15 Inexpensive Bedroom Wall Panelling Ideas

These bedroom wall panelling ideas are the best ways to add character, definition and intrigue to a space. The best bit? It’s well suited to properties of all distinctions due to the amount of different ways you can choose to panel a wall.

You can even buy DIY panelling kits with already cut to size wood and full instructions on how to do it. Make sure to also visit PPE suppliers to stock up on safety equipment before getting started, especially if you will be doing any drilling or sawing.

Here are some of the best, and inexpensive wall panelling ideas that can be used on new build, modern, period properties and everything in between.

15 Bedroom Wall Panelling Ideas

1.Shiplap Panelling

Shiplap panelling is a very classic and timeless look. It’s different to tongue and groove as shiplap just needs to be overlapped and doesn’t have to fit perfectly. As long as each piece is level once being fitted, both shiplap and tongue and groove can look incredibly effective.

“Tongue and groove is also relatively easy to install and can be a fairly quick process provided you use a reputable supplier,” comments fast house sales expert James Durr.

We opted for shiplap panelling in our main bedroom and I just love how it instantly adds something to the walls. I’m not a huge prints person as I find they can clutter the space, whereas with a set of wall lights on either side, the brass contrasts beautifully with the colour we chose for the walls.

The best way to fit this type of panelling is on 2×1 battens which are installed against the wall horizontally, spaced every 60cm. 

How you secure the battens to the wall will depend on what the substrate is. If it’s wood or joist, you can screw straight to it, if it’s brick then you would need to plug it first and then fix into it. 

The panelling can then be secured on top of the frame. This is imperative because wood contracts A LOT during heat which means constant repainting cracks that appear and new caulking which is an unbelievable pain in the ass.

2. Georgian Inspired Wall Panelling

Wall panelling has been around since the 13th century and was a huge part of period design in the Georgian era.

Georgian property or not, many people want to recreate that luxurious and gravitas factor that Georgian inspired wall panelling can bring.

A number of bedroom wall panelling ideas would have been seen during the Georgian era, but this below style which features a rectangle and a small square beneath it was a very popular style during this time.

This bedroom panelling brings class and luxury to a bedroom, without you having to do much else. It’s also perhaps the easiest panelling DIY of the bunch that there is.

3. Tongue & Groove Panelling

Perhaps, tongue and groove panelling might be my favourite style of bedroom panelling. What’s the difference to the shiplap style? Tongue and groove panelling is designed so each piece meticulously slots into one another, whereas shiplap overlaps.

Why not add wallpaper on the upper half for a bold, unique twist.

4. Square Panelling

This was another style that dates back to Georgian times and was heavily used in properties during this time in bedrooms, hallways and bathrooms (as beautifully styled below).

I LOVE this style on a master bedroom wall, it’s sophisticated, luxurious and it looks great with a grand looking bed.

It’s also a great bedroom panelling choice for farmhouse, rustic and minimal style home decor schemes. You can choose to add prints or wall hangings to finish it off too.

Adding an interesting twist to the traditional square panelling can significantly enhance your room’s overall aesthetic.

For example, incorporating tiles into your panelling can introduce a unique blend of textures that can elevate the design.

This is where Danny Deco, a reputable tile shop London, can assist. Danny Deco offers a myriad of tile options in various sizes, shapes, colours, and materials. By integrating tiles from Danny Deco within your square panelling, you can add an unexpected element that enhances sophistication while preserving the charm of the Georgian era.

Such design fusion combines the best of both worlds, blending modernity with classic timelessness for a distinctive, luxurious bedroom.

5. Slat Wood Wall Panels

Another alternative for a Scandi, contemporary or modern styled home is slat wood wall panels. This type of bedroom panelling adds serious definition to a room as a feature wall behind a bed.

These pre-made slats by Naturewall are Scandi-style wood wall slats which come in a range of real wood veneer finishes that come ready to install.

They look most effective when fitted floor to ceiling, but I have seen cases of half panelling in bedroom which still adds interest and character to a room. This is one of the most modern bedroom wall panelling ideas.

6. Panelling Wallpaper

Or, fake it until you make it. Can you believe the photo below is actually wallpaper that looks like panelling? This is an even more affordable way to bring this to life in your bedroom. Plus, you can easily switch it up when you fancy a change.

One of my favourite inexpensive bedroom wall panelling ideas.

7. Half Wall Bedroom Panelling

Half panelling in bedroom, or wainscoting has seen a huge resurgence in the last few years. It lends a traditional look, whilst it can be given a modern twist to suit your home decor scheme.

This type of room paneling in a bedroom adds formality to a wall, it can be painted in your chosen colour and is an inexpensive way to elevate your walls.

8. Bedroom Panelling & Wallpaper

Topping half wall panelling with wallpaper is such a beautiful way to elevate, and bring additional texture into a bedroom. This style of panelling can be created by using MDF strip wood which you can pick up from places like B&Q and home depot if you’re in the US.

It adds extra detail to the room, and the colours in the wallpaper perfectly match the sage green lower half, just beautiful. The panelling below is painted in Glass Pebble by Valspar.

9. Wrap Around Panelling

Adding panelling as a focal point to just the bed wall is a common way to do wall panelling in the bedroom.

But this, wrap around panelling look encompassed the look on every wall. Painted in a sage green shade, it creates such a restorative and relaxing space. Painted used Cromarty by Farrow and Ball.

10. Neutral Tones

I just adore those neutral, earthy tones in a bedroom and they lend themselves perfect to this wall panelling look.

Paint the upper half in an opposing, neutral colour for a cohesive yet visually interesting space.

The panelling pictured below is painted in Sunday Soul by Coat Paints.

11. Chunky Tongue & Groove Panelling

Tongue and groove panelling in a bedroom can be fitted to the ceiling, or fit it to a halfway point and finish the top with a moulding to create serious character on your bed wall. You could even add a shelf or some hooks to the moulding on top.

I love this chunky style of tongue and groove panelling, it feels a little bit mature for a bedroom space like this.

12. All White Look

An all white panelling look on a bed wall provides a crisp, pristine and super light setting in a bedroom.

White can be quite clinical and plain on its own, so do try and lift and add depth to the room like this with greenery, and darker shades for a more defining look.

13. Contrasting Colours

If you install half wall panelling, this gives you an opportunity to introduce additional colours into the setting.

Try topping with a bright white if you want to elevate the ceilings, or add a tonal appropriate colour on the upper half like this, to bring more depth and warmth into the bedroom.

14. Single Slat Panelling

Single slat panelling is one of the most inexpensive ways to panel a bedroom. It’s a great way to add boundaries to the room, as demonstrated with this dressing table section.

It has an effective finish and can be painted in the same shade as the walls to bring some definition and texture to the bedroom.

15. Defining Bedroom Wall Panelling

Neutral colours are everywhere as far as bedroom panelling is concerned, but opting for a darker shade can pay dividends too.

A dark shade such as charcoal grey or navy blue brings a grounding aspect to the room, perfect for introducing other neutral or lighter shades on top for a layered look.

How To Decide On The Type Of Wall Panelling For A Bedroom?

There are even more types of wall panelling ideas that aren’t so commonly used in bedrooms. There is a lot of speculation around the ‘will it’ ‘won’t’ panelling go out of fashion.

Tongue and groove panelling has definitely seen a revival over the last couple of years, but it has been used in homes since the 13th century.

When trying to decide what the best bedroom wall panelling ideas are for you, firstly think about the period of the property. A Georgian or Victorian property will be well suited to the more period styled panelling ideas, whilst a contemporary home won’t.

After you consider the age of the property, the main thing you need to think about is do you like it? Is it a trend you keep seeing everyone on Instagram have so want it too?

You’re going to be looking at it everyday so make sure it’s a wall panelling choice that you genuinely love and you can’t go far wrong.

Wall panelling a bedroom is my favourite way to bring character and depth to a room, and one of the best ways to add some uniqueness to a new build property.

It can be an affordable way to update your interiors, adding a touch of class, and personality to a bedroom. Which bedroom wall panelling ideas are your favourite?