NEED TO KNOW

WHAT IS I T GOOD F OR?

Panelling can hide pipes and wires and act as insulation in older buildings, explains Madeley. ‘Just 25mm of foam insulation board between battens can make an enormous difference to how quickly the space heats up,’ he says. ‘This may be critical where thicker insulation is not an option due to the size of the room.’ Another benefit is improved acoustics – vital as working from home is now the norm for many. WoodUpp’s Gregg Wright says, ‘Most homes aren’t built to be offices, too, so you may find that sound is echoey or distorted. Our handcrafted panels are designed to improve acoustics within a room.’

Then there are the aesthetic benefits. ‘Panelling will break a wall into decorating zones,’ explains The Wall Panelling Company’s Paul Gamble, ‘which can be useful for properties with high ceilings, or on a staircase where most hallways have a full drop from the first to the ground floor.’ Sophie Scott and Georgina Key of Studio Skey use it as a way of adding textural interest to neutral, pared-back schemes. ‘We’ve found a great manufacturer who supplies prefabricated panels, bespoke to our requirements, which we’ve ordered in different veneers, sizes and styles. We prefer the ribbed style.’ The New Design Project’s Fanny Abbes says panelling adds drama while protecting walls. ‘I use it in lobbies and penthouses to create a more bespoke look by adding a highly crafted product,’ she says. ➤