Types of Wall Panels
Decorative wall panels can give your walls a stylish upgrade.
Wall panels are pieces of material that are used to cover or enhance a wall. Decorative wall panels can be used to enhance the appearance of your space, while subtle wall panels can be used to cover minor damage such as dings and dents. Wall panels can also replace paint, as they come in various colors. With a bountiful array of beautiful styles, choosing just one can be difficult. Narrow down your choices by reading this guide – your walls are waiting to be adorned.
Types of Wall Panels
Wall Panel Installation Types
Types of Wall Panels
3D Wall Panels: 3D wall panels have some aspect of their design raised so that when the panel is laying flat, the design will literally stand out. These types of wall panels are perfect for adding depth and pattern to any space. Because they are eye-catching, many people use 3D wall panels to fill one wall out of four to create an accent wall. Use these types of panels for a unique design that looks expensive and artistic!
Wood Planks: Wooden planks are wall panels made of wood or engineered wood. Engineered wood is made of either laminate or vinyl, but it is usually just as durable as wood. Wooden planks are super versatile; if you love the look of hardwood flooring, just wait until you see some of those beautiful planks on your walls! As long as they are thick enough (1/2ʺ, 5/8ʺ, or 3/4ʺ), some wooden wall planks can even be used for flooring. Wooden planks' versatility will come in handy if you’re looking to renovate a space where the floor and wall should be continuous, like in a sauna or a rustic log cabin.
Wainscoting/Beadboard: Wainscoting or beadboard not only adds a fun texture to a wall, but it is super useful as well. Wainscoting is a decorative wood paneling that protects the lower half of your walls. Beadboard panels are a style of wainscoting that comes in thin long strips of wood (like the photo above). The wood in beadboard is typically vertical and capped in between two thicker boards. Wainscoting or beadboard is widely used in areas that see a lot of traffic. This is because the panels protect walls from scuffs, scratches, and dents. Use these panels in the mudroom to make cleanup super easy after everyone trails in from the great outdoors. Or try adding it to the hallway to protect the walls from rambunctious little ones that prefer running over walking.
Shiplap: Shiplap is a popular go-to these days. Shiplap wall panels are long, rectangular panels that are commonly seen in nautical-style decor. They encapsulate an effortless yet chic nautical feel that brings the beach to your space. Shiplap wall panel types are wooden (or engineered wood) panels that typically run horizontally across a wall. Try all-white shiplap for a simple yet textured look or blue wood to create a bold pop of color for an accent wall. Give a new meaning to indoor/outdoor living with shiplap wall panels!
Tin Backsplash: Tin backsplash panels are typically made out of metal, but if you’re not partial to metal or are worried about rusting, they are available in vinyl. Tin backsplash panels usually come with intricate designs that add detail to an otherwise blank space. Because the designs can be a bit busy, most people use it for smaller surfaces like kitchen or bathroom backsplashes. But if you like detail, don’t be afraid to make a statement with tin backsplash! Tin is also very different from other wall panels because of the colors that the metal material provides. If you love metallic colors, tin backsplash is for you!
Faux Stone: Faux stone wall panels are made from laminate or vinyl. They come in rectangular shapes and are usually 3D to mimic the texture of stone. Because of their material, the best way to install these types of panels is by using an adhesive like glue. Use faux stone panels on a chimney to extend the look of your fireplace. Or take faux stone wall panels outside by lining the bottom half of your garage wall with them!
Faux Brick: Wall panel types that add a bit of perfect imperfection can totally transform a space. Go for a rustic industrial style using faux brick wall panels. Faux brick wall panels are meant to replicate the look of real brick and mortar. Faux brick panels can be 3D or flat with a printed image on them. Some faux brick panels come with a distressed look for a more authentic feel. But if that’s not for you, don’t worry – there are plenty of faux brick wall panels that have a cleaner look. Install these types of wall panels and guests won’t know that you don’t have a naturally beautiful exposed brick wall!
Upholstered: Ever wanted to cover your walls with fabric? Well now you can! Upholstered wall panels are panels with a layer of fabric covering the front of the panel. There is a wide variety of colors and styles that can make customizing your space easy. Not only do upholstered wall panels add texture and color to a basic wall, but they add dimension. Place upholstered wall panels behind a bed in place of a headboard or add them to a wall behind a bench in order to give backs some support and comfort.
Depending on what type of wall panels you’re interested in, the installation process can vary greatly. There are four ways in which they can be installed: peel-and-stick, glue, nails, and staples.
Peel & Stick: These wall panel types are named after their simple installation process. Simply peel off the back layer of the panel and attach it to the wall. If you need to cut pieces, try sharp scissors or a hand saw. This process can be done quickly, making peel-and-stick wall paneling the perfect DIY project! Peel-and-stick panels are perfect for those looking for a temporary change like seasonal decorators or renters.
Glue: Wall panels that need to be glued don’t come with any adhesive on the back of them, unlike peel-and-stick panels. Panels that need to be glued should be adhered to the wall with adhesive to ensure they stay. The adhesive should be made specifically to hold wall panels to your surface – if you're DIYing this project, be sure to use the correct adhesive for your space. Wall panels that will be exposed to moisture need waterproof glue. We recommend consulting a professional to help you install these panels. These panels are great for people who are looking for a permanent change. The glue behind the panels cannot be removed once it’s on, so be sure to think twice! Glue-down panels are also more sturdy than peel-and-stick panels, especially if you live in an environment with high humidity.
Staple: Stapled wall panels are secured to their surface with staples. They are typically thick and sturdy to ensure the staples provide a good hold. They can be stapled in place manually or with a staple gun. As staple guns are the most time-saving and efficient way to install these panels, it's worth noting that these types of wall panels should be installed by a professional.
Nail: Nailed wall panels are attached to the wall with nails by a hammer. Decorative wall panels such as these tend to be made of thicker materials like wood and vinyl. These thicker materials need to be cut professionally in order to fit around corners, sockets, light switches, etc. Considering the precision and safety needed when installing these types of wall panels, it is safe to say that they should be installed professionally.
Tip!
If you’re interested in getting started, check out our guide How to Find the Square Footage of a Room: Flooring & Walls.
