Home Interior Design Ideas

Add Life to Your Walls! The Complete Guide to Wall Panelling Materials

By - February 03, 2025

Tired of looking at plain walls, and wondering what you can do to dial up the visual interest? Wall panelling is a stunning design element that instantly adds a lively touch to your room, and is a versatile alternative to paint or wallpaper. Let’s take a deep dive into the world of wall panelling, and find out how to add tonnes of personality to your walls!

To help you along, we’ve put together the complete guide to different types of wall panelling materials. Learn all about the benefits of wall panelling and get creative ideas to transform your home. Find out the best materials to use for each space, and get inspired by our favourite designs! 

Benefits of Different Types of Wall Panelling

Besides the fact that they look great, wall panelling materials come with a host of practical benefits. Here are some of them:

  • Hide Imperfections: If your walls are poorly finished, they might have a lot of imperfections that are not easy to cover up with paint. Wallpaper requires a smooth surface for application so isn’t a good option, either. Wall panelling, on the other hand, neatly hides any construction flaws, providing a seamless and perfect exterior finish.
  • Add Visual Appeal: Wall panels add warmth, character and personality to any space. They create a lovely focal point in the room, drawing the eye and making a stylish statement. Whatever may be the type of wall panelling material you choose, it will instantly add pizzazz to your spaces—whether it’s the warmth of solid wood or the earthy charm of bamboo.
  • Enhance Acoustics: Does the noise of street traffic drown out the volume of your work-from-home calls? Or do outside sounds keep you awake at night? Acoustic panels absorb sound, reduce the echo and improve the sound quality of even the noisiest rooms. If reducing noise is a concern, try cork panels or upholstered walls for home offices, music rooms, home theatres and bedrooms.
  • Conceal Cables: Wall panels can cleverly conceal wiring, cables, and other utilities while maintaining easy access when needed. This comes in especially useful in home offices or entertainment areas where multiple devices need to be connected, and exposed wiring could prove to be unsightly.
  • Protect Walls: All types of wall panelling act as a protective layer for your walls. They can increase the life of your walls, while maintaining their elegant appearance.
  • Incorporate Lighting: Wall panels can be designed to cleverly incorporate hidden lighting such as LED strips, casting a lovely warm glow. You can create different moods through the use of lighting colours, and experiment with different geometric patterns and designs through the interplay of light.
  • Simplify Maintenance: Panelled walls are easy to maintain, and are durable and long lasting. Painted walls may require touch ups and wallpaper could peel over time, but wall panels look as good as new for a long, long time! While the initial investment may be higher, their longevity makes them cost-effective over the years.

Solid Wood Panels

The classic choice for die-hard traditionalists, solid wood is made of teak, pine wood or mahogany. Each panel shows off unique wood grain patterns, lending a truly exquisite aesthetic to your home. If the cost of solid wood puts it out of your pocket, then try MDF finished with wood veneer which gives a similar look at a fraction of the price! Wood panels will last for generations and can be refinished and restored to their original appearance.

MDF Panels

A budget-friendly option for wall panelling, MDF (medium density fibreboard) is made from compressed wood fibres and has a smooth surface finish that is perfect for painting or polishing. It’s very easy to work intricate patterns into an MDF board, so you can get as creative as you’d like. Do remember, though, that cut edges of an MDF board must be sealed and protected to prevent the entry of moisture, which will cause warping.

Bamboo Wall Panels

Is sustainability high on your list of priorities? Bamboo board or woven bamboo (also called chattai) is an earthy and eco-friendly choice of material for wall panels. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on earth, making this an environmentally viable option. The woven pattern of chattai creates an intricate visual, adding depth and tactile interest to your spaces. Bamboo panels must be treated with natural finishing materials to make them last longer.

Laminate Panels

Laminate panels are your go-to solution when on a budget! They give you the look and feel of an expensive wall finish at a price point that is very affordable. Laminates can mimic the texture and appearance of stone, wood, or other natural materials, and they are tough enough to withstand rough use. Plan to add a cornice or edge detail that neatly covers the cut edges of the laminate sheets, since the exposed edges can detract from the overall look of your wall panels.

Acoustic Panels

Acoustic panels in PVC, cork, glass wool or gypsum board have sound absorbing qualities that help to control and reduce the volume of noise in the room. They are a must-have in a home theatre, music room or home office, where the quality of sound is an important consideration. These panels can be finished with fabric to give a better appearance.

Glass Panels

Glass panels lend transparency and add a spacious vibe, allowing areas to be partitioned into zones without cutting visual sight lines. You can choose from clear, frosted, or tinted glass to get the look you want. They’re perfect for creating bright, open-feeling rooms and work great as room dividers, too.  If you’re using large panels of clear glass, make sure to add a band of opaque finishing so that people don’t walk right into the panel!

Stone Panels

If you’re looking for a high-end, luxe vibe, then natural stone panels are the way to go! This is a stylish way to bring a touch of nature into your home. Try rough slate, natural granite, or smooth polished Italian marble, to get the vibe you like. Stone panels use thin cuts of stone mounted on a lightweight backing, and can be a showstopper in your home. 

Mirrored Panels and PVC

PVC panels are the preferred choice for areas that are prone to dampness, like kitchens or bathrooms. Totally waterproof and easy to clean, these panels come in many colours and patterns. They are the most practical and affordable choice for a busy household and a cost-conscious interior. Mirrored panels enhance the quality of light in the room, making a small room appear spacious and brighter than it is.

Wainscoting

Wainscoting is a classical wall detail that is making a strong comeback in modern interiors. The lower part of the walls is typically cladded with panelling, while the upper part may either have panels, paint or wallpaper.  This elegant finishing element can give your walls beautiful character, making them the focal point of your room.

Need Help Putting Your Home Interior Together?

Well, that’s just what we’re here for! Allow HomeLane to handhold you all the way. We’ll help you make the right choices and décor decisions, keeping your style preferences and the layout of your home in mind. Book a free consultation today, and we’ll work our magic on your walls!  

FAQs

Which is the best material for wall panelling?

Some of the best materials for wall panelling include solid wood, MDF, cork, glass, mirrors, laminate, stone and PVC. You can choose the best option for your home based on the cost, the properties of the material and the aesthetic you are looking to create.

What is the cheapest way to panel a wall?

MDF panels are the most affordable option, and also the most versatile! MDF (medium density fibreboard) is easy to work with, takes paint beautifully, and can be routed to create grooves and panels. Simple MDF strips can be arranged in various patterns on the wall for a stylish look. Do remember that MDF must be protected with paint or sealer, so as to prevent water absorption. PVC panels are also a wallet-friendly choice and are available in different designs.

Which board is best for different types of wall panels?

You can choose the type of wall panel based on your needs, your chosen décor style, and the available space. Solid wood, or MDF finished with wood veneer or laminate, are good choices for the living room, hallway, and dining areas. In the bedroom, fabric-covered acoustic panels, decorative MDF panels, or mirrored panels are a great option. In the kitchen, PVC or glass panels are easy to clean and maintain, while being moisture resistant and durable at the same time. Acoustic panels with cork or glass wool inserts are a good option for the home office, where noise reduction is an important concern.

How much will wall panelling cost?

Wall panelling costs can range from a starting point of INR 400 per square foot for laminates, INR 450 per square foot for decorative MDF, INR 120 per square foot for PVC panels, INR 500 per square foot for mirrored panels, to INR 700 per square foot and above for natural stone. Depending on the type of detailing and labour involved, costs can increase. Your designer will give you the best idea of costs for types of wall panelling for your home.

 

EXPLORE MORE

Write A Comment

EXPLORE MORE

x

Meet a designer online

Please enter your name.
Please enter your email address.
Please enter your phone number.
Please enter pincode.

By submitting this form, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of use