Adding wall panelling is a great place to start if you want to transform your living room. Here are seven ideas for living room wall panelling that will inspire you to enhance your home.
1. Classic Wood Panelling
Wood panelling is an option that can bring warmth and richness to your living room. It’s often associated with traditional or rustic styles but can also be adapted for modern homes. You can choose a variety of woods, from pine and oak to walnut or reclaimed barn wood. The colour and grain can add texture and depth to the room, and the wood can be stained or painted.
Wood panelling can be installed on full walls or applied as wainscoting, where the panels cover only the lower half of the walls. This option works particularly well in living rooms with high ceilings, adding a sense of proportion and balance.
2. Shiplap Panelling
Shiplap panelling has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in homes with a coastal or farmhouse aesthetic. Initially used in barns and ships, shiplap consists of long horizontal boards with slight gaps between them. This panelling style can give your living room a relaxed, airy feel.
Shiplap is usually painted white but can also be stained or painted in other colours to suit your décor. Its clean, simple lines make it versatile and can work in contemporary and more rustic settings.
3. Geometric Panelling
Geometric panelling can be a stunning choice for a more modern and artistic touch. This type of panelling involves using wood or other materials to create raised patterns on the wall, such as squares, rectangles, or even more intricate shapes like hexagons or diamonds.
Geometric panelling can be painted boldly to make it stand out as a feature wall or painted the same colour as the rest of the room for a more subtle, textured effect. It’s a great way to add a sense of creativity and personality to your living room.
4. Beadboard Panelling
Beadboard is another classic panelling style that adds charm and texture to a living room. This type of panelling features narrow vertical planks with small ridges (or “beads”) in between. It’s often used in cottage-style homes but can work in various interiors, including traditional and coastal designs.
Beadboard can be installed as wainscoting or applied to full walls. It’s typically painted white or a soft pastel colour, giving your living room a light, breezy feel. Beadboard is simple to install, making it a good option for DIYers.
5. Board and Batten Panelling
Board and batten is a wall panelling style that features wide, vertical boards with narrow wooden strips (called battens) placed over the seams between the boards. This creates a structured, grid-like pattern on the walls, adding depth and texture.
Board and batten panelling is often used in traditional-style homes. However, it can also be adapted for modern interiors. It works well as an accent wall in the living room, and you can paint it in a bold colour to make it a focal point.
6. Wallpapered Panelling
If you’re torn between wallpaper and panelling, why not combine the two? Wallpapered panelling involves installing wood panelling, such as wainscoting or shiplap, on the lower part of the wall and then applying wallpaper to the upper section. This creates a contrast that adds texture to your living room.
Choose wallpaper in a pattern that complements your panelling. For example, floral or damask prints can add a touch of elegance. At the same time, geometric or abstract designs can give the room a more contemporary feel. This idea allows you to mix materials and styles creatively.
7. Painted MDF Panelling
MDF is a budget-friendly alternative to timber, making it an excellent option to keep costs low. It can be painted to suit your living room’s colour scheme.
MDF can create various panelling styles, including shiplap, beadboard, or custom geometric patterns. Because MDF is smooth and easy to work with, it gives a clean, polished look when painted. This option is excellent for those looking to add panelling on a budget without sacrificing style.
Living Room Wall Panelling: Final Thoughts
Wall panelling is a great way to add personality, texture, and character to your living room. From the timeless appeal of wood panelling to the creative potential of geometric or textured metal designs, wall panelling can transform your living room into a space that’s uniquely yours.
Take inspiration from the ideas above and consider how each could enhance your home’s interior. Whether updating an entire wall or adding an accent, wall panelling offers endless possibilities to elevate your living room design.
