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Do you remember those wallboards that were popular in the ’70s and early ’80s? Remember the printed paper veneers that did a pretty poor imitation of real wood? Well, if you just suppressed a shudder at the memory you’ll be pleased to know that interior architecture has moved on a bit since then. Timber panelling is back in vogue but it’s come a long way and now offers a stylish option for many different kinds of space. You can fit it into traditional or contemporary designs and it also offers a very sustainable way of decorating as it doesn’t need to be replaced every few years.

Georgian Style!

Georgian-style panelling is often painted white and may be applied to the lower half of walls with a bold, patterned wallpaper or simple painted wall above. You can opt for traditional jointed panels or go for a simpler effect with vertical tongue and groove boards topped by decorative beading. The latter is a look that’s particularly suited to bathrooms, hallways or cellar conversions. Paint the boards for a traditional feel or varnish them for a Scandinavian touch. This works for staircases too adding interest and style to what can often be a hard to decorate area.

If you want to enjoy the beauty of natural wood grain you may prefer to go for panelling up to picture rail height with white painted walls and ceiling above that to prevent the room from being too dark. This is a popular option for dining rooms to give a formal but warm character to the space. In modern properties with lower ceilings you can panel all the way to the top but you need to ensure you don’t make the room too dark in the process. To avoid this opt for painted panels or light-coloured timber, keep the ceiling white and pay particular attention to lighting. Mounting uplighters or spots on or above the panelling so that the light bounces back off the ceiling can be especially effective. If you think that panelling then whole room may be over the top think about adding a focal point with a single feature panelled wall to bring interest to the design. This works best if you design it around an existing feature like a chimney breast.

Be Bold!

So far we’ve looked at quite traditional kinds of wood panelling. If you want to go for a more modern style though, timber panelling can still offer an attractive option. Large panels with bold grain – often running horizontally – can provide a stylish, contemporary feel that’s a world away from those ’70s wallboards. Think about cool, soft tones here, ideal for bedrooms or lounges. The latest laser cut panels can add a unique design touch by cutting a pattern into the surface of the panel. These can add a great conversation piece to a home.

If you’re looking to merge the traditional and the modern panelling make it easier to incorporate the technology of today’s homes in a subtle way. You can design panelling to incorporate wall-mounted flat-screen TVs for example so that they’re less obtrusive. You can also design for speakers so that they’re neatly integrated with concealed cabling. Radiators too can receive the timber panelling treatment providing concealment behind decorative grilles.

Timber panelling is great for use in conservatories too. Panel the dwarf wall that runs below the windows with a traditional look to give a modern conservatory a more retro feel. This is an area where you might want to look at using reclaimed timber for a soft, mature character and to bring a touch of the outdoors into the room.

Chris loves architecture. Curently, he assists with the interior designing process of a new bar in trendy Soho. When he’s not desining he likes to hang out with his friends and family.