10 Types of Wall Panels

Wall panelling is fast becoming one of the most popular types of wall covering for the home. But with so many different styles available, which is the right one for you? In this blog, we look at the various designs of wall panels on offer and how they can transform your home.

The Different Types of Wall Panelling

Tongue and Groove/ Shiplap

The Shiplap style of panelling originates from boat building, where it was used to protect the outside of ships from harsh weather and rough seas. It was then used as external cladding to protect homes, before becoming a popular internal wall panelling choice. The style usually features long planks mounted horizontally on a wall using rebate joints, which allow for the planks to be hung in an overlapping style.

Advantages

This is a very rustic style of wall panelling and is perfectly suited to homes by the sea or with a nautical theme. They create a warm, welcoming ambience, but also add an eye catching, stylish feature to your home.

Disadvantages

As these boards are made from timber, they will require painting and regular treatments to protect them and keep them looking like new – especially if they are in a room with high level of condensation. Rough hewn timber, such as that typically used in shiplap panelling, can also become dusty very quickly, so be prepared for regular cleaning!

Board and Batten

Board and batten panelling features alternating wide boards and narrow wooden strips, known as battens, resulting in a simple, yet eye catching raised profile.

Advantages

This style of panelling is extremely simple to install and can be achieved by many competent DIYers, which makes it one of the most budget friendly wall panelling options. Depending on the material you use, it should be reasonably durable and easy to repair if any damage is done.

Disadvantages

As with any wooden style of panelling, you need to ensure you treat the wood before you paint it. You may also find it fades relatively quickly and will require

regular coats of paint to keep it looking attractive – all of which takes both time and money.

Slatted

Slatted wall panels feature slats of wood attached to a ‘core’ board at regular intervals. This style of panelling is also known as acoustic panelling, as it helps to reduce noise by muffling sound, as opposed to it bouncing off a flat panelled surface.

Advantages

As mentioned above, slatted panelling helps to significantly reduce noise, which helps create a more relaxing atmosphere. These boards are also available in a range of hues and different background colours, which allows them to blend beautifully into any room.

Disadvantages

Due to the style of these panels, they can be quite difficult to clean, so be prepared for regular dusting to ensure they look their best.

Beadboard

Beadboard panelling features a combination of grooves and small ridges, or beads, between each vertical panel. These panels are then usually finished with a horizontal picture rail which is fitted along the top.

Advantages

Beadboard panels are usually installed on the lower half of a wall and are ideal for high use areas, such as hallways, to protect your wall from bumps and knocks. They also add a rustic aesthetic to your home.

Disadvantages

If you choose wooden beadboard panels you may find that they scratch and chip more easily than PVC or vinyl, and you will have to repaint or repair regularly. The raised pattern also provides places for dust to gather, so consistent cleaning will be needed to keep them looking lovely.

Wainscoting

Wainscot panels are traditionally installed on the lower half of a wall and feature decorative square or rectangular frames.

Advantages

Wainscotting can add style and class to any room and provides an additional layer of protection to the lower half of a wall. This style of panelling is also very easy to install.

Disadvantages

As with all panelling of this style, there are plenty of places for dust to gather, so they require more dusting than a plain wall or panel.

Raised Panels

Raised panelling, or shaker style panelling, comprises of square wall panelling that creates multiple ‘frames’ across a wall. This can be easily achieved by adhering thin strips of MDF or timber in regular intervals in a uniform fashion.

Advantages

Raised, or shaker style, panelling is perfect for adding depth and texture to a wall and can be used in any age or design of home. As mentioned above, they are also extremely easy to install, and you can transform your home in a matter of hours.

Disadvantages

You need to ensure that you measure accurately before installing this style of panelling – it will be very obvious if you misjudge your calculations! Again, these raised panels will attract dirt and dust, so will need regular cleaning.

Victorian

Victorian panelling is more of a design, rather than type, of panelling. It is very similar to raised and wainscot panelling, traditionally being installed on the lower half of a wall to protect it from chairs and tables. The design is usually uniform and features squares or rectangles.

Advantages

Whilst originally featured in Victorian homes, this style of panelling is now being used more widely in homes from a variety of eras. These panels are an easy, yet effective, way of adding class and style to your home.

Disadvantages

As with all panels that feature a raised design, Victorian style panels can attract dust and will need regular care and attention to keep them looking beautiful.

3D Panels

3D wall panels are one of the most contemporary types of panelling available. As described, they offer a 3D design which sits proud from the wall. These patterns are usually geometrical and result in an art deco ambience.

Advantages

These panels add depth, texture, and interest to a room, creating an eye-catching focal point. There are myriad shapes available, allowing you to let your imagination run wild.

Disadvantages

As this type of panelling features a prominent raised design, you need to ensure you have the space to accommodate it and other furnishings in the room. They are also perfectly shaped to attract dirt and dust and could be liable to knocks and scraps due to their pronounced shape.

Wood Pallet

Using wood pallets to create wall panelling is one of the more sustainable options available. This unhewn style of wood results in a rustic finish which offers warmth and a uniquely individual appearance.

Advantages

Wood pallet panelling is a cost-effective choice for any panelling project. As mentioned above, using reclaimed wood is also a sustainable and more environmentally conscious way of panelling your home.

Disadvantages

Wood pallets do require considerable preparation before being used for panelling. They need to be sanded, checked for nails, and sealed before being installed. This takes both time and money. Whilst this preparation will hopefully prevent splinters and splits, it is not recommended to use this type of panelling in homes with children, due to the risk of potential injury.

Vertical Wood Panels

Vertical wood panelling is another style rather than type of wall panelling. It can be any type of wall panelling, from slatted and bead and board to raised panelling - as long as the wood panels run vertically up the wall.

Advantages

Vertical wood panels usually cover the entirety of a wall, which allows you to conceal walls easily and quickly.

Disadvantages

As will all wooden panelling, there is the potential for scraps, knocks, and splinters. You need to ensure the panelling is correctly sealed and protected, and this will need to be done on a regular basis to ensure it remains safe and stylish.

Here at National Plastics we offer a range of PVC wall panelling which emulates an array of different materials, from marble and wooden planks, to concrete and tile, allowing you to transform your home with minimum effort. Talk to your knowledgeable team today and find out more about our wall panel range, simply call 0800 22 77 77.