Home décor in 2019 was all about bringing back vintage styles to suit modern lifestyles. And, one of the biggest styles that made a huge comeback is wall panelling.
Yes, the wall panels that were so popular in the 60s and 70s are a huge trend these days. The best part – they have got a modern makeover. Compared to painting, tiles, and wallpapering, wall panelling saw an increase in popularity not just among homeowners but also home decorators and architects.
Panelling not only cuts down the costs associated with painting walls, but it also helps to conceal the flaws of walls. It gives a fresh feel and stylish look to rooms. If you’re not sure, what is wall panelling, here’s a primer:
It’s a design style mainly used on walls, but sometimes also on ceilings. It consists of attaching strips of thin, wide wooden sheets known as panels to walls. The larger wall panels are framed together with narrower strips of wood. Not just wood, wall panels are available in a wide range of materials.
There is no single answer that fits all. You can choose the right material that works for you based on several factors like – strength, aesthetics, size of the room, budget, maintenance, etc. Here, we list out the top types of wall panelling materials, helping you make the right choice that works for your interiors.
This is the number one choice for wall panelling. There are several types of woods to choose from, including – teak, walnut, oak, mango wood, seesham, mahogany, etc. Designers can choose from different wood styles and textures to create unique walls.
One popular design that is a huge trend this year is using reclaimed wood. If you’re interested in this style, you can connect with old wood wall panelling suppliers in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and other parts of South East Asia to find reclaimed wood at affordable prices. You can leave the wood as it is for a rustic and natural finish. Or try painting it or staining it for unique design choices. Some interior decorators are even carving wood to give a 3D effect to the wall panels.
One of the biggest benefits of using wood panels for walls is that wood adds to the resale value of your home. It makes a home look elegant and sophisticated. With that said, maintaining wood panels are a huge chore. Wood is a pest-magnet and requires regular treatment with varnishes and other finishes to keep termites and other pests away. Additionally, wood panels are not fire-resistant.
Ideal for: Hotels, offices, restaurants and other commercial areas as it is a costly affair and requires high maintenance.
Veneers are materials that look just like wood but are incredibly affordable compared to natural wood. Wooden veneers are made by attaching thin slices of wood to a synthetic backing. Veneers are lightweight, pocket-friendly, easier to install and low maintenance. You can paint wooden veneers, just like natural wood.
Ideal for: Residences, auditoriums, schools, and other commercial buildings.
This is one of the most commonly used methods for panel walls. Laminates look similar to wooden veneers but do not contain natural wood. They are mostly made using plywoods and other similar structures. Laminates are available in a wide range of colours and finishes. You can easily find your preferred colour and texture to suit your home interiors.
Laminates are cheaper than wood veneers and are easy to clean. All you need to do is wipe down with a wet cloth. Laminates are weather-resistant, chemical resistant, and moisture resistant.
Ideal for: Bathrooms, Kitchens, hospitals, and other areas that are prone to wetness.
Fabric panels add a soft, luxurious feel to the room. Specially prepared fabrics like leather, jute, velvet, or polyester are attached to a smooth backing, which is then fixed to the wall. Fabric panels are good sound insulators and work in improving the acoustics of the room. One major disadvantage of fabric panels is that they can get dirty. It’s difficult to clean and is high maintenance.
Ideal for: Theatres, auditoriums, classrooms, concert halls, and other rooms that require good acoustics.
PVC (Poly Vinyl Composite) panels are lightweight and have a hollow core. They are smooth and easy to install. They are available in pre-laminated styles, which can easily be fixed to wall frames. PVC panels are fire-resistant, long-lasting and easy to maintain. It’s available in a wide variety of finishes – matt, glossy and more. It comes with a top lacquer layer that repels dust and water. They are inexpensive and budget-friendly.
Ideal for: Kitchens, schools, hospitals, restaurants and other areas that see plenty of footfall.
Apart from the panelling choices listed here, there are other wall panelling materials like stone veneers, natural stone slabs, MDF, gypsum, etc. Make sure to understand the pros and cons of each material. List down your requirements, compare and choose the right material that suits your space the best.
