Posted by Wall Panels World on 4th Jan 2024

Types Of Wall Panelling | Which Style You Should Pick And Why

Various types of wall panels

Wall Panels come in all shapes, styles and sizes. From board and batten to geometric, the possibilities are endless.

It can be hard deciding which type of wall panelling to choose when there are so many to pick from.

Read on to learn more about all the different types of wall panelling and which one to pick for your interior!


Comparison Of The 7 Most Popular Types Of Wall Panelling

Feature Beadboard Shiplap Herringbone Tongue and Groove Wainscoting Slat Wall Board and Batten
Orientation Vertical Horizontal Diagonal Horizontal or Vertical Lower third of wall Vertical Vertical or Horizontal
Profile Narrow planks with raised beads Wider boards with overlapping edges Elongated rectangles in a zig-zag pattern Boards with interlocking edges Panels with recessed frames Slats with space between Wide flat boards separated by narrower strips
Installation Full-coverage or accent Any wall or ceiling, full-coverage or accent Full-coverage Any wall or ceiling Lower third of wall Full-coverage or accent Installed in sections
Style Classic, cottage Clean, coastal/farmhouse Rustic, modern Rustic, traditional Traditional, elegant Modern, industrial Modern, farmhouse
Common applications Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, hallways Any room, living rooms, bedrooms, entryways, exteriors Accent walls, kitchens, bathrooms Any wall or ceiling, basements, garages Dining rooms, living rooms, hallways Bedrooms, retail spaces, garages Entryways, living rooms, bedrooms, accent walls

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Herringbone

Herringbone, characterized by its distinctive V-shape pattern, is a time-honoured design reminiscent of Roman roadways and European wood flooring. It has seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly in British living rooms, for its ability to add depth and texture to spaces. This classic yet dynamic style, typically made from wood or tiles, infuses a sense of sophistication and movement into interiors. Herringbone's intricate patterns and versatile applications make it a favourite for those seeking a blend of tradition and modernity in their design elements.

Herringbone panels in a bathroom Wooden herringbone wall panels in a living room

Tongue and Groove

Tongue and Groove panelling involves a method where panels are interlocked with a tongue on one side sliding into a groove on the other, creating a seamless finish. Favoured for its neat alignment and stability, this style has been used for centuries in home construction and design. It provides a rustic, yet refined appearance, often found in kitchensbathrooms, and coastal-themed interiors. Its elegant simplicity and functional design make it a popular choice for a variety of settings, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Tongue and groove wall panelling in a living room Greenwich floor to ceiling tongue and groove panels

Shiplap Panels

Shiplap panels, characterized by long planks with a slight overlap and a distinctive rabbet on each edge, offer a classic rustic charm. Originally used in shipbuilding and barn constructions, shiplap is now a staple in farmhouse and cottage-style interiors. It brings a touch of the outdoors inside, with its  natural wood texture and horizontal lines creating a cosy, inviting space. The overlapping joints of shiplap ensure a tight seal, making it not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical in preventing moisture penetration.

Vertical shiplap wall panelling Shiplap wall panelling in a living room

Wainscoting

Wainscoting is a decorative panelling technique applied to the lower part of an interior wall, originally intended to provide insulation and protect walls. Now it's a symbol of craftsmanship and elegance. With various materials like wood, MDF, and PVC, wainscoting is versatile, offering numerous styles and heights. Whether you aim for a traditional or a modern interior, wainscoting adds a layer of depth, texture, and character to your space, embodying a rich history of interior design. Wainscoting is often chosen for panelling staircase walls.

Oxford classic mdf wall panelling kit wainscotingWainscoting in a hallway

Slat Wall Panels

Slat Wall Panels, known for their thin, horizontal or vertical slats, are a modern and sleek addition to any interior. They offer not only an aesthetic element but also functional versatility, often used in retail to display items. In homes, they can create unique light and shadow effects and serve as an engaging focal point in a room. The contemporary look and feel of slat wall panels bring a sense of rhythm and texture to interiors, making them a popular choice for innovative and stylish spaces.

Close up of a slat wall panel Slat wall panelling in a busy room

Beadboard

Beadboard panelling, identified by its distinctive row of vertical beads, offers a charming, cottage-like feel. Commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens for its fresh and clean appearance, beadboard is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Its vertical lines create a sense of height and openness in a space, making it a popular choice for a cosy yet refined interior. Historically used in more utilitarian spaces, modern beadboard comes in various materials and finishes, providing a versatile option for enhancing any room's decor.

White beadboard with dado rail White beadboard panelling in a bedroom

Board and Batten

Board and Batten, a style of wainscoting featuring alternating wide boards and narrow strips, creates a dramatic, textured look. Its origins date back to medieval times, providing structure and insulation. Today, it adds a rustic yet refined touch to modern homes, perfect for those seeking a statement wall with character. The bold pattern of board and batten brings dimension and depth to spaces, making it an ideal choice for both traditional and contemporary interiors looking for a touch of rustic charm.

Warwick shaker MDF half wall panelling kit

Geometric Wall Panels

Geometric Wall Panels offer a bold and modern approach to interior design. They consist of various shapes and forms, creating visually captivating patterns that transform any mundane wall into a piece of art. Found in a range of materials, these panels offer limitless creative opportunities, making them a favourite for commercial and residential spaces alike. Their dynamic shapes bring energy and movement to interiors, perfect for those looking to make a contemporary statement. Consider geometric panelling in a gaming room for a modern touch.

Geometric wooden panelling on a wall Geometric MDF Wall panelling kit

PVC Wall Panels

PVC Wall Panels are a lightweight and durable option for modern interiors. Available in a variety of designs and finishes, including faux textures of wood, stone, and metal, they provide an economical alternative to traditional materials. Particularly popular for their moisture resistance, they are ideal for bathrooms and kitchens as a substitute for tiles. Their ease of installation and variety of designs make PVC panels a practical and stylish choice for quickly transforming any space.

White PVC bathroom panelling Natural stone anthracite PVC Panelling