• Ideas by Room
    • Bathrooms
    • Bedrooms
    • Kitchens
    • Living Rooms
    • Dining Rooms
  • Décor Ideas
    • Design Inspiration
    • Fireplace
    • Wall Décor
  • Storage Ideas
  • Outdoor Space
    • Patio, Porches and Decks
    • Backyards
    • Swimming Pool
    • Landscaping and Garden
    • Fences
    • House Exterior
  • Other Spaces
    • Attic & Basement
    • Garage
    • Apartment
    • Home Office
    • Themed Rooms
  • Shopping
Upload
The Top 36 Wall Paneling Ideas

The Top 36 Wall Paneling Ideas

  • Trendey / Wall Décor
  • by — Kendrick Hulse

If you find yourself craving a change to your living space, the first instinct may be to reach for a can of paint. But what if color isn’t the problem?

Wall paneling is a versatile way to add character and dimension to a room without the need for other major changes. Keep reading for our favorite wall paneling ideas to try in your own home!

Contents

1. Bedroom

The sheer versatility of a paneled wall means it can be included almost anywhere within the home. But the bedroom is a particularly great place to highlight this design trend’s sheer potential!

Bedroom Wall Paneling Ideas -designedbyaspra

Source: @designedbyaspra via Instagram

Bedroom Wall Paneling Ideas -dmjoinery_doors_and_flooring

Source: @dmjoinery_doors_and_flooring via Instagram

Bedroom Wall Paneling Ideas -home_on_churchmeadows

Source: @home_on_churchmeadows via Instagram

Bedroom Wall Paneling Ideas -theweston_2019

Source: @theweston_2019 via Instagram

As with any bedroom accent wall, behind the headboard is the best location. You can even use contrasting wall panels in place of a traditional headboard if you so choose.

While important to an extent, contrast doesn’t need to be cranked up to max for this idea to be effective. Wall paneling that closely matches the rest of the room is also okay.

 

2. Dining

Weighing down a dining room wall with bulky decor is rarely ideal. If your dining space seems to be missing that special something, consider installing wall panels instead.

Dining Wall Paneling Ideas -alifebythelough

Source: @alifebythelough via Instagram

Dining Wall Paneling Ideas -caitsfamilyhome

Source: @caitsfamilyhome via Instagram

Dining Wall Paneling Ideas -inside_no_13

Source: @inside_no_13 via Instagram

Dining Wall Paneling Ideas -life_at_number50

Source: @life_at_number50 via Instagram

Dining Wall Paneling Ideas -newbuild_ourhome151

Source: @newbuild_ourhome151 via Instagram

Dining Wall Paneling Ideas -ourburfordhome

Source: @ourburfordhome via Instagram

Dining Wall Paneling Ideas -ourfirsthome_no49

Source: @ourfirsthome_no49 via Instagram

Dining Wall Paneling Ideas -ourhatfield__

Source: @ourhatfield__ via Instagram

A wall paneling design that coordinates with the surrounding walls will make the room feel as large and bright as possible. For a bit more contrast, try splitting the space vertically with decorative wainscoting.

Most dining rooms will benefit from relatively simple, large-scale wall paneling. Your furniture and table setting should remain the stars of the show.

 

3. Hallway

Regardless of size, injecting personality into a residential hallway is no easy task. Even experienced designers can struggle with this particular project!

Hallway Wall Paneling Ideas -fixingthirtytwo

Source: @fixingthirtytwo via Instagram

Hallway Wall Paneling Ideas -homedecorinspirations2021

Source: @homedecorinspirations2021 via Instagram

Wall paneling is a wonderful way to add some dimension to a narrow space like a hallway.

Avoid overly dark or bulky paneling, especially if the hallway lacks large sections of empty wall space. Wainscoting is one of the best solutions for this particular application.

 

4. Living Room

Does your main living room lack the atmosphere you crave? Adding some texture to the walls — in the form of decorative paneling, of course — could do a world of good for your living room design as a whole.

Living Room Wall Paneling Ideas -design.consept

Source: @design.consept via Instagram

Living Room Wall Paneling Ideas -enwinteriors

Source: @enwinteriors via Instagram

Living Room Wall Paneling Ideas -our_eft_home

Source: @our_eft_home via Instagram

Living Room Wall Paneling Ideas -ourhappycheshirehome

Source: @ourhappycheshirehome via Instagram

Living Room Wall Paneling Ideas -philippa_claire_

Source: @philippa_claire_ via Instagram

Since living rooms tend to already have a lot going on, opt for wall paneling that blends into the background. Sticking to a single color for the entire wall surface area is a great way to do this.

Think about how essentials like TVs and wall decor will fit into your paneling layout. Leave plenty of open space to mount such items.

 

5. Modern

Wall paneling — at least in terms of what is trendy today — is very much rooted in modern interior design. This is great news for anyone looking to incorporate a bit of mid-century or Art Deco charm into their home!

Modern Wall Paneling Ideas -a.k.hay

Source: @a.k.hay via Instagram

Modern Wall Paneling Ideas -ahomeinthetropics

Source: @ahomeinthetropics via Instagram

Modern Wall Paneling Ideas -claytoncorner_beauchampgrange

Source: @claytoncorner_beauchampgrange via Instagram

Modern Wall Paneling Ideas -dekor_roemah

Source: @dekor_roemah via Instagram

Modern Wall Paneling Ideas -diytwins.official

Source: @diytwins.official via Instagram

Modern Wall Paneling Ideas -holly_does_homeimprovements

Source: @holly_does_homeimprovements via Instagram

Modern Wall Paneling Ideas -midlandshousetohome

Source: @midlandshousetohome via Instagram

Modern Wall Paneling Ideas -oursurreycorner

Source: @oursurreycorner via Instagram

Modern wall panels lack the ornateness of other design eras. Stick to clean, geometric shapes. Don’t be afraid to get creative with asymmetry if the space calls for it.

Color selection is crucial to effective modern design. While some modern aesthetics pair well with natural wood (e.g., Scandinavian or industrial), paint is almost always your best choice.

 

6. TV Wall

In today’s homes, few items outrank the main TV. You can take advantage of this reality by paying special attention to the wall behind your own media center.

TV Wall Paneling Ideas -superiorcarpentryjoinery

Source: @superiorcarpentryjoinery via Instagram

If covering the entire wall behind your TV, opt for a paneling design that is relatively simple. Wall paneling mounted around the very edge of the TV can be a bit bolder.

(By the way, this is the perfect opportunity to hide unsightly power cords without drilling into the drywall!)

 

7. Unique

If you think traditional wall paneling is a dramatic design choice, these unique ideas may not be for you. But, to the right person, abstract wall paneling can make a house feel like a one-of-a-kind home.

Unique Wall Paneling Ideas -handymanfelipe1

Source: @handymanfelipe1 via Instagram

Unique Wall Paneling Ideas -joedoninteriors

Source: @joedoninteriors via Instagram

Unique Wall Paneling Ideas -olta_hasimaj

Source: @olta_hasimaj via Instagram

Contemporary materials have made it possible to create wall paneling with all kinds of textures and 3D shapes.

You can even flex your creativity while still going the DIY route. Panels that are asymmetrical or feature contrasting finishes will give your living space a unique twist.

 

8. White

White walls offer many benefits. Unfortunately, they’re also the most boring way to finish any room.

White Wall Paneling Ideas -johnwalsh_property_maintenance

Source: @johnwalsh_property_maintenance via Instagram

White Wall Paneling Ideas -ourhome_insideandout

Source: @ourhome_insideandout via Instagram

Wall paneling allows you to enjoy the simplicity of white paint while breathing life into the space.

Your chosen panels don’t need to be intricate to make this design strategy effective. Even the addition of a chair rail can have an impressive impact on an all-white room.

 

9. Wood

While wall paneling in general has been quite trendy the past few years, wooden panels have dominated the interior decor market all on their own.

Wood Wall Paneling Ideas -home.caffeine.cacti

Source: @home.caffeine.cacti via Instagram

Wood Wall Paneling Ideas -mrcabinets

Source: @mrcabinets via Instagram

Wood Wall Paneling Ideas -sawoodworkdesign

Source: @sawoodworkdesign via Instagram

If you think wood-paneled walls are outdated, think again. This idea has been reborn for the modern era (no one will think your home teleported out of the 1970s!).

With the exception of rustic paneling like shiplap or beadboard, the wood panels of today tend to be very sleek and contemporary. They mesh well with decor aesthetics like Scandinavian or Bohemian.

Browse by Topics:

Ceiling Ideas Closet Ideas Design Styles Flooring Ideas Lighting Ideas

More Must-Read Articles

  • 90 Bedroom Curtain Ideas
    /Bedrooms
    90 Bedroom Curtain Ideas May 18, 2022
  • 42 Small Backyard Ideas and Designs
    /Backyards
    42 Small Backyard Ideas and Designs May 18, 2022
  • 49 Pool Cabana Ideas
    /Swimming Pool
    49 Pool Cabana Ideas May 18, 2022
  • How to Arrange Pictures on a Wall
    /Décor Ideas
    How to Arrange Pictures on a Wall May 13, 2022

Popular Articles

  • The Top 48 Wood Stove Hearth Ideas
  • 64 Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Your Yard
  • 60 Walk-In Shower Ideas for Your Bathroom
  • 68 Stock Tank Pool Ideas
  • 76 Amazing DIY Indoor Herb Garden Ideas
  • 50 Inspiring Kids' Room Decor Ideas
  • 67 Pool House Design Ideas

Wall Paneling FAQs

Is wall paneling expensive?

As is the case with many home design trends, the cost of wall paneling varies greatly based on the exact style, project size, and whether or not you’re up for some DIY.

Wall paneling’s largest expense tends to be materials (especially if you’re taking care of labor yourself).

Some DIYers opt for melamine or plastic panels in an effort to save money. However, for many projects, real lumber can be similar in price and longer-lasting.

Is peel-and-stick wall paneling worth it?

Removable wall paneling can be a nice option for renters or those who don’t want to permanently mount molding to their walls. However, these products are often quite expensive and won’t last as long as real paneling.

Kendrick Hulse

Writer

Kendrick holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from the University of Wisconsin. She has written professionally for five years and specializes in home and garden design, with past experience working in the residential gardening industry.

Kendrick holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from the University of Wisconsin. She has written professionally for five years and specializes in home and garden design, with past experience working in the residential gardening industry.

More Must-Read Articles

  • 90 Bedroom Curtain Ideas
    90 Bedroom Curtain Ideas May 18, 2022
  • 42 Small Backyard Ideas and Designs
    42 Small Backyard Ideas and Designs May 18, 2022
  • 49 Pool Cabana Ideas
    49 Pool Cabana Ideas May 18, 2022
  • How to Arrange Pictures on a Wall
    How to Arrange Pictures on a Wall May 13, 2022
  • Upload Your Image
  • FTC Disclosure
  • Our Authors
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

© COPYRIGHT 2022 Trendey ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

TRENDEY LLC IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM. SOME LINKS MAY BE AFFILIATE LINKS. WE MAY GET PAID IF YOU BUY SOMETHING OR TAKE AN ACTION AFTER CLICKING ONE OF THESE