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Adding panelling to your living room decor can help add a sophisticated and stylish finish. Whether your space is modern and contemporary or more traditional and classic, living room panelling is a great decor addition, which also has added practical benefits such as durability, insulation and scuff protection for your walls. But, there isn’t just one way to do panelling. In fact, there are many ways to incorporate panelling into your living room for stunning visual interest to suit your interior theme.

Does panelling make a room look bigger? 

The nature of a panelled wall often creates a visual impact on the perceived size of the room it is placed in. That said, as there are many different options and styles of wall panelling, it very much depends on the type of panelling installed as well as how it is installed and painted too.  

Generally speaking, vertical panelling can create an illusion of extra height and make your living room feel taller and more spacious. This is especially true when you use a colour-drenching paint technique whereby the full walls, ceilings, skirting and any coving are all decorated in the same colour. 

That said, the added texture that panelling offers can also sometimes make a room appear smaller and cosier. If the panelling is particularly thick or detailed, it can reduce the appearance of openness in the space, making it feel more compressed and restricted. 

To ensure you pick the perfect panelling for your living room space, here are some ideas to inspire you.

Delicate and light

The subtle wall panel detailing in this stylish living room is sleek and minimalist. The narrow beaded panels add additional texture to the white-washed walls, however, have minimal effect on the overall perceived size of the space. This type of panelling allows for easy and efficient installation, yet with striking and sophisticated results.

Credit: @daniandthetownhouse

Delicate and light

Blanc de Blancs

L23eW47e

Dark and sultry

Dark painted wall panelling, such as in this rockstar living room, gives a sultry and seductive vibe. The dark background also provides an excellent backdrop for a gallery wall featuring prints, photos and sculptures. Here, the ceiling has been kept in a light, neutral manner to ensure that light can still be reflected around the room without it appearing too enclosed. Note that panelling, depending on the material used, can also help absorb sound and reduce echo in the room. Especially useful in living rooms where you like to play your music loud!

Credit: @maisonderock

Dark and sultry

Arrowhead

R205A

Monochrome moments

Combine your dark-painted accent panelling with crisp white walls and ceilings for a contemporary monochromatic room scheme. The combination is captivating and would suit a modern apartment as well as a mid-century terrace too.

Credit: @the_house_on_inveraray

Monochrome moments

Dinner Jacket

X99R208A

Beautifully ornate

Panelling can be designed to appear minimal and discreet, but it can also be part of a glamorous and ornate design too. Here, the wall panels combine with a stunning ornate fireplace and antique mirror to produce a feature wall of sheer elegance and grandeur. The nude colour scheme ensures a level of effortless elegance remains, while the artworks, sculptures and greenery add to the Regency era drama.

Credit: @lara.bezzina

Beautifully ornate

Bare Necessity

R99A

Half wall panelling

Panelling the lower half of your living room wall is also sometimes known as applying a dado rail. Visually, this effect adds depth and elegance to a space, particularly behind a sofa or large piece of furniture. Practically, it can also help provide buffer protection from marks, scuffs and wear and tear in high-frequency areas.

Credit: @be_home_at_11

Half wall panelling

Galapagos

R259A

Picture frame panelling

Applying panelling around a wall feature, such as an item of artwork or a mirror will help to draw attention to the piece and compliment its charm. Here, the three framed prints are perfectly encased with delicate, rectangular beading to help them stand out as main focal points in the room.

Credit: @victorianhouse1896

Picture frame panelling

Victorian Dusk

W34c

Play with pattern and size

When it comes to the design and layout of your panelling, you really have free reign on how you want it to appear. From squares and rectangles to curved or circular shapes, be creative with your design to achieve something unique and personal. This mix of squares and rectangular shapes is positioned perfectly to elongate the wall, creating height and length from all angles.

Credit: @homein_theleicester

Play with pattern and size

Brushed Cotton

R82A

Fireplace framing

Fireplaces form a fantastic feature in living rooms and lounges. Adding panelling around your fireplace will further enhance its aesthetic and draw attention to it as a focal point. Cosy and comforting, this living room looks like the perfect place to snuggle up with a cup of tea and a board game on a chilly weekend afternoon.

Credit: @primrosehouse_21

Fireplace framing

Sea Dog

R202B

Rustic wood panelling

Perfect for an earthy, nature-inspired home, the addition of wooden plank panelling in a living room space helps to create a contemporary, Scandi-style atmosphere, which is both relaxed and calming. The horizontal placement of the panelling also enhances the size of the room, giving the illusion that the space is wider than it is – a handy decorating tip for narrow rooms and those with alcoves.

Credit: @youreverydayreno

Rustic wood panelling

Dinner Jacket

X99R208A

All square

If you are a fan of geometric shapes and symmetry, then implementing an all-square arrangement (also known as Jacobean style panelling) can have a nice, neat effect. Smaller squares will make the space feel more detailed and enclosed with a grid–like feel, whereas larger, wider squares may amplify the space, creating width and depth in all the right places.

Credit: @ourlittlebluedoor

All square

Devonshire Green

L21cW41c

Colour Match with Valspar

Finding the perfect colour for your living room panelling is very important. That’s why we offer an easy colour-match facility to ensure you get exactly the right shade. Simply upload an image of a colour you love and we can match it in any of our B&Q stores.

Need help choosing the right paint or colour?

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