusion along the length of one end and a groove along the opposite side. During installation, the boards fit together by joining the protruding side with the grooved side and snapping into place. Once installed, tongue and groove looks similar to shiplap.
Tongue-and-groove planks are available in a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl and reclaimed wood. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a coastal, cottage or farmhouse decorating scheme.
Materials
Here are some of the most common wall plank materials and the benefits of each.
Wood Panels
Wood panels are the traditional choice when it comes to wall paneling. While wood is certainly beautiful, it can be vulnerable to termites if not treated properly and can be damaged by moisture. The two most common species used are cedar and pine. Cedar planks are naturally durable and can last the entire life span of a home. Although pine is softer than cedar in its natural state, quality, treated pine planks can be just as durable as cedar.
PVC Panels
PVC panels are made of polyvinyl chloride. The main benefit of this material is its nonporous surface, which means it can’t be damaged by contact with water and it’s resistant to mold and mildew. PVC wall panels are a good option for moisture-prone rooms in the home, like the bathroom and kitchen.
MDF Panels
Multidensity fiberboard (MDF) panels — also known as composite wood panels — are a more affordable option for those who like the look of natural wood. They come in a variety of colors and wood grains and can also be painted or finished just like wood. However, MDF panels aren’t a good choice for moist areas because of their tendency to absorb moisture and swell or warp the material.
Reclaimed-Wood Wall Panels
Reclaimed wood is a popular, sustainable option for wall panels. It’s not only a gorgeous addition, but it also adds a rustic touch and cozy ambiance to any space. Reclaimed wood is salvaged and repurposed wood. It’s rich in character and more durable than virgin wood by up to 40 points on the Janka hardness scale.
Wall Panel Styles
Here are some of the most popular wall panel styles available today.
Beaded Wall Panels
Beaded wall panels, also known as beadboard panels, are vertical grooved panels with indentations, or beads. Traditionally, wood beadboard was installed stick by stick. Today’s beadboard comes in a range of materials, including wood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and hardboard. Beadboard panels add texture and depth to a room, and their versatility and ease of installation make them a popular choice. The panels are commonly used in wainscoting (as pictured).
For more on installation, see Install Beaded Plank Paneling.
Wainscoting Wall Panels
Wainscoting is a stylish type of paneling that’s typically installed on the lower half of a wall. It’s designed to protect the wall, especially in spaces with heavy traffic or that are prone to impacts, like damage by chairs, scuffs and more. Traditionally, wainscoting is constructed of solid wood; however, materials like composite, MDF, PVC, hardboard and plywood are also used. Beadboard is the most common type of wainscoting.
To learn more about installing wainscoting, read How to Install Wainscoting.
3D Wall Panels
3D wall panels give a lackluster room or space a visual pop with added texture. The panels are lightweight and easy to install. With a few tools and materials, like construction adhesive, a utility knife, a tape measure and a level, your walls can go from plain to posh with just a little effort. From faux brick to fretwork, 3D panels add texture to your walls, revitalize an interior, and create a stylish and elegant accent.
Installation Types
Mounting wall panels will require one of two different methods of installation:
- Peel-and-stick wall panels have a pre-applied adhesive on the back that sticks to the wall. Before installing, sand away any rough patches and make sure the area is clean and dry. This type of panel can be installed quickly by using a simple pressure roller, and no specialized mounting tools are required. The main drawbacks of peel-and-stick panels, however, are that they cost more and don’t work well in rooms where they may encounter moisture. Also, because these panels are thin and flexible and can wiggle during installation, many find that smaller sizes are easier to install than larger sizes.
- Traditional-mount wall planks are attached either by coating the back with a mounting adhesive or by using nails or staples. This type of installation is less expensive than peel and stick but takes longer and requires more tools. However, attaching wall planks using an adhesive or fasteners means that the product is less likely to warp — especially in moist rooms — and you can easily reposition planks before mounting permanently if you make a mistake.