Types of Wall Panelling: DIY & Style Guide

There are a range of different types of panelling to choose from, from Victorian to shiplap. Which panelling style is right for you depends on what theme you’re going for and in what room. 

Hallway modern panelling

Modern hallway panelling both elevates the design of your corridors and walkways while also making them better protected against any scuffs. The half-and-half panelling consists of tough MDF boards on the bottom half, which can absorb any bumps without damaging the plaster.

By keeping the bottom half dark and the top half light, you can also make your space look larger. This two-tone style can make any hallway feel wider and more welcoming.

Shaker panelling

Shaker-style panelling uses flat wooden strips attached to the wall to create a beautiful grid of matching squares. It gives any room a clean, classic look with deep shadow lines.

These panels are often between 40cm and 60cm wide, with bigger rooms suiting the larger measurements better. 

This panelling style is a popular choice for a bedroom feature wall; sitting behind the bed, it draws your eyes to the focal point of the bedroom and adds character to the overall look without clutter. It can also be used in a few other areas in your home:

• Entryways and staircases – This protects hallways from bumps and scuffs and offers an inviting first impression.

• Dining room lower walls – Wrapping the lower half of your dining room in panelling can add another level of charm.

• Kitchen island backs – Adding shaker panelling to your kitchen island can tie up your kitchen’s overall look nicely.

• Living room feature walls – Add character to your room with shaker panels behind heavy furniture like sofas or as a means of framing a focal point such as a fireplace.

Victorian panelling

Another popular type of panelling is Victorian panelling. Named after the period of 19th-century history, this style creates an elegant and timeless feel with its classic framing design.

This type of wall panelling is often characterised by alternating wide and narrow panels, which not only stop the wall from feeling flat but also go a long way in making your room feel grander and taller.

You can also choose whether you want to go with the half-height option, covering only the lower third of the wall, or a floor-to-ceiling look from the skirting board to the coving. The former can shield busy hallways and suit certain dining rooms, while the latter offers a look of luxury that may look best on a bedroom feature wall or in a home library or study.

Shiplap panelling

The shiplap style of panelling originated as a waterproofing technique for boats, as it uses overlapping, interlocking joints that would keep water out by letting gravity pull it down the outside face while blocking any moisture from leaking through the cracks.

As a result of this maritime origin, it’s no surprise that this type of panelling works well in areas with a lot of moisture, like bathrooms and wet rooms, making it both functional and stylish. Today, you can easily replicate this look using modern waterproof bathroom wall panels designed with shiplap-style grooves. For a seamless finish, these lightweight panels are mounted directly over your existing walls using a heavy-duty grab adhesive. 

To explore different layout styles and colour finishes for your project, take a look at our bathroom wall panel ideas guide.

Slatted panelling

Slatted panelling uses narrow rows of wood or composite strips to create a modern, textured look. It is a highly budget-friendly choice because the lightweight panels come pre-assembled, allowing even those with minimal DIY experience to glue them straight to the wall. 

You can install them across an entire feature wall for a bold look, or use smaller sections on kitchen islands, walls, or headboards to add subtle textured sections to different rooms.