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Types of Wall Paneling & Costs – Upgrade Your Walls
user-male-circle  Posted By - Aditi Garg

Wall paneling is one of the practical ways to consider when you are thinking of creating a decorative wall, utility wall, conceal a worn-out corner or wires and equipment, creating a backdrop, etc. Home wall paneling guide suggests that wall paneling is a good option to opt for interiors as it provides enhanced durability. It is the best way forward to give your space a neat look.

Exploring different types of wall paneling can instantly elevate the look and feel of your home interiors. With so many modern wall paneling ideas available in the market, it can at times be an intimidating task to choose the one for you. A stylish wall paneling idea can alter the overall aesthetic appeal of a space and is a more durable surface treatment when compared with wallpapers. Wall paneling for living rooms is especially trending today for those wanting a mix of function and aesthetic appeal. The following article discusses the interior wall paneling types that one can choose from for the interiors based on the materials and their concurrent cost.

1.Wooden Wall Panelling – Classic & Timeless Choice

Wooden wall paneling cost varies depending on the type of wood and finish. Wooden panels are the most common material considered for panelling for a long time now. Even when one visualises a classic setup, the first thing that comes to mind is a wooden wall paneling room full of elegance. A classic wood panel can be polished to the tones of wood according to the liking of the users. These add an air of elegance and charm to the space.
When comparing wood paneling vs PVC, wood stands out for its natural warmth and premium finish.
The wooden wall panelling can be made interesting in the present day with the options stretching across various adaptations of wood. 
The types of wooden wall panelling that one can explore are – 

1.1 Laminate and Veneer– Elegant & Versatile Finishes

Laminates and veneers can be used to create an elegant focal point in a space. The choices today are immense when it comes to colour, finish, textures and prints when it comes to aesthetics. The choice of the finish can alter the overall look of the space and impart a character as per the likes of the users. 

Cost – Laminate: 250 per square foot

Veneer: 400 per square foot

1.2 Wooden Panels– Rich & Warm Aesthetic

Wooden panels are one of the best wall paneling options that range from classical to rustic, elegant to ripped, depending on personal taste. The panels can be arranged horizontally or vertically depending on the type of space, dimensions of the room and the overall theme of the room. These are among the most decorative wall paneling types, blending tradition with luxury.
Cost 150 per square foot onwards (depending on the type of wood and finish thereof)

1.3 Board and Battens– Classic Grid Design   

Board and batten wall paneling is another elegant choice for interior wall paneling types and has been used for centuries. The advantage of this choice is that these impart a classy surface modulation, which if used rationally or creatively can create a factor of interest in the space. these can handle any finish, natural wood to a matte solid finish to a textured or a dual colour finish. To add in the panache one can choose to line the battens with nice beadings (with or without a contrasting accent). A favorite in modern wall paneling ideas, this works beautifully in vintage or cottage-style homes.

Cost 150 per square foot onwards (depending on the type of wood and finish thereof)

1.4 MDF Panels– Budget-Friendly Alternative

MDF (medium density fibre board) panels have taken over the contemporary material market. This engineered wood is not only finding its place in home décor products but is also being favoured as a material for wall panelling. The material gives a lot of flexibility to explore decorative techniques such as laser cutting, embossing, engraving, etc. This is a very versatile material and can match any theme or achieve any look you desire. MDF panels are one of the most popular cheap wall paneling solutions without compromising on style. It can give in the essence of actual wooden wall panels.  

Cost 160 per square foot onwards (depending on the type of finish and labour)

2. Mirror Walls– Reflective & Expansive Appeal

As we know, mirrors in a space can elevate the ambience of the room completely. Mirrors help in adding volume to the space due to the principle of reflection. These are ideal for panelling the walls of a small room, a passageway or any such space that one wants to expand visually. Interior wall paneling options like mirror panels help make tight spaces look visually spacious and luxurious.

While this is one of the easiest ways to panel the walls, it also gives you the flexibility to experiment with geometries and textures (etching, engraving, etc.). These will add an extra glow to your space when put in a space with exquisite lighting.

Tip: One can even add textured or tinted glass for wall panelling instead of or along with the mirrors. 

Cost 350 – 400 per square foot onwards (depending on the type of wood and finish thereof)

3. PVC Wall Panelling – Durable & Moisture Resistant

PVC is a plastic-based materials that offer high resistance to moisture and durability. The panels are mounted on a grid made of aluminium channels. When considering wall paneling installation cost, PVC is one of the most cost-effective and low-maintenance options. These are available in an array of designs and also offer 3D textures and patterns to decorate your walls with. These are versatile panels that can easily be used in any space, including wet areas. For wet spaces or budget constraints, PVC ranks high in interior wall paneling options. They are gradually becoming a popular choice amongst wall panelling materials.  

Cost 35 per square foot onwards (depending on the texture and dimensions) 

4. Leather Tile Wall Panelling – Plush & Luxurious

Leather tiles are innovative, easy to install and easy to maintain when it comes to wall panelling. There are a lot of textures and patterns available in the market for leather tiles. Decorative wall paneling types like leather tiles can be a bold design feature in contemporary homes. Wall panelling made out of leather tiles look elegant and impart a rich look to the space. These can be used to cover complete walls or a part to create a focal element in the room.   

Cost 350 – 400 per square foot onwards (depending on the quality and finish) 

5. Upholstered Wall Panelling – Soft & Cozy Touch

If you are looking to turn your walls into a comfort pad or give a cosy feel, upholstered wall panels are perfect for you. The upholstered wall panels can be made using an array of materials ranging from natural fabric to synthetic, the likes of which are velvet, silk, brocade, jacquard, leatherette, etc. one can opt for the pattern and texture based on the personal likings and the overall décor language of the room. DIY wall paneling ideas often use upholstered panels to improve acoustics and add softness to bedrooms or media rooms.  

Cost 200 per square foot onwards (depending on the type of fabric, quality and pattern) 

6. Concrete fibre board wall panels– Raw & Industrial Feel

If you are looking for a rugged or contemporary look, or if you are someone who adores the raw look of the materials, cement fibreboard panels are the answer for you. Types of wall paneling, like fiber cement boards, bring strength and texture to modern design schemes. The material is highly durable and has a great amount of structural strength, too. The fibre boards can be mounted on the walls or partitions to create a nice modern ambience. A material that suits an array of themes and moods. 
Cost 60 per square foot onwards 

7. Faux stone wall panelling– Rustic Yet Refined 

Stone walls are ethereal and add a warm appeal to the room. Faux stone is a smart, cheap wall paneling solution to achieve a high-end look without real masonry. While these have become a thematic element in a space, wall panelling using faux stone panels is an easier option to achieve the look. 
Cost 250 per square foot onwards 

8. Sculptural Wall Panelling – Artistic and Bold

If you want to create a nice sculptural and artistic wall, but do not want to get into any kind of onsite hassles, the best option to go for is sculptural wall panels. This is one of the best wall paneling for interiors where you want to showcase artistic flair and contemporary design.
These are available in a lot of materials that can be carved or engraved using CNC machines. The patterns add an aesthetic appeal to your space making it more welcoming and artistic. The material, patterns and colours can be chosen based on the theme you have in mind. The 3D element makes the wall a point of interest due to the play of light and shadow. 
Cost 1100 per square foot onwards (depending on the details and type of work) 

Aforementioned are the types of wall panelling along with their starting costs, which can be considered to decorate your interiors. One can use these materials according to the look that one has in mind, overall cost, durability and maintenance of the material. Understanding wall paneling costs upfront will help you better plan your renovation budget. One can even attempt to combine two materials to come up with innovative decorative wall panelling. 

Share your ideas and thoughts for wall panelling in the comments below! 

Disclaimer: Please note that the costs mentioned in the article are approximate and subject to change depending on current rates, location, dimensions required, design, etc. Cost is subject to change based on the region and availability. 

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