From dainty mouldings, classic tongue-and-groove planks, to tactile flutes, we share the latest ideas for elevating your walls…
In 2020, if you didn’t look at your plain walls and get a sudden urge to visit your local DIY shop (when allowed) to pick up paint and panels, you probably weren’t doing lockdown properly. Panelling was all the rage; spending more time at home (thanks to a certain pandemic) meant we explored fun ways of breathing life into our interiors, and this wall decorating technique had a surge in popularity – but it seems the interest has yet to die down.
Which got me wondering, what is trending in panelling? Is it still the classic Shaker style, or are renovators leaning towards a more modern approach? I reached out to my industry contacts to find out.
Natural wood
Panelling is an effortless way to elevate a room, ideal for adding dimension and aesthetic value to your space. It’s practical, too, helping to hide imperfections. You can choose from a range of options, from MDF to PVC, but natural wood is the material of the moment, with the rise of biophilic design and our craving for indoor-outdoor connections.
“In 2025, we’re seeing a move towards more natural and textured finishes in wall panelling. Rustic reclaimed timbers with pronounced knots and eye-catching grains are increasingly in demand, as they provide a more organic, tactile feel,” says Ian Tomlinson, managing director at Chaunceys Timber Flooring.
Wood panelling is particularly popular thanks to its warm, inviting texture, and ability to add character, continues Ian. “Whether it’s full- height panelling for a dramatic statement, or half-height for a more understated effect, it remains a timeless choice. The versatility of timber ensures it blends beautifully with both traditional and modern interiors.”
Timeless panelling
In terms of style, founder and director of The Wall Panelling Company, Paul Gamble, tells me classic Shaker and tongue-and-groove planks, which may have drifted away for a while, are now back as a main panelling choice, especially in bathrooms.
But it’s the decorative Boiserie style that stands out to Paul; this allows you to embellish walls with mouldings and dado rails, he says. “The mouldings can be set as a single frame or a double Boiserie panel; they can be a metre high or full height, and if your walls are in good condition, it is also the most cost-effective way to panel.” So, if you love a more minimalist, sophisticated look, this could be the style for you.
3D designs
For a modern twist, why not embrace 3D designs, such as skinny board and batten planks behind a bed or reeded panels as kitchen splashbacks or shower panelling.
Fluting, specifically, has been around for a while, but it continues to be a go-to choice in contemporary interiors. “Fluted wall panels can aid in creating a dynamic space, sparking instant visual interest and appeal, with their ability to create a stylish feature wall in the bedroom or living room,” says Anthony Scott, global product and innovation director at Havwoods.
Wide boards and vertical panelling
At the same time, there is a growing interest for wider boards and vertical panelling, “which create a sense of height and space in a room, making them perfect for both compact and open-plan layouts,” explains Ian. Similarly, Jon Madeley, founder of The English Panelling Company, says their Georgian butt-and-bead style (wide, vertical boards) has always been a popular option for bathrooms, however, he’s also noticing a trend for these panels to be run horizontally, instead of vertically, which gives the room a ‘Cornish Riviera feel’.
Large-format panels
Alternatively, large-format planks are also proving to be a preferred choice in bathrooms, says Hayley Bowman, design manager at Frontline Bathrooms, as more renovators look for practical alternatives to tiles. It’s easy to see why; grout-free, easy-to-install, and budget-friendly, waterproof wall panelling halves maintenance with no compromises on style.
As for aesthetics, homeowners are opting for nature-inspired effects such as wood and stone, for that calming, sanctuary feel. “There is a clear momentum behind natural-effect surfaces; marble remains a staple for its quietly luxurious look, while concrete and stone textures are gaining popularity for their neutral, architectural quality. Timber effects, particularly oak, are on the rise, too. Oak adds warmth and pairs well with both classic and modern schemes,” says Hayley.
Panelling is far from being a fad, with homeowners’ love for it showing no signs of waning. So, could it be time to finally give in and pick up those panels?
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