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I’m an interiors expert – panelling is still in for 2025, but not for your walls
Plus tips on how you can prep any area of the home for panelling
COTTAGECORE-style interior design has been huge in recent years, and one of its most popular trends is panelled walls.
The chic and traditional interior style can be very expensive, but many have tried tackling it themselves with incredible results.
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Which is why there are several DIY TikTok videos that have gone viral recently, with some racking up over ten million views.
While people might think panelling has recently sprung to the forefront of interiors, it actually leans into classic interior styles such as Greek and Roman architecture.
With so much modern inspiration, it’s no surprise people are loving some more traditional features in the home.
However, some homeowners may be worried that the trend has now become dated in 2025.
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Don't worry - if you're only just beginning to think about adding panelling to your home, one interior expert has revealed that panelling is still in fashion.
Only it's not just for your walls this year.
It's a very classic and chic interior style that adds a lot of character to a home so we don’t see it disappearing anytime soon
Lucy Steele
According to Paint and Interiors specialist Lucy Steele, it's all about the ceiling in 2025.
She said: "There have already been some trending videos online showing people ripping apart their panelling as it’s ‘out of fashion’ but this simply isn’t true.
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"Even though panelling has been incredibly popular, it's a very classic and chic interior style that adds a lot of character to a home so we don’t see it disappearing anytime soon.
"The key difference for panelling this year will be the way in which it is installed.
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"Firstly, people will be looking for more unique and creative styles.
"Whether that’s adding panelling to the lower half of the room, creating wider spaces and interesting shapes or even adding panelling to the ceiling instead of the walls.
"With so many viral videos, people have also been able to learn from other mistakes, including the correct installation and removal of panelling.
"It might be best to add some protective film underneath the panelling to protect your walls from any damage."
Lucy has also revealed the colours homeowners should use if they do fancy trying the trend on the ceiling.
She added: "Generally speaking, all colours can work for panelling.
"For a timeless style, I would recommend using the same colour as the walls.
"If you’re looking for a slight contrast, go for the same tone in a slightly darker shade.
How do I prep my walls for panelling?
IF you're still planning to add panelling to your home, then you might want to take note.
Lucy has revealed how you should prep your walls before you bring in the new trend.
She said: "Before completing any DIY on your walls, the first step is to always clean them.
"Once cleaned, fix any holes with filler and sand down any bumps so that the wall is nice and smooth.
"If painting, always use a primer first so that the paint will have the best finish possible.
"And, most importantly, make sure the type of paint you can choose can be used on panelling.
"From there, simply make sure your panelling fits the space you’re working on and get started!"
"Avoid mixing contrasting colours as you want to create a seamless style with this DIY."
But Lucy warns that people should only install the trend in bigger rooms, or it can make a space feel small.
She said: "Bedrooms and living rooms have been the most common places for panelling.
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"However, I would strongly advise looking at the size of a room before panelling.
"Adding panelling will add a lot of character to an otherwise large and empty space, whereas it can overcrowd a small room."
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