Interior Design Styles
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Wall Paneling Ideas That Actually Look Good (and Don’t Feel Like a 90s Throwback)
Wall paneling has come a long way from orange pine and dark veneer. These 12 wall paneling ideas that actually look good use fresh colours, crisp proportions and modern profiles, so your walls gain character without feeling like a 90s throwback.
Modern paneling styles
| Item | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Vertical slats | Contemporary and acoustic |
| Board and batten | Clean, graphic grid |
| Picture frame moulding | Elegant and Parisian |
| Fluted panels | Soft, rhythmic texture |
| Beadboard | Cottage charm |
Modern profiles
- Paint vertical slats in deep olive or navy.
- Try fluted MDF panels behind a bed or sofa.
- Use oak acoustic slat panels in a TV room.
Classic, refreshed
- Add picture frame mouldings painted the same colour as the wall.
- Fit board and batten to two-thirds height in a dining room.
- Install beadboard in a bathroom or hall.
- Colour-drench panels, skirting and walls in one shade.
Placement
- Create a feature wall behind the bed.
- Panel a stairway to protect walls.
- Run panels around a home office for a tailored look.
- Use half-height panels in a child’s room for durability.
- Panel a kitchen island to match the walls.
Tip: Check walls for hidden pipes and cables before fixing panels, and use a detector before drilling. Wear a mask when cutting MDF, which creates fine dust, and use moisture-resistant boards and sealants in bathrooms. Turn off the power before removing socket faceplates to panel around them.
FAQ
Is wall paneling outdated?
Not when it is painted in modern colours with crisp profiles.
What colour should wall paneling be?
Matching the panel to the wall colour looks modern and expensive.
Can I panel a rented home?
Peel-and-stick or removable panels are the safest renter option.
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