Creating Different Moods With Wood Wall Panels

Despite the onward march of interior design trends that use plastics and metals as their go-to, wood has always had a natural beauty and style that works well in every single home - no matter how you choose to utilise it.

Wood wall panelling is no exception and makes for an adaptable and versatile addition to your interior design plans, in almost every single room.

It’s versatile in that it will fit into modern aesthetics as well as classical design, and can be coloured and painted in many different shades and tones to create that perfect ambience.

Whether you’re renovating a living area and want a space imbued with warmth and a relaxing vibe, or you’re decorating a teenager’s bedroom and need something adaptable that will be strong enough to withstand wall-mounted TVs, or gaming equipment this is a great solution.

Wood and its impact on the mood of your home

Wood finishes - whether that’s natural wood or wood panels, can have a significant impact on the mood and atmosphere within your home. There are lots of different wood finishes that will create different moods.

For instance, lighter finishes often create an airy and open feel - so work well in kitchen or dining areas, whilst the darker finishes create more formal and elegant atmospheres - again, this would work well in a dining area, but also for entrance halls, or even living rooms and bedrooms.

Thinking about choosing a wood finish? Take care to consider the overall design of the room it’s going to be going into. For example, a modern space in a new home will probably look better with lighter-finished wood, whereas an older home with more traditional decor may perhaps benefit more from darker, warmer finishes.

Rough textured wood finishes have a more rustic and cosy atmosphere, whilst smooth, satiny light-coloured wood creates an exceptionally smart and refined mood.

Curious to know more? We’ve handpicked some experts to give us the lowdown on why wood wall panels should be your interior design choice no matter what your colour schemes or style choices are.

Why do wood wall panels work so well?

“Whether you want to go classic or contemporary with shiplap or wainscoting looks, there's no better way to add more design interest to a room than with this wall covering. Plus, be it wood or MDF that you choose, wall panels can add to the natural shape of a room, enhance space and even insulate and protect walls.

This historical deco feature is timeless and sure to work in the bedroom, living room or even hallway space. Installing new DIY wall panelling, be that shiplap, wainscoting, or a simple chair rail, can be a good way to return the character to a home that has been stripped back, to fill in gaps in an existing scheme, or to help a new addition to blend in.”

- Melanie Griffiths writing for Real Homes

What’s one of the most important considerations for choosing wood wall panels?

“Adding character, charm and personality to a property, DIY wall panelling hasn't just taken over people's homes, but social media feeds too. Just browse Instagram, TikTok or Pinterest and you'll see some rather incredible before and after reveals, showcasing just how effective these decorative wall coverings can be.

It's important to choose the style you think will best suit your home. Mouldings include grand period designs, tongue and groove, traditional shaker-style, Jacobean-style grid, or dado style. Decorative slat wall panels are also popular”

- Lisa Joyner writing for House Beautiful

What are two benefits of installing wood wall panelling?

“1. Easy to Install - Renovating your house is a massive decision, as it requires time and money. However, wood panels have an easy installation process, almost similar to assembling Legos. You can even install the panels yourself. Depending on the size of your property, you can finish the entire project in less than a week. Just research the material that would be perfect for your interior and start panelling away.

2. Energy-Efficient - Wood is a natural insulator; this is one of the main reasons many homeowners decide to get wood panelling. It protects them against the harsh cold and does not heat up in summers, maintaining optimal temperatures for your property in all seasons. Wood panelling is an energy-efficient upgrade to your home as its insulating properties will reduce your energy usage – you won’t have to switch ACs and heaters on for entire days. As a result, you cut back on your bills and can save money.

Wood is also an excellent sound absorber, making it perfect for individuals looking for quietness and privacy in areas like home offices and bedrooms. This is also why many commercial buildings opt for wood wall panelling. If you live in a busy area and are tired of the incessant noise, wood panelling can turn your house into the peaceful place you dream of.”

- Alex, writing for Fresh Design Blog

How can wood wall panels be used to create a stylish interior that sells a home?

“Wood wall panels have the capability to enhance the appeal of a home and potentially contribute to a house’s marketability when installed correctly. Introducing an accent wall can help draw attention to a specific room or area, adding a touch of luxury. Custom designed wood panels can make a strong visual impact with intricate patterns and even add practicality to a space with functional elements such as shelving. Remember, the key is to create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere that appeals to a broad range of potential buyers”

- Cory Kammerdiener, Owner and Broker of New Home Program

How Can We Bring More Sustainability When Using Wood?

Sustainable experts at Illuminem offer their take: “Compared to other forms of building materials like wood, plastic and stone, wood is one of the most renewable resources. However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t make a push to stop deforestation.

As of now, in around 300 years from now, if there isn’t a reduction in deforestation, then there will not be any trees left to utilize for wall panels, or any other type of building materials. A concentrated effort needs to be made to make it illegal to urbanize dense forests, such as the Amazon.

- Sustainable Experts, Illuminem

How do you balance sustainability and style when choosing natural materials for staging a home?"

“At Decorus Home Staging, we're all about blending sustainability with a dash of style. We carefully pick natural materials that not only look smashing but are kind to our planet as well. Our focus? Robust, sustainably sourced bits and bobs that spruce up any space while treading lightly on the earth. What's more, we've launched our very own line of reusable furniture covers, slashing our reliance on plastic and dramatically extending the life of our furnishings. This savvy approach allows us to craft eco-chic staged homes that truly speak to the heart of environmentally aware buyers.”

- Shane Lorenz of Decorus Home Staging

How can buyers be confident that wood wall panels are eco-friendly?

"Buyers can feel assured about the eco-friendliness of wood wall panels by checking if they're sourced from sustainably managed forests or made from reclaimed wood. Certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) are also a solid thumbs-up, as they guarantee the wood has been harvested in a way that's kind to our planet."

- Jason Fox, Owner and Realtor at The Madrona Group

Does wood panelling add value to a home?

If you are looking to increase the value of your property, cosmetic renovations can add value to your home. Investing on things like wood panelling can help you add value depending on several factors. Taking into consideration aspects like the quality of your wood panels and how they complement the style of your home can help. Working to incorporate trends and modernize the space can also make a difference.

- Marissa Schulze, Managing Director at Rise High

Describe some innovative uses of wood in artistic interior decor

The Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) employs an innovative architectural feature: moving wooden wall panels. These adaptable elements allow for dynamic and flexible exhibition spaces that can transform to meet the needs of different exhibits. The moving walls at the Bellevue Arts Museum are a key feature that exemplifies innovative museum design.

Controlled Lighting: Closing off certain areas can create darker, more intimate spaces, while opening them up can allow for a flood of natural light, making the space feel airy and open.

Acoustic Control: The arrangement of the walls can also impact the acoustics within the museum. By adjusting the walls, BAM can control sound levels, creating quieter, more contemplative spaces or more lively, resonant areas depending on the needs of the exhibition.

Interactive and Engaging Spaces: The flexibility of the moving walls allows for the creation of interactive and engaging spaces. For instance, walls can be moved to create pathways, nooks, and crannies that invite exploration and discovery, making the museum visit more engaging and memorable.

They provide versatility, enhance mood and atmosphere, add texture, and design elements, and integrate seamlessly with Steven Holl's architectural vision. These walls allow BAM to continuously adapt and evolve, offering visitors a unique and dynamic art experience every time they visit.

- Priyanka Parmanand, Director of Marketing at Bellevue Arts Museum

What should buyers consider when choosing the best wood for creating unique moods with interior panelling?

Solid Appalachian hardwood shiplap panelling offers consumers a warm and inviting atmosphere in their home. There are more than a dozen species including Red Oak, White Oak, Hard Maple, Poplar, Cherry and more that feature distinctive grain patterns from muted to bold. Each plank is as individual as the homeowner and provides natural authenticity to create its own unique mood. The planks can be finished in clear coatings or stains to match a variety of design preferences and architectural styles whether traditional, modern, or rustic.

This feature allows each board, wall and home or office to be distinctive and attractive. These hardwoods offer timeless elegance and develop a rich patina over time. Tom Inman, president of Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc., a High Point, NC, based regional trade association of forest landowners and manufacturers that was founded in 1928. He also serves on the Board of the Real American Hardwood Coalition.

Should you add wood paneling to make your rental property more welcoming?

The newer trends and varieties of wood wall panels can be tasteful if used sparingly to create a welcoming mood. These should be used to accent, not fill rooms and walls. Simple patterns are often the most tasteful, and staining choices can help lend a welcoming atmosphere to a room or help a feature to stand out and pop. This is quite different to the old fashioned wood panelling from the 1950-70s, which lacks curb appeal and can make the property less welcoming to potential renters. In the end it's entirely up to the owner, who should be as fully informed of the pros and cons to make a decision. "The customer is always right in matters of taste."

- Aaron Scicchitano, Director of Business Development at Walters and Company Property Management

How can homeowners use wood to integrate storage without compromising the mood of a room?

I think the key to this is balance. Wooden storage can work well in a room as long as there is a balance of other material and textures throughout. Wood tones bring a piece of nature into the room and balancing that with softer textures like fabric will keep a room from feeling too rustic.

- Susan Stewart, Professional Organizer and owner of Perfectly Placed

How can wood panels enhance the mood in a retail space?

Using natural wood in a retail store will always add a warm and comforting factor to the space. We, as living human beings, resonate with, and heal in, nature. So bringing elements from nature into a selling environment only serves to enhance the overall energy of the space. Wood naturally elevates the customer experience, on both overt and subliminal levels. It’s a wonderful and powerful finish.

- Lyn Falk, Consumer Behavior Specialist and President of Retailworks

How can wood panels help with home staging?

When a property owner wants to sell, a professional home stager can provide advice on updating prior to listing their property. Outdated wall treatments such as old wallpaper, faux finishing, trompe l'oeil, the old wood panelling from the 1970's era are not currently on trend. Wallpaper that is a new style - larger prints, geometrics - those are on trend, but can be a hassle to install. Today's wood panelling has texture, interesting design and multiple colours, and is a relatively easy way to update and modernise a house that may be in dated condition. In addition, the wall panels represent an eco-friendly option as wood is considered a sustainable material, which becomes a selling feature for buyers. Lastly, the wood wall panels can be used for interior or exterior updating, to create focal point, architectural walls. The great part is whatever is underneath does not have to be removed before installing the wood panels. This saves both time and money, and is a great option for property owners who want to get something done quickly that makes a big impact, so they can hit the market with a fresh look for the target buyer.

- Jennie Norris, CEO of Sensational Home Staging