Bedroom wall panelling ideas – 13 ways to bring texture and interest to your bedroom walls

Your bedroom should feel like an oasis of sleep and calm that also reflects your taste and style at the same time. But perhaps in smaller doses than in the rest of the home because you don’t want anything overly stimulating in a place designed for relaxation. But if you want to inject some character into the space and your walls in particular, bedroom wall panelling ideas is one of the best ways to do it.

Wall panelling ideas somehow manage to be super on-trend while also being very timeless. And it’s the perfect way to elevate a wall (or walls) and bring some texture into the space, especially when it comes to a bedroom.

‘The bedroom is very much the sanctuary of the home and should therefore be given the attention it deserves,’ says Summa Costandi, co-founder at decorative wall panelling company, Panels by Sofia. ‘Installing panels is a fantastic way to add texture to your bedroom and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space by creating a cosy, tranquil sleep environment. Many people aren’t aware that wall panels can also add an extra layer of insulation, something that is always welcomed in the bedroom in particular.’

Bedroom wall panelling ideas

‘Adding depth and interest, panelling instantly elevates a bedroom through the introduction of either subtle or bold lines and textures,’ says Olivia Crosher, designer and visual stylist at Naturewall. ‘It’s easy to find a wall panelling style that complements any design aesthetic, so you can find your perfect match.’

And this selection of top 13 styles are bound to have something for everyone.

1. Go for vertical lines

If ever in doubt, go for wall panelling featuring vertical lines as it makes the space appear larger and ceilings higher. And who’d say no to that?

‘Panels with vertical lines are a great addition to a bedroom, as they draw the eye upwards, creating the illusion of a bigger room and higher ceiling,’ Olivia at Naturewall says.

2. Opt for half-height panelling

Going for half-height wall panelling gives you even more space to get creative as you can apply one finish on the bottom half and anything from a contrasting yet complementary colour to a printed wallpaper to the top.

‘Panels can also be a great way to break up space and create an interesting contrast between textures and colours. This works particularly well with half-height panelling as panels can be painted in a different shade to the upper half of the wall. If you have a lot of space to play with, you could install half-height panelling throughout the room to add texture and warmth to the space,’ Summa at Panels by Sofia says.

3. Create a ribbed wall effect

In case you were wondering, wall panelling is still very much on trend in 2025. And it’s the likes of ribbed and fluted finishes that are really taking off this year.

‘Ribbed wall panels are rounded and will therefore create a soft and cosy environment. If you’re looking to add a subtle touch of texture in the bedroom, ribbed panels look great when they are installed at half-height and painted the same colour as the rest of the wall,’ Summa at Panels by Sofia says.

4. Go classic with shaker style

If your and your home’s style lean more towards a traditional aesthetic, then a traditional style of wall panelling like the shaker design or the Jacobean grid will work best for your bedroom walls.

‘For a more classic style, opt for a heritage panel such as the shaker style. Shaker wall panelling can be bought in pre-cut strips, are super easy to install and will create a timeless finish,’ Summa from Panels by Sofia explains.

5. Cover the walls and ceiling

Give your space a comforting, cohesive feel by taking your bedroom wall panelling ideas onto the ceiling.

This enveloping effect can be comforting and calming, making it perfect for a restful space.

Opt for blonde or white painted wood to open up your space, making it feel lighter and brighter. These fresher choices help boost light levels in bedroom ideas where natural sources may be lacking. For a super cosy, warm feel, look to deeper wood or paint for your panels.

6. Elongate with slimline panels

Make your walls seem taller than they actually stand with a strategic choice in the size and layout of your panels.

'If they are applied vertically, they can create the illusion of an extended space,' Olivia at Naturewall advises.

'Wall panels can also be as wide as you desire,' adds Olivia. 'You apply a couple of 600mm wall panels to a wall to create a zone or provide a stylish backdrop to a standout piece of furniture. Equally, wall panels can span the whole width of a feature wall to have a bigger impact.'

7. Go for geometrics

There's no rule which dictates that wall panels have to be rectangular or square planks of wood. Offer your walls individualistic personality by creating stylish geometric shapes.

As well as looking cool, this is a great way of making your money go further. You need far fewer panels to create these effects, making it a great example of budget bedroom decor ideas.

8. Create a unique space with reclaimed wood

Use your bedroom wall panelling ideas to show off the beauty of natural wood by using reclaimed planks.

'Natural materials are on-trend within interiors for 2022 and beyond,' says Olivia from Naturewall. 'Adding a material like natural wood brings warmth to your home and creates a connection to the outside which has proven to be beneficial for wellbeing.'

'The interesting variation of colour, tone and texture within the wood brings a sophisticated feel to an interior. Combined with the versatility of the wood, you can find a colour and finish to suit your current furnishings and décor scheme – making them complementary to any interior style.'

9. Get playful with paint

Add some joy to your wall panels by combining them with bedroom paint ideas. While you can of course paint the walls all one colour, add an extra level of design flair by painting the two halves of the walls in different colours. This combination will create both a vertical and horizontal pattern.

Choose two tonal shades for a sophisticated effect, or contrasting colours for a more playful approach – perfect for kids room ideas.

10. Fake it with wallpaper

For a budget friendly and easy way to get the wall panel effect, then look to bedroom wallpaper ideas.

Not only is this a less expensive option than actual panelling, but you have near unlimited choices for patterns and colourways. Plus, it's easy and relatively inexpensive to replace should you grow tired of the design.

11. Double up your headboard

Large or boldly patterned headboards become a natural focal point in a bedroom. However, it's a big investment and doesn't suit every style.

Cheat your way to dramatic DIY headboard ideas by planning your space so it sits in front of a statement area of wall panelling. Paint the panels in a brighter and lighter shade than the headboard. This will make sure it stands out and creates contrast without adding extra darkness to the higher points in the room and making the ceiling appear lower than it is.

12. Choose a moody palette

Painting your bedroom wall panelling ideas in a deep, bold colour can seem daunting, but will offer a lot if you're feeling brave enough. Darker colours really highlight the shapes and shadows created by the panels, forming the appearance of an even deeper wall.

It may seem scary to double up panelling and colour drenching, but if you coat all - or most of - your surfaces in the one colour, it can look seriously chic.

'Rich, bold colours work best for colour drenching,' advises Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown. 'If you feel brave you can go for a really dark shade for a strong, dramatic effect, but it's better to avoid too bright shades, as they could become overpowering, especially in smaller spaces.'

13. Gain an extra surface

Bedroom panelling ideas can be made to work harder than just looking good.

Gain yourself an extra surface by only taking your panelling halfway up your wall, and making sure it comes out a few centimetres rather than laying fairly flush to the wall. Add a slim ledge and voilà! A perfect area for propping up artwork, displaying objects and adding seasonal touches.

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to panel a bedroom wall?

There are budget-friendly options you can go for, whether you’re looking for ways to fake the wall panelling look or use actual wood panels.

‘MDF wall panels are a cost-effective way to add interest to a room, and they can be painted to match your colour scheme perfectly,’ says Olivia Crosher, designer and visual stylist at Naturewall. ‘With these panels being paintable, it also means you can easily change up your interior by simply repainting rather than replacing the panelling.’

Summa Costandi, co-founder of Panels by Sofia, has a couple more tips on how to panel a bedroom wall affordably, ‘The cheapest way to panel a bedroom wall is to use half-height panelling across one wall only. This is still a great way to add some character to your space, without the need to panel the entire wall or bedroom. You can also choose the thickness of the panels; the thicker the panel, the more expensive it tends to be.’

‘Shaker panelling is another cost effective option as the design allows you to cover a much larger space with less material than other types of panelling,’ she concludes.

Does panelling work in small bedrooms?

Wall panels are a wonderful decor choice, however large or small your space. That said, panelling is especially effective in small bedroom ideas.

'Wall panels can make spaces appear larger and more spacious,' agrees Simon Myatt, brand ambassador at Havwoods.

'Particularly when applied to a full wall,' adds Olivia from Naturewall. 'If the wall panels are horizontal, they can elongate a room.'

'Even applying wall panels to half the wall height can evoke the feeling of a bigger area, by breaking up solid and enclosing walls.'

Should panelling be lighter or darker?

'It all depends on the type of wood panelling you choose,' advises Chelsea Clark, head of brand at I Love Wallpaper. 'A darker finish can make a room feel small, however still cosy and inviting.'

'If opting for a darker hue of wood, create a distinct focal point by limiting the panelling to only one wall, it will help make the space feel bigger. Reflecting natural light, a lighter-coloured wood can help really open up a room, especially small spaces like bathrooms and kitchens.'

Are you thinking to give wall panelling in your bedroom a try? And what style would you go for?