20 Wall Paneling Ideas That Feel Fresh and Modern

Add dimension and style to your space with these diverse wall paneling ideas.

If you’ve ever entered your room only to feel like something is lacking, there’s a good chance your space could use more dimension via texture or color. Wall paneling is arguably one of the most effective ways to get that wow-worthy statement—and there are myriad styles to consider that work across a range of aesthetics.

"Wall paneling is the perfect and the easiest way to add architectural features in a small or plain room without feeling the need to buy a whole bunch of 'stuff' to decorate and define style in the space," says Anita Yokota, interior designer and author of Home Rules. "It’s an evergreen, timeless classic that elevates every room. Even for a room that is sparsely furnished, if the walls are structured with paneling, the space feels instantly refined."

Let these beautiful wall paneling ideas get the wheels turning as you consider ways to add intrigue to the spaces in your home.

Related: 10 Types of Trim That Will Instantly Elevate Your Home

Dark Blue, Checkered Board and Batten

The bedroom provides an excellent opportunity to create an accent wall—ideally behind the bed for a dramatic statement.

"I love to use a pop of color on an accent wall in a primary bedroom. In this bedroom, I went with blue on top of a transitional board and batten designed wall," says Laura Botelho, interior designer. "It really anchors the room without feeling dark or heavy."

Wallpaper and Wainscoting

If you can't decide between wallpaper and wainscoting, there's good news: You can have both. This beautiful design by Melinda Kelson O'Connor Architecture & Interiors combines the two in this elegant dining room. The goal is to choose either complementary tones, as pictured here, or to lean into stark contrast.

Related: 18 Beautiful Dining Room Décor Ideas That Will Inspire You to Entertain More Often

Contrasting Wall Paneling

Speaking of stark contrast, here's an example by Victoria Holly Interiors of two opposing colors working harmoniously. The black and white color scheme makes this home office feel light and studious all at once.

White Heringbone Shiplap in Dining Room

While horizontally placed shiplap might be on its way out, there are many modern ways to make this wall paneling work in your space. "I added a modern twist on the traditional shiplap by laying it in a herringbone design," says Botelho. "To break up the pattern a bit, I featured a mirror with square window panes and a large sideboard in a light ash wood stain."

Sage Wainscoting in the Bedroom

"In this space, I wanted to accomplish a room that felt grounded and calm. Paneling was the perfect choice to anchor the space and set the intention of the room," says Yokota. "When we surround ourselves with warm textures and rich materials, it anchors and roots us, which is so important in the bedroom.”

Bold Orange Board and Batten

If you're craving an ultra-daring look in the bedroom, no color packs quite as much wow as orange. In this design by Amber Guyton of Blessed Little Bungalow, a matte, muted orange board and batten wall features a crisp design that elevates the color. Meanwhile, tones of gold, black, and leopard round out the design.

Related: 20 Small Bedroom Ideas With Big Impact

Tall Wainscoting in Living Room

Paneling an entire wall can turn pricey and laborious very quickly if you have tall ceilings. An alternative, as pictured in this design by Brad Ramsey, is to opt for an extended wainscoting that hits at about seven to 10 feet. Then, paint the upper portion in the same color. This accentuates the height of the room beautifully while lending some much-needed texture.

Related: 14 Living Room Décor Ideas Every Homeowner Should Try

Floor to Ceiling Board and Batten

In rooms with normal to low ceilings, adding vertical floor-to-ceiling board and batten can create the illusion of more height while adding dimension to the space. Here, Guyton opted for a dark blue—near black—hue, though any color would work well with this approach as long as it ties into existing elements of your space.

Wooden Beadboard

Wooden beadboard is the perfect addition to homes that embrace a mid-century modern aesthetic or perhaps lean a little Scandinavian. The vertical lines add height and texture while still feeling subtle and chic.

Wood-Like Porcelain Tile Paneling in Bathroom

Yes, you can add wall paneling to your bathroom, as well. The trick is to use moisture-resistant materials. "In this bathroom, the whitewashed wood-like porcelain tile provides the perfect woodsy and durable backsplash for the cast iron trough sink," says Shaunn Quayle of Britt Design Group.

Related: 26 Easy—and Impactful—Bathroom Upgrades That Cost Less Than $100

Paneled Nook

While you may feel inclined to make a nook stand out from the rest of your space, continuing the same color palette and design approach can be quite striking, as proven here by interior designer Maggie Griffin. Here, wall-to-ceiling board and batten in a robin's egg blue create instant elegance.

Staircase Wall Paneling

Wall paneling is a simple way to add intrigue to an otherwise simple staircase. This rounded board and batten in a crisp white color feels modern, minimalist, and sophisticated.

Black Vertical Wooden Slats

A matte black vertical wood slat wall in a child's room brings a trendy and contemporary style while maintaining a playful vibe. "The vertical orientation of the slats adds height to the room, making it feel more spacious and visually interesting," says Amy Switzer, an interior designer. "It's a great choice for a kid's room, as it provides a contemporary look that can grow with them as their tastes evolve and provides a backdrop for various playful, colorful elements."

Dark Wood Wall Paneling

Interior designer Brad Ramsey embraced floor-to-ceiling dark wood paneling in this handsome den. The dark walls paired with cream, gray, gold, and leather tones make for a timeless design.

Geometric Wall Paneling Design

While we often see board and batten with straightforward frames or lines, Botelho proves you don't always have to play by those rules with this unique geometric design.

"This dark green primary bedroom accent wall is truly a focal point for this modern space," she says. "I kept all of the furniture lower to the ground to really allow for more of the wall design to be featured."

Upholestered Wall Paneling

Another way to veer away from the expected is to bypass the hardness of wood paneling in favor of something softer. Here, interior designer Jon de la Cruz of DLCID combined upholstered leather, boiled wood, and ebonized walnut to create the perfect bedroom backdrop.

Subtle Horizontal Paneling

Joshua Smith Inc. used subtle horizontal paneling in this historic pre-war home. It offers the perfect backdrop for the storied elements incorporated into the design, including a gilded mirror and tall lamp, crystal chandelier, sconces, and French chairs.

Intricate Geometric Paneling

In this design by DGI Design, a minimalist-maximalist approach is taken with wall paneling. It utilizes natural wood tones via fine beadboard but arranges them in an intriguing way. You can't help but feel wowed.

Related: 50 Small Bathroom Ideas That Make a Huge Impact

Crisp Horizontal Shiplap

How whimsical is this hidden playroom designed by Curated Nest Interiors? A 14,000-square-foot basement was transformed into a children's paradise, complete with this hidden room featuring a crisp white shiplap exterior.

Window Adjacent Gray and White Paneling

Even small spaces can benefit from a soft textural touch. This window-adjacent wall paneling, created by Joshua Smith Inc., features a simple design that mirrors the glass. It's accentuated with gray against a white wall for a subtle elegance that doesn't detract from the window's view.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart.