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A Brief History Of Wood Panelling
It is said that the Egyptians were the first to use wood panelling to insulate their homes; others believed it was for a more creative reason and used it as a stylish way to disguise plain stone walls.
Before the age of gypsum, plasterboard and interior plaster, walls were vulnerable to potential damage. Hence the panelled wall.
If we then jump forward a few centuries to as early as the late 15th century, wall panelling was certainly developed to make the rooms in stone buildings more comfortable. With its insulating properties, the wood was used to cover the cold stone walls and keep the draughts at bay.
Wall panelling with sunk framed squares, or rectangles, became popular as a decorative feature in the 16th and 17th centuries and was commonly used to restore country manor houses.
Wood Panelling Falls Out Of Favour
It is fair to say that, as with many styles and trends, wooden wall panelling lost its appeal as a renovation idea and was shunned for some time. Some efforts to revive it in the 1970s were short-lived, as the craftsmanship needed to make it look elegant was lost to the Victorians.
Many homeowners ripped it out of their homes or covered it with other more fashionable features of the time.
Is Wood Panelling Coming Back?
Yes, wood panelling is back. People are finding clever ways to use it in a variety of modern styles. With some sleek geometry, creative stylings and daring colours, wall panelling fits nicely into the updated, modern space.
It is definitely an art form that the best carpenters regularly use, and some of the latest trends are not like you would imagine.
Here are some of the newest and most up-to-date wooden wall panelling trends for you:
1. Classic
Suppose you are lucky enough to own a home with wood panelling, so why not restore it to its original glory? Strip paint to reveal the clean, crisp lines or stick to the classic regency styles if you have new wall panelling hand built.
2. Colour
Once you have the wall panelling installed, your possibility of colour choices is endless. Olive greens in a matte finish and vibrant blue hues give an air of regal style of go crazy with garish pinks or pastels.
3. Modern
We sometimes get the misconception that wood panelling is an old style only fit for country homes and gentleman’s clubs but with today’s availability of some of the finest timbers in the world, why not create a modern masterpiece worthy of the finest boutique hotel?
4. Recycled
Sustainability is a keyword in interior design for 2023, and what better way to improve your green credentials than using recycled material? Floorboards that may have come from another room in your house, the old kitchen worktop you were going to throw away or just a visit to a reclamation yard to source the materials will suffice.
5. Natural Looking
Embracing the textured properties of this natural material can give your room a homely feeling. Whether you choose to clad your walls with reclaimed timber or new wood, panelled walls are a great way to boost character into any space.
6. Half Wall
Half-wall wood panelling is the best of both worlds if you have a space that only lends itself to a partial renovation.
Stick with the same colours or go wild with one colour for the wall panelling and another in complete contrast for the rest of the wall will give you room to experiment with style and colour.
7. Nautical Shiplap
Shiplap wood panelling will give off an air of the nautical to any room in your house. Hung horizontally or vertically, you can add colour to your walls.
Every Room Can Have Wood Panelling
All the styles we have recommended can be altered with colour, artwork and soft furnishings that either match or clash. The wood panelling is, in essence, a backdrop to what you fill the room with.
In a living room, you could have your sofa recovered to match the colour of the panelling.
In a bedroom, your curtains and bed sheets could be a stark contrast to your walls.
Even a hallway, the most fantastic place for wall panelling, can be brought alive by adding small touches like plants, pictures, and vintage furniture.
Whatever style of wood panelling you decide, be brave, bold, and proud that you are keeping a great tradition of craftsmanship alive and well in the 21st century.
