Wall panelling is having a big moment right now, and for good reason. It’s a simple way to give your home a fresh, updated look without spending a fortune. Beyond the trend, panelling has a timeless appeal that won’t feel outdated in a few years. Whether you’re going for a cosy, traditional vibe or something sleek and modern, wall paneling fits the bill. The best part? It’s one of those DIY projects that looks high end but is surprisingly budget friendly. With just a little effort, you can transform any space and add a custom touch that makes it truly yours. Here’s how to do it without overcomplicating things.
Pick the Right Materials
There are a few types of panelling out there, so pick one that matches your style. MDF boards are super popular because they’re smooth and easy to work with. If you want a more rustic look, go for natural wood planks. Measure your walls first—you’ll want to know exactly how much material to get. Don’t forget to grab adhesive, a saw and some finishing nails too.
Plan Your Design
Before you start cutting boards, sketch out how you want the panelling to look. Vertical strips give a room height, while horizontal ones make it feel wider. You can even do squares or rectangles for a grid-style design. Tape up some paper templates on the wall to see how it’ll look. This step helps you avoid any surprises once you start. Check out some different styles on social media, people have videos on TikTok and Instagram of their project and seeing it like this can help you decide what will look best in your home.
Prep Your Wall
With any kind of project like this, it all comes down to the prep work. Spend time getting this right and you'll reap the rewards of a much better finished look so dont rush it./ Fill in any holes or cracks with filler and sand it down lightly so the surface is even. If your walls are greasy, dusty, or have any old peeling paint, give them a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth or a bit of soapy water. This helps the adhesive stick properly and keeps everything secure. Take off outlet covers, light switch plates, and anything else that’s in the way. If there’s furniture near the wall, move it to the centre of the room or cover it up so it doesn’t get dusty. A little prep now saves a lot of hassle later on.
Cut and Attach the Panels
Measure twice, cut once—seriously, it saves a lot of headaches. Use a saw to cut your boards to size. If you’re working with MDF or wood, you’ll get cleaner cuts using a fine-tooth blade. Apply adhesive to the back of each panel and stick it to the wall. Use a level to keep things straight. If you want extra security, hammer in a few finishing nails at the top and bottom.
Fill and Sand Gaps
Once the panels are up, you will notice small gaps between the boards or at the edges. Grab some wood filler or caulk and fill them in. Let it dry and sand it smooth. This step gives the panelling a seamless look and makes it ready for paint. This is a really important step and doing it right will give you the high end finish you're after.
Paint or Finish
Now comes the fun part-painting! A matte finish gives a soft, modern vibe, while a glossy coat feels a bit more traditional. Use a roller for larger areas and a brush for the edges. If you’re staining natural wood, wipe it on with a clean cloth and let it dry completely. You’ll instantly see the whole room start to transform.
