Wall paneling has been replacing other treatments, mainly paint jobs and wallpapers, for quite a long time, and for good reason. It is, by all means, the sturdiest and most heavy-duty element to protect and prolong walls and also provides endless styling possibilities. The opulence wall panels offer is simply matchless, as is the extent of cost-effectiveness.
If you are new to the concept of wall paneling, Shaggy Rugs is here to educate you thoroughly and help you make excellent choices whenever you get your home walls treated or upgraded. Our upcoming info contains everything ranging from the perks and pros of using wall panels to the available options, as well as many other valuable insights.
Wall Paneling: Material Options, Design Choices, & Much More
Let’s start by reviewing the types of wall panels available in the market and the needs and purposes they serve.
Main Types Of Wall Panels
1- Wood Wall Panels
Wood paneling can be made of solid hardwood (natural) or engineered hardwood (synthetic). For a more eco-friendly approach, you can also choose panels made of reclaimed wood. Wooden paneling offers many benefits, with added insulation being the topmost one.
Solid wood panels are ideal for all-natural, classic, and luxurious decor, whereas engineered wood paneling is more budget-friendly yet resilient. With wooden panels, your home will be highly valuable, comfortable, and noise-free, and you can reduce its energy expenses, too.
2- Composite Wall Panels
The two main construction materials of wall surface panels in this category are MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). The options primarily focus on an economical price point and offer a decent performance in all settings.
Other beneficial features of composite panels include a lightweight yet sturdy structure, high moisture resistance, and compatibility with most wall finishes. These panels are also greatly durable, especially PVC ones, and you can get them in any natural color, pattern, or style.
3- Tile Wall Paneling
Tile paneling has four main types: ceramic, porcelain, stone, and glass. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the best options if you prefer a timeless, durable, and heavy-duty wall treatment. Their vast color and design availability add to their overall worth.
On the other hand, stone panels can be an excellent choice if you prefer natural or rustic home decor. Glass panels are primarily meant to create luxurious looking spaces and offer the major benefit of area expansion with impressive light reflection.
4- Fabricated/Upholstered Panels
Fabricated and upholstered panels make interiors warm, comfortable, and well-insulated. Their framework is made of a solid material like wood or metal, but they are also covered with thick fabrics or padding for exceptional comfort, softness, and safety.
You can find a range of decorative options for them, and these panels are also available in acoustic versions for soundproofing and additional comfort. These panels are generally recommended for bedrooms, kids’ rooms, and nurseries, especially behind beds as headboards.
Available Styles Of Wall Panels
Wall panels come in many styles (physical formats) and can be used to create any desired look, be it sleek, minimal decor or detailed, bold ornamentation.
1- Shiplap: These panels are in the form of horizontal planks featuring a beveled edge. They give rise to a rustic or farmhouse look which can add instant visual interest to any area.
2- Wainscotting: This style refers to raised panels that usually have a trim or molding at their edges. You can choose between full-height and half-height wainscotting for different areas.
3- Beadboard: Panels of this style have a vertical format and a grooved edge. They are best suited for areas like bathrooms, kitchens and outdoors since they prevent moisture damage.
4- Tongue And Groove: This style refers to horizontal planks fitting together to create a sleek, modern wall surface. Tongue and groove panels are great for formal areas like offices.
5- Brick Style: This one is the classic style of wall paneling, which can be added to any area and always remains fashionable. Brick style panels also best fit industrial or rustic style decors.
6- Tile Style: Tile style panels also have a timeless look and they are available in different formats and sizes to cover walls in unique patterns. They are highly durable and wear-resistant.
7- Board And Batten: These panels have an incredibly attractive, modern and satisfying look. Their strong vertical lines offer visual depth and they are very durable plus easy to upkeep.
8- Raised Panels: These panels are excellent for beautifying walls and adding sophistication to any area. They are sturdy and heavy-duty and work wonders for busy spaces like kitchens.
9- 3d Panels: These innovative panels are great for adding instant depth and dimension to any area. They come in abundant design, pattern, and color options and can also be customized.
10- Fluted Panels: These water, mold, scratch, stain and impact proof panels are the ideal recommendation for busy areas. They also offer noise reduction and are fully eco-friendly too.
Paneling Installation And Care Essentials
Now that you know the material and design versatility of wall panels, here are some essential tips for getting their fit right and making them last.
- Accurate Fitting: Always get wall panels fitted by professionals for the right outcomes and maximum longevity. Make sure to get all the wall damages fixed beforehand, so that the new treatment can perform well and last long as well.
- Appropriate Style: Your chosen paneling style must match your room’s purpose and decor or the atmosphere you want to create. For example, dark-toned wooden or patterned panels can make an area bold and warm.
- Sufficient Illumination: Ensure the room has enough lighting so that the new paneling treatment does not cause it to appear gloomy. If you’re getting the paneling in a small or limited space, it is highly advised to stick to neutral colors and plain profiles.
- Regular Care: Dust and wipe clean your wall panels regularly. Depending on their material, you should also use mild commercial cleaners or household solutions. Deep cleaning will help remove grime or stains and retain the panels’ beauty.
- Occasional Considerations: Some panels, like wooden ones, require finishing at regular intervals, so make sure to do that by yourself or hiring experts. Similarly, some panels cannot withstand moisture, so they must be carefully cleaned.
In A Nutshell
Wall paneling is one of the best home improvement investments and the kind of treatment that is always beneficial, no matter the wall type or conditions. Investing in new, high-quality wall panels will be your best bet if you wish to give your place a new look. We have discussed all the material choices you can have in this regard, as well as the design, fitting, and maintenance guidelines. And we hope that this endeavor will make wall paneling a hassle-free and value-for-money experience for you.