One of the most popular ways to add a touch of elegance to your living space is by wood paneling. From the days of yore, medieval architecture has been splattered with various kinds of structures, from humble homes to giant palaces, adorned with wood paneling.

While paneling has a practical purpose too, apart from aesthetic value, one simply can’t help but admire its elegant feel.

In modern home decor too, wooden wall panels can be incorporated to add a touch of class and novelty to any interior design. Guaranteed to make your home stand out from the rest, wooden panels can be employed in almost any room of the house.

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However, for a first-timer, understanding the basics of choosing wood paneling can prove to be a daunting task. Here is all you need to know.

A Brief Background

Wood paneling has been observed in history since the 14th century when it became popular across Europe; though most historians believe it was in existence long before that. Mainly used to provide natural insulation against chilling winters, wood paneling was either left plain or carved into various designs against the wall.

Still popular as ever, wood is often the first material of choice for most who seek to revamp their home decor with a bit of wall paneling. It wins over most materials including Plaster of Paris and certain synthetic fibers. The most common wood for panels is oak, however in some places, cedar is used as well. Owing to the high cost of real wood, the market now offers a substitute called MDF (medium density fiberboard).

Benefits of Wood Paneling

Wooden wall panels not only look good, they hold several advantages as well. Some of the main benefits are:

Thermal Insulation:

Wooden wall panels have long been in use for the benefits they provide in terms of insulating a room. It is for this reason that in most cold countries, wooden panels form an indispensable part of interior design.

Hide Interior Flaws:

Wooden wall paneling can be employed to add a finishing touch to a wall that is disrupted by numerous electrical wires or disfigured by an uneven surface.

Easy Replacement:

As opposed to painting that can prove laborious, wooden wall panels have a relatively hassle-free process of repair and replacement. Now, you can say goodbye to all the dust and smell of paint.

How to Begin

The first step would be to decide which room you would like the wood paneling to be placed in. One of the first and preferred choices is always the living room. The room that is most frequented by guests, wood paneling is sure to draw admiration and appreciation from all. If you live in a place that sees very cold weather in winter, you must definitely consider getting your bedroom paneled as well.

The next step is to consider your budget. If real wood is too expensive, you can opt for MDF which gives the look and finish of real wood. Opt for a medium shade of brown; too dark or too light often stands in stark contrast and may not play well with the rest of your home decor. Make sure the carvings on the panel, if any, play well with the rest of your furniture. Also take into account the size of the room. Intricately designed panels go well with larger rooms and small rooms are best suited for simple panels.

Few Fabulous Designs

Here are some popular and trendy wood paneling designs for you to consider.

• Wood paneling that does not go all the way up or down. Adds a contemporary touch and is suitable for offices.

• A wooden panel does not need to be limited to a single wall. You can cover up all the walls, including the floor, for a cozy room.

• A slanted and slightly off-symmetrical design is perfect to add that artsy touch. Suitable for restaurants or kitchens.

• A minimalistic design to frame only the television. Looks elegant and will save cost.

• Panel up the ceiling and floor to match each other and leave the walls to tile or wallpaper. A great look for a large living room.

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