Panelling Behind The Bed

How To Make The Most Of Your Bedroom Walls

Panelling Behind The Bed - Why You Need A Bedscape

Wall panelling has become an on-trend feature in many modern bedrooms, geometric PVC panels and acoustic slat wall panels are flying off the shelves to adorn bed walls. Yet panels behind the bed have historical roots as a classic interior design element. Historically, beds were not standalone features of bedrooms, and designers carefully though about ways to integrate the bed into the surrounding features, to create a bedscape.

The wall behind beds is often referred to as the bedscape - think of it as your beds landscape! Most bedrooms poorly integrate the bed into the environment, but by building a bedscape around your bed (the main feature of the room) you can integrate it wholly into the surrounding interior assets. Making it one with the room and tying all the features together.

Benefits Of Panelling Behind The Bed

Most decorators see wall panelling as a purely cosmetic, visual feature, however panelling behind the bed has a plethora of functional benefits for your bedscape.

Sound Dampening (Acoustic Wall Panels)

Acoustic slat wall panels work by absorbing sound into their foam backing, this reduces sound travelling to adjacent rooms or neighbours and stops sound coming into your room. Acoustic slat wall panels behind the bed are the perfect panel if you have a modern room and noisy neighbours, dampening the noise and ensuring you can have a good nights rest.

Decorative appeal

Panelling allows you to add visual interest, texture, and character to the bedrooms largest assets - the walls, utilising this valuable real estate rather than leaving it empty. Panels behind the bed can complement any style from modern, minimalistic and traditional to classic, art deco and heritage.

Consider the aesthetical theme you are going for and choose a panelling style that complements it.

Conceals imperfect walls

Panels can cover up any flaws, marks or uneven surfaces on your bed wall. This creates a smoother, more polished and refined appearance.

Display wall space

The panels provide a clean background for displaying art, photos, wall shelves or other accessories. This makes a previously blank canvas far more interesting.

Pro tip: Choose a traditional panel moulding style like the  Vienna Wall Panelling Kit with a picture rail, if your goal is to display artwork and pictures.

Mounting surface

Layering panels on the wall behind your bed offers a surface to mount bedroom lighting fixtures like sconces or reading lights. This saves you from needing to locate studs in the wall and protects your masonry or dry wall from damage.

Room appears larger

Extending panels from wall to ceiling can make a small bedroom feel more expansive and less confining. The vertical lines extend your eye upward.

The  Chevron Geometric Wall Panelling Kit is perfect for expanding the visual size of rooms and drawing the eyes upwards.

Types Of 'Behind The Bed' Wall Panelling 

There are many options when selecting wall panelling to place behind the bed:

1. Wood panelling

The classic material with a natural, warm aesthetic. Wood comes in planks, shiplap, and other styles. It can be stained, painted, or kept natural. Wood panelling behind the bed creates a traditional, cozy look.

2. Tongue and groove panelling

Interlocking wood strips give a striped effect. Offers antique character or beach house vibes, depending on stain or paint colour.

3. MDF or plywood

An inexpensive, versatile base for panelling that takes paint or wallpaper well. The smooth surface allows for patterned or textured finishes. Excellent option for small bedrooms, as thinner panels make space feel larger.

4. 3D and textured panels

Made from materials like plastic, resin, or metal that add physical depth and dimension. Great for a statement feature wall behind the bed. Can feel contemporary or industrial.

5. Slat-wall panels

Provide sound dampening while softening hard surfaces. Customizable by selecting different fabric colours and patterns. Creates a soft, inviting bed backdrop.

6. Tile or faux brick/stone

Mimics old-world masonry textures. Adds a focal point and visual weight. Colours like white or neutral keep it fresh, while bold hues make it pop.

7. PVC panelling

Waterproof plastic panelling in various finishes from marble to woodgrain. Budget-friendly option for moisture-prone spaces like basements.

8. Half wall panelling

Panels only extend partially up the wall, leaving upper portion as drywall. Prevents closed-in feeling in small rooms.

Fitting Panels Behind The Bed

• Choose panels that suit the room's overall style - modern, farmhouse, traditional etc. Match existing furnishings for a cohesive look.
• Create an accent wall or focal point behind the bed using panels in a different style or finish to the surrounding walls.
• For optimum impact, extend paneling from wall to ceiling. Running panels only halfway looks disjointed. Floor to ceiling has a built-in look.
• Frame the panels with trim like plinth blocks, skirting boards or ceiling coving for a polished, custom aesthetic. Contrasting trim colours accentuate the panels.
• Colour or finish the panels to coordinate with nightstands, wardrobes and other bedroom furniture. Tie the look together with complementary paint and stain shades.
• Incorporate wall art, sconces, shelving and other accessories into the panel layout itself for an integrated appearance.
• Use lighting fixtures mounted on or between the panels to create ambient, mood lighting around the bed. Wall uplights work well.
• Check manufacturer guidelines for spacing, fastening and finishing panels. Look for low-maintenance, moisture-resistant panel materials in bathrooms.
• For DIY installation, use a level and temporary supports to hang panels straight. Seal edges with caulk for a seamless look.

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