Wall panelling bedroom ideas

An historic design feature, wall panelling first became popular during the Georgian era (around early 1714 to 1837).

Typically applied halfway up or covering the entire wall, the panels tended to have angular, raised groove detailing – known as panel moulds – and were painted in light, neutral colours.

Modern-day bedroom panelling takes on a variety of shapes and colours and is often used on a feature wall to really showcase your bed. We’ve collated some of our favourite wall panelling designs so you can bring this modern-classic trend into your boudoir.

Vertical wooden slat wall panelling

Simple yet great for making a subtle statement, wooden slat wall panelling is a contemporary choice that suits a variety of interior themes such as Scandi and Japandi.

You can buy slat panels ready-made or do some DIY. Either way, these slim vertical slats create the illusion of a higher ceiling and offer an extra layer of insulation.

Look at the storage bed pictured below, against a panelled feature wall to lengthen the appearance of the slanted ceiling. The large windows allow light to flood in, and the beautiful bed frame features vertical lines within the headboard in line with the panelling; it’s a statement piece.

Shaker wall panelling

According to Real Homes, shaker wall panelling is ‘one of the most popular DIY upgrades homeowners are making today’.

This wall panel look is made up of evenly spaced slats in a squared pattern. Often painted in bright or deep shades, this style adds depth and character to plain walls and is most suited to spacious areas with high ceilings.

The upholstered bed frame (pictured below) has been placed against a gorgeous panelling wall, applied two-thirds of the way up the walls. The white panelling contrasts with the grey bed, allowing both features to stand out.

@the_cubbyhome

Wainscoting panelling

Traditionally, wainscoting runs only to dado rail height (also known as chair rail) and is often rectangular in shape.

Other than providing decoration, it was also used to add insulation and protect the walls from knocks and scuffs. Modern-day wainscoting is more about the aesthetics and can be applied higher up the walls. Painted in whatever colour suits your interior theme, these panels will add a premium feel.

@no71_on_the_crescent

Rustic shiplap bedroom panelling

Shiplap panelling brings the cottagecore aesthetic to life, bursting with countryside warmth.

The horizontal panels evoke quaint farmhouse interiors. We love their simplistic, overlapping design. Shiplap panelling is typically crafted from wood planks; it’s a lovely way to introduce natural elements into your bedroom. Depending on your preferences, you can keep the wood in its natural state for an earthy look or paint it in your favourite colour.

Bedroom panelling to frame your artwork

For the artwork collectors, bedroom panelling can help showcase your gorgeous prints, transforming your bedroom into a personal gallery.

Wainscoting or picture frame moulding is particularly effective for this purpose, as it can be customised in various heights and designs to complement traditional and contemporary art perfectly. This thoughtful integration of artwork and panelling turns your bedroom into an elegant and inspiring retreat.

Credit: @Casey

Parisian chic wall panel mouldings

Wall panel mouldings, inspired by the grand, ornate designs of traditional Parisian apartments, are an easy way to add elegance to your bedroom.

To get this chic look, it’s all about the details. Pair intricate mouldings with a soft, muted colour palette. Warm whites, pale greys, or subtle pastel shades work beautifully. Even a soft hint of colour can highlight the craftsmanship and elevate the entire room.

Panelled walls also create the perfect backdrop for a simple upholstered bed. The contrast between the clean lines of the furniture and the ornate detail of the mouldings feels luxurious yet wonderfully relaxed.

Stick to understated, stylish furnishings and add rich, tactile textures like velvet, linen, or brushed cotton. Layer up the softness without ever making the space feel cluttered. Done well, Parisian wall panels don’t just add architectural interest; they change the whole look of your bedroom.

Panelling with integrated shelving

Have a small bedroom? Get creative and design your panelling to double as a shelf, displaying your favourite books, plants, or little treasures!

Creating wall panelling with a built-in shelf is a brilliant way to add style and function to your space. Start by deciding where the shelf will sit within your panels. Use MDF or timber for a smooth, sturdy finish, and mark everything out on the wall with a spirit level to keep it neat.

First, attach the panels to the wall, adding extra support where the shelf will go. Once the slats are in place, securely fix your shelf board on top. These tips are just a starting point—there’s plenty of inspiration and help online if you’re new to DIY.

Credit: @renovating_192

Colour-drenched wall panelling

Colour drenching is a technique that involves painting both the wall and the panelling in a singular, saturated hue… It’s dramatic, bold, and oh-so-stylish.

Deep shades like midnight blue, forest green, or terracotta work beautifully. But the beauty of this trend is its versatility—you can colour-drench in any hue that suits your style.

Colour drenching and panelling work so well because choosing one intense colour across the entire wall helps blur the lines between panels and surfaces, making the space feel cohesive and enveloping. To complete your bedroom, pair your backdrop with contrasting furnishings to make your walls pop. Soft fabrics like linen or boucle can add texture without distracting from the main event: your beautifully bold walls.

@themeadowshome

Dreaming of panelled walls? Your bedroom panelling questions answered

Ready to transform your bedroom into a cosy retreat with beautiful wall panelling? Let’s explore some common questions to help bring your vision to life.

Which wall panelling is best for my bedroom?

Choosing the perfect panelling for your sanctuary depends on the look you’re trying to create, the atmosphere you wish to cocoon yourself in, and of course, your budget.

When it comes to materials, MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) is great for its versatility and low cost. It allows for a beautifully smooth painted finish. If you’re after the authentic touch and natural beauty of real wood, with its unique grains and textures, then solid wood is a timeless choice, though it does ask for a little more from your budget.

In terms of style, traditional wainscoting or delightful beadboard transports your room to a vintage or rustic dreamscape. But if a sleek, modern sanctuary calls you, consider the clean lines of horizontal or vertical slat panels.

What’s the most cost-effective way to create a panelled look?

Opting for materials like MDF or even good-quality plywood offers a clever way to beautifully and affordably achieve the look of more luxurious woods. A significant part of the investment can be in professional fitting, so if you’re feeling hands-on and fancy a bit of DIY, you’ll find your panelling dreams even more attainable.

Did you know wallpaper can mimic the look of real wood panelling? Yes, that’s right! It’s a fantastic and often simpler way to transform your bedroom, adding depth and character with surprising ease.

Does panelling make a bedroom feel bigger or smaller?

It’s terrific how panelling can play with the perception of space in your bedroom. Vertical panels, for instance, gently draw the eye upwards, creating a lovely sense of height. They’re a dream for rooms with lower ceilings, making the space feel instantly airier and more expansive. Horizontal panels, on the other hand, can create an incredible feeling of width, making cosy rooms feel a little more spacious and welcoming.

A little tip: while embracing your style, remember that darker shades or very busy designs can sometimes make a space feel more intimate or enclosed. Choosing colours and patterns thoughtfully will keep your room feeling open and inviting.

Do I need to remove skirting boards before panelling?

You don’t always need to remove them when welcoming panelling into your room. You can often fit your lovely new panels just above the existing skirting, which helps maintain a clean, flowing look along your walls. However, if you want your panelling to reach right down to the floor for a truly seamless effect, or if you’re planning to refresh your skirting boards anyway, then take them off first.

If you decide to keep your current skirting, consider the thickness of your chosen panels and how they’ll sit above.

When should I wall panel in the bedroom refresh process?

Ideally, add your panelling after any major prep work (like plastering or stripping old wallpaper) is complete, but before you start painting (the panelling itself or other walls) and before fitting new flooring. This creates a beautiful, integrated foundation for your room’s latest story.

Period home renovation? How to restore wooden wall panelling

If you’re in the process of renovating your period home and want to restore the original wooden wall panelling, there are several steps you can take.

Follow our mini guide to help you get stuck in:

1. Clean up

If you have faded plain wooden panels, sometimes, a thorough clean is all that’s necessary to bring back the lustre. Use an oil soap to remove any built-up grime and apply with a large slightly damp sponge. Use a dry cloth to soak up excess moisture.

Once cleaned, apply some lemon oil – this works wonders on natural wood. Apply by pouring a small amount onto a sponge and carefully work it into the wood.

2. Remove scratches

Minor nicks and scratches can mostly be covered with wood stain and a cotton bud. Simply apply a little stain, then wipe away any excess with a dry cloth.

3. Fix gouges

If you have large chips or gouges in the wood, these can be fixed with some wood putty and wood stain. Simply apply the putty as instructed, let it dry, then sand it down and apply some stain to camouflage it.

4. Re-stain completely

If you’re having trouble finding a wood stain that matches, re-staining is your only option. Use a mild stripper to remove the old finish and then sand down. Once the old finish is removed, clean the planks with a mild detergent and let them dry. Apply your new stain of choice. Once the stain has dried, you can seal the planks with specialist oil to protect the restored wood.

We hope you found this post inspiring. Check out our bedroom solutions category for more helpful articles.