Decorative wall panels for your home

Wall panelling is a modern way to accessorise your walls, adding some colour, texture and character to your otherwise dull walls. In a modern setting, wall panels can create a sophisticated or contemporary appearance that matches the setting. 

Panels can be acrylic or made of wood, whichever suits the interiors. You may also opt for temporary vinyl panels that stick on the walls and can easily be replaced later. Vinyl panels are easy to install and take off whenever you wish. 

 

See also: Vastu recommended room colours for every zodiac sign

 

What is wainscoting?

Source: Pinterest 

 

Wainscoting is the traditional way of protecting the overall construction of a room by wood panelling the lower half of the wall where most of the abrasion takes place. It became popular in 18th-century England and other parts of Europe both for aesthetic purposes and pragmatic reasons. 

In modern times, however, wainscoting is an effective way to add some character and texture to a room’s walls. Wainscoting also offers insulation to a room in extreme weather conditions and reinforces the delicate plastering on the wall. It also helps protect the walls against regular wear and tear, like furniture bumps and insect infestations.

see also about: best pvc wall design

Decorative wall panels: Benefits

Decorative wall panels are an excellent way to add style and sophistication to your home. Here are some benefits of using decorative wall panels:

Artistic 3D designs add depth and texture

Decorative wall panels come in a variety of 3D designs that add depth and texture to your walls. The unique designs create a visual interest that can enhance any room.

Customisable colours and patterns available

Decorative wall panels can be customised to fit any colour scheme or pattern that you desire. This allows you to create a personalised look that complements the decor of your home.

Durable materials resist wear and tear

Decorative wall panels are made from durable materials that resist wear and tear. This means that they will last for years without fading or becoming damaged, making them a worthwhile investment. Moreover, they protect the structural integrity of the walls they cover. 

Easy installation with interlocking system

Decorative wall panels are easy to install thanks to their interlocking system. This allows for a quick and hassle-free installation, and it also makes it easy to remove and replace the panels if necessary.

 

Best decorative wall panels to choose from

Here are some of the most attractive decorative wall panel ideas you can take inspiration from. 

Natural wood decorative wall panels

Source: Pinterest 

Natural wood panels are the most cost-effective and feasible option for homeowners. These come in both rustic and elegant designs, horizontal or vertical, depending on your preferences. The room dimensions, interiors and spacing are what determine the type of wall panel you should install. 

Generally, medium-density fibreboard or MDF is used to create decorative wall panels of wood. You can install these in living room walls, bedrooms and even bathrooms, in areas that are not too close to the water source. Putting up some artistic wall hangings and paintings can enhance the aesthetics of your wooden wall panels. 

see also about: bricks wall design

PVC decorative wall panels

Source: Pinterest 

 

PVC is a plastic-based material that comes in a range of textures and designs, all with amazing durability. These are also moisture-resistant and can be installed on bathroom walls. Supported by an aluminium channel grid, these panels may come in 3D textures and patterns, adaptable to any given space. 

The PVC panels are inherently low-maintenance with excellent aesthetic appeal. No wonder these are finding a wide variety of uses in contemporary home designs. 

Utility decorative wall panels

Source: Pinterest 

 

Utility wall panels are based on the idea of using the available space for holding or hanging stuff. You may use the entire wall or just a part of it for utility purposes. These come in a variety of colours and finishes, including wood textures. 

If you are looking for customised designs, hire an experienced carpenter to create a design that matches your needs and interests. Best suited for kitchens and garages, these panels also find a wide variety of uses in commercial spaces. 

Acoustic decorative wall panels

 

Source: Pinterest 

 

These panels have the characteristic feature of refracting sound, making echoes in the space. The acoustic panels also have sound-absorbing features and thus are best suited for recording rooms and music rooms. This kind of panelling prevents the transmission of sound through walls, thus offering a perfect setting for music enthusiasts. 

If you are a musician living with your family or friends, this type of panelling can offer you both the privacy and sound-enhancing benefits of practising music without disturbing others. 

External decorative wall panels

 

Source: Pinterest 

If you are planning to install external panels, various materials, like wood, bricks, pre-concrete, cement fibre boards, PVC, and tiles can be used. This type of panelling offers protection against harsh weather conditions. The system consists of structural panels with sheets of insulating foam between the external layers to help protect the walls from atmospheric wear and tear. 

Metal decorative wall panels

 

Source: Pinterest 

 

One of the most sought-after decorative wall panel ideas that designers and homeowners prefer, metal panelling enhances the aesthetics of your walls by adding a sleek and elegant finish. Being a contemporary design, it takes great expertise to craft the perfect look with metal panels. The metals generally used for this kind of panelling are aluminium, copper and corten steel. 

Know about: Accent wall

How to design decorative wall panels to improve their aesthetics?

You can design your wall panels in several ways to make the space appear aesthetically appealing, to say the least. Try the following design methods to ramp up the panelled look of your walls:

Touch of marble 

Throwing in a simple marble finish with your wall panels can give a luxurious feel to your room. It makes the walls look elevated and sophisticated, like a feature wall that we get to see in classic movies.

Photographs

You can step up the panelling effect by hanging some framed photographs on your panelled walls. This kind of decorative wall panel is best-suited for less functional rooms, like the living room or bedroom. Putting up family photographs on the wall will also add some warmth to your otherwise monotonous setting.

Wallpapers with wood panels

If you can pair your wood panelling with matching wallpapers, the entire effect will be something quite extraordinary. Choose rustic wallpapers or floral designs to add a touch of classic.

Half-wall designs 

Originating in the Victorian era, the half-wall moulding designs are best suited for traditional homes. In this type of panelling, only the lower half of the wall is covered, leaving the rest to its existing form. You can choose patterns like concentric squares or rectangles to enhance the panelling effect.

Sometimes, you may also add new furniture, like a bookshelf or a study table, to hide the panelling on the walls if it is not something to exhibit. However, decorative wall panels are meant to be shown off, so you need not worry about the aesthetics. Choose a panelling style that you can be proud of, as so many options are available these days. 

FAQs

Which one is better? Tiles or panels?

Panels are more cost-effective than tiles, for starters. Then, installing panels is easier than tiling the entire wall or even a part. While tiles cannot be easily replaced, panels are both adaptable and replaceable.

Are raised wall panels suitable for contemporary spaces?

Going by design aesthetics, raised wall panels were found in Victorian-styled homes and still now, these are better suited for traditional interiors.

How much does wall panelling cost?

The average cost of wood panels in India is Rs 150/per square foot. Others may vary, depending on the type of materials and designs.

Can I panel my ceiling as well?

It can be an effective way to cover both the walls and ceilings of a room if you can afford it. It will offer a seamless effect in large spaces, thus enhancing aesthetics. However, if the room is smaller, panelling the ceiling may make it look congested.

Can I add some greens to the wall panels? How?

You can incorporate an artificial grass wall into the wall panel to offer a sustainable and relaxing essence. The touch of greens will elevate the feel of your space and serve the purpose of an accent wall, especially in dining areas and the patio.