Modern Hallway Panelling Ideas to Transform your Home

Breathing new life into a tired outdated space is easier than you might think with these modern hallway panelling ideas.

The hallway is often an overlooked space, but with a few thoughtful design touches this transitional area can become a welcoming focal point that sets the tone and style for your entire home. Installing panelling for hallways is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to achieve this. It provides architectural interest and adds style to otherwise blank walls, immediately elevating the space and taking it from boring to beautiful.

From traditional styles like tongue and groove to modern hallway panelling styles like shiplap, there are so many options when it comes to panelling for hallways. Read on for gorgeous inspiration and tips for achieving a hallway panelling project on a budget.

Benefits of hallway panelling

Panelling can completely transform the entire look and feel of a hallway, making it feel warmer and more inviting. Those flat, blank walls that you walk by a hundred times a day will suddenly have interest, texture and character. Adding vertical and horizontal lines through panelling gives your eyes something to follow and helps accentuate the proportions of the space, which can in turn make it feel larger.

On the practical side, wood or MDF panelling is durable and can handle those occasional bumps and scuffs from dogs, bicycles or deliveries

Best of all, you can install panelling over a weekend as a DIY project without breaking the bank. The materials are widely available and relatively affordable. With some handy skills and the right preparation, you can do this!

Different types of modern hallway panelling

Tongue and groove

Tongue and groove boards feature an edge profile with a protruding “tongue” on one side and a corresponding “groove” on the other side. When installed, the tongue of one board fits into the groove of the adjacent board, creating a tight, flush joint without gaps.

Tongue and groove panelling is a classic choice with a neat, clean look.  This versatile style works in both rustic and contemporary homes.

Shiplap

Shiplap is similar in style to tongue and groove. However shiplap boards have a distinctive overlapping gap or reveal between them, whereas tongue and groove boards create a flush, gap-free surface.

Shiplap boards typically have a groove cut along the top and bottom edges to allow them to overlap and fit together, creating a shadow line between each board. They are installed by fitting the edge of one board over the corresponding groove of the adjacent board. This overlapping installation creates a slightly recessed appearance and leaves a small gap between the boards, creating visual visual depth.

Shiplap is known for its informal, rustic look and is often associated with beach cottages and casual country homes.

Wainscoting

Wainscoting is a type of panelling that covers the lower portion of a wall. It serves both decorative and functional purposes, adding traditional style while also protecting the wall from scuffs and damage. Wainscoting typically extends from the floor to approximately chair rail height.

Beadboard

Beadboard wall panelling is constructed from boards with small, parallel grooves carved along the length. It can be bought in large sheets for easy installation and is popular for creating a classic, timeless look.

MDF

MDF wall panelling consists of thin panels made from medium-density fiberboard, an engineered wood product. MDF panelling is an affordable and customisable wall covering option that can simulate the look of more expensive wood panelling. It provides a smooth, uniform appearance and is easy to install, cut, and paint. Choose pre-primed boards to make painting easier.

Design considerations for hallway panelling

• Consider your overall interior style and make sure your panelling complements it.
• Factor in the existing architectural details of your hallway, stairs and landing – the height of your ceilings, architrave, windows, doors and lighting fixtures. Work with these features rather than against them.
• Think about lighting and how it will interact with your chosen panelling style. The lines and grooves will cast shadows and interest. Place fixtures carefully.
• For narrow spaces, panelled wainscoting along the bottom half of walls allows for breathing room.

Preparing and installing panelling for hallways

• First, prepare your walls so they are smooth and clean. Fill in any holes or imperfections to give the panels a flush surface to adhere to. I like to use Toupret.
• Next, measure your hallway walls carefully and map out your panel layout. Mark where you’ll need to cut boards to fit around corners and outlets. Calculate and purchase materials accordingly.
• When your panels arrive, lay them out in the hallway to do a dry run. Cut to fit using a circular saw, jigsaw or handsaw, taking the appropriate safety precautions. Go slowly and double check measurements.
• Adhere panels directly to the walls using panel adhesive or construction adhesive like Liquid Nails.
• Fill any cracks or seams with wood filler, allow it to dry completely and then sand smooth. Caulk the perimeter edges for a neat finish.
• Prime and paint the panelling in your chosen colour.

Finishing Touches

• Once your hallway panelling is installed and painted, consider adding crown moulding or decorative trim along the tops or seams. This extra detail will really help pull the whole look together.
• Carefully incorporate lighting fixtures like pendant lights or sconces to illuminate and enhance the panelling details. Lighting can make or break the overall effect.
• Add a strategically placed mirror. This will visually double the feel of the space, while reflect the beautiful patterns of the panelling. Slim, frameless mirrors work best in narrow halls.
• Choose a stylish piece of furniture like a console table to display some of your favourite items.
• Complete the look with finishing touches like art, plants, rugs and baskets to add life and personality to the space.

How much does it cost to panel a hallway?

The cost to install hallway panelling in the UK can vary depending on the size of your hallway, the materials you choose, and whether you DIY or hire a professional. Basic MDF or plywood panels can cost from £10-£30 per panel, while solid wood options like oak or pine typically cost £30-£70 per panel. Allow an additional £50-£100 for adhesive, trim, caulk and paint.

If your are installing the panelling yourself, you will need to budget around £300-£600 for materials for an average sized hallway. Hiring a carpenter or handyman to install will cost around £200-£400 per day. For a professionally installed hallway panelling project, expect to pay £800-£1,500 in total.

Can I install hallway panelling myself?

Yes, with the right planning, materials and tools this is definitely a project you can take on yourself. The installation process involves preparing the walls, measuring accurately, cutting panels to fit, adhering panels, filling seams, caulking, priming and painting. While it does involve a fair amount of work, it should be pretty doable for the average DIYer. Watch some video tutorials to familiarise yourself with the process first and make sure you have all the materials you need on hand. Take your time measuring and cutting and just tackle one wall at a time. If you do make any small mistakes, wood filler and paint can cover a lot!

Does panelling make a hallway look smaller?

It might seem like panelling would make a hallway feel more closed in or cramped, but with some thoughtful design choices, it can actually make it appear bigger. The vertical lines of many panel styles work to draw the eye upwards, creating the illusion of higher ceilings. Opting for panelling that covers just the bottom half of walls also keeps things looking more open. Avoid busy patterns in narrow hallways as this can feel overpowering. Instead, choose lighter, natural wood panelling or painted panels in subtle textures. Factor in plenty of lighting to make the space feel bright and airy and hang mirrors to add depth.

What are the best colours for hallway panelling?

When picking paint colours for hallway panelling, you’ll want to consider the mood you want to create as well as factors like the amount of natural light. Light, neutral colours like white, beige or light grey will open up smaller, darker hallways and keep the space feeling airy and bright. Bolder shades like navy blue, emerald green or darker greys will make a dramatic impact in larger hallways, while warm tones like browns, reds and oranges will create a cosy welcoming feel.

What is the best height for panelling for hallways?

A common rule of thumb is to install panelling somewhere between chair rail height (around 75-90cm) and traditional wainscoting height (120-135cm). This range hits the sweet spot for maximising visual impact in the space. Lower heights like chair rail help draw the eye upwards, which can make hallways feel more spacious. Full wainscoting height lends a more polished, finished look. For wider hallways, going with full wainscoting height balances out the proportions, while in narrow spaces, a shorter height prevents the panels from feeling too overwhelming. The height of your ceilings and existing trim details in the space will also impact the ideal panel height.

With some thoughtful planning and a little creativity, installing hallway panelling can be a fun rewarding DIY project. This simple, affordable update will turn your hallway from a plain functional zone into a welcoming space you’ll actually want to linger in. Experiment with materials and colours and make it uniquely yours.

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