Wall Paneling Is Not Just a Relic of the 70s
If you’ve been thinking about updating your wall coverings or are ready for a complete remodel, you may not have considered paneling your walls. While the term may conjure up images of a dated, partially finished disco-era basement, modern millwork can be much more complex and come in many styles to suit every taste.
Yes, if you want to achieve a high-quality appearance with some amazing benefits, wall paneling may be right for you.
Wall cladding adds insulation
Adding panels to your interior walls also adds insulation to keep heat and cool in, as well as reduce noise. If you want to create a separate climate zone for emergency heating or air conditioning, paneling may be a good choice. Adding an extra layer of insulation can make your space less drafty, but it can also make it quieter. This is the perfect upgrade for a home office or studio, or for creating a more private bedroom.
Wall cladding will last longer
Because wall panels are more durable than bare wall panels, they will withstand more abuse than a painted wall. Because wall panels are made from replaceable materials that can be replaced piece by piece, they are often easier to repair than plaster or drywall. The material is denser than your walls, making it easier to clean. These qualities make it an excellent choice for a child’s room or playroom.
You can use wall panels to hide your sins
Is there a spot on your wall that looks unsightly due to renovation work? Do you have holes from sconces or appliances that need to be patched? Instead of tearing out drywall or cutting out pieces to make repairs and renovations, you can cover unwanted areas with panels. In some cases, you can use panels to conceal HVAC and electrical access doors, although you should check local building codes to see what types of coverings are allowed in your area. Paneling can smooth out any rough edges in your home and make everything look more finished.
10 types of lining
There are many different styles of paneling to choose from, and they all have different benefits. Keep in mind that you will be living with your panels, so you should choose something that suits your taste and your space.
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Raised panels refer to wall panels that are attached to the surface of the wall and increase its profile. This could be a row of sheathing covering just the bottom third of the wall, or if you prefer, it could go from the ceiling to the floor.
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Textured wood paneling with a geometric pattern is a modern paneling style that is made up of interlocking sheets and can be installed in any configuration you prefer. This type of wall paneling has an uneven texture, so keep this in mind when planning your furniture placement.
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Wainscoting is a type of paneling that is made up of sections, usually about 32 inches high, and has raised edges to form a box-like shape, similar to a picture frame. This is a traditional paneling style of Georgian era design and is usually combined with a chair rail along the top edge, but can be combined with more modern elements.
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Boardboard is a style of wall paneling that has vertical grooves in the surface that form a series of vertical lines. It is typically sold in 32-inch sections, but there is no rule against using rims higher on the wall or even the ceiling.
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Shiplap is a style of curtain rod that is laid on the wall in long planks that overlap each other horizontally. It’s a good choice if you want to add a rustic charm to your room, and since it comes flat-packed, you can install it to any height.
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Reclaimed wood wall panels are made from boards taken from dismantled structures, factory scraps, or industrial scraps. It comes in a variety of shades, types and widths and is ideal if you want to give it a more rustic look. Although you can buy reclaimed wood paneling at most major hardware stores these days, you can still get it the old-fashioned way by finding it or purchasing it at your local reuse center.
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Slatted wall sheathing is made from panels of raised slats that form vertical, raised strips on the surface of the wall. This type of cladding is more modern and has additional acoustic benefits due to its sound-absorbing shape.
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Grooved wall panels are a style of millwork panels that have a series of rounded projections. Because it overlaps like a shiplap, it is easy to install and can be installed in almost any space. Grooved woodwork has a more modern look but takes its cues from the vintage Art Deco style.
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Scalloped wall panels are an inverted version of grooved panels. They connect in the same way, but instead of being ridges, they are a series of rounded channels cut into the surface. It was popular during the Art Deco era of the 1920s, as well as the subsequent mid-century modern period, but its roots lie in the Rococo movement of the mid-1700s.
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PVC wall panels are a type of molded PVC panels that come in a variety of shapes and can be painted so you can match them to your style. PVC panels are more affordable than wood panels and are a little easier to cut, making them a good choice for first-time panel installers.