11 Kitchen Panelling Ideas You Never Thought You Needed!

wall panelling in kitchen

Wall panelling in your kitchen can add instant character…

As interior design enthusiasts, we always look for ways to add personality and charm to a kitchen. One option that often gets overlooked is wall panelling. Wall panelling can be a game-changer when it comes to transforming your kitchen’s appearance. It not only adds texture and visual interest but also brings an elegant touch to the space. 

Firstly, let’s explore some exciting kitchen wall panelling options. Then we will dive into some real home ideas.

Wall Panelling types in a kitchen:

Wood panelling

If you’re aiming for a warm and rustic look, wood panelling in your kitchen is a fantastic choice. Imagine the beauty of reclaimed wood, beadboard, shiplap, or tongue-and-groove panels gracing your kitchen walls. You can leave the wood panelling in its natural state for a more organic feel or paint it in a colour that complements your kitchen’s overall design.

shop pattern tiles for bathrooms and kitchens
kitchen wall panelling ideas - slat panelling kitchen splashwall

Beautiful white kitchen with marble countertop and slat wall panelling splashwall. Image by @artichoke_ltd / Project info: https://www.artichoke-ltd.com/projects/gentlemans-apartment-west-london/

PVC Panellling

If you’re on a budget and looking for a low-maintenance option, PVC panelling is worth considering. This versatile material comes in various designs, including textured patterns that can mimic the appearance of wood or tile. PVC panels are moisture-resistant, making them a suitable choice for kitchens where spills and splatters are common. Plus, they’re easy to install, so you can quickly transform your kitchen without much hassle.

Wall Panelling In Your Kitchen – Ideas to Inspire You!

Before diving into wall panelling in your kitchen, take a moment to consider a few factors. Assess your kitchen’s existing design and choose a panelling style that complements it. Think about the ambience you want to create—cozy, modern, or eclectic. Don’t forget about maintenance requirements and budget constraints. It’s essential to choose a panelling material that can withstand the demands of a kitchen environment.

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Let’s dive into the fun part… real kitchen wall panelling ideas:

kitchen wall panelling in a red vintage style kitchen
Wall panelling in kitchen by @uns.hobbs on Instagram 

If you’re searching for a traditional kitchen, panelling is a wonderful design feature that you can use. Whether it’s along your countertops instead of tiling, or for a more subtle approach, you can use panelling on a kitchen island to give it a textured feel. We love this deep red panelling above, which looks luxurious and moody. 

wall panelling in ktichen - White kitchen with grey shaker panelling
Wall panelling in kitchen by @emilieanderskine on Instagram

This kitchen wall panelling idea is a great way to add depth and style to a kitchen diner in a neutral home, just like this beautiful home by Emilie above. Using the wall opposite the kitchen as a statement wall, you can draw the eyes to the spacious area and give the dining area warmth. 

wall panelling in ktichen - wall panelling in an open plan kitchen and living room
Grey kitchen panelling by @shynesdesign_ on Instagram

This is another example of how to use shaker wall panelling to make a neutral kitchen look warm and full of character. We love the open plan layout of this kitchen and living room and the luxurious finishes – from the chandelier to the marble countertops that work wonderfully with the panelled wall. 

wall panelling in ktichen - white slat panelling in a farmhouse kitchen
Farmhouse kitchen wall panelling by @pearllowe on Instagram

Using wall panelling in your kitchen can be a great way to incorporate rustic charm into the space. Take this country kitchen as an example. The vertical panelled boards and ceiling effortlessly blend into the existing kitchen and house design. 

wall panelling in ktichen - slat wall panelling in a blue kitchen
Slat wall panelling above the sink by @thecourtyardhayloft on Instagram 

Using wall panelling is all about adding in the details and this beautiful classic blue kitchen by Ria does just that. We love the functional shelving on the wall and the countertop. The white accents in the space pop against the dark blue panelled wall for a modern and contrasting look. 

Related read: Kitchen Shelving Ideas

kitchen wall panelling ideas - kitchen island panelling
Gorgeous blue panelling on kitchen island by @insidenumber.3 on Instagram
wall panelling in ktichen - kitchen island ribbed panelling details
Kitchen panelling on island by @cnc_creationsuk on Instagram 

Another way to ‘add in the details’ in your kitchen is by using wall panelling in your kitchen island design. This will give it an extra touch of character and sophistication. This beautiful kitchen island uses ribbed wall panels. 

wall panelling in ktichen - kitchen wall panelling ideas with kitchen island
Kitchen wall panelling by @badel.home on Instagram

Sona brings nature into a white kitchen design by incorporating slat panelling as the kitchen island feature, which warms up the room. We love the subtle wood accents dotted around the kitchen, which also bring a rustic charm. 

wall panelling in ktichen - slat panelling in a kitchen with blue shaker style fitted kitchen
Blue kitchen panelling by @my_best_laid_plans on Instagram 

If you’re looking to make a statement look in your kitchen, why not consider countertop-to-ceiling shiplap? This can work well with shaker-style kitchens as it looks cohesive. For a calming kitchen aesthetic, take notes from the image above, which uses Alphine by Neptune to create a serene blue kitchen (that reminds us of the beach!). 

wall panelling in ktichen - kitchen wall panelling behind shelving
Yellow kitchen panelling by @theenglishpanellingcompany on Instagram

Spice up your storage space in your kitchen with slat panelling for a modern and detailed look. We love the panelling behind the above sink, which gives the space more depth and contrasts beautifully against the statement sink and yellow cupboards. 

Conclusion

Wall panelling can work wonders in transforming your kitchen’s appearance. Whether you opt for the warmth of wood, the versatility of tiles, the affordability of PVC, or the modernity of stainless steel, adding wall panelling in your kitchen is a fantastic way to inject charm and character into your space. So, why not embark on this exciting journey and give your kitchen a fresh and stylish makeover?

Remember, the choice is yours, and with the right wall panelling, your kitchen will become a space that not only delights your eyes but also brings joy to your daily culinary adventures!

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