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Original poster

Is panelling nice or just “Chavvy”?

206 replies

Diy322 · 19/10/2025 13:03

Just read a post online where someone said panelling is “chavvy”! I’m a little upset as I was planning to panel my hallway.

It’s a new build but I just feel the hallway needs something. Hallway is quite large. What do others think? Please be honest

OP posts:
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Original poster
Diy322 · 19/10/2025 13:25

floppybit · 19/10/2025 13:20

Try painting the walls a strong colour but only up to the point where a dado rail or picture rail would be, there’s loads of examples of this online and looks great, then add pictures, rugs etc for interest. Add a beautiful light. I have to admit Im not a fan of the panelling, particularly in a modern house.

Would you also put up a dado rail too? I like this idea would white and beige look okay? It saves me time as my walls are white! So only need to go bottom

OP posts:
Original poster
Diy322 · 19/10/2025 13:23

@BadgernTheGarden oh so that’s not panelling? I really like it. Thank you for giving me the name. What about this one: I think this is more like panelling? I like both.

Is panelling nice or just “Chavvy”?
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Nourishinghandcream · 19/10/2025 13:22

My OH & I have never been ones to follow decorating trends or fashions, instead we do what we like and ignore what is "in" (or not). After all, we are the ones who live here so why decorate to another person's taste?

Our hallway has light, plain walls, engineered wood flooring, a long colourful rug, a nice wooden pew (which doubles as shoe storage), small table, a large mirror, a couple of nice (original) paintings, a feature light fitting and a thick, heavy curtain that covers the front door.
I am sure that opinion would be split but we like it and that is all that counts.😁

Mercurial123 · 19/10/2025 13:21

I wouldn't be asking for advice on MN. If you really like something go ahead. It's been fashionable for years. I had some panelling in my Victorian cottage from Scumble Goosie. It looked beautiful. I've now moved but I'd have it again.

fratellia · 19/10/2025 13:21

What is ‘chavvy’ though?

Like many many people I don’t have a period home so no high ceilings or those original geometric tiles or fancy old features, I can’t afford antiques or heavy solid furniture. But I like decorating and home trends so my house is a lot of IKEA, Dunelm, home bargains, The Range etc.

floppybit · 19/10/2025 13:20

Try painting the walls a strong colour but only up to the point where a dado rail or picture rail would be, there’s loads of examples of this online and looks great, then add pictures, rugs etc for interest. Add a beautiful light. I have to admit Im not a fan of the panelling, particularly in a modern house.

BadgernTheGarden · 19/10/2025 13:20

That's more framing than solid panelling, I had a room like that and put posh wallpaper inside the frames and painted the framing a nice colour, a bit twee maybe, but I liked it.

Tiredofwhataboutery · 19/10/2025 13:18

I have panelling but ye olde stone built house so can get away with lots as in keeping. I always think it looks a bit odd in a new house though.

rwalker · 19/10/2025 13:18

If it’s in keeping in a period house and not msg painted grey then looks great

but Georgian panelling in a 1980’s Barrett house looks tacky and will date it’s on trend at the moment but soon be out of fashion

Original poster
Diy322 · 19/10/2025 13:18

Oh my gosh I just posted accidentally in another posters thread! I feel so awful . I had that open and was reading but I also had mine open in another tab! I feel so awful as her post was about SA. I need to report and delete it. Sorry I’ll be back if my pic hasn’t loaded

OP posts:
Tralalalama · 19/10/2025 13:17

It’s very ‘done’.
its a bit behind the wave to do it now

Original poster
Diy322 · 19/10/2025 13:17

this is similar to my hallway: roughly same size but stairs are less luxurious! Definitely not the same stairs or landing! but the widness is there of hallway. To me this looks lovely:

Is panelling nice or just “Chavvy”?
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lazyarse123 · 19/10/2025 13:16

In all my considerable years as an adult i have never considered trends when decorating or clothing for that matter. I am living in my house so if people consider it not the done thing they are welcome to never visit.
If you think you'll like it do it.

BadgernTheGarden · 19/10/2025 13:15

You wonder if someone put panelling up to hide something like damp. In a new build I would put in nice skirting, picture rails and maybe coving to make it look more finished.

thisishowloween · 19/10/2025 13:15

If it's in a period property, it looks fine - but adding it to a new build just makes no sense to me.

I would personally put up storage or shelving, not random bits of wood.

dizzydizzydizzy · 19/10/2025 13:14

How about a wall of nice wallpaper? Or some
Pictures? The latter could be artworks or even family photos. Much simpler. Paneliling would potentially put me off buying your house when you came to sell it. I would wonder what was hidden underneath it.

DancingNotDrowning · 19/10/2025 13:13

Of course it’s not “chavvy”. Many period homes have beautiful panelling.

But “faux” anything (laminate/astroturf/composite) can be a risk. I think it depends how it’s done

Naws · 19/10/2025 13:12

Diy322 · 19/10/2025 13:09

@Naws come on! Of course I don’t want something in my home which is co dusted chavvy! I don’t know that’s why I’m asking! It’s something that will cost a lot of money for need to do my research,

Yes but the point is what about after you've decorated and you read random opinions from strangers saying they don't like it?

There comes a time when you have to just stick to what you like, or you'll drive yourself mad.

stillhiding1990 · 19/10/2025 13:12

I panelled my hallway tongue and groove with wood. No regrets. My house was built 1912 though

NormasArse · 19/10/2025 13:12

Eh??

Chavvy? Surely it’s the colour that determines how common (as in popular) it is?

If you want panelling- you have it!!

Boomer55 · 19/10/2025 13:11

Diy322 · 19/10/2025 13:07

@MelonElla what else can I do to hallway? I just feel it looks so depressing.

Do what makes you happy. Views from strangers on the net are irrelevant. 🤷‍♀️

Ooogle · 19/10/2025 13:11

I think panelling is going to massively date because it’s such a big trend right now- especially in new builds. I have been tempted to panel because I’ve seen so many nice videos on insta but have stopped myself because my house is too new and I don’t think it would look good for long. You could take a picture of your hallway, upload it to chat gpt and ask for suggestions- this is quite helpful to see different options and how they’d work in your hallway. Things like mix tiles can be good, radiator covers, shelves, rugs, mirrors etc

Original poster
Diy322 · 19/10/2025 13:10

Hoardasurass · 19/10/2025 13:09

I'm old enough to remember the last time panelling was in fashion.
It dated so quickly as fashion moved on was an absolute nightmare to remove often leaving the walls needing replanted and locked £0000s off house valuations and was a massive fire hazard.
Don't do it

What would you do to a hall way to make it look less boring and flat?

OP posts:
Hoardasurass · 19/10/2025 13:09

I'm old enough to remember the last time panelling was in fashion.
It dated so quickly as fashion moved on was an absolute nightmare to remove often leaving the walls needing replanted and locked £0000s off house valuations and was a massive fire hazard.
Don't do it

Original poster
Diy322 · 19/10/2025 13:09

@Naws come on! Of course I don’t want something in my home which is co dusted chavvy! I don’t know that’s why I’m asking! It’s something that will cost a lot of money for need to do my research,

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