Add instant character to your living room with these ideas…
Dreaming of a complete living room makeover? Don’t demolish your walls just yet! We’ve got some inspiration that’ll turn even the dullest of rooms into the ultimate lounge oasis.
Whether you’re looking to add panelled walls from floor to ceiling or just half way up your walls, our ideas, handpicked from some of the most inspiring Instagram accounts will make you want to start planning your next renovation instantly.
Read on to reveal the best living room panelling ideas.
Yes, it’s used a lot in new builds and Victorian home styling! Wall panelling is inspired by period panelling interior styles and has become a modern design element around the home including in living rooms. Adding panelling to your living room can modernise your space by adding depth and character when styled with contemporary furnishings and decor. Half-wall panelling and square panelling have become popular in update the home.
Use wall panelling to add depth to a cottage inspired living room
Image by @dakotacottage uses a white accent wall with 2-level panelling to create contrast and depth in a bright living space. The split panelling is a great way to add shape into the space and gives it more dimension. It is also a great way to break up the walls to add height and a point of reference for furnishings to be incorporated into the room.
Wall panelling is a great addition to cottage-style living rooms as it adds texture and depth to the walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It also complements the natural materials and rustic aesthetic often found in cottage interiors, enhancing the overall charm and character of the space.
Try white panelling in the living room
Elegant white living room with panelled walls to add character. Image by Aubynandgrayinteriors on Instagram
Create depth in a white living room by adding panelling which will give your walls texture as well as a pint of reference for your furnishings. We love this white living room that uses panelling as a way to frame the room, it also allows the furnishings to show scale of height and size to proportion the rooms layout.
Modern wall panelling in a small living room
Modern accent wall using panelling to add depth to a small living room. Image by Dugmore_home2022 on Instagram
Squared wall panels are ultra modern and versatile in the living room. Whether you’re looking for an accent wall or half panelled walls, square panelling is a great way to create a modern statement look. This squared panel accent wall is the perfect example of how to spruce up a small living room for a clean and fresh look to make the space feel bigger and prominent through panelling.
Grey panelling in the living room
Panelling behind the sofa for a cozy living room style by Barn_number_six on Instagram
Grey is a calming colour for the living room, and a great way to enhance this is through panelling to add depth and texture to your walls. Combining grey and white makes for a cozy living room look, along with using panelling to add contrast to your walls is a simple way to achieve a modern and snug look. We love this cozy cottage interior where the grey panelling and white walls warm up the exposed brick wall and stone effect flooring.
Add wall panelling to show off your fireplace
Image source @ourrenovationjourney
Break up a cream living room with feature panelling like this design by @ourrenovationjourney. We love this subtle panelling that adds texture to the space while being soft and delicate.
If you’re planning on decorating your living room with a beige colour palette, opting for panelling can break up the walls so they become a statement feature that draws the eyes.
Fireplace panelling idea
Gorgeous media wall with squared wall panelling by Our_bergamot_home via Instagram
Show off a media wall with fireplace by adding panelling on either side of your tv wall to add a modern feel to your home. Square panelling can work well when styling a media wall to add character to the space around it to draw the eye to the tv and fireplace. Furthermore, square panelling is great for dressing up bare walls so they feel more purposeful and homely.
Double up your panelling
Image source @from_the_ground_up
Add character to a bright living room by splitting your panelling in half, like this sophisticated living design by @from_the_ground_up. We love this look as it’s simple, stylish and elegant.
What’s more, when splitting panelling for your living room, make sure to make your design top heavy (where the panelling is longer up the wall). This will give the illusion that your walls are longer than they are.
Half wall panelling to break up the living space
Image source @ourfirsthome_theclayton
Like half your walls with panelling to break up the bare walls like this design by @ourfirsthome_theclayton that effortlessly shows us how it’s done!
Half wall panelling in the living room is a great way to add style if you love minimalist design. Always panel the bottom half of your walls rather than the top, as your eye will be drawn from the panelling to your ceiling (which will make your space appear bigger).
Dark wall panelling for an Edwardian living room
Image source @ahomeinthetropics
For an elegant English style home, opt for dark tones when painting your panelled walls. This will give the feel of traditional Edwardian style, especially when you incorporate plain furnishing with a rich and bold colour scheme.
We love this living room design by @ahomeinthetropics that mixes comfort and class together to create a dramatic living room space to entertain. What we especially love is the white ceiling and splashes of grey tones around the room that contrast with the dark interiors to brighten the space beautifully.
Grey living room wall panelling
Image source @oursoutheastlondonhome
Add detail to your living room walls with half panelled walls as a stylish backdrop to your sofa area. This idea by @oursoutheastlondonhome inspires us on how to add texture to a grey living space while looking cozy and minimal.
What’s more, doubling up a half wall panel will give you extra shelving for artwork and accessories to add even more character to your home.
Wall panelled living room in a cottage
Image source @story_behind_the_stone
Mixing modern and the old is a great way to add unique character to a space. This wonderful transformation by @story_behind_the_stone has been beautifully styled with soft colours that expose old cottage charm; from the beams to the wood flooring.
Furthermore, the periodic panelling has been given a modern twist with chunky square design. Combine the look with a contemporary sofa dressed with pillows and a throw for a snug look.
Related reads: decorate your hallway with these panelling ideas
Add panelling behind the fireplace for extra character
Image source @welcometo_number16
An elegant fireplace is the perfect focal point in the living room that shapes where your furnishings fit into place, as well as the layout of your space. To break this up, why not add half panelling to your walls to add the finishing detail to your lounge, just like this sophisticated design by @welcometo_number16.
We love the effortless look and the mix of textures and the layers of creams and greys that make the space cozy yet sophisticated.
Use wall panelling to add detail to plain walls
Image source @kllowyreno
Plain walls can really dull down a space, especially in the living room where your character and style should come into play. Spruce up sad walls with little details such as periodic panelling to give your home a touch of English elegance.
This living room panelling idea by @kllowyreno shows us how it’s done. With split panelling across one side of the wall to match with the fireplace so beautifully. We really love how the walls and the fireplace blend into each other as an entire feature wall.
Break up beige walls with panelling
Image source @olivetreecottage2
Two toned walls are a living room delight! It’s a great way to break up a colour scheme without being risky, just like this gorgeous living room by @olivetreecottage2 that subtly uses creams in a contrasting way.
If you’ve got a fireplace that needs something extra, panelling is a great way to add texture and depth in a modern way. Furthermore, adding cornice to your ceiling to match your panelling will complete the look and bring out the style more.
Wall paneling is a great way to add character, texture, and visual interest to your living room. It can also help to protect the walls from scratches, dents, and other forms of wear and tear. In addition, wall paneling can provide insulation, which can help to regulate the temperature of your home and potentially lower your energy bills.
There are several materials that are commonly used for living room wall paneling, including wood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), PVC, and gypsum. Each material has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right one based on your preferences and needs.
Yes, wall paneling can be painted or stained to match the decor of your living room. This is a great way to personalize your space and make it feel more cohesive. Just make sure to choose a paint or stain that is compatible with the material of your wall paneling.
When choosing the right type of wall paneling for your living room, consider factors such as the style of your home, the existing decor, and your personal preferences. Wood paneling is a classic choice that works well with a variety of design styles, while PVC paneling is a more affordable and low-maintenance option. MDF and gypsum paneling offer a sleek and modern look, but may be more difficult to install.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to creative designs and patterns for living room wall paneling. Some popular options include classic beadboard paneling, modern geometric patterns, and textured 3D wall panels. You can also experiment with different colours, finishes, and materials to create a truly unique look that reflects your personal style.
Read more about wall panelling around the home
Pingback: Best Pink living room ideas to add a pop of colour to your space – Style your Sanctuary