Posted by Wall Panels World on 8th May 2025

60 Wall Panelling Ideas | Modern, Traditional | MDF, Wood, PVC

A curated collection of architectural wall panel treatments for every room. Discover how to transform interiors with texture, depth, and character - from half-wall wainscoting to contemporary slat walls.

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Shaker Panelling Installation

Full wall shaker-style panelling transforms a dining room with architectural interest.

Installation Video
Modern dining room with full wall shaker panelling painted in a neutral tone, providing a sophisticated backdrop for minimalist furniture
Complete Room View
Close-up detail of shaker wall panelling in a dining room showing the precise construction and clean lines of the panelling
Detail View

Wardrobe Transformation

Before and after applying panel moulding to upgrade standard wardrobe doors.

Before image of a plain, unadorned wardrobe with simple painted doors lacking architectural interest
Before
After image of the same wardrobe transformed with board and batten style panelling adding dimension and character to the doors
After

Eclectic Bathroom Panelling

Bold green bathroom wall panels with decorative floral feature create a distinctive space. See more bathroom wall panel ideas.

Eclectic bathroom with green half-wall wainscoting and decorative wallpaper above, featuring a flower wall panel behind the toilet
Full View
Close-up view of floral wall panel behind toilet in eclectic bathroom with green wainscoting, showing the dimensional nature of the flower wall art
Floral Detail
Angled view of the eclectic bathroom showing the green wainscoting and floral wall panel from a different perspective
Angle View

Kitchen Splashback Panelling

Board and batten kitchen wall panels used as a stylish splashback treatment.

Kitchen with board and batten style panelling used as a splashback, creating a textured wall treatment behind the cooking area
Installation Process
Finished kitchen with painted board and batten panelling splashback in a soft white tone, creating a cohesive look with the cabinetry
Painted Finish
Different angle of the kitchen with board and batten panelling splashback showing the detailed construction
Side Angle
Wide shot of the kitchen showing the board and batten panelling and additional patterned wall panelling behind the oven
Full Kitchen View

Bedroom Shaker Panelling

Three-quarter height shaker panels add character to this bedroom panelling project. See more bedroom wall panelling ideas.

Bedroom with three-quarter height shaker wall panelling painted in a soft neutral shade, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere
Empty Room
Completed bedroom with bed placed against three-quarter height shaker wall panelling, showing how the feature enhances the furniture arrangement
Furnished Room

Navy Blue Bathroom Wainscoting

Rich navy wainscoting creates a luxurious bathroom environment. Learn how to fit bathroom wall panels.

Luxurious bathroom with navy blue full-wall wainscoting, complemented by rich wooden accents creating a spa-like atmosphere
Side View
Straight-on view of the navy blue bathroom wainscoting showing the rich colour and wooden accents
Front View

Navy Half-Wall Wainscoting

Sophisticated living room panelling in deep navy creates a striking feature. Explore more living room wall panelling ideas.

Mid-century inspired room with half-wall wainscoting painted in a rich navy blue, creating a sophisticated and moody atmosphere
Room Corner
Modern home office with navy blue half-wall wainscoting behind a wooden desk, creating a focused work environment
Desk Area
Full view of the mid-century room with navy blue half-wall wainscoting showing how the panelling complements the overall design
Full Room View

Staircase Wall Panelling

Elegant white wainscoting transforms a stairway. Learn how to panel a staircase.

Elegant staircase with clean white wall panelling creating a refined transitional space
Full View
Close-up detail of the white staircase wall panelling showing the craftsmanship and clean lines
Detail View
Landing area above stairs with half-wall wainscoting continuing the cohesive design throughout the stairway
Landing Area

Country-Style Wainscoting

Traditional white half-wall treatments bring timeless appeal to this living space.

Bright living room with white half-wall wainscoting providing a traditional accent to a country-inspired space
Front View
Angled view of the country-style living room showing the white half-wall wainscoting from a different perspective
Angled View

Luxury Media Wall Designs

Sophisticated wall panel behind TV treatments, including slat panels and upholstered details.

Designs by Cristina Chirila, luxury tv units designer at FCI London
Contemporary media wall featuring wooden slat wall panelling adjacent to a wall-mounted television, creating a balanced asymmetrical design
Slat Panel Design
Luxurious media wall with upholstered panel behind television mounted on larger graphic panel treatment, designed by Cristina Chirila
Upholstered Panel
Elegant curated media wall with upholstered panel behind television, surrounded by wooden panels and integrated floating shelves
Integrated System
Media wall in progress showing the framework of panel moulding with space left for television above fireplace
Construction Phase

Minimalist Panel Moulding

Clean, contemporary wall panelling strips create subtle architectural details in this dining area.

Clean, minimalist dining room with white full-wall single row panel moulding rectangles and wooden accent features
Empty Room
Minimalist dining room with dining table placed, showing how the white panel moulding rectangles complement the furniture
Furnished Room
Living room area with the same single row panel moulding rectangles on the TV wall, showing a cohesive design throughout the home
Living Room Application

Checkered Pattern Bedroom Panelling

Creative use of panel moulding to frame a checkered pattern for unique panelling behind a bed.

Bedroom with wall panelling where panel moulding was used to create frames for a checkered pattern, creating a unique feature wall
Side View
Straight-on view of the bedroom wall with panel moulding frames containing a checkered pattern, showing the full effect of the design
Front View
Close-up detail of the checkered pattern within panel moulding frames, showing the intricate design and execution
Pattern Detail

Media Wall Construction Process

Step-by-step transformation of a TV wall panelling project from framing to finished feature.

Wall under construction with unfinished panel moulding showing the early stages of the media wall project
Early Stage
Media wall under construction with unpainted wainscoting, showing the framework being installed
Mid Construction
TV media wall unit under construction showing the built-in cabinets and shelving being framed
Built-in Cabinet Frame
Left side of the media wall showing detail of the construction and trim work
Side Detail
Finished classy TV media wall with integrated unit and wainscoting showing the completed project
Completed Project

Contrasting Bathroom Wainscoting

Bold black and neutral beige wainscoting options for bathroom designs. Explore more bathroom wall panel ideas.

Dramatic bathroom with black wainscoting creating a bold contrast with white fixtures and walls
Black Wainscoting
Elegant bathroom with beige half-wall wainscoting creating a warm, neutral atmosphere
Beige Wainscoting

Hallway and Transition Spaces

Transformative hallway panelling with picture rail and wainscoting details.

White wainscoting on accent wall with trailing plant hanging from the picture rail, creating a stylish hallway feature
With Picture Rail
Modern hallway with black doors contrasting with white half-wall wainscoting creating a striking monochrome effect
With Black Doors

Unique Panelling Applications

Standout individual projects showcasing versatile wall panel applications.

Modern living room with wooden slat wall panelling behind a wall-mounted television creating visual interest and texture
Wooden Slat Media Wall
Sophisticated dining area with clean white half-wall wainscoting and black accents creating a formal yet contemporary atmosphere
Classic Dining Room Wainscoting
Victorian-inspired bathroom with deep maroon wainscoting creating a rich, colour-drenched space
Victorian Maroon Bathroom
Bedroom with vertical tongue and groove panelling installed behind the bed, creating a focal point with textural interest
Tongue and Groove Headboard Wall
Gaming setup with three vertical slat wall panels creating a textured backdrop, complemented by floating shelves above
Gaming Setup with Slat Panels
Bedroom with horizontal tongue and groove panelling covering an entire wall, adding warmth and texture to the space
Horizontal Tongue and Groove
Dining area with full wall wainscoting featuring artwork displayed within the panelling frames
Wainscoting with Integrated Art
Elegant makeup desk area with half-wall wainscoting creating a sophisticated dressing space
Vanity Area Wainscoting
Living room with tall wall double row wainscoting in neutral colours creating a clean, sophisticated atmosphere
Double Row Wainscoting
Bedroom with half-wall shaker panelling creating a cosy and stylish atmosphere
Half-Wall Bedroom Panelling
Bespoke MDF wall panelling on staircase wall with white panel moulding creating a sophisticated transition space
Bespoke Staircase Panelling
Minimalist room with white wainscoting creating a full wall accent feature, complemented by houseplants
White Accent Wall
Room with beige half-wall wainscoting alongside visible skirting boards showing how the two elements work together
Wainscoting with Skirting Detail
Living room with neutral palette panel moulding creating a sophisticated full wall accent feature
Neutral Accent Wall
Another view of a bedroom with half-wall shaker panelling from a different angle
Half-Wall Shaker Panelling

Wall Panelling Styles Guide

Wainscoting

Traditional panelling typically covering the lower portion of a wall, featuring recessed or raised panels with decorative moulding. Perfect for adding period character and protection to walls.

Learn more about wainscoting styles

Shaker Panelling

Characterised by simple, clean rectangular frames, creating timeless elegance with minimal ornamentation. Use our square shaker wall panelling calculator to plan your project.

Learn more about shaker panelling

Slat Wall Panels

Contemporary vertical or horizontal wooden slats creating texture, dimension, and acoustic benefits. Particularly effective in home office panelling and media walls.

Explore our slat wall panel range

Tongue & Groove

Interlocking boards creating a seamless pattern, perfect for cottage or Scandinavian-inspired interiors. Available in vertical or horizontal applications.

View tongue & groove options

Board & Batten

Wide boards with narrow battens covering the seams, creating distinctive architectural detail with depth and texture. Use our board and batten calculator for precise planning.

Learn more about board & batten

Looking for Colour Inspiration?

While classic white wall panels remain popular, many homeowners are embracing colour. Consider rich navy blue for a dramatic effect, deep greens for natural warmth, or striking black wall panels for a contemporary statement.

Before making your final decision, explore our wall panelling height guide to determine the optimal proportion for your space.

Shop Wall Panels Installation Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is wall panelling a good idea?

Wall panelling is an excellent way to add architectural interest and character to your home. It provides visual texture, protects walls from scuffs and marks, and can help with thermal insulation. For period properties, it adds authentic character, while in modern homes it creates a stylish focal point.

Which panels to use in a bathroom?

For bathrooms, PVC wall panels are ideal as they're fully waterproof, easy to clean, and resistant to mould. They're available in tile effects, marble patterns, and solid colours. For a traditional look, painted MDF wainscoting can work in less humid areas of the bathroom.

Which panels are best for living rooms?

Living rooms benefit from decorative MDF panel moulding, shaker-style panelling, or contemporary slat walls. These add character without overwhelming the space. Consider half-wall panels for traditional elegance or full-height panelling for a dramatic statement.

What are MDF panels?

MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) panels are engineered wood products made by breaking down hardwood or softwood into wood fibres, combining them with wax and resin, and forming panels under high temperature and pressure. They provide a smooth, consistent surface ideal for painting, are more stable than solid wood, and are available in moisture-resistant options for areas with humidity.

What are PVC panels?

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) panels are synthetic plastic polymer panels that are completely waterproof, making them perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and wet areas. They're easy to clean, resistant to mould and bacteria, and available in a wide range of designs including tile effects, marble patterns, and wood finishes.

How high should wall panelling be?

The height of wall panelling depends on the room and desired effect. Traditional wainscoting typically covers the bottom third of the wall (around 80-90cm). Half-wall panelling reaches about 120cm, creating a classic look. Three-quarter height extends to about 150-170cm for a more dramatic effect. Full-height panelling covers the entire wall for maximum impact.