The easy answer is anywhere. The real question is how?…
Back in the seventies and the eighties it was all about tongue and groove but now panelling has stepped up to the post and historical influences are inspiring our contemporary wall treatments, and a newcomer, reeding, is on the horizon.
Moisture resistant MDF is currently the medium of choice as it is economic and stable, but don’t leave deciding on panelling until the last minute.
How far to go?
The knack to getting your panelling right is to work with the architectural demands of the room/wall you’re considering. Working with your architect, interior designer or carpenter, consider the window shape (it looks great framing a window), the door height and the skirting boards. Dado rail height is the traditional favourite, picture rail looks stylish if it echoes a room’s proportions and allows for colour-play, but full skirting board to ceiling is really popular just now.
Depth, drama and warmth
Why use panelling? Well…
- it brings something extra to rooms that have no natural features
- it adds texture to our walls
- it can hide awkward structural defects
- it provides a solution for older, less than perfect walls (although watch out for blown plaster or damp)
- it provides insulation
- it’s a dramatic alternative to textured wallpaper and a warm alternative to tiles
- it can be used to zone areas of a larger room
The effect can be two dimensional using full size panels or give the impression of being two dimensional with the use of moulding. Add moulding to your full size panels and you’re adding further depth to the overall result.
Whatever you choose panelling is definitely here to stay.
