Choosing the best wall paneling for your home

Wall paneling is a trend that’s currently taking over other conventional ways of wall finishing, like painting, tiles, and wallpapering. The main advantages of wall paneling range from hygiene to durability and cost. Wall paneling can be used to conceal unsightly features or design flaws, such as pipework and exposed wiring, which is not possible with other decorative elements.

In addition, the ease of installing wall panels on top of existing structures to elevate the look of your home is quite impressive. Furthermore, unlike other finishes, they don't require much labor or time. Wall paneling is also a great way to add personality to your space. Whether you have a rustic home or looking to add traditional charm to a room, wall paneling is the best way to lift a space. 

In this easy guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to need to know about choosing wall paneling. We’ll examine the various features you need to look out for so that you can choose the best wall panels that will add functionality and style to your space.

What’s the best material for wall paneling?

Wall paneling is available in a range of materials, which are durable and easy to maintain. The wall panels are mounted to the wall using screws or installed on a metal grid frame fixed on the wall. Below, we discuss the various wall paneling materials you can choose from.

Wood

Natural wood is the most popular material for wall paneling because it adds natural beauty, warmth, elegance, and richness to a space. Unlike cladding tiles, wood has fewer grouting lines that trap dirt. Another advantage of wall panels made from wood is that they are easy to maintain and repair. The best part is that they can be sanded down and resealed to retain their original look if the surface has been bruised or damaged. However, wooden panels are not resistant to moisture. They are also at risk of termite attacks.

MDF

MDF (Medium-density fiberboard) is a composite wood item manufactured from wood chippings glued together under heat or pressure. The main advantage of MDF is that it is cheaper, which makes it a great alternative to wood. Best of all, MDF looks just like natural wood. The material is also flexible, allowing you to achieve intricate designs and patterns on its. Wall panels made from MDF can be finished in paint, metallic finish, and other options. However, it's advisable not to use MDF wall panels on a wall with seepage issues because the material tends to absorb water and swell, eventually disintegrating.

Plastic

Wall panels made from plastic are waterproof, making them a great choice for moisture-laden areas like the bathroom and kitchen. They are also lightweight, easy to install, and don't attract dust. In addition, they have a non-porous surface that does not promote the growth of mildew or mould. And for those looking for versatility, plastic wall paneling is available in a wide range of colors. You can also find them as 3D panels, adding depth, texture, and pattern to your space. However, since plastic wall panels are the final finish, you must take caution not to hit them with a sharp object that can cause scratches. In addition, screwing or nailing these panels can be challenging. You cannot use the screw again once it goes wrong.

Veneer

Veneer is a thin layer of wood that can be fixed on a backing board to create a wall panel. The material looks like real wood but is cheaper than natural wood. They are also lightweight and easy to install. One of the main advantages of veneer is that it makes it possible to create a large wall paneling surface without grooves. This also makes it easier for designers to explore different designs for a wall panel. In addition, veneer is available in the same color range of wood but with different wood grains.

Leather

Leather wall panels add beautiful color, texture, and warmth to a space. They also reduce noise and can last for many years if well taken care of. In addition, the warmth that leather lends to a space is unmatched. You can use it in any room, and it will look sophisticated and striking without being overpowering. Leather is a great option for the interior, where noise is an issue. It can also be treated with water-resistant finishes for areas with high moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens. However, leather is expensive.

Amazing wall paneling ideas to enhance your walls

Paneling was initially used to provide additional insulation and durability for walls. Today, it's mostly used as a decorative element that adds charm, texture, and character to a space. One of the main traits of wall paneling is that it isn't as disruptive as many people think, and a competent DIYer can easily do the job. We've put together some great wall paneling ideas to suit every kind of home, whether classic or modern.

Use wood wall panels in a bathroom

Too much stone and stile can sometimes make a bathroom feel cold and sterile. Introducing wood wall panels to your bathroom is a great way to add warmth to the space. You can also do marble half-walls. Mixing materials can help break the monotony of common bathroom wall finishes. Furthermore, using wood wall panels in your bathroom is a fantastic way to add a decorating definition, especially if the space lacks a focal point.

Pretty-up wall panels with decorative drawings

Add a fancy twist on plain white walls with a repeat motif in a contrasting color. This will add an ornamental element to your space and create a decorative backdrop that doesn’t strain your eyes. Choose a practical paint finish for paneled walls. You can go with eggshell paint in a low-sheen finish, which is easy to wipe clean and more durable than emulsion.

Opt for fluted paneling for a contemporary feel

Fluting is one of the growing trends in interior design. It's often used to create interest and texture in a space. You can also use it as a partition wall to add character to a contemporary dining room with limited architectural detailing. Fluted wood wall panels will add warmth, creating a minimalistic decorating scheme and making your space welcoming.

Make a secret door in your wall panel

Disguising a door in a room is a clever wall paneling idea you should try. You can do this for some hidden storage, such as an under stair storage or an en suite bathroom. When the door is closed, it leaves a clean look such that no one can anticipate the existence of a door there.

Go with practical paneling in areas with high traffic

Stair paneling ideas incorporate a practical element and decorative effect. Using wall panels on the lower section of walls in high-traffic areas will boost the longevity of the plasterwork. In addition, using wipe-clean paint will make it easier to remove marks and fingerprints. Moreover, using plain painted wall panels on the lower section of the walls allows you to give the upper part of the space a more decorative treatment. You can add attention-grabbing wallpapers to the upper section to draw the eye upwards.

Wall paneling maintenance tips

Like other features in your home, wall panels are prone to wear and tear. Proper maintenance is essential in ensuring the panels remain in top condition for many years. Here are a few care tips for wall panels.

• Know your wall panels

The material used to construct a wall panel may partly determine how you maintain it. This is because different materials require different care, so you must know your panels. For example, most cleaners are too harsh and will damage wood or remove its finish. You may also have to refinish the panels at some points. On the other hand, plastic is fine with virtually any cleaner.

• Regular dusting or vacuuming

Well-patterned wall panels are great at hiding dirt, but even the smoothest surfaces accumulate dirt. It's important to clean the surface of your panels regularly using a lint-free cloth or feather duster. For effective cleaning, you may want to use a vacuum cleaner. Attach a soft brush to the wand and worth methodically across the panel's surface, starting at the top as you move down.

• Keep your panels away from sunlight

Most wall panel finishes tend to face when exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time. When installing wall panels, ensure they are away from windows, doors, or other inlets of sunlight. Alternatively, you can use curtains or blinds on your windows to reduce the amount of light falling on your wall panels.

• Keep your wall panels dry

Wall panel materials like wood and MDF get damaged when exposed to wet areas. So, you may want to avoid using them in bathrooms and kitchens. Protecting your panels from water and cleaning off any splashes immediately is important. You also need to keep an eye out for damp patches that are quite common in most homes.

Shop wall panels at vidaXL

Here at vidaXL, we have a large collection of wall panels to suit every home. Our wall panels come in different materials, sizes, and styles to meet your design needs. Whether you have a classic or contemporary home, we have the perfect wall panels for you.

Our wall panels are designed for quick installation and a beautiful finish. In addition, we only source from the best manufacturers to ensure our customers get panels that meet the highest quality standards. Browse our collection today to find the best wall panels for your home.