There’s only as many colors and wallpapers that you can choose from, before your home decor begins to look just like anyboby else’s. If you really want the interiors of your home to look different, you must think outside the box. A great way to revamp the look and feel of your living space is by adding wall panels. You can either panel up a single wall, just the ceiling, or all four walls depending on your design theme and budget.

With a myriad of options to choose from, the possibilities of creativity with wall paneling are almost limitless. You can choose a classic wooden paneling or opt for cost-effective PVC wall panels. The options are many. Apart from vogue appeal, wall panels also have many practical benefits. They can indeed prove to be a cost-effective interior design option for a homeowner. Here are five important reasons why you should opt for wall panels the next time you want to revamp your home decor.

I. Easy Installation

Painting your house is probably the most bothersome annual task you have to face. Moving your furniture, the dust from wall scrapings and accompanying allergies can be a problem especially if you have children at home. By contrast, wall panels are much easier to set up. Panels do not require any prior surface preparation and you can carry on your daily chores unperturbed.

II. Covers Uneven Surfaces

If you suffer from leakages in the rains, your walls do take most of the beating. No matter how good the quality of your paint, it will still start chipping and burn a hole in your pocket. Wall panels help hide any uneven surfaces on your walls caused by weather or carpentry damage. They also save your annual expense on touching up your wall paint.

III. Hides Unsightly Wires

Ever wondered how you could hide those unsightly cables that snake across your walls and ceiling? Wall panels are your best bet at safely covering important wires and cables without damaging them. Moreover, your panels can also be worked to include support systems to mount your television or home theater systems.

IV. Easy to Relocate

Wall panels are relatively simple and easy to relocate. Like most people, if you live on rent, you probably don’t want to spend much on high quality paint or wallpaper. Neither do you want to live in a home with disheveled walls. The advantage of panels is that they can be removed and refitted elsewhere with no damage to either their own or the wall surface.

V. Attractive Focal Point

Finally, here comes the biggest reason why you should consider opting for wall panels in your home decor plan. Whether you choose PVC or wooden wall panels, the aesthetic appeal of wall panels beat that of regular wallpaper or textured paints.

Now that you know why you should opt for wall paneling, let's take a look at the different types of panels available.

i. Decorative Wall Panels

Decorative wall panels are mainly intended to change the look of the wall but also help protect the walls from damage. Wainscoting, made from wood or synthetic materials, is one of the most common forms of these panels and are generally installed in the lower half of a wall. Other materials that are used are laminates, stainless steel and plastics.

ii. Tileboard Panels

Mainly crafted from melamine and resin, tileboard panels are attached to a water-resistant backerboard and are an affordable alternative to ceramic tiles. Their texture and color resemble ceramics and are much easier to install and clean.

iii. Utility Panels

Mostly available in standard white or natural wood finishes, utility panels aka pegboard are opted for their function and appearance. Made from perforated hardboards, they are perched with numerous small holes that are used to hang objects in kitchens and garages.

iv. Acoustical Panels

With the sole intention of controlling noise levels and blocking noise transfer through walls, acoustical panels are used. Generally used in hotels, auditoriums and schools, they are made from wood or foam cores wrapped with a layer of fabric or vinyl.

v. Structural Wall Panels

As the name suggests, they are rightfully used in the framing of exterior walls of homes and offices since they are made from precast concrete and enable easy framing. There are structural insulated panels that can replace both internal and external walls as they are made from rigid foam insulation sheets sandwiched between layers of wood fiber board.

Coming to the different materials in which these wall panels are available:

a. Wooden Panels:

Wooden panels not only look good but also offer thermal and acoustic insulations. They are easy to repair and replace. Disadvantages of using wooden panels include rotting, loss of natural moisture and lot of maintenance.

b. Chipboard Panels:

The main advantages of using chipboard panels are that they are cheap and readily available. These panels are basically stiff boards made by bonding wooden chips and adhesive together under heat and pressure. Mainly three types of panels are available, each with their own characteristics.

c. MDF Panels:

Should you desire the woody look at nearly half the price, then MDF is your wall panel of choice. MDF or medium density fiberboard are made under high heat and pressure by binding small wood fibers and resin together. However, they are weak compared to wood and require lots of nails to be installed, thus demanding more time and effort in their installation.

d. Fabric Panels:

If you want your room to look soft, cozy and casual, then go for fabric panels. But if acoustic installation is a must, then opt for upholstered walls. Though on the higher range, they provide a soft look along with the blocking of sound.

e. PVC Panels:

With a cartload of advantages, PVC panels are in high demand for being long lasting, durable, fire resistant, hygienic and easily manageable. Mostly used in children's room, bathrooms, and kitchens, their installation in relatively easy and prompt.

f. Vinyl-covered Gypsum Boards:

Widely used in public buildings, vinyl-covered gypsum boards are highly fire-resistant and durable. Known for their sound insulation properties and versatility, they can be easily installed too.

With a limitless choice of designs, your home walls will truly look different, feel different, and stand out from the rest. So, go ahead and dab your walls with a new look.