What is wainscoting?

{noun}  “Wood, especially oak and usually in the form of panelling, for lining interior walls. The lining itself, especially as covering the lower portion of a wall.” (Oxford Dictionary)

Wainscoting is the term used to describe wall paneling in the interior. Used as far back as the 18^th century to help insulate rooms and protect uneven walls, it was an easier surface to decorate with paint than the wall beneath.

These days it’s used as a wall accent, typically below waist height, to add classic charm and occasion to any room. Depending on the period of the property, adding wainscoting to existing architectural details can be a welcome addition. Deep skirting and wall paneling has grown in popularity with a nod to elegant manor houses and historical homes – it makes a pleasing feature to hallways, offices, kitchens, bootrooms and bathrooms.

In their original form, architectural details such as wainscoting, mouldings, picture and chair rails were purely functional – chair rails existed to protect walls from furniture and pictures rails were used for hanging paintings. Breaking up the wall with wainscoting offers you the opportunity to play with paint colour or wallpaper – there are no hard and fast rules, so you can decide whether you’re going to make a statement and play with contrast or create a harmonious room by painting walls and panels in the same shade.

Using wainscot panelling in a hallway is an excellent choice. Make a good impression in the first place your guests arrive. As this space is always a pass-through, you can afford to be brave and paint your panelling a bold or dark colour, like this sumptuous Brinjal by Farrow and Ball. By doing this, every other room coming off the hallway will feel light and airy by comparison.  

When you’re decorating an interior it’s important to consider all the architectural elements to achieve your overall desired effect. Cornicing, whether decorative or plain, is often overlooked and can considerably change the height and style of the room. It can be a daunting prospect, but our range of Interior Decor Mouldings make it easy to select complementary products.

We sell wall panels, mouldings, coving and cornicing, skirting, ceiling roses and door mouldings made from a lightweight material which is quick and easy to install and much more affordable than traditional alternatives.

Wall Panel 120

£79 per panel

150cm tall x 50cm wide x 3.2cm projection.  

The 120 wall panel is one of our bestsellers, the most elegant and closest in design to traditional wood wall paneling. The panels come ready primed, so all you have to do is paint them to fit your scheme. Made from Purotouch material they are lightweight and easy to hang. If you feel like getting really creative, you can even hide LED lighting with the help of mouldings designed specifically to hide tracks.

Wall Panel 109

£45 per panel

200cm tall x 25cm wide x 3.2cm projection.

At 200cm tall and used in conjunction with a dado rail, this contemporary take on traditional panelling creates an immediate impact. The vertical design is sleek and unfussy adding contrast and interest to your interior.

Zigzag Wall Panel 108

£45 per panel

200cm tall x 25cm wide x 1.8cm projection

The zigzag, geometric shapes in the 108 wall panel make a bold design statement – you’ll be a trendsetter if you incorporate this amazing wallscaping into your home! Modern and textural, it can be installed in different directions to create abstract effects - it’s super versatile.

The ‘Hill Panel’ 110

£45 per panel

200cm tall x 25cm wide x 1.6cm projection

Use this pleasingly ergonomic wall panelling on the walls, floor or ceiling in different directions and painted in accent colours to add a wow factor to any space. Or for low key, textural interest, paint it in a gentle, harmonious colour to blend in with the rest of your furnishings. Fun and funky, it can be used in children’s bedrooms and games rooms for playful design.