The Latest Trends in Wall Panel Design for a Modern Look

Wall panels are an ingenious way to enhance the visual appeal of any interior space, be it homes, offices, hotels, restaurants, or other commercial establishments. Unlike painting or wallpapering an entire room, wall panels allow you to add flair and character strategically through textures, patterns, colours, and materials.

Wall panels have been used as an interior décor element since ancient times. Thanks to unique new materials and innovative installation techniques, they are now seeing a significant resurgence in popularity. Read on to discover the evolution of wall panel design trends and how to incorporate them into your spaces.

The Evolution of Wall Panel Design Trends

Traditional wall panelling techniques involved installing solid wood planks or ornate mouldings on walls. These tended to have an old-world charm and were used to make a bold style statement in spaces like studies, libraries and formal dining rooms.

Over the years, technological advancements have led to new materials like MDF, plywood, laminates, and acrylics for fabricating lightweight, versatile, and cost-effective wall panels. These modern panels are in a mind-boggling array of textures, patterns, finishes, and colours. From subtle neutrals to vivid hues and swirly designs to geometric grids, a wall panel suits every interior theme and colour palette!

Current Popular Materials for Wall Panels

The following are some popular materials for wall panels:

• MDF Panels: Made from recycled wood fibres bonded by wax and resin, MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) offers consistent quality and smooth surfaces ideal for applying paints, laminates or veneers. MDF wall panels are famous for their sound and heat insulation properties.
• PVC/Vinyl Panels: Water-resistant and easy to clean, PVC creates embossed or 3D wall panels that add fabulous texture. Being mould and moisture-resistant, these are great for bathrooms, basements and high-humidity areas.
• Wood Veneer Panels: Real wood veneers applied to MDF or plywood cores yield stunning wall panels with natural wood grain patterns. Different wood types, including oak, maple, cherry, and walnut, produce unique looks.
• Glass Panels: Sleek and modern, coloured or frosted glass panels look especially elegant when backlit. These can also create cool shadow effects on surrounding walls.
• Upholstered Panels: Fabric-wrapped panels help absorb sound and lend a soft, luxurious feel to living rooms, bedrooms and offices when mounted behind sofas or beds.

Also Read: Texture Wall Designs for Your Home Walls

Innovative Designs and Techniques

The following are the main innovative designs and techniques:

• 3D and 4D Wall Panels: Three-dimensional panels with varying depths add fabulous drama through plays of light and shade. Accent walls with abstract protruding shapes make for powerful style statements.
• Backlit Panels: Lighting behind wall panels creates a gorgeous glow while highlighting texture and form. This works beautifully for glass, onyx, coloured acrylics, fabric, wood veneers and metal mesh.
• Overlapping Panels: Irregular wooden planks overlapping each other at varying angles result in a dynamic patchwork effect on accent walls.
• Geometric Patterns: Statement walls with triangular wood tiles, hexagonal motifs or chequerboard designs crafted from contrasting materials catch the eye with their mathematical beauty.
• Wall paintings: Remember the transformative power of interior wall paints like Nerolac Beauty. Their trending hues and flawless finishes beautifully complement creative panel installations.

How to Incorporate Wall Panels in Your Home

When planning a wall panel installation, decide on the room and the exact wall area you wish to treat. Carefully consider lighting and how the panels will coordinate with the space's existing architecture, flooring, window treatments, and furnishings.

Wall panels work best when used selectively as accents. For example, just one textured stone veneer panelled column or a set of backlit glass panels will jazz up a plain wall. Alternatively, focus on the wall behind a bed, seating area, or TV rather than panelling the entire room.

Tips for Choosing the Right Wall Panels for Your Space

Here are the critical points for choosing the right wall panels:

• Consider the room's frequency of use, functionality, and dimensions. For example, moisture-resistant PVC panels are better suited to bathrooms than wood veneers.
• Match the wall panel type to the interior design style - contemporary, traditional, modern, rustic, etc.
• Choose panels made of durable, eco-friendly materials that are ideal for local weather and easy to maintain.
• Opt for low-VOC, non-toxic finishes that are environmentally safe.
• Measure room dimensions precisely and map out panel placement to ensure proper fit.

Also Read: 3D Wall Painting Design Ideas for a Modern Living Room

DIY Ideas for Custom Wall Panels

If the idea of installing wall panels seems daunting, start with easy DIY projects using budget materials before progressing to more advanced designs:

Paint colour block squares or stripes for an on-trend graphic accent wall. Jazz it up with geometrics from the painter's tape.

Use plywood or Pegboards to mount floating shelves, storage boxes, hooks or hardware to hang artwork and objects for an industrial look.

Cut cork tiles or acrylic mirrors into fun shapes – triangles, circles, diamonds - to tile a whimsical statement wall.

Use vinyl floor tiles or faux bricks for contemporary backsplashes and shower surrounds.

Alternative Uses for Wall Panels

Since wall panels are so versatile, don’t limit their application to just walls! Consider these inventive ideas:

Install wall panels behind open shelving units or room dividers to form groovy backdrops stuffed with books, collectables and potted plants.

Use wall panels instead of glass mirrors above a fireplace or behind a sofa. Way more interesting!

Create a stunning gallery wall with wall panels in different sizes rather than framed artwork: mix materials, textures and hues for maximum impact.

Also Read: Innovative Accent Wall Designs For A Unique Home

Conclusion: Why You Should Consider Wall Panels for a Modern Look

Elevate your interior décor with stunning wall panels from Nerolac Beauty. These lightweight panels allow endless design possibilities to make dramatic statements, have fun with textures, and ultimately transform spaces.

Installing panels on accent walls lends contemporary appeal with less effort than painting or wallpapering an entire room. Experiment imaginatively with shapes, materials, and placement to add depth, dimension, and luxury with character and flair.

For gorgeous, breathtaking results and guaranteed compliments, choose Nerolac Beauty Little Master Sheen. This company offers exceptional-quality designer panels in durable, sustainable finishes. Available in trending textures and a stunning colour palette, let Nerolac Beauty wall panels win you over!