Interior Wall Panelling: When It Helps and When It Doesn’t

The Dilemma

Wall panelling is increasingly popular as a way to add texture and character, but it’s also easy to overuse. In the wrong space it can feel forced, busy or simply mismatched to the architecture. Many homeowners struggle to understand whether panelling will improve a room or compete with it.

The dilemma is working out when panelling contributes to the room’s atmosphere and when it distracts.

The Options

Option 1: Vertical Boards or V-Groove Panelling

Clean and rhythmic.

Pros:

• elongates walls

• ideal for hallways, utilities and bathrooms

• works with coastal, Scandinavian or contemporary styles

Cons:

• narrow grooves can feel cottage-like if overused

Option 2: Square or Rectangular Panelled Grids

Traditional and structured.

Pros:

• suits period homes

• adds formality

• pairs well with muted paint colours

Cons:

• visually heavy in small rooms

Option 3: Slatted Timber Panelling

Warm and modern.

Pros:

• adds texture

• improves acoustics

• ideal as a feature wall

Cons:

• can fight with strong flooring patterns

• needs good lighting to showcase correctly

The Decision Criteria

1. Architectural context

Panelling should complement the home’s style.
Victorian homes suit panel grids; modern extensions suit simpler boards.

2. Room scale and ceiling height

Tall rooms can handle more dramatic panel layouts.
Low ceilings benefit from vertical emphasis.

3. Lighting and shadow

Panelling relies on light.
Without good lighting, details can disappear or feel flat.

4. Colour

Panelling painted the same colour as the wall feels subtle.
Contrast colours make the panel pattern more pronounced.

5. Purpose

Are you adding interest to a plain room, or covering uneven walls?
Different goals lead to different solutions.

The Recommendation

Choose panelling that reinforces - not fights - your home’s architecture.
If in doubt, go simpler.
A single well-proportioned wall of vertical boards can do more for a room than complex panelling on all sides.

Use panelling strategically: behind a bed, along a hallway, or as a feature in a calm living room.

A Quick Tip

Before committing, tape the panel pattern on the wall using masking tape. It instantly shows proportion and spacing.