How to Create a Feature Wall with Wall Panelling

If you’re looking to add texture, depth and character to your interiors, consider creating a feature wall using wall paneling. Whilst wall panels have been in existence for centuries, in the last decade, there’s been an explosion in new styles and also in their popularity. If you wondered are feature walls outdated, think again – Pinterest is awash with wall panelling ideas!

You may think they’re difficult to achieve, but they are surprisingly easy to install and can completely transform your space. This guide not only gives you inspiring feature wall ideas it also helps you decide which wall should you make a feature wall, explores acoustic wall panels, looks at wood panelling kits and tackles so much more.

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What is wall panelling?

Put simply, wall paneling is the application of either wooden wall panels or mouldings to walls create a highly attractive and cost-effective decorative effect. These can range from subtle and classic to contemporary and dramatic. They can come in an array of different shapes, styles and sizes, but the principle remains the same – they’re an easy way to enhance any room and aren’t just for creating a living room feature wall.

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Which wall should be a feature wall?

You need to think carefully before buying and installing wooden wall panels. For example, if you are trying to recreate a period interior, you may wish to use mouldings to create a picture frame effect on all the walls to give it a wood panelled effect. Dado rails can also add to this effect. If it’s a shaker look you’re after for say a bedroom feature wall, maybe just panel one wall just halfway up – behind the bedhead looks especially good. For an impactful contemporary look for a lunge room feature wall, maybe select a wall that is central to the room, such as a chimney breast wall. Hit Instagram and Pinterest to get a wide variety of ideas.

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How to fit wall paneling

Wall panels are surprisingly easy to fit. Once you’ve prepared the wall, stripping any paper and making any necessary repairs, you simply cut the wall paneling to size and attach the panels or mouldings with glue, nails or screws. Then, if they are unfinished, you are free to paint them in any colour you wish.

5 popular types of wall panels

Depending on the style of your home and your taste in interiors, there are several directions you can take with wall paneling. Here is our top five to inspire you.

1. Shaker style wall paneling

This particular type of wood paneling for walls is a very traditional one which is ever-popular with homeowners wanting a truly timeless look. The beauty of Shaker style wood wall panels is that is surprisingly easy to achieve. Shaker style wood wall paneling kits are widely available and contain everything you need to create the perfect living room feature wall or bedroom feature wall. The kits contain pre-cut and prepped decorative wooden battens and all you have to do is simply prepare your wall, attach the mouldings with glue, nails or screws and then paint. You can either panel right up to the ceiling or halfway, which is called batten and board style. Full instructions come with kits.

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2. Tongue & Groove wall paneling

Also known as “shiplap”, tongue and groove wall paneling is a very popular type of wood feature wall. This type of wall paneling effectively clads the wall top to bottom in milled lengths of timber which are usually painted in a colour to suit your décor. The timbers can be fitted running either vertically or horizontally. The particular type of wall panels gives a rustic, natural look when painted in warmer colours and a distinctly coastal vibe when painted white or pale blue.

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3. Wainscotting wall paneling

If you want a period look, then wainscotting is the perfect wall paneling solution for you. Wainscotting is here you create wall panels using intricate decorative mouldings in either square or rectangular frames. These are usually topped off with a dado rail and then painted in a colour of your choice. Dado wall panel kits are available and contain everything needed to achieve that classic look. This type of wood feature wall can create an amazing difference to your interior space, especially classic and elegant when painted in a deep bold colour such as teal, charcoal, emerald or navy. Ever wondered what colour goes with a teal feature wall? Try golds, coppers and orange. Think bold.

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4. Acoustic wall panels

There has been a recent surge in interest in acoustic wall panels which use raised wooden slats, usually against a darker backing. Of all the wall panelling ideas, acoustic wall panels add an extra dimension to walls and are a dramatic feature. As their name suggests, acoustic wall panels have enhanced audio qualities and are ideal for people, who live in busy urban areas, wanting wall panels that can reduce noise levels in their homes. So, they not only look smart and modern, they absorb sound waves, reducing echoes and reverberations within a room. Popular natural wood finishes include black, light grey ash , light oak , smoked oak and walnut.

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5. Geometric wall paneling

Another way to create an impact is by going geometric. This involves applying an abstract geometric design to create a striking lounge room feature wall, living room feature wall or bedroom feature wall. The design is usually a shape or pattern made from cut lengths of plywood or MDF which are then attached to the wall in a distinctive pattern before being painted. The relief pattern is accentuated by lighting or natural light to create a highly contemporary look that is unique to you. Bold designs painted in pastel colours look especially effective and interesting.

Always here to help

If you’ve any questions regarding feature walls, or want any additional information about the wall panels we sell at Howarth, please visit your local Howarth branch, or contact our customer services on 01472 907051.

You can also explore our range of wall paneling products here, or you can even visit us in branch for more information.