Wall panelling is experiencing a massive resurgence in the UK, and it's a trend that's deeply rooted in both historical precedent and modern-day practicality. It's a versatile solution that addresses many common desires for homeowners today. Panelling, especially wainscoting (panelling on the lower part of a wall), has a long history in British homes, dating back to the Tudor and Georgian eras. It was originally used for practical purposes like insulation and protecting walls from dampness and scuffs. Many UK homes, particularly new builds, can feel a bit soulless or lacking in character. Panelling offers an immediate and effective way to introduce a sense of history, craftsmanship, and architectural detail that evokes a classic, period feel.
Panel wallpaper has long been a favourite at I Love Wallpaper due to the beautiful style it provides a room as well as the fact it is a cost effective way to achieve that style. Real wood panelling is expensive and time-consuming to install. Panelled wallpaper is a much more budget-friendly alternative that achieves a similar visual impact. All of our panelled designs are ‘paste the wall’ which simplifies the decorating process [link to paste the wall blog] and we have a wide range of styles to choose from. Panel Wallpaper Range – I Love Wallpaper
The trend of square wood panelling, or Shaker-style panelling is a popular trend in the UK. Its blend of traditional charm, modern simplicity, and DIY accessibility has cemented its place as a go-to interior design feature for both professionals and homeowners. Take away the stress of mitred corners with our Classic Wood Panel wallpaper in 4 colours. This photo-realistic rustic wood panel design is printed on flat wallpaper with no texture to achieve a realistic, smooth finish. Classic Wood Panel Wallpaper in Dove White – I Love Wallpaper Or try our Contemporary Wood Panel wallpaper with a larger scale but which is again non textured for a realistic, smooth finish and available in 7 colours. Contemporary Wood Panel Wallpaper in Nude – I Love Wallpaper
Slatted wood panelling has become a major feature in modern interior design in the UK. This style, which involves vertical or horizontal wooden slats with a gap between each, offers a unique blend of visual appeal and functionality. Its combination of a clean, modern look and practical benefits like sound dampening has made it a go-to choice for homeowners and interior designers looking to add a touch of sophistication and texture to their homes. Primarily used for feature walls or media walls it is a versatile style for any home. Our Contemporary Wood Slat Panel wallpaper creates the look with ease. It has a natural and organic wood slat look creating depth and texture to your walls on a flat, non texture wallpaper available in 9 colours. Contemporary Wood Slat Ebony – I Love Wallpaper
Beadboard panelling is not just a passing trend; it's a classic design element that has seen a resurgence in popularity and has been successfully adapted to suit a wide range of modern and traditional UK homes. It's often associated with a cottage, coastal, or rustic feel, but its simplicity means it can also be adapted for contemporary spaces. Our Beadboard Panel wallpaper is a unique alternative to traditional panelling. The realistic wood texture and interlocking wood plank look will transform your home, available in 4 colours. Beadboard Panel Wallpaper in Blush Pink – I Love Wallpaper
The trend of using wallpaper with a pattern on the top and panelling on the bottom is currently popular for a few key reasons. It’s a stylish and clever way to blend the best of both worlds: the classic, structured look of wainscoting (panelling in the bottom half of the wall) with the expressive and decorative potential of wallpaper. Our design and panel range of wallpapers achieve this look in just one step. With rolls that include three 50cm wide and 330cm long panels, you can adjust the height of the panel effect from a total height 1.65m to less depending on your desired style.
A full wall of a bold or busy wallpaper pattern can sometimes feel overwhelming. By placing it only on the top half of the wall, this design softens the effect, making it a more manageable and sophisticated way to incorporate a pattern. Our Tulip Trellis Panel wallpaper combines a flowering tulip pattern and soft greenery inspired by 19th century textile design with beadboard panelling available in 2 beadboard panel colours. Tulip Trellis Panel Wallpaper in Sage Green on Cream with Sage Green P – I Love Wallpaper. Our Beauty of Nature Panel wallpaper combines delicate florals and bird motifs with a beadboard wood panel effect available in 2 colours. Beauty Of Nature Panel Wallpaper in Sage Green on Cream with Sage Gree – I Love Wallpaper
The trend of using panelling with wallpaper above it in nurseries and children's rooms is a fantastic example of blending practical, functional design with a beautiful aesthetic. Also by having a distinct line where the panelling meets the wallpaper, it can draw the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more spacious, which is a great trick for smaller nurseries. The I Love Wallpaper design and panel wallpapers will suit all rooms in your home but could specifically be used in nurseries and children's bedrooms. Our Vintage Explorer Panel wallpaper features zebras, giraffes, and elephants amidst lush palm trees, capturing the charm of the African savannah with a matching neutral beadboard panel effect in 3 colour options. Vintage Explorer Panel Wallpaper in Earthy Tones with Cream Panel – I Love Wallpaper. Or try our Delicate Bows on Pinstripe Panel wallpaper. This beautiful design of delicate bow motifs scattered across a background of vertical stripes with a beadboard panel effect lets you achieve the popular wood panel look for less. Delicate Bows on Pinstripe Panel Wallpaper in Pink with Pink Panel – I Love Wallpaper. Ideal for adults and children alike is our Traditional Check Panel wallpaper. A timeless classic of Check wallpaper with beadboard panel effect, offering a look that is both stylish and adaptable. Sample of Traditional Check Panel Wallpaper in Cream and Sage with Sag – I Love Wallpaper
The desire to connect with nature in our homes is not going anywhere and biophilic design is now more relevant than ever. And given the fact wall panelling is made from wood, a natural material, this year’s biggest trend is to embrace the natural features of timber cladding. We have combined these two trends in 2 designs; Our Woodland Whisper Panel wallpaper features hand-drawn towering trees that stretch skyward elegantly set above a beadboard panel effect. This design gives you the charming look of wall panelling without the extra hassle or expense. The large-scale, delicately stippled trees bring a cosy, cottage-core feel to any room. Available in 5 colours. Woodland Whisper Panel Wallpaper in Cream – I Love Wallpaper. Our Willow Leaf Panel wallpaper features delicate willow leaves that bring a calming and tranquil feel, making it perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, or anywhere you want to create a peaceful, cosy atmosphere. With its timeless beadboard panel effect, this wallpaper lets you achieve the popular wood panel look for less. Available in 4 colours. Willow Leaf Panel Wallpaper in Pink with Pink Panel – I Love Wallpaper
More delicate and detailed wall panelling styles are also continuing to grow in popularity. Ribbed, reeded and fluted wood wall panelling are popular because they create interest and depth with their shapes, whilst giving a soft and quiet luxury feel. Our Fluted Marble Panel wallpaper design captures the intricate beauty of natural marble, with a delicate whisper of gold marble effect threads throughout, offering a sophisticated gleam. Experience the contemporary appeal of a fluted texture effect combined with the enduring elegance of marble, designed to bring an opulent yet natural feel to your interior. Fluted Marble Panel Wallpaper in Charcoal – I Love Wallpaper
If you are looking for a paired back, more neutral look try our Fluted Panel wallpaper, where classic panelling meets contemporary ease. This design evokes the elegance of traditional woodwork, brings subtle depth and texture to your walls and creates a space that feels effortlessly stylish and inviting. Fluted Panel Wallpaper in Charcoal – I Love Wallpaper
We constantly innovate at I Love Wallpaper and as we have seen the trend for large velvet padded headboards come back on trend in the UK with the shift in interior design towards creating more luxurious, comfortable and personalised spaces we have introduced a new panel effect wallpaper. Our Velvet Padded Headboard Effect Panel wallpaper features a soft, velvet-like texture effect, the design presents a series of refined vertical panels. Apply it to the entire wall or just the width of your bed for a timeless bedroom aesthetic. Available in 2 widths of velvet padded panel. Velvet Padded Headboard Effect Panel Wallpaper in Soft Cream – I Love Wallpaper
In summary, panelled wallpaper is on-trend because it beautifully bridges the gap between classic elegance and modern convenience. It offers the timeless, sophisticated look of architectural panelling in a format that is accessible, affordable, and easy to apply, making it a perfect solution for today's homeowners and DIY enthusiasts.
