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.

13 Wall Paneling Ideas for Any Room

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 other major changes. Keep reading for our favorite wall paneling ideas to try in your home!

1. Diamond Wall Paneling

Elevate your space with diamond wall paneling, a luxurious and dynamic choice. This pattern, consisting of diamond-shaped panels, adds a touch of sophistication and can be used to create a focal point in any room. Ideal for bedrooms, this style pairs well with both contemporary and classic décor, enhancing the room’s aesthetic appeal.

Bedroom with a tufted headboard, floral bedspread, and two white bedside tables with lamps against a dark accent wall panel — Source: @designedbyaspra via Instagram

2. Board & Batten

This style involves vertically arranged boards separated by battens, creating a clean, linear look. It’s perfect for adding a rustic charm or a minimalist touch to your bedroom, depending on the color and finish you choose.

Modern bedroom with a gray upholstered bed, white bedding, and bedside tables, black lampshade and gray panel wall create a cozy ambiance — Source: @dmjoinery_doors_and_flooring via Instagram

Elegant bedroom with a beige color scheme, tufted headboard, matching pillows, mirrored wardrobe, and a fringed chandelier gracing the panel wall — Source: @home_on_churchmeadows via Instagram

Bedroom with a large bed featuring a colorful polka dot comforter, flanked by wooden side tables, and a panel wall near the wooden dresser — Source: @a.k.hay via Instagram

3. Traditional Decorative Wainscoting

This design, typically covering the lower third of a wall, features intricate molding and paneling details. It’s ideal for adding character to dining rooms, hallways, or living spaces, and can be painted to complement your existing décor.

Elegant bedroom with a tufted headboard, navy bedding, and a chandelier; white panel walls and curtains add a cozy atmosphere — Source: @theweston_2019 via Instagram

Modern bedroom with a beige tufted bed, "hubby" and "wifey" pillows, two hanging lights, wall panels, and potted plants on wooden flooring — Source: @dekor_roemah via Instagram

Cozy living room with pink armchair, modern lamp, fireplace, and guitar; blue panel walls and wooden floor enhance the warmth — Source: @ahomeinthetropics via Instagram

Elegant living room with a white sofa, gold accents, chic cushions, glass coffee table, decorative mirror, chandelier, and stylish wall panel — Source: @design.consept via Instagram

4. Half Wall

The half wall paneling idea is a versatile and modern approach to redefine your space. It involves paneling only the lower or upper half of a wall, creating a striking visual contrast. This technique is great for separating areas in an open-plan space or adding a decorative touch to otherwise plain walls.

Dining room with blue and white panel walls, a wooden table and chairs, a wicker pendant light, and abstract art displayed prominently — Source: @alifebythelough via Instagram

A hallway with wooden herringbone flooring, white panel wainscoting, framed photos on the wall, and a vase with pampas grass — Source: @homedecorinspirations2021 via Instagram

5. Box Paneling

Box paneling offers a sleek and geometric aesthetic for contemporary spaces. This style features square or rectangular panels arranged in a grid pattern, providing a clean and structured look. It’s a versatile choice for any room, allowing for creative paint and finish options to match your personal style.

Minimalist dining room with a white table, four chairs, two potted plants, and gray paneled walls beneath a chandelier — Source: @caitsfamilyhome via Instagram

A modern dining room features a glass table, four grey chairs, a circular mirror, and plants on a light grey panel wall — Source: @inside_no_13 via Instagram

Modern dining area with a white high table, black chairs, a gray panel wall, chandelier, and side tables with decor; bright window light — Source: @life_at_number50 via Instagram

Modern dining room featuring a glass table, four white chairs, a large wall clock, and chandelier against creamy wall panels for added elegance — Source: @newbuild_ourhome151 via Instagram

Bright dining room with a wooden table, woven placemats, white chairs, and yellow flowers; white paneled walls add classic charm — Source: @ourburfordhome via Instagram

Dining area with light wood table, benches, wall paneling, hanging glass pendant lights, and a large clock — Source: @ourhatfield__ via Instagram

Modern living room with a panel accent wall, wall-mounted TV, light sofa, plants, and a textured pouf on the carpeted floor — Source: @philippa_claire_ via Instagram

Modern living room with navy sofas, a wooden coffee table, cozy blankets, and indoor plants, featuring panel walls and a floor lamp by large curtained windows — Source: @claytoncorner_beauchampgrange via Instagram

Modern living room with a neutral sofa, patterned cushions, green accent wall panels, round light fixture, and a window with blinds — Source: @midlandshousetohome via Instagram

A bedroom with a cushioned bed, gray panelled wall, bedside tables, lamps, and decorative pillows in neutral tones — Source: @johnwalsh_property_maintenance via Instagram

Cozy living room with gray sofa, accent pillows, and soft lighting. Decorative wall panels enhance the space alongside a lamp-lit side table — Source: @ourhappycheshirehome via Instagram

6. Rectangular Wall Panel

Embrace the simplicity and elegance of rectangular wall paneling. This design, featuring long, narrow panels, lends a sense of height and structure to any room. It’s particularly effective in creating a modern, streamlined look, and works well in both living areas and offices.

Dining room with wooden table, four chairs, polka dot runner, and vase; light green wall panel, dog bed, potted plants, and bright lighting — Source: @ourfirsthome_no49 via Instagram

Cozy bed with gray bedding, decorative pillows, and a cat. A green-paneled wall adorned with framed botanical prints adds charm — Source: @holly_does_homeimprovements via Instagram

Modern living room with a dark sofa, cushions, and wall art featuring a skylight that illuminates the space, highlighting the stylish wall panels and large TV — Source: @enwinteriors via Instagram

7. Doorframe Wainscoting

This style frames doorways with decorative paneling, enhancing architectural details and adding a sense of grandeur. It’s perfect for creating an inviting and polished look in your home’s entrances and hallways.

Open front door to a narrow hallway with light-colored wall panels, framed pictures, and a radiator on the right — Source: @fixingthirtytwo via Instagram

8. Dual-Toned Wall Paneling

Dual-toned wall paneling is a striking and contemporary design choice. This idea involves using two contrasting colors or finishes within the same paneling design, creating a bold and modern look. It’s an excellent way to add depth and interest to a room, and can be tailored to suit any color scheme.

Modern living room with a wall-mounted electric fireplace, stag head art, pampas grass, candles, and a blue chair against a sleek panel wall — Source: @diytwins.official via Instagram

A round wooden table with a vase of white orchids graces a room adorned with light-colored wall panels — Source: @oursurreycorner via Instagram

9. TV Wall Paneling

You can integrate your entertainment setup with TV wall paneling. This design creates a dedicated space for your television, often incorporating shelves or cabinets for a clean and organized look. It not only enhances the viewing experience but also adds a stylish element to your living room or media room.

Modern living room featuring a grey sofa, wall-mounted TV, and fireplace with light wood flooring, a decorative rug, and sleek wall panels — Source: @superiorcarpentryjoinery via Instagram

10. Geometric Wall Paneling

Geometric wall paneling is all about bold patterns and shapes. This style uses various geometric shapes to create a visually engaging and dynamic wall surface. It’s a great way to add a modern, artistic touch to any room and works well in spaces where you want to make a statement.

Room interior features a black, geometric accent wall panel and light wood flooring; a single electrical outlet is visible on the wall — Source: @handymanfelipe1 via Instagram

11. 3D Wall Paneling

Bring your walls to life with 3D wall paneling. This design adds texture and depth, creating an immersive and tactile experience. It’s particularly effective in contemporary spaces and can be used to create an accent wall that is both visually stunning and conversation-starting.

A modern office featuring 3D geometric white wall panels, a sleek white desk, chairs, and lit bookshelves under a soft light — Source: @joedoninteriors via Instagram

Modern bedroom with 3D geometric wall panel, a bed with gray bedding, pendant lights, art, vases, and a bathtub in the corner — Source: @olta_hasimaj via Instagram

12. Attic Wall Paneling

Attic wall paneling is a charming way to enhance the cozy and unique angles of attic spaces. This style can be adapted to fit the sloped ceilings and irregular shapes of attics, adding warmth and character. It’s ideal for creating a comfortable retreat or maximizing the aesthetic potential of underused attic spaces.

Cozy bedroom with gray upholstered bed, white bedding, bedside tables with lamps, a skylight, and a panelled wall with soft ambient lighting — Source: @ourhome_insideandout via Instagram

13. Modern-Style Wood Wall Paneling

Wood wall paneling brings a warm, natural element to contemporary design. This approach combines the beauty of wood with clean, minimalist lines, creating a balance between rustic and modern aesthetics. It’s perfect for adding a touch of nature-inspired tranquility to any modern living space.