Posted by Wall Panels World on 24th Jun 2025
This £30 DIY Created a Custom Checkered Feature Wall
A clever use of panel moulding transforms bedroom walls into a trending gingham pattern for just £30 in materials.
Project cost: £30 for about 8 metres of MDF panel moulding and small pieces of gingham wallpaper
The Gingham Pattern Effect
The overlapping squares create the gingham effect
How the technique works
This project uses 324 MDF panel moulding to create a grid of rectangular frames on the wall. Instead of leaving these frames empty, pieces of gingham wallpaper were fitted inside each one.
The approach is smart because it combines structured frames with the trending gingham pattern that's everywhere in 2025 interiors. The frames contain what could be an overwhelming pattern, making it feel organised and purposeful.
Without frames
Gingham across a whole wall can feel chaotic and overwhelming
With frames
Frames create order and make the pattern feel intentional
The moulding acts like picture frames for the pattern. This makes busy designs feel controlled and sophisticated instead of overwhelming.
The 324 MDF Panel Moulding
This profile provides clean, geometric lines that complement the gingham without competing. Its 18mm depth creates proper shadow lines that define each frame clearly.
View 324 Profile →
Materials and costs
The appeal of this project is how little it costs. You need about 8 metres of panel moulding and small pieces of wallpaper:
324 MDF Panel Moulding £18
About 8 metres needed
Creates the frame structure
Gingham wallpaper pieces £8
Small cuts from one roll
Pattern for inside frames
Adhesive & fixings £4
Grab adhesive and pins
To fix moulding to wall
Total project cost: £30
Compare this to hiring someone to create a similar feature wall - you'd probably pay £200-300 for materials and labour. This DIY approach gets a similar look for a tenth of the cost.
Why 324 profile works
The 324 profile has clean lines that don't compete with the gingham pattern. Its 18mm depth creates enough shadow to clearly separate each frame, while the shape itself stays simple and unobtrusive.
Why checkered patterns are everywhere in 2025
Gingham and checkered patterns are having a major moment. Interior designers are calling it the "Check Mate" trend, and it's showing up in bedrooms, living rooms, and even kitchens.
Popular 2025 Gingham Colours
Blue & White
Beige & Cream
Black & White
Green & White
Pattern drenching movement
2025 is all about "pattern drenching" - using the same pattern across walls, furniture, and accessories. This project shows a smart way to join the trend without going overboard.
Comfort and nostalgia
After challenging years, people want patterns that feel familiar and comforting. Gingham reminds us of simpler times while still looking fresh and modern.
Perfect for social media
Checkered patterns photograph beautifully and create instant visual impact online. They're particularly popular in bedroom makeover posts and behind-the-bed features.
What makes this approach particularly smart is how it modernises the pattern. Instead of covering an entire wall with gingham, which might feel too much, the frames break it into smaller sections that feel intentional and sophisticated.
Step-by-step process
While this looks complex, the installation follows a simple sequence. Here's how to do it:
Plan your rectangles
Measure your wall and decide on rectangle sizes. This project uses roughly 600mm × 400mm rectangles, but adjust to fit your wall and preferences.
Mark the frame positions
Use a spirit level and pencil to mark where each piece of moulding will go. Getting this step right is crucial - take your time with the measuring.
Cut and fix the moulding
Cut the 324 panel moulding to length and fix to the wall using grab adhesive and panel pins. Most cuts are straight, making this manageable for DIY.
Fill gaps and prime
Fill any gaps with decorators' caulk, sand smooth when dry, and prime the moulding. This creates clean lines and prepares for the wallpaper.
Add the wallpaper pieces
Measure and cut gingham wallpaper to fit inside each frame. Apply carefully, trimming to leave a clean edge against the moulding.
Time needed
Planning and marking: 30 minutes
Installing moulding: 30 minutes
Filling and wallpapering: 35 minutes
Total: One afternoon
Top tip: Start with one frame to test your wallpaper technique. This lets you perfect your approach before doing the rest.
Other pattern ideas
The technique isn't limited to gingham. The same moulding framework can contain any pattern or treatment:
Striped patterns
Vertical or horizontal stripes create rhythm while staying contained and organised.
Colour blocking
Different paint colours in each frame create a sophisticated accent wall effect.
Textured finishes
Grasscloth wallpaper, fabric panels, or textured paint add depth and interest.
Mixed patterns
Alternating between stripes, solids, and patterns creates dynamic walls with varied texture.
The key insight is that the moulding frames work like a containment system. They let you use bold patterns or colours that might be overwhelming across an entire wall, making them feel controlled and intentional.
Paint vs wallpaper options
While this project uses wallpaper for the gingham effect, you could achieve similar results with paint:
Paint technique for gingham
If using paint, apply a base colour first. Then use masking tape to create a checkerboard grid and apply the second colour. Remove tape while paint is slightly tacky for clean lines.
This works best for larger check patterns where precise detail matters less than overall effect.
A smart approach to trending patterns
This project shows how thinking creatively about standard materials can achieve sophisticated results on a budget. Using panel moulding as a framing system transforms what could be an overwhelming pattern into something organised and intentional.
The technique taps into 2025's biggest interior trends - checkered patterns and pattern drenching - while keeping the restraint that makes spaces liveable rather than chaotic. The result looks considered and custom but remains achievable for DIY enthusiasts.
Whether you choose gingham, stripes, or solid colours, the principle remains the same: good design often comes from smart constraint rather than unlimited freedom.
Ready to create your own framed pattern wall?
Browse our range of panel moulding profiles to find the perfect frame for your pattern project.
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