Wall panelling is probably the best and most effective way to easily transform a room. No wonder it’s so popular. A DIY job that doesn’t cost the earth, is easy to achieve, and looks classy and stylish when finished.
Here, we provide a roundup of all the top tips for stylish wall panelling, so you can finally transform that bland old wall into something special.
Why Wall Panelling Is a Good Idea
Wall panelling is a simple way to transform a blank wall into an area that adds texture, depth, and interest. For centuries panelling has been a signal of sophistication and style.
Some say it’s great for covering damaged walls. This is indeed true, though we’d always recommend dealing with any damage prior to wall panelling. It’s an easy way to make an ugly wall look much better.
Wall panelling also softens a room’s acoustics. If the space currently feels echoey and empty, wall panelling helps to reduce reverberation and create a more comfortable and luxurious atmosphere.
How To Arrange Your Wall Panelling
There’s deciding to do wall panelling, then there’s deciding how to style it. Are you going to go halfway up the wall? Three-quarters? Or the entire length of the wall? Some people only choose to do one feature wall in a room.
There is no right or wrong, it all depends on your preference. However, it’s a good idea to think about certain aspects, most importantly your budget.
It goes without saying that the more coverage you want in panelling, the more costly it will be. If you’re going to have more slimline borders as opposed to fewer, larger areas, then it’s a good idea to get some quotes on how much it will cost. Always prioritise your budget.
Another key consideration is whether you have any light fixtures, sockets, or other areas to either work around or avoid panelling all together.
There are loads of ways you can panel almost any space in your home. It just needs some careful thought, a little creativity, and a realistic plan for your budget.
Measuring For Wall Panelling
Once you have a good idea of how you’d like your room to look with wall panelling, it’s time to take some solid measurements. This is an essential part of the process to ensure your vision can realistically become a reality, and to help you buy the right amount of material.
For this, you’ll need to measure each wall’s height and width separately – because believe it or not, not all walls are perfectly straight or square. Double-check your measurements to make sure they’re accurate, and remember to measure for the borders and trims around the panels too.
If you’ve got your measurements but unsure how much you need to order, you’re more than welcome to give us a call at Skirting King so we can advise you.
Tips for Installing Your Wall Panelling
We’ve put together a whole article on how to install your wall panelling, to give you all the info you need. But to summarise, here’s what you’ll need to do to successfully fit your panels for a professional finish:
- First, make sure you have all the tools you need to hand, so that you’re not scrambling in the shed halfway through.
- Dust the wall down thoroughly, then wash with a mild detergent, warm water, and a sponge, removing any dirt or grime. Always make sure the wall is thoroughly dry before moving onto the next step.
- Mark out exactly where your panels need to be placed with a pencil, using accurate measurements.
- Cut your panels to their correct measurements. The DIY rule here is to measure twice, cut once. This will ensure you waste as little as possible.
- Carefully apply the adhesive to the backs of your panels. Using a spirit level, firmly apply the panel to the wall, ensuring it is completely straight.
- Now do the same for any trim or moulding on the edges of your wall panels.
- Apply caulk to seal any gaps, using a caulk knife or your finger. Ensure it’s completely dry before you sand down for a smooth finish.
- Now it’s time to add the paint! Apply masking tape around the borders of your work area for a neat edge. You’ll need a couple of coats.
Finally, you can step back and admire your handywork – a plain old wall transformed into a canvas of detail and character. Don’t forget, if you need any tips on getting started, get in contact with our professionals at Skirting King.