Wall Panelling: A classic feature finds new relevance in modern homes
Once a hallmark of grand European homes, wall panelling is making a confident return to contemporary interiors. Ahram Online spoke with Egyptian designers to explore its evolution, current styles, and how to use it effectively in modern spaces.
"Incorporating panelling can completely transform a space—whether you're after subtle sophistication or striking contrast," said interior designer Nada El-Shennawi, who sees it as both practical and expressive.
Designer Ahmed Khaled agrees, citing its versatility: "What was once exclusive to grand residences is now beautifully adapted for modern living, thanks to the range of materials and styles available today."
From insulation to statement
Wall panelling, applied through frame-like mouldings on walls and doors, were originally used to insulate rooms in 17th-century France and England. Today, it's more about style than temperature control—but the elegance endures.
The term comes from the French panneau, meaning "panel" or "board". While historic homes often feature elaborate designs, modern interpretations lean toward simplicity, aligning with contemporary interiors' clean lines and muted tones.
Proportion and placement matter!
For El-Shennawi, proportion is key. In rooms with high ceilings, panelling can be more expansive, often using gypsum or timber. For spaces with lower ceilings, she suggests confining the design to the lower third of the wall—square formats work well.
Small rooms benefit from light, minimal panels to avoid a cramped feel, while larger spaces can carry bolder, floor-to-ceiling styles. MDF and natural wood remain popular choices, offering both durability and a timeless look.
Though white and off-white remain classic, deeper hues like charcoal, navy, and emerald are increasingly being used to create moodier, more dramatic spaces.
Modern twists and creative touches
Because panelling mimics the form of a frame, it naturally invites creativity. Lining the inside with wallpaper can give a gallery-like effect; painting the interior in a contrasting shade can amplify visual interest.
Metallic highlights—gold or silver—lend a subtle sense of luxury.
Some designs incorporate trompe-l'œil (optical illusion) effects or curated artworks, while others keep the panel itself as the main decorative element. Mirrored panels are also common, bouncing light and creating the illusion of space.
Panelling can either complement a home's existing architecture or add intentional contrast.
"In classic homes, simpler panels can tone down the formality," says El-Shennawi. "In minimalist spaces, intricate panels introduce warmth and detail."
Materials and new directions
Khaled highlights the diversity of materials now available. Gypsum remains one of the most accessible options, while wood and stone offer longevity and suit high-traffic areas. Fibre-reinforced cement (GRC) is a premium, moisture-resistant material suited for outdoor use.
Newer innovations include fabric-covered panels, which bring softness and texture, and eco-friendly, ready-made panels that balance ease of installation with sustainability.
Design-wise, classical panelling—typically found in entrance halls or reception areas—leans on symmetry and soft curves. Modern interpretations tend toward clean lines and geometric balance, sometimes incorporating wood, metal, or integrated lighting.
Three-dimensional (3D) panels create sculptural effects ideal for feature walls, while fluted panels, made from slim vertical slats, add a contemporary sense of height and rhythm.
A feature that works hard
One of panelling's biggest strengths is its flexibility. It adds gravitas to reception rooms, introduces calm in bedrooms, and brings depth to living spaces—especially when paired with soft wallpaper or muted tones.
Even bathrooms—particularly guest loos—can benefit from subtle panelling, while corridors and entranceways often rely on it to break up blank walls and create visual flow.
Wall panelling might be rooted in tradition, but its reinvention proves it's far from stuck in the past.
From : Al-Ahram