Panelling has long been celebrated as a timeless design feature, offering both functionality and aesthetic charm. From grand period properties to contemporary urban flats, panelling can elevate interiors with texture and character. But with so many styles to choose from, which panelling is right for your home?
Choosing what's right for your home
Let’s explore the different types of panelling and their suitability for various spaces.
1. Shaker Panelling: Simple Elegance
Shaker panelling is characterised by its clean, symmetrical lines and minimalist approach. Originating from the Shaker movement, this style embodies simplicity and practicality.
Best suited for:
Modern and traditional homes: Its understated design makes it versatile for both period properties and newer builds.
Bedrooms and living rooms: Shaker panelling can add subtle interest without overwhelming a space.
Small rooms: The clean lines can create a sense of order, making smaller spaces feel uncluttered.
Pair Shaker panelling with soft, muted colours for a classic look, or opt for bold tones to bring a modern edge.
2. Tongue and Groove: Rustic Charm
Tongue and groove panelling features interlocking boards that create a seamless, vertical or horizontal finish. Traditionally used in kitchens and bathrooms, this style is now popular throughout the home for its cosy appeal.
Best suited for:
Country cottages and coastal retreats: Its natural, wooden texture enhances rustic interiors.
Bathrooms and kitchens: The interlocking design is moisture-resistant when properly treated, making it ideal for humid spaces.
Hallways and utility rooms: It’s durable and easy to clean, perfect for high-traffic areas.
For a modern twist, paint tongue and groove panelling in bold colours like navy or forest green, or keep it natural for a Scandinavian-inspired feel.
3. Beadboard: Subtle Sophistication
Beadboard panelling features narrow vertical planks separated by a small, rounded ridge (the "bead"). This design adds subtle texture and visual interest.
Best suited for:
Traditional homes: Its classic style complements period details like cornicing and dado rails.
Kitchens and bathrooms: Often used as a splashback or wainscoting for a vintage vibe.
Children’s rooms: Its smooth surface can be painted in playful colours to brighten up the space.
Beadboard is an excellent choice for achieving a timeless aesthetic without overwhelming the room.
4. Raised Panelling: Timeless Luxury
Raised panelling is the epitome of traditional elegance, often found in stately homes and Georgian properties. It features rectangular or square panels with a slightly raised profile.
Best suited for:
Period properties: It’s a natural fit for Georgian, Edwardian, and Victorian homes.
Formal spaces: Perfect for dining rooms, libraries, or studies where you want to exude sophistication.
Tall walls: It enhances the proportions of high-ceilinged rooms.
Pair raised panelling with luxurious finishes like wallpapered inserts or gilded details to enhance its opulence.
A sound investment that brings charm to every home
Panelling is an investment in your home’s character and functionality, but choosing the right style is key. Whether you’re drawn to the rustic charm of tongue and groove or the refined elegance of raised panelling, there’s a design to suit every taste and space.