4 ways to use wood panelling in your property

Fixing wood to our walls is nothing new. There is evidence wood panelling was used in ancient Greece, Rome, Japan and China, mainly to provide insulation and protection.    

In the UK, it’s quite easy to trace our love affair with wood panelling, thanks to our beautifully preserved listed buildings and National Trust properties. Walk around many historic buildings and you’ll see panelling in a variety of styles, from ornate Gothic details from the Tudor era and Renaissance flourishes from the Elizabethan period, to bold geometric shapes from the Jacobean years.  

According to The Heritage Woodwork Consultancy, wood panelling became a symbol of ‘stateliness, dignity and comfort’ during these bygone eras but by Victorian times, people were using wood panelling for practical as well as aesthetic reasons.   

The wood was often applied only half way up a wall and was capped by a dado rail to offer protection from people sliding their dining chairs back. The Victorians also moved away from just using oak, with walnut, birch and redwood making an appearance.  

More recently, veneered panelling was used in the Mid Century (1940s to 1960s), while tongue and groove cladding became a hallmark of the 1970s and 1980s. Today, there are some fresh interpretations of wood panelling, which include:-  

1. Shaker 

Also known as ‘board and batten’ panelling, this sees a series of plain wooden battens applied to a wall horizontally and vertically to create identical squares or rectangles. The  panelling can be applied to floor-to-ceiling or half way up, and looks great when used as a feature wall.  

2. Wainscoting 

While Shaker panelling is unfussy and very equal, Wainscoting panelling takes the interest level up a notch. Classical style decorative mouldings are used to create different sized squares and rectangles - often with shapes within shapes. Walls panelled Wainscoting style are frequently accompanied by intricate skirting and topped with a dado rail.  

3. Slatted 

Very ‘of the moment’ are timber slats, which can be affixed to a wall horizontally or vertically. It’s common to leave a 5mm to 10mm gap between each slat for the characteristic drop shadow effect. This look can be enhanced by painting the wall behind a dark colour before applying the wood, or by adding LED illumination between, above or below the slats.  

4. Shiplap

Shiplap is a modern take on tongue and groove wood panelling. The sickly orange tones that came from cedar have been left behind in favour of redwood and larch, and the extra wide planks now available upgrade the aesthetic. A New England feel can be achieved by painting the planks, or for a raw look, opt for coastal weathered, aged or reclaimed materials.   

We know that potential buyers are genuinely impressed when care has been taken over the décor of a property. If you’d like advice on how to prepare your home for sale– and for a no obligation valuation – please get in touch.