Interior wall panelling has made an impressive comeback in British homes, especially in the North East of England and it’s easy to see why. Far from being a design fad, well-chosen panelling can add instant character, a sense of quality and even increase the value of your property. Whether you’re looking to make a grand first impression in the hallway, create warmth in the living room or give a modern twist to a dated bedroom, wall panelling can do it all. Today’s options are more versatile than ever, blending classic style with contemporary finishes that suit almost any home.
If you’re considering how to add real value to your property, it’s worth understanding the panelling styles that work best, where to use them and how they can create a more premium feel throughout your living spaces.
Why Wall Panelling Adds Value
When buyers or renters walk into a property, they want to feel a sense of charm and detail that lifts the home above the ordinary. Plain plastered walls can be bright and fresh, but they don’t always make a lasting impact. Wall panelling instantly gives a space depth and texture, which makes a room feel more finished and thoughtfully designed.
Quality panelling also signals craftsmanship. Whether it’s elegant shaker-style panels in a period hallway or sleek modern slats in a new-build flat, this extra layer of detail can help a property stand out in the market. Many estate agents report that homes with tasteful panelling often photograph better too, which can boost the appeal of an online listing and get more people through the door.
Another reason panelling adds value is its practical benefits. Certain styles, such as MDF or tongue-and-groove, can hide minor imperfections in old walls. In some cases, adding insulation or acoustic backing behind panels can improve energy efficiency or soundproofing, which appeals to buyers looking for comfort and lower bills.
Classic Panelling for Period Charm
If your property has traditional features, wall panelling can help tie the space together beautifully. Georgian and Victorian homes often look their best when panelling is used to accentuate original architecture. Raised or recessed panels, sometimes known as wainscoting, can transform a hallway, staircase or dining room. Painted in soft heritage shades, they bring out cornicing and ceiling roses, creating a cohesive period look.
A half-height panel with a dado rail is a timeless choice for older homes. This works well in hallways and dining rooms, giving the walls protection from knocks and scrapes while adding classic style. Full-height panelling can look grand in larger reception rooms or bedrooms, especially when paired with traditional picture rails and skirting boards.
Shaker Style for Versatility
One of the most popular panelling choices today is shaker-style. With its simple, rectangular frames, this style is endlessly versatile. It feels traditional enough for a cottage or country home but looks equally striking in modern interiors when painted in contemporary shades.
Shaker panelling works well as a feature wall in a bedroom, often behind the bed as an alternative to a large headboard. In living rooms, shaker panels can make plain plaster walls feel warmer and more layered, especially when combined with a statement colour. This style can be customised to suit the height of your ceilings, which means you can use it in both cosy rooms and large, airy spaces.
Tongue-and-Groove for Rustic Warmth
Tongue-and-groove panelling is another classic that has stood the test of time. Originally used in coastal cottages and rural farmhouses, it brings a comforting, rustic feel to any room. It works particularly well in spaces like bathrooms, boot rooms and utility areas, where its vertical lines can make a small space feel taller.
Painting tongue-and-groove in soft neutrals or fresh whites creates a timeless, beachy vibe that many buyers find appealing. For a bolder look, deeper tones like navy, sage or charcoal give the panelling a modern edge. This style can also help cover uneven or damaged plaster, saving you from more expensive re-plastering work.
Decorative Mouldings for a Luxury Finish
If you want to push your home into more luxurious territory, adding decorative mouldings can make a big difference. French-inspired panel moulding creates elegant, floor-to-ceiling frames on walls, which look particularly sophisticated in living rooms, bedrooms or even grand hallways.
These mouldings can be installed in symmetrical squares or rectangles, giving a nod to classic Parisian apartments. Painted in the same colour as the wall, they create subtle depth, while a contrasting colour scheme makes the detail pop. Pairing this look with decorative coving or picture rails completes the sense of timeless glamour.
Modern Slatted Panels for a Contemporary Twist
While classic panelling is always popular, modern slatted wall panels are becoming a firm favourite in contemporary homes. Slatted panels add visual interest and a sense of craftsmanship without feeling old-fashioned. They’re often made of wood or wood-effect materials and can be installed vertically or horizontally.
Slatted panels can work beautifully in open-plan living spaces. Installing them on one wall behind a TV unit or along a hallway can act as a subtle room divider, adding texture while keeping the space feeling open. Natural wood slats bring warmth and contrast to minimalist, white-walled rooms. Painted slats in dark tones can create a dramatic, modern feel that helps a property stand out in a competitive market.
Feature Walls That Stand Out
Adding panelling to just one wall can be enough to create a standout feature that lifts the whole room. Many homeowners choose to panel the chimney breast or the wall behind a bed or sofa. A feature wall like this can become the focal point of a room and create the kind of “wow factor” that buyers remember during viewings.
Panelling also works well with other textures and finishes. Some people combine panels with wallpaper inside each panel frame for a layered, luxury feel. Others use a striking paint colour to contrast with the rest of the room, making the feature wall pop.
Bathrooms and Kitchens: A Surprising Boost
When people think of wall panelling, they often imagine living rooms or bedrooms. But kitchens and bathrooms can benefit too. In bathrooms, waterproof MDF or PVC panelling is a practical alternative to tiles, especially for creating a traditional look without the hassle of grout lines. It’s easy to clean and can withstand steam and splashes.
In kitchens, tongue-and-groove or shaker-style panels can add charm to a breakfast nook or dining area. Installing panels on a kitchen island is another clever way to create a more bespoke, high-end look. These small touches can help your kitchen feel more like a custom-designed space, which always adds value.
Understairs and Hallways: Maximising Unused Spaces
Sometimes the areas that get overlooked are the ones where panelling can make the biggest impact. Understairs spaces, for example, are often dull or awkwardly shaped. Adding panelling can turn an unused wall into a stylish feature that links the hallway with the rest of the house. Some people even use panelling to hide built-in cupboards or secret storage, adding practicality as well as beauty.
Hallways benefit from panelling too. A hallway is the first thing people see when they step inside your home, so adding panelling here can make the entrance feel grand and welcoming. Half-height panelling with a durable paint finish can protect walls from bags, shoes and muddy boots — a practical detail that families with children or pets will appreciate.
Panelling and Paint: Getting the Colours Right
The colour you choose for your panelling has a big effect on the overall vibe of the space. Light, neutral tones keep things bright and airy, which works well for smaller rooms or period properties where you want the panelling to blend in. Darker shades like deep green, navy or charcoal can make panelling feel dramatic and cosy, perfect for feature walls or bedrooms.
A growing trend is to paint the panels, skirting and walls all in the same colour. This creates a seamless, modern look that makes the room feel taller and more unified. Alternatively, you can highlight the panelling with a contrasting wall colour above or below, which can help draw attention to architectural details.
Sustainable and Easy-to-Maintain Materials
Modern homeowners are increasingly mindful of sustainability and durability when upgrading their properties. Wall panelling can be an eco-friendly choice if you pick responsibly sourced materials, such as FSC-certified timber or recycled MDF. Some modern panels are made from PVC or composite materials that resist mould and water damage, ideal for damp areas like bathrooms and utility rooms.
Once installed, panelling is relatively low-maintenance. It’s easy to wipe clean, and if you get bored of the colour, you can repaint it for an entirely fresh look without needing to replace the panels themselves. This flexibility means the investment lasts for years, adapting to changing trends or future buyers’ tastes.
A Smart Investment in Any Home
Whether you own a modern new-build, a cosy cottage or a Victorian terrace, wall panelling is a clever way to elevate your interiors. It adds texture and personality, hides imperfections, improves warmth and sound insulation, and helps your property feel more refined. In a competitive market, these touches can set your home apart and persuade buyers to pay that bit extra for a home that feels ready to move into.
Thoughtful panelling isn’t about copying grand stately homes — it’s about adding features that make your home more inviting, stylish and practical. It’s the kind of upgrade that pays for itself, both in everyday enjoyment and when it’s time to sell.