Is panelling nice or just “Chavvy”?

[Diy322]

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

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.

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.

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.

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.😁

@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.

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

I love panelling and if I wasn’t in rented accommodation then I’d defo do it myself.

But luckily I have never cared what people think of me or having to do something to fit in with other people.

My moto is if you like something then do it, fuck the opinions of anyone else if it doesn’t affect them.

If it’s in keeping with a period property, it’s beautiful.

If it’s added to modern, ex council, estate style properties, it looks chavvy.

The key is to design your home, around your home. Play to its features.

I just feel depressed when I enter my home! I know that sounds dramatic! My kids rooms I’ve been so creative and feel I can but hallway I’m too scared incase something goes wrong and we don’t have tons of cash right now to employ someone so I need to make it look good on a budget. It just feels so boring, flat and just plain

It’s a new build, nice area, quite large - would this still work you think?

I think it would look really nice in your hallway. We will be doing similar next year. Our hall is a similar size to yours.

We have just had a wall done in our sitting area off the kitchen and painted it dark blue.

Yes it will probably date but so does everything.

I was going around in circles trying to decide what to do as am hopeless at making decisions and ended up using a local interior designer. She suggested the panelling. She is most definitely not chavvy.

@Peridot1 that sounds lovely! Do u have some inspiration pics you can upload please? I’m also going round in circles, I would love to see your inspirations

Personally I wouldn't go for a dado rail. I remember removing them from a 1970s house we had in the early noughties.

For a modern house take a look at some of the new builds for sale. For me personally I would add character through art on the walls and nice tiles on the floor. I don't have room for anything else. If I did and had lots of light, I would have loads of plants and a really nice sideboard/hallway table.

OMG I'm having flashbacks to going to the dentist as a child - not a happy experience.

What's wrong with either painting or wallpapering the hall?

It'll be a lot easier to change when the fake panelling fad passes (in a few months at most).
Imagine the cost of replastering the walls, or at least decent filler, sand paper, paint, brushes/rollers, cover sheets, dust and mess...

We’re planning on adding some, but ours is a 1885 terrace and I think it’ll suit the building, we’ve tried to have a modern vibe with Victorian features (sadly there was no hidden floor tiles or fireplace 😭 )

We have panelling in our daughters room, and the living room, I don’t think it’s chavvy but it’s a personal opinion and who cares what others think

Are you doing it yourself or professionals?

Is it throughout the house or in only some spaces?

Colour drench and use wall art and mirrors to bring light and life

@Fedup360 thsts looks lovely! Did u get a professional to do (if so how much roughly) or did you do yourself? I really like it

I have this, but my house is a 40's build and it was already there when we purchased it. We have painted the bottom colour dark and top lighter for contrast.

@Diy322 - I use Pinterest a lot. If you look on there and search hallway panelling you will get lots of ideas.

If you like it do it. Whatever you do someone will say you are wrong, who cares for anyone’s opinion if they don’t live there.

@SunnySideDeepDown myself! lol! 😂

Can we have some pics of the hallway OP
plus age of property

@DrPrunesqualer sure ill upload some when I get home (and do a quick tidy!). The building is new build and 7 years old. We moved in 2 years ago I think.