Decorating
Period Features to Love Forever: Wall Panelling
Wall panelling was originally used to insulate heritage homes, but today it adds distinct decorative detail to make spaces stand out
Interior wall panelling (also known as wall lining or wainscoting) can be seen in both period houses and modern homes, used as a decorative trim and a means to add or maintain the character of a house. Originally installed floor-to-ceiling in stone buildings during the 1600s to help insulate cold spaces, by the 18th century panelling designs had changed so that these timber boards only covered the lower part of walls.
Wall panelling comes in a variety of profiles and materials suitable for period homes and modern houses. Here’s what to know about interior panelling with some advice from the architects and designers who use it.
Wall panelling comes in a variety of profiles and materials suitable for period homes and modern houses. Here’s what to know about interior panelling with some advice from the architects and designers who use it.
What to consider when choosing interior panelling
- Stock or custom-made: Whether you’re restoring wall or ceiling panelling or adding it new, you can choose from a wide range of manufactured stock components or have it custom-made according to your requirements.
- Size and scale: The size of your house will be a factor in how much panelling your period home can bear. Floor-to-ceiling panels in a small room may feel dark and heavy, for instance, while in a large room it could feel grand and stately instead.
- Style and era: Consider the style of your heritage home as this may play a role in the panelling you choose, as well as the wall treatment above the panelling.
- Functionality: Think about whether you want the rail between the panelling and wall to be functional – perhaps as a picture rail to hang or stand pictures on – as this will determine the height to be panelled. Or, as can be seen in this image, to create an exhibition space between the panelling and the architrave above.
- Colour and pattern: Consider whether you want your panelling to stand out from or harmonise with the rest of your wall treatment.
Types of panelling
- Frame and panel: Frame and panel construction comes in a number of different profiles, in which square or rectangular sections are raised or recessed along the wall panel.
A series of angular shapes needs to be used when installing frame and panel on the side of a staircase.
The extensive refurbishment of this 1885 Victorian mansion
maintains the beauty of the original features, including the panelling on the side of the stairs. As can be seen here, the panelling adds depth to the passageway and enhances the character of the space.
Rowena Moore of Smart Design Studio advises that for any rebuild they generally look to the period of the house and consistency with skirting, architraves and other interior details.
The extensive refurbishment of this 1885 Victorian mansion
maintains the beauty of the original features, including the panelling on the side of the stairs. As can be seen here, the panelling adds depth to the passageway and enhances the character of the space.
Rowena Moore of Smart Design Studio advises that for any rebuild they generally look to the period of the house and consistency with skirting, architraves and other interior details.
Here, a simple rectangular frame sits at the top of the wall panelling. According to Sandy Cousens of Sanctuary in Style, a simple timber profile can alter the overall scheme of a space. She finds it to be cost-effective, easy to apply, and a great way to create a consistent look throughout a series of spaces, or even a whole house.
- Vertical join board: Known as V-J board, or beadboard in the US, this is a row of narrow wood planks lined up vertically, with a little indentation or ridge between each plank.
This cream brick 1950s home was recently renovated by Lazcon. While panelling was typical in this sort of home in the 1950s, it was often floor-to-ceiling and commonly varnished or stained. Jacquie Lazzarotto of Lazcon says she installed this panelling to imbue a sense of time and history. It successfully added subtle depths and layers to the walls to create a light Shaker feel.
Lazzarotto advises users to be mindful of ceiling heights and other interior trims and mouldings, so as not to overcomplicate a space.
Lazzarotto advises users to be mindful of ceiling heights and other interior trims and mouldings, so as not to overcomplicate a space.
Cousens says she used wall panelling to reduce the cost of tiling an entire bathroom. She also added a colonial-style dado rail for a finishing touch to the panelling, and painted the wall to complement the floor.
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- Board and batten: Board and batten is a similar vertical design to V-J boards that uses battens – strips of wood – over the joints. Battens serve to frame the V-J boards and break up long sections of wall panelling.
- Pressed metal: Pressed metal was popular in Victorian and Federation-era homes between the 1880s and 1930s due to competitive prices, easy installation, and being fire-resistant and durable. Pressed metal can be bought new and used on walls and ceilings, as well as splashbacks and other interior features.
While the panels came up beautifully, McArthur advises homeowners and renovators to use new rather than recycled pressed metal. This proved to be a painstaking choice because of the process of sandblasting, powder-coating, installing, filling and sanding.
Your turn
Does your period house have wall panelling that serves as a design feature of your home? Let us know in the Comments below, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
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Add Old Charm to New Homes With Classic Trims and Tricks
Does your period house have wall panelling that serves as a design feature of your home? Let us know in the Comments below, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Add Old Charm to New Homes With Classic Trims and Tricks
Interior panelling can be used to cover large surfaces within the home, such as walls and ceilings. Originally used to insulate cold spaces, interior panelling is a type of trim that also protects walls from damage, allows materials to expand and contract without visible cracks, and prevents and hides water damage.