Panelling is enjoying a real moment on the interiors scene right now. Stylish and versatile, it’s a great way to transform a room without undertaking a major project.
From bathrooms to living rooms, a half-wall of panelling can bring character, colour, and depth to any space in your home.
Whether you pair it with playful printed wallpaper or embrace an elegant neutral scheme, it’s sure to make an impact and create a welcoming environment.
Thinking about getting in on the trend? Scroll through 21 of the best half-wall panelling ideas to help you revamp your home.
1. Bathroom Colour Pop
Panelling is a fantastic choice for helping to protect walls in busy bathrooms – not to mention, it makes a stunning feature, too. Add personality to your bathroom by installing a half-wall of bold vertical panelling. It’s an easy way to create a colour pop, and it can easily be painted whenever you fancy a change.
2. Pastel Paradise
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This beautiful bathroom is a dream for pastel lovers everywhere. Mint green vertical panelling balances the sweet pink shower tiles perfectly, while patterned wallpaper and floor tiles connect the two.
Mix the materials in your bathroom for an eclectic style you’ll never tire of. Install vertical panels on one wall by your bath or sink to create a focal point with depth. Complement your panels by choosing tiles in a contrasting colour.
3. Tradition With a Twist
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This rich, navy panelling is the perfect partner to a warm pink tub in this traditional bathroom. Make a statement in your bathroom by combining a half-wall of panelling with patterned wallpaper.
Form a connection with nature and create a sense of calm by choosing botanical prints. Ground your scheme by painting your panelling a deep hue of blue, green, or black.
4. Luxury Bathing
Use a half-wall of traditional, white panelling for an elegant and harmonious feel in your bathroom. Paint your panelling and walls a warm shade of white to reflect light and add to the sense of space.
Pair your white panelling with marble floor tiles to create a classic and inviting space that wouldn’t be out of place in a luxury hotel.
5. Boutique Chic
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We love how this gorgeous green panelling enhances these bathroom tiles. The tall rectangular panels subtly complement the shape of the tiles, while the shades of green work together to give a chic boutique hotel feel.
Coordinate the colours of your own bathroom panelling with your wall tiles to add depth and texture to your space. Choose rectangular panels and tiles to help add height to smaller spaces.
6. Rustic Charm
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This quirky cottage bedroom has charm in abundance. It boasts a high vaulted ceiling, but it doesn’t feel intimidating thanks to the half-wall of panelling which helps break up the wall.
The natural wood panels complement the exposed beams on the ceiling and add warmth against the exposed stonework.
Create a characterful look in your home with natural wood panels – you could use floorboards or even upcycle some scaffolding boards for a relaxed and rustic look.
7. Green and Serene
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If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional panelling, consider vertical wood slats. This type of panelling is a stylish and versatile addition to any space, and a great way to add depth.
Paint your walls and panelling the same colour for a soft finish that enhances the feeling of space in your home. Pale greens and pinks are an excellent choice for creating a calm and serene environment, perfect for relaxing at the end of a long day.
8. Shades of Blue
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Traditional-style panelling helps to accentuate the period features in this gorgeous bedroom. The half-wall panels leave a space for a third colour below the picture rail, softening the transition between the panelling and the white walls and ceiling above.
Small hooks have been incorporated into the panelling design, providing a handy place for hanging accessories and jewellery.
9. Boho Bedroom
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Nod to nature and craft your dream boho bedroom with natural wood panelling. Simplistic and stylish, it’s a great way to break up neutral walls.
Install a half-wall of natural vertical panelling on your headboard wall for a modern yet relaxed look. Pair your panels with crisp white walls and white bed linen to create contrast.
10. Pattern and Panels
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With traditional decorative panels and palm wallpaper, this beautiful blue lounge brings a high-end look every day of the week. Even the fireplace has had a makeover, painted to match the panelling to create a seamless aesthetic.
Craft your own show-stopping living room by pairing panelling with patterned wallpaper above. Match your panelling to an accent colour in your paper for a cohesive design.
11. Textured Feature Wall
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Make a stunning, contemporary feature wall in your lounge by mixing panelling with brick. Here, the verdant hues add depth and warmth to the space, while the bricks bring an industrial edge.
If you don’t have solid brick walls, recreate the look using brick slip tiles above traditional rectangular panelling. It’s a fantastic way to create texture and visual interest.
12. Neutral Tones
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Are you looking to add depth to your neutral living room? A half-wall of panelling is an excellent way to create interest and break up plain, neutral walls.
Choose traditional decorative panelling and top it with a picture rail or shelf to provide a place for framed prints. Paint your panelling and walls the same shade of white for an elegant and timeless style.
13. Create Contrast
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Use a half-wall of panelling to create contrast in your lounge – it’s incredibly effective even in smaller spaces. Choose navy or deep grey panelling against beige walls for a neutral pallet that still packs a punch.
Together, they will create the perfect backdrop for a soothing space. And because they’re neutral colours, they can be paired with a range of bold accents, too, meaning your design will stand the test of time.
14. Elegant Stairs
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Make an elegant feature in your hallway by continuing the panelling up your stairs. It will create an endearing aesthetic, helping to draw the eye up and increase the sense of space in your hallway.
It’s a practical addition, too – panelling is fantastic for protecting walls in high-traffic areas like stairs. Paint your stairs the same colour as your panelling for a high-impact look.
15. Maximalist Hallway
Your hallway is the one space all of your guests are guaranteed to see, so why not use panelling to create a big impression? Make a memorable entrance by painting your panelling and stairs a statement colour.
Choose bold pink or yellow for a playful vibe with lots of energy. Team your half-wall of panelling with a gallery wall above to showcase your personality.
16. Monochrome Hallway
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This beautiful hallway boasts a light and airy feel, but we love the black dado rail and stair treads add contrast. Top your half-wall of panelling with a contrasting dado rail to make an eye-catching feature in your hallway.
It will help add depth and create extra visual interest, especially in an otherwise neutral space.
17. White Panelling
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Love bold colours but worry whether it might be a bit much in your hallway? Use a half-wall of white panelling to break your walls up and balance bright colours. White is a super-versatile choice as it complements any colour scheme.
You can relax, safe in the knowledge your white panels will go with any future changes to your décor.
18. Welcoming Entrance
Create a serene hallway you long to come home to by installing half-wall panelling. Panel the entire length of your hallway to add character and warmth to your space.
Paint your upper walls white and paint the panels a soothing blue or green to make a calm and welcoming entrance.
19. Bespoke Bench
This cosy dining area embraces the panelling trend with a bespoke built-in bench and half-wall of traditional panels.
The olive-green tones create a beautiful contrast alongside the warm white walls and black windows, resulting in a calm and serene environment.
Make the most of compact dining areas with a stylish panelled bench – it’s a great way to maximise your seating while making a striking feature at the same time.
20. Cosy Neutrals
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Warm grey panelling makes for a cosy and welcoming atmosphere in this living-dining area. Paired with white walls, wood and natural accessories, it creates a beautifully modern boho space.
Add character and warmth to your dining area with a half-wall of simple Jacobean-style panelling on one wall. Paint your panelling a shade or two darker than the rest of your walls to create visual interest and add depth to your room.
21. Light and Bright
Transform a small dining area with a half-wall of rectangular panelling. This type of panelling is great for adding height, resulting in a light and airy space.
Paint your walls and panelling the same shade of white to reflect light and further enhance the feeling of space. Create a stylish monochrome theme with black pieces of furniture and choose natural wood flooring to add warmth.
22. Wraparound Panelling
Instead of a feature wall, this simple yet chic dining room boasts a half-wall of panelling around the entire room. This is an ideal choice if you like to regularly change things up and move your furniture around.
Whatever layout you choose in the future, with wraparound panels, you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful feature from every angle. Choose a neutral beige and white scheme for ultimate versatility.
What Is Half-Wall Panelling?
Half-wall panelling simply means that you panel a portion of your wall, rather than the full wall. You can panel the lower half of your wall in a variety of styles – from contemporary slats to traditional mouldings.
Is Half-Wall Panelling Outdated?
Half-wall panelling is enjoying a huge resurgence on the interiors scene, in properties old and new. Thanks to its incredible versatility, I believe the trend is here to stay.
What Are the Benefits of Half-Wall Panelling?
Half-wall panelling is a great way to add style, character, and warmth to any space. It suits every home style – and with a wide range of designs available, you’re sure to find something you love.
You can combine it with simple painted walls or extravagant wallpapers, so it will stand the test of time even when your other décor changes. Half-wall panelling is extremely practical too, helping to protect your walls from everyday wear and tear.
Is Half-Wall Panelling Expensive?
Cost varies significantly based on the design, materials, size of your walls, and whether you need to hire a professional tradesperson. You can save money by installing panelling yourself with MDF panels or simple decorative mouldings.
As a guide, expect to pay between £25 and £50 per square metre for MDF panelling. Solid oak panelling can cost between £300 to £400 per square metre.
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