A true ally of interior design, embodying aesthetic and functional versatility, panelling is an invitation to transform and personalize a space. Its multiple facets and possibilities represent a choice option for those seeking to personalize their decor and enhance its character.

Here's a short guide to this wall covering, a star of interior design for decades, from decorative perspectives to installation tips.

Wood panelling OR MDF panelling

Wood panelling
Now back at the forefront of trends after enjoying great success in the 80s, wood panelling is making a remarkable comeback in our interior spaces. It comes in a variety of styles, finishes and formats, allowing you to adapt its look to any decor, whether authentic or resolutely contemporary.

Wood panelling is often chosen for the warm ambience it can create in a room, and its natural look. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, it helps improve the thermal and acoustic insulation of a space.

MDF panelling
MDF panelling is also a very popular option, not least for its versatility. It combines the elegant look of wood with the flexibility and ease of processing of MDF. This type of paneling is particularly appreciated for its sturdiness and its ability to be painted or customized according to individual preferences, making it ideal for a variety of interior design projects.

MDF paneling is also recognized for its durability and resistance to climatic variations, making it suitable for many environments. With its wide range of styles and finishes, MDF paneling adapts to every decorative desire, offering a modern yet economical solution for all wall cladding projects.

The direction of wall cladding

When it comes to installing wall panelling, it's essential to consider the direction of installation to achieve the desired effect in your space. Here are a few popular options:

Vertical installation
Installed vertically, wainscoting creates the illusion of height, making the room visually larger. This method is ideal for bringing a sense of slenderness, especially in spaces with low ceilings. Although it can also give a slight impression that the room is narrower, used with a well-balanced dosage, such as applying it to a single wall section in a room, to create a focal point or enhance a particular area of the room, it can work wonders! It's the perfect setting for an elegant atmosphere.

Horizontal installation
By choosing a horizontal installation, you give the room a sense of perspective and wider space, although it can make the ceiling appear lower. This method is particularly suited to rooms with high ceilings and narrow spaces. When installed in this way, wainscoting will be particularly enhanced if applied to walls perpendicular to natural light sources, maximizing the effect of light and space.

Diagonal installation
For a modern, distinctive approach, diagonal installation is currently very popular with architects and interior designers. It brings a unique dynamic to the room and creates a strong visual focal point. Although this technique requires more complex cutting and careful planning, as it involves precise adjustments to ensure perfect alignment of the paneling on the various surfaces, it is an original option that is sure to create a captivating effect in your decor.

Each wall panelling installation technique has its own particularities and should be chosen according to the desired effect, the room configuration and the ambience you wish to create.

Type of installation

The type of installation for your wall panelling can vary according to your desired aesthetic and your budget, influencing the cuts required.

Lost-cut installation
This is the most economical and common technique. It involves using the cuttings from the previous row to start the next row, and so on. The main advantage of this method is that no joints are aligned and all offcuts are used, minimizing waste.

Stone-cutting
Known for its impeccable aesthetic rendering, this method involves cutting the panelling so that the joints are aligned every two rows. This method is ideal for vertical installation, especially when the length of the boards is equal to or less than the height of the ceiling. However, this technique requires a lot of off-cuts to maintain perfect regularity, and is less economical than lost-cut installation.

Installation method: frame or wall-mounted

There are two main installation methods. It's important to note that not all methods are suitable for all types of panelling or all support materials. For wood panelling, for example, framing is generally required.

Framed installation
Framed installation involves installing a framework of wooden battens, to which the wainscoting boards are attached. This method is necessary if the supporting wall is irregular or too damaged. For wood panelling, this method is essential to ensure adequate ventilation and avoid moisture and mould problems.

Benefits
Framing allows insulation to be integrated between the paneling and the wall, which is particularly beneficial for exterior walls. What's more, the frame creates constant air circulation between the boards and the substrate, preventing damp.

Direct wall installation
With this method, the paneling is fastened directly to the wall. Particularly suitable for MDF panelling, it can be glued or stapled, although the latter is less easy to implement. For this method, it's crucial that the wall is clean, sound, dry and dust-free before installation.

Benefits
Direct-to-wall installation is quick and easy, offering an aesthetic finish with a reduced wall covering thickness. It also makes renovation easy and economical.

Each type of wall covering has its own specific installation requirements. So it's important to choose the most appropriate method to ensure both the aesthetics and longevity of your wallcovering.