Our living room walls are a blank canvas that is made to be filled and for us to get creative with. Given their vast surface area, it would be a shame not to. While a simple coat of paint, hanging art or even creating a gallery wall are all options we’re into, there’s something about living room wall panelling ideas that feels extremely stylish and sophisticated.
And yet, most wall panelling ideas are not difficult to pull off. On the contrary! Perhaps that’s the beauty of it – maximum return for not all that much effort, as long as you know how to panel a wall.
But if you’re not sure what style of wall panelling to go for in your lounge or what panelling colours to incorporate into your living room colour scheme, we’ve got some expert-approved ideas for you, including the latest trending wall panelling styles.
Living room wall panelling ideas
‘Wood panelling or cladding can elevate a living room scheme entirely, and bring in a touch of the outdoors,’ says Anthony Scott, global product and innovation director at Havwoods.
And since biophilic design ideas have been so popular over the last few years - pretty much since the pandemic and resulting lockdowns - taking every opportunity to bring the outside in, while also adding extra texture to any space, wall panelling is the perfect thing to embrace in most homes and most living rooms.
1. Panel just one wall for a statement
While painted feature walls can feel a little outdated nowadays, a statement panelled wall, however, looks much more modern.
‘If you want a statement feature, panelling one wall - such as behind a sofa or fireplace - can create a focal point without overpowering the space,’ says Claire Garner, director of Claire Garner Design Studio.
2. Go traditional
Depending on the aesthetic of your living space or the style you’re going for, you might want to go for something more traditional and classic. And if that’s the case, shaker panelling, tongue and groove or the Jacobean style would be the best to go for.
‘Understated, elegant styles such as classic shaker panelling or tongue-and-groove work beautifully in living rooms. These styles add architectural interest without overwhelming the space,’ Claire Garner says.
If you're after the classic grid of the Jacobean-style moulding, then this wall panelling kit is one of the most affordable out there.
The beauty of tongue-and-groove wall panelling like this one is its simplicity and timelessness. Not to mention its vertical orientation will also visually expands your space.
The shaker-style wall panelling is one of the most popular go-tos because of its timeless but slightly traditional look. So if you want something that's on the safer side, shaker style rarely disappoints.
3. Wrap a larger room in panelling
While going for a single feature wall idea can create a lovely statement, some styles of panelling look even better if they cover multiple walls. Especially if you’re working with a room that’s on the larger side.
‘For more subtle panelling designs such as painted MDF tongue and groove profiles, it works well to install these on more than one wall to create an encapsulating look, with the amount of detail and texture they add being more minimal,’ says Olivia Crosher, visual stylist at Naturewall.
Claire Garner agrees, ‘In larger rooms or period properties, wrapping panelling around multiple walls can enhance the architectural feel and create a more cohesive look. The key is balance – panelling should feel like an intentional part of the design rather than an afterthought.’
4. Match the style of panelling to your home’s aesthetic
Whether you decide to go for a traditional style of wall panelling like the Jacobean grid or something more modern like vertical slats should largely depend on the style and aesthetic of your home. Otherwise, the resulting look could feel a little disjointed.
‘The key is to choose a style that complements the room’s overall aesthetic – whether it’s a period home where traditional panelling enhances the character or a modern space where sleek, simple designs provide a refined touch. Avoid styles that feel too rigidly traditional if your home leans toward a more contemporary aesthetic. Instead, opt for timeless, adaptable panelling that enhances the space rather than dictating it,’ Claire Garner advises.
5. Add some drama
The colour of your wall panelling should largely be based on the existing colour palette of your lounge. But if you’re looking for some living room paint ideas to cover your panels with, one of the most popular approaches among the experts is going dark and dramatic for a luxe finish.
‘If you want a more dramatic look, deep navy, rich olive or warm charcoal can work beautifully, especially when balanced with lighter furnishings and good lighting,’ Claire Garner says.
6. Opt for a natural finish
Wall panelling is still very much trending in 2025. But this year, one of the most popular panelling styles is a very natural, organic approach.
‘We’re seeing a move toward more natural and textured finishes in wall panelling,’ says Ian Tomlinson, managing director of Chaunceys Timber Flooring. ‘Rustic reclaimed timbers with pronounced knots and eye-catching grains are increasingly in demand, as they provide a more organic, tactile feel. It’s also important to think about balance, for example, pairing timber cladding with complementary materials like stone or soft furnishings creates a harmonious look.’
Olivia at Naturewall adds, ‘Organic wood finishes will also establish a warm and relaxing atmosphere, bringing a connection to nature into your home to give the feeling of a welcoming sanctuary.’
7. Take it halfway up
If you don't want to commit to a full wall (or four!) of living room wall panelling ideas, then don't take it to the ceiling.
Use your panelling only on the lower section of your wall, either the bottom half or third. This will add interest to the area, giving you the benefits of panels, but your living room wall decor won't feel overwhelming by covering too much of the space.
8. Create a focal point with slimline panelling
Create a panel of wall panelling to create a warm focal point on your walls. As well as adding natural style, by differentiating part of the room, you can use the panels to zone a space. Additionally, it's a lovely way for how to break up a large wall in a living room.
'They also make large open-plan interiors feel more homely,' says Simon from Havwoods. 'By adding natural textures that exude warmth and creating separate, smaller zones within one large configuration.'
9. Trick the eye
Vertical living room wall panelling ideas help make your ceilings seem higher by drawing the eye upwards. If your eyes are being drawn to a particularly low ceiling, then it's time to get clever with paint.
Paint the lower section of you wall in a bright colour, keeping the upper portion and ceiling a light, neutral shade. Eyes will be directed to the bolder shade, and the divide between wall and ceiling won't be obvious, disguising a low ceiling.
10. Fake it with wallpaper
If you can't or don't want to install real wall panelling but still want to get the look, there are ways to fake wall panelling. One of the most effective ones is panelling-style wallpaper.
'Save time and money with faux, 3D effect wood panel wallpapers,' suggests Chelsea Clark, head of brand at I Love Wallpaper. 'From traditional board and batten to wood slats and geometric patterns, there is something for everyone.'
As well as making life easier and cheaper, living room wallpaper ideas also offer more flexibility when it comes to colours and styles. Plus, you can change things up more easily if you grow tired of the look.
11. Open up with light-reflecting neutrals
Boost light levels by choosing a pale coloured, or white painted wood panelling for your walls. The effect will be fresh and bright, perfect for opening up a room.
'Soft neutrals, muted earth tones and warm greys are ideal for living rooms, as they create a calming, inviting atmosphere. Shades like soft taupe, off-white or subtle green-grey can add warmth without feeling too stark,' Claire Garner says.
This technique can be used in any space, but small living room ideas will really benefit from the extra light offered by the wood panels.
12. Mix it up
For a quirky, individualistic look, then rethink wall panelling altogether. Who said you have to stick to simple planks of wood, anyway?
Get creative and design panelled living room feature wall ideas filled with varying shapes, sizes and colours of cut boards. Stick to tonal shades so the effect isn't overwhelming. Play around with sizes as much as you like. Just remember, of course, that they should all extend outwards to the same degree to keep things cohesive and prevent extra dust build up.
FAQs
What is best for wall panelling?
In theory you could use nearly any material you like for wall panels. In fact, learning how to panel a wall using gutter pipes is even an option. That said, far and away the top choice is wood.
'Wood is a great choice for wall panelling due to its inherent natural texture and warm colouring,' agrees Simon Myatt, brand ambassador at Havwoods. 'For monochrome colour schemes or those working with a limited colour palette, warm wooden hues will add contrast and introduce a softer and more comforting element into the space.'
Does panelling make a room look bigger?
'Yes, absolutely, particularly when applied to a full wall,' says Olivia from Naturewall. 'If the wall panels are horizontal, they can elongate a room. Equally, if they are applied vertically, they can create the illusion of an extended space.'
'Even applying wall panels to half the wall height can evoke the feeling of a bigger area, by breaking up solid and enclosing walls.'
Which living room wall panelling style is your favourite?
