Panelling
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Panelling is a type of timber surface covering primarily used for walls, but it can also be used for furniture, installed on ceilings and so on.
[edit] History
Early evidence of wood panelling appears in the 1400s, when it began to be used as a form of covering for stone walls. Acting as a type of insulation, wood panelling helped to control draughts, reflect heat from fires and dampen sound. It also increased the aesthetic options for walls that could be more easily decorated.
Its decorative characteristics became more sophisticated as techniques from Renaissance Italy spread due its depiction in paintings and print. In Tudor England, wood panelling became highly decorative and was widely adopted in the homes of the rich and, powerful.
During this period, panelling was typically made from thin planks of oak and was often carved with patterns. A linenfold pattern that resembled a fold of fabric became popular in England in the 1500s, with more fanciful panelling appearing in the 1600s and beyond.
In 16th century France, a type of ornate wood panelling known as boiserie became popular. Both intricately carved and fancifully painted, these wall treatments became fashionable during the time of Louis XV and Louis XVI. Examples can be seen in the Palace of Versailles, where rooms of importance were decorated with boiserie that included shallow-relief carvings, painted in contrasting colours and then adorned with gilding. This technique was also applied to doors, frames and other parts of rooms.
![]() |
The Cabinet Doré of Marie-Antoinette at Palace of Versailles features boiseries made by the Rousseu brothers. |
A similar form of oak panelling known as wainscoting became popular in England in the 1700s. In addition to protecting walls, it helped to decrease the impact of rising damp that could occur in some types of walls.
Wainscoting was originally used in floor to ceiling applications, but was later more commonly applied to just the lower portion of walls. The use of oak decreased over the years, and other types of timber became more common.
[edit] Modern panelling
Over the years, different types of materials have been used to produce panelling.
![]() |
This photo is of a cultural heritage site in Canada, numbers 14362 and 10582 in the Canadian Register of Historic Places. |
[edit] Solid planks
Traditional solid wood panelling is still available and is produced as planks with a tongue and groove edges. This provides a simple way to join the planks and allows movement to prevent splitting. Hardwoods are sometimes available, but softwoods - such as pine - are more commonly used.
[edit] Wallboards
Manufactured sheet wallboards come in a wide variety of materials and are made to various standard sizes and in thicknesses. This type of panelling is typically made from plywood or hardboard panels that have been covered with different types of finishes. These can include timber veneers, coloured plastic or simulated wood (on printed paper), embossed brick, stone, plaster or tile. Wallboards can also be made from wood fibre boards and covered with cork or fabric.
[edit] Reproduction panelling
When traditional solid wood panelling is not available, there are several reproduction options. The most common are rigid, moulded urethane foam panels (sometimes available with traditional linenfold or floral patterns) or veneer-faced panels (sometimes available with oak veneers) attached to plywood.
[edit] Industrial panelling
Industrial panelling can be made from galvanised steel sheet with a rigid insulation core and a plasterboard inner lining.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.