To panel or not to

[validUsernameHere]

Hey everyone. Talk to me about wall panelling! What's your opinion on it?

I see bunch of adverts on it, from the simple "frame" like from BnQ to some really expensive ones (not just 4 thin woods you glue, but an actual 240cm x 60cm pane). Any merit in buying the really expensive ones? If they block a wall, would that cause mould issues in the long run?

I discount looking at houses that have it because I don’t want to have to repair a load of walls. The ones that aren’t even panelled, and just have slats or beading glued to the wall, are even worse than actual panelling. It looks awful.

We employed a joiner to put wall panelling on the walls in the dining room part of our kitchen, to break up the walls and make the dining part of the room different visually. I wanted a joiner in because I'm not great at this stuff, and besides, the kits are simply lengths of wood you attach to the wall, with the rest of the wall showing in between - this wasn't what I wanted. I wanted the wood across the whole panel. The picture doesn't show the ventilation holes he drilled into the panel in front of the fireplace, but they're very discreet and hardly noticeable with the dining table there anyway. The joiner took the skirting boards off the wall and replaced the beading along the floor, I think it looks fine that way. It cost us about £350 two years ago to do the room.

I can't tell you if there is any mould issue as a result of the panels, but we don't have any problems with damp/moisture in the house so it didn't occur to me when I had them fitted.

I think panelling looks dated already. It would put me off buying a house as would need work to remove it all.

I've recently sold my house so not everyone hates it! 😆It's a Victorian terrace so suits the property just fine. I'm buying a 1930s house now, not sure if I would bother again, looking at more art deco-ish design ideas.

I've seen some fairly decent faux panelling wallpaper which might be a halfway house and allow you to decide if you like it without fully committing?

That fashion boat has already sailed, I'm afraid

I would only panel a house that would have had it originally but where it has been removed! I think it’s the modern day stone or wood cladding I’m afraid

Interesting... I was under impression that it's a relatively new style, which I quite like to be honest (granted it's not overdone). if not panel, what would be a good idea to decorate a wall? my main goal is to create texture on otherwise boring walls, and help create segmented spaces in the living area.

and no wallpaper please. I absolutely despise wallpapers.

Hi op, do whatever you like. This will be one of those threads where many people will come to say they're dated, bifolds dated, grey dated, green dated, open plan dated etc etc. (when everyone I reality is searching for houses that have these things) Panelling when done nicely is classic. It existed before install made it popular again. If you like it in mansions, take the opportunity now that you can do it cheaply cos there are kits available. Don't know about mould though. Worth a check how to avoid it.

• insta not install ffs

One friend has the real thing in her house that's hundreds of years old (converted mill), gorgeous.

Another has the stuff @ImWatching described in a new build and I'm less keen.

I'd only go ahead if it's appropriate to the house, or if you're into your DIY and will happily take it down again in a few years to do something different.

All l can think is the work to remove it. Fine in a period property but not otherwise.

i think mounding in an appropriately designed old house looks good. Not sure about paneling and mould - I haven’t come across that before

We have original panelling in our house which is lovely. I do think there's lots of fake and period inappropriate panelling in lots of houses on instagram though.

So if you have an old house then please make sure if you put in panelling it's period appropriate (Georgian style panelling in a late Victorian house is a particular bug bear of mine) and also that it fits the building, e.g. different panelling would be appropriate for a cottage or a manor house. If you have a modern house then I think it's a great opportunity to add character with modern panelling.

@validUsernameHere
I know you said you hate wallpaper but if you want to create texture, how about Anaglypta? You can paint any colour

I agree. When it's a modern house it's frankly a bit naff to fit it out with faux period features. It just looks a bit silly. If you have a period house where the original features have been stripped though, it's okay to reinstate them.

@Davros nah, I want to steer clear of any kinds of wallpapers. I always imagine there's hidden mould behind them, and generally feels too overcrowded with most wallpapers I've seen. but thanks for the suggestion!

@TwigletsAndRadishes ah.. this is probably where I'm wrong. I never knew panelling originates from period houses, I always equate panelling with modern looks.

Personally if it's in a period house and suits then go for it. If it's a new build then I wouldn't as it wouldn't go with the house.

We are in the (very long) process of buying a house with original oak panelling and original features in the hallway, stairs and landing and although its varnished in dark varnish it looks amazing.

We saw a few modern houses with panelling and it looked odd. Your house your train set though.

Agree panelling was a trend that's not as popular. I had this in a Victorian house, which I sold a few years ago, and it looked really good.