Bonjour lecteurs! What does your home look like? There are so many fab interior design trends that I could fall in love with. Ma préférée? I don’t know if you noticed it, but wood wall panelling is everywhere in 2025. It was huge in the 70s, and nowadays, it’s the new détail très chic if you want to turn your house into something else. From your friends’ home to some boutique hotel in London, it’s THE NEW THING. No wonder why, it looks so effortlessly élégant and I am all here for it! Wood Panelling Is The New Trend, and here is my Frenchie guide on how to do it with style.
What Is Wall Panelling
Wondering what wall panelling is exactement? C’est très simple: it’s when you add wood or wood-look panels to your walls. Done right and in the perfect shade, it does look quite stylish.
Indeed, wall panelling can change the entire feel of a room, giving depth and stricture to blank space and adding this je-ne-sais-quoi to your home.
But it can also hide any wonky plaster and it can even help with the acoustic.
Why It’s So Populaire
Over the last 2 years or so, this interior design trend has been growing in popularity. As it’s so convenient (it insulate walls and cut down on noise), it’s been everywhere, from your neighbour’s house to the swankiest hotels in town.
But I also think it’s partly because of nostalgie. There is something ever so timeless with wood panelling. As soon as a room is done, it looks more welcoming and ever so elegant. I would even go further and say it feel more family-friendly.
Simple add some wooden chairs, a few delicate frames and plants, et voilà! You’ve created a warm and cosy space for you to truly relax.
Your Best Option
The best thing about wood panelling? You can go for l’option parfaite depending on what you need for your family.
Want a Scandi-style escape? Go for light oak slats. Not only it will bring some light to your room, but it will also add some peace to your space.
For something plus dramatique, deep green board-and-batten is your go-to. Plus, it’s such a warm shade.
Wall panelling isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and there are options abound to get the right look and feel for the vibe you want to craft.
Choosing Your Materials
Here’s where the practical bit kicks in. If you’re splashing out and want that high-end, natural finish, go for solid timber. Think or walnut: they are both timeless and will really add une touche luxueuse to your home.
Oak is warm and golden, while walnut leans darker, moodier. If you’re planning to paint or watching the budget, moisture-resistant MDF is a safe bet: smooth, easy to work with. Plus c’est parfait with a bold colour.
Wood veneers bonded to stable boards is also un bon choix. It gives you the real-wood look without the price tag, and plenty of suppliers now offer FSC-certified or recycled options if you’re keeping it green.
Which Style For You?
When it’s about wood panelling, there is no rule but you need to bear in mind a few things.
Fluted or slatted panels are très populaires. With their spaced vertical lines, they look ever so modern and elegant. You can see them everywhere: in bedrooms, living rooms, even home offices. C’est l’espace idéal for extra tranquility.
If you fancy something a bit plus classique, shiplap and tongue-and-groove styles work beautifully in kitchens and bathrooms. It adds a some vintage vibes to the room. This way, you can add up a bit of heritage character.
For a more dramatic option, board and batten offer a bold and architectural look that makes a staircase or feature wall really stand out.
Kitchens & Bathrooms
You would think that wood and steamy room are not a match made for heaven.
However, with the right prep and materials, it can absolutely hold its own. The trick is moisture resistance. So opt for sealed panels and instal some good ventilation in the room.
You can even find purpose-built panels on the market that are waterproof, mimicking the look of timber without any of the stress. so if you redoing your bathroom and fancy something a bit warmer than tiles, wood panelling can be a good option.
Paint, Stain or Keep It Bare?
Next, you will have to decide if you want to paint it or not. It’s up to you and the feel you want to achieve in your home.
Real wood looks beautiful oiled or stained and it looks ever so naturel. Even better, it will give your space this soft and tactile finish.
But painted panelling is more playful and versatile. Les options les plus populaires? Rich greens, navy blues, and smoky greys are going strong at the minute. It’s also about grandma chore vibes or stylish shades. But I also like neutrals. They add up so much light naturellement to any room.
If you want un look minimaliste, then opt for raw and barely finished wood. I love those Scandi vibes. It’s like turning your house into a chalet in the Alps!
Can You DIY Wall Panelling?
Oui, absolument! It’s actually a very populaire option, especially if you enjoy DIY.
There are even many panelling kits specifically designed with DIYers in mind on the market. If your walls are straight and you’ve got a steady hand and a decent level, it’s very achievable.
But if you are going for a more complex layout or polished, made-to-measure look, I would seek the help of experts.
Cost & Sustainability
The cost can vary. While pre-primed panels are wallet-friendly, you can go for a more luxurious option with a bespoke option that will cost thousands. Having said that, there is something for every budget.
Plus, remember that wood panelling will add value to your home. Not only it looks très chic, but it clearly adds up some timeless and classic style to your home, so worth it in the long term.
Un autre plus? There’s a growing choice of sustainable panels. Look out for FSC-certified woods, fast-growing species like bamboo or poplar, or products made from recycled fibres. Once your project is done, it is made to last so it’s sustainable. So it’s a win-win.
If you thought that wood panelling was a fade from the past, you might be surprise to see that it’s actually getting bigger and bigger each year. No wonder why it’s so populaire. It really adds a lot of character to any home. Plus, it is elegant, timeless and versatile so I don’t see the new trend going anywhere soon…Go for it for it functionality but also its luxurious touch.
Collaboration
