CHOOSING PANELLING

When it comes to traditional panelling, there are many styles available to suit the age of the house and personal taste. Some incorporate a richer effect, such as hand-carved friezes and pilasters, others have a traditional aged and polished finish, and some, such as the Tudor linenfold, are highly decorative.

It is entirely personal, but a typical approach would be to match the style of the panelling to the period of a house. Georgian houses, with their high ceilings, typically suit full-height panelling featuring simple rectangular shapes. Houses dating from the 16th and 17th century will tend to favour panelling made up of smaller squares. A cottage, meanwhile, might suit plank and muntin walls, a technique that uses large oak beams as a frame with oak panelling in between. The Victorians typically opted for panelling at dado rail height in their houses.

Regardless of the style of the house – or if you’re building an extension or redecorating a room – the height of the panelling needs to be considered carefully. Too close to the cornicing or coving and the panelling will start to fight for attention. Leave at least a 300mm gap between the two, more if the room height allows. It is a good idea to work with the room and find a natural line for the top of the panelling, such as just above the window frame.

If you are opting for a traditional hardwood panelling, it is essential to commit to looking after it correctly. The very hot and dry atmospheres found in modern homes can cause damage, so it is worth trying to mitigate that by either keeping the heating set at a lower temperature in the panelled rooms or by introducing some humidity to the atmosphere. Remember to wax the wood once a year with a beeswax polish, too.