20 Decorative Wall Paneling Ideas to Try in Every Room

No hate on traditional wainscoting, but there’s so much more in the world of wall paneling. Check out our favorite designs, from 3D cork to farmhouse-inspired shiplap.

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January 07, 2021

By: Deanne Revel

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Dynamic Lines

When you think about wall paneling, you probably imagine '70s walls or stuffy molding and wainscoting. But wall paneling doesn't have to be dull or dated. It's a great way to add personality as well as style and texture to any space. This homeowner commissioned custom lattice woodwork to create a diamond-patterned feature wall in the entryway and living room. The subtle paneling looks stunning behind Anthropologie's Gleaming Primrose floor-length mirror.

From: Kerra Michele Huerta

Chic Beadboard

Beadboard trim isn't necessarily cool. These days, it's mostly relegated to a kid's bathroom or playroom. But throw a coat of paint on it, pair it with the right wallpaper and it becomes incredibly chic. Just look at the jet-black beadboard in this home office. It looks stunning with the Moroccan black and white wallpaper.

From: Heather Scott Home & Design

Statement Shiplap

Thanks in part to Fixer Upper, shiplap has surged in popularity over the last couple of years. Shiplap is everywhere, from kitchen ranges to fireplaces. This floor-to-ceiling shiplap-clad fireplace features super-dark, almost-black charcoal paint that really pops against the cream walls and faded brick hearth.

From: Kimberly Horton

Engineered Wood

If you'd rather not use shiplap sparingly and want to panel your entire place like a renovated home in Waco, Texas, engineered wood paneling is a great way to get that signature Joanna Gaines look without spending a fortune on reclaimed wood — or spending forever installing it. These panels from Wayfair are budget-friendly and come in several different colors, but we love the cream option for that antique, Magnolia farmhouse vibe.

Buy It: Wayfair, $7.09/sq. ft.

Bold Grid

Traditional wainscoting often uses a series of squares created with thin paneling, but it's very dainty. These floor-to-ceiling squares, however, make a big impact — especially wrapping to the next wall. It's the perfect amount of bold to complement the dramatic chandelier and luxe velvet chairs.

From: Tiffany Brooks

Skinny Paneling

Wood wall paneling doesn't have to be thick and chunky. These super-slim panels create a great texture and contrast perfectly with the white walls and banquet seating in this dining nook.

From: Jeff Troyer Associates

Nickel Gap

Shiplap gets all the hype, but its cousin nickel gap is just as aesthetically pleasing. Unlike shiplap's overlapping boards, nickel gap is named for its signature nickel-sized gap between each board.

Painted Nickel Gap

And nickel gap looks amazing painted, too. You can paint the board and the gap the same color for a monochrome look, or paint the gap white or black to make each board really pop.

From: Cortney Bishop Design

Vertical Panels

If you have low ceilings or a small space, go vertical. Nickel gap and other tight wood paneling looks great installed vertically, too. And this will draw the eye up and make the room feel taller than it is — especially with white paint or light colors.

From: Beth Dana

Black and White

Did you know you can use paneling as a backsplash? Oh, yeah. That's a thing. Birchwood looks great in modern, farmhouse kitchens, but for something with more flair, look at this bold black and white wall. Half the wall is painted black a little higher than counter height to create the look of a backsplash without actually installing any extra paneling. Genius.

From: Leanne Ford

Antique-Inspired Vinyl

Vinyl has come a long way. And these days, there are some seriously chic vinyl decals, vinyl rugs and even vinyl wall paneling that looks so realistic. We love this Victorian-inspired design from Wayfair that looks just like painted tin tiles.

Buy It: Wayfair, $3.49/sq. ft.

Shou Sugi Ban

Shou sugi ban, or yakisugi, is a Japanese wood-burning method that brings out the natural patterns of wood. It's a little bit moody, a little bit beautiful and it looks jaw-droppingly gorgeous in this bathroom as a statement wall behind the soaking tub. The fireplace is a perfect nod to the shou sugi ban technique.

From: Fraley and Company

Board and Batten

Like beadboard, another popular paneling technique called board and batten had fallen out of favor in the design world. But it's making a big comeback. The style creates a little bit of texture with raised boards and looks great in rustic styles, from cabins to chalets.

From: Martha O'Hara Interiors

Vertical Board and Batten

Flipping something 90 degrees can totally change it. This vertical board and batten looks completely different than the previous horizontal design. It's much more modern than rustic. This white board and batten would look great in a beach cottage or a lakehouse — anything with a coastal vibe.

From: Dustin Gerken

Geometric Stars

These Moroccan-influenced stars are packed with tons of personality and, when paired with gold accents, create a posh, Hollywood Regency-era look. But can you guess what this glam paneling is made out of? Cork!

Buy It: West Elm, $150

Traditional With a Twist

Wainscoting isn't bad. And chair rails don't have to look boring. This modern farmhouse in New York features a statement wall in the living room with a nod to traditional paneling. The lines and the shapes are there, but by painting the entire wall a soft dove gray, it creates a modern, monochrome look.

From: Hendricks Churchill LLC

Modern Cubes

For the midcentury modern fans, check out these wooden cubes from Wayfair. This paneling would look amazing in a ranch house living room, dining room or study.

Buy It: Wayfair, $17.69/sq. ft.

Cottage Chic

Chair rails don't have to have all that fancy molding or curves. Another myth we'd like to bust: Chair rails aren't reserved solely for the dining room. You can put a chair rail in any room! This cottage bedroom has a basic, white chair rail and it looks amazing paired with the slate blue wall paneling.

From: Hyphen & Co

Rustic Wood Slices

Basic wood paneling can often read rustic, but for something with more texture, just look at this wood slice paneling. How pretty is that? This would look perfect in a rustic cabin or even a modern Scandinavian farmhouse. You could panel an entire wall or flank a fireplace for a big impact.

Buy It: Wayfair, $15.29/sq. ft.

Natural Cork

West Elm has tons of cork wall paneling designs to shop, such as this cork take on subway tile. There are several colors to choose from, too, but natural cork is such a pretty caramel color. This paneling would look great in any room, from the kitchen to a home office.

Buy It: West Elm, $280