If you’re looking for a way to add personality and detail to your home, you may be wondering if panel walls will still be a trend in 2024. This wall decor has become popular recently, but will this design element be here to stay?
The design world is filled with a variety of wall paneling ideas and styles, from beadboard to slat panels, but as interior design trends evolve and embrace more timeless styles, you might be wondering if paneled walls are a good idea.
To find out whether panel walls will still be a trend in 2024, we spoke to top interior designers to find out if they’re still incorporating this wall feature into their designs, which styles to adopt, and which styles. We asked them to investigate whether it should be completely a thing of the past.
Are panelled walls even a trend for 2024?
(Image credit: Nathan Turner Design)
Wall panels have been employed in homes for centuries, adding a decorative element to wall designs. But only certain styles have survived this long, and with various panel wall trends emerging in recent years, many are wondering if it’s still a stylish addition to their home. I’m thinking.
“Wall paneling has been on trend forever and will continue to be so. Traditional wall paneling is a great way to add a timeless element to your home,” say Kailee Blalock and Taylor Troia, co-founders of House of Hive Design Co.
The style of paneling you choose will determine how timeless your interior will be. Ultra-modern, on-trend pieces tend to go out of fashion quickly, while more classic designs stick around for a long time. “Our favorite type is wainscoting, which gives it a classic look. We also love beadboard and it’s definitely making a comeback,” they added.
(Image credit: Jonathan Adler)
Your interior design style will influence the style of paneled walls you’re drawn to, but you should also consider the structure of your home. “When it comes to paneling, it’s important to respect and reflect the history of the building. The style of the paneling will be dictated by the interior style of the room, but we always want to add a unique and contemporary element,” says Alexander Shepel, founder of SHEPEL.
“Wall panels are timeless and this decorative feature always adds a unique elegance to a room. If you’re looking for something timeless, we recommend wall panels in wood or fabric. “Using fabric on the walls can make a room feel incredibly special and warm, while wooden frames add structure and shape,” he adds.
Are there any panel wall styles you should avoid in 2024?
(Image credit: Courtney Bishop Design/Katie Charlotte)
Paneled walls are also a trend for 2024, but there are some styles that interior designers suggest moving away from the past. “Wall panels with a classic design will always be in fashion, but as a rule, avoid panels with geometric shapes or asymmetrical design,” says interior designer Elim Rose.
These styles of panel walls are new trend-driven designs that have fallen out of favor relatively quickly, and geometric panels in particular should be avoided this year. “Wall panels never go out of style, with the exception of the geometric board and batten trend painted in charcoal gray and black. We hope it never goes out of style again,” says Kylie. Taylor adds.
Geometric patterns are a paneling style that generally goes out of fashion, but Emily Ruff, owner and principal designer at Cohesively Curated, suggests that some designs go in and out of style depending on the style of your home. “Shiplap [is out of trend]Unless you have an actual farmhouse,” she says.
5 trending ways to introduce panel walls to your home this year
Panel walls are a timeless design feature, but we asked interior designers how to incorporate them in a way that stays on-trend this year. From classic schemes to colorful spaces, there’s plenty to inspire you.
1. Opt for floor-to-ceiling paneled walls
(Image credit: Price Hart Design/Vivan Johnson)
Floor-to-ceiling paneling creates a dramatic design and can make some rooms feel larger. “I like to use floor-to-ceiling paneling in small, enclosed rooms like butler’s pantries, laundry rooms and powder rooms,” says Emily.
“Painboard-style panels, which are a combination of boxes in different styles, are great for areas with high ceilings. Even better with two-story ceilings, which usually include entryways, staircases, and some living rooms,” she says. adds.
In smaller spaces, panels can create the illusion of more space, while in larger, taller rooms they can help make the room feel less spacious and empty. A win-win!
2. Add personality to a modern home
(Image courtesy of Price Hart Design/Vivan Johnson)
Panel walls, especially traditional styles, are usually associated with older homes, but they work just as well in more contemporary spaces to infuse architectural detail and character.
“Panelling is a fun way to experiment with different colours, patterns and materials. Though it’s often associated with historic or country homes, this design element is increasingly being incorporated into contemporary homes as well,” says Alexander.
In any style of home, paneled walls add character and interest without overwhelming a room. “Paneled walls remain popular because they’re highly customizable; they add depth and texture to a room while offering a traditional yet contemporary aesthetic,” add Angela Hart and Alexa Price of Price Hart Design.
3. Go classic with beadboard wall panels
(Image credit: Original BTC)
Beadboard is one of the most classic styles of wall paneling. Particularly suitable for more rustic spaces such as farmhouses and country homes. There are many ways to incorporate beadboard into your home, from paneling walls and ceilings to adding decorative details to freestanding furniture.
“I think tongue-and-groove, or beadboard, is the most timeless. It can be installed floor-to-ceiling on walls and ceilings, used as an accent within shelving, or in place of a tile or slab backsplash,” says Emily.
4. Create a colorful design with panel walls
(Image credit: Ellie Mroz Design/Michael Robert Construction)
The colorful trend seems to be here to stay, and paneled walls are a great accent that adds dimension and detail to these spaces. Without panels, simple schemes run the risk of feeling flat.
“We’re currently loving brightly colored wall panels, ceilings, and trim for a timeless, classic look. Painting your space one color creates a seamless, yet dramatic look. You get the look,” Ellie says.
5. Try shiplap paneling
(Image credit: Courtney Bishop Design/Katie Charlotte)
Emily suggested that shiplap panels may feel out of place in some homes, but if done the right way, they can look timeless and add more rustic charm to your plans.
“Shiplap panels are a favorite both horizontally and vertically, and can be done across an entire room, on one wall (painted the same color), or to bring focus to a particular element or space,” says Ellie.
You can go further than just walls to create a striking design: “I’m also a big fan of panelled ceilings, which add a subtle ‘wow’ to a space,” adds Ellie.
Panel walls are a trend for 2024, according to interior designers. For a timeless design, choose a more classic style and choose a panel design that suits both your interior design style and your home’s architecture. Panel walls add interest and character, so they won’t go out of style anytime soon.
