25 Creative Half Wall Paneling Ideas For A New Look
If you want a quick interior makeover to transform your home, check out these half wall paneling ideas. These charming additions have a unique appeal, all because of their versatility.
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For one, it doesn’t matter what kind of decor you have, the right paneling will blend seamlessly.
Paneling has its utilitarian function as well besides just adding to the overall design aesthetic.
- A half wall paneling will add texture and character to your otherwise bare walls.
- Authentically, its function lies in protecting drywall and adding more durability to the wall’s surface.
Wood paneling can feel at home at any given location, whether it’s your bedroom, living room, bathroom, or even the hallway.
If you have a coastal home or farmhouse decor, the design must suit the purpose. In this article, we introduce some of the most popular ideas that are the perfect blend of form and function no matter your style.
I have so many tips to share on decorating your home that I can’t possibly touch on them all in one article!
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- Bedroom Wood Paneling
What better way to add character to the walls than by adding some panelings? The half-wall slabs will be visually unparalleled without clashing with the overall decor. You can also remove your headboard altogether for a minimalistic appeal and let the paneling act as your headboard.
A bedroom half panel can take up three-quarters of the wall compared to other locations. So if a wooden slab with vertical strips were placed along the lower end, it would not feel overwhelming. But remember to keep the rest of the room painted a soft color for the best results.
Dividing the wall horizontally (with wooden panels) is a trend we are seeing quite a lot! However, another bold choice would be to divide your wall vertically— The center can be assigned with wood panels reaching the ceiling, and the sides can be painted with a soft paint color. In this particular idea, we have used light wood and Benjamin Moore’s Wythe Blue.
- Blue Mudroom Half-Wall Panels
According to the original purpose of wainscotting, a mudroom is the best place for this added protection.
The panels would keep the walls safe from occasional dirt and smudges while adding a little oomph. Small spaces like these often lack room for decor. But a running half panel barely reaching the knee does the job perfectly.
The appropriate height and design of a wainscoting depends on the size and location of the room. But using a simple color like Behr’s Adirondack Blue never fails to impress. Cool-toned colors like these also pair well with most shades of soft whites.
- Bathroom Half-Wall Paneling
Shiplap paneling ideas have become quite popular due to their unique visual appeal. The bathroom is one of those places where you can safely install them.
The long planks painted in Benjamin Moore’s Prussian Blue will go well with the other ceramics in the room. The overall aesthetic oozes calmness and rejuvenation, perfect for a long soak.
White shiplap half panels are also a great option to go with colored walls. Whether your bathroom is painted in neutral shades of blue, green, or gray, a simple white never fails. And the right light fixtures and hardware add a touch of glam.
- Timeless Hallways
Hallways are usually small and enclosed, so not much effort goes into the decor. But adding some half-paneling will not just make your home more interesting, it will also be beneficial.
With the right material, the hall is an opportunity to continue your home’s design.
For white walls, go for bolder neutrals like Benjamin Moore’s Del Mar Blue. It will anchor the space and provides color while still feeling neutral. You can achieve the perfect balance of light and depth by using the same color for accents.
You can choose vibrant colors as well or leave the wood untouched, both choices would change your design drastically. A vibrant half-wall panel will take your aesthetics from minimalism to contemporary. Leaving the wood unattended is a statement in itself and will fit a farmhouse.
Related Article: 6 Most Popular Blue Gray Paint Colors
- Staircase Decorative Wall Paneling
Another location that is often ignored during remodeling is the staircase. However, for old houses, especially Victorian homes with foyers that lead to the staircase, half-panels can play up the design.
With a simple distinction between the stairs and the entryway, the walls gain texture and importance. However, keeping the colors similar with a sublte shade difference creates a stunning visual.
The most popular colors for staircases are light and airy taupes and beige. But a maximalist viewpoint would focus on going all out with jewel colors. Colors like Sherwin William’s Loyal Blue half paneling also go well with art-adorned vintage staircases.
Related: How To Add A Stairs Runner
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- Forest Green Accent Paneling
Creating a statement with a bold color is easy, but you have to know the nuances of color theory. Adding a half-wall panel to the high-traffic areas of a house doesn’t just protect the walls, it also creates an impact.
Certain color combinations can create a comforting zone for the entire house. One such choice would be shades of forest green and cream.
The freshness of the hue brings forth a serenity that is accentuated by the muted light walls. Colors like Sherwin William’s Courtyard accent rooms with greenery.
If you are following the trends closely, pink and green has now become the statement of 2023! Not only is the combination bold, it also gives away a retro vibe without losing its contemporary touch.
- A Shabby Chic Touch
One of the most popular color combinations to give a bedroom some shabby chic vibes is pale pink and sage green. The muted tones pair well with each other and make the room look cheerful yet serene.
But if you don’t want any one of the tones to overwhelm the other, just use them as accents.
A half-wall paneling painted in a beautiful shade of Smoke Green by Farrow & Ball is ideal for this aesthetic. Some soft pink pillows in an otherwise shaded white room look divine. You can also pair the paneling with some tonal wallpaper for cohesiveness.
- Wooden Paneling in the Living Room
A breezy coastal living room is always equipped with just the right amount of color.
The shades of white and gray used here are softer and more indulgent. For most white and gray combinations, the result can be a cold room devoid of character. But the half-wall wood paneling gives the space texture without going overboard.
The colors of coastal homes often include white, cream, beige, and sandy neutrals to give a beachfront vibe. Overall, it makes the room look perfectly balanced with different textures and tones within the same palette.
- Half Wall Shelves In the Bedroom
While considering colors for bedrooms, most people overlook light olive walls. For one, the different shades of olive have tones that go with the preexisting decor quite easily. And to make the walls stand out, you can always add texture to the mix.
A safe bet would be to install half-wall panels and have them painted the same shade of green as your wall. The paneling could also function as shelves for the headboard, giving the room an extra storage option.
Related article: Light Olive Green Paint Colors
- Simply Balanced Minimalism
One of the most popular half-paneling ideas that have been around for centuries is plain white panels. The walls of heavy traffic areas like hallways are often installed with panels the same color as the walls.
This adds to their overall appeal and keeps the look classic. The break in texture also seems smoother with the color flow, making the house look timeless.
The most popular colors for these minimalistic decors are shades of soft white like Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee. Shades like this make the most of an enclosed space by making the light illuminate it further.
- Half Wall Paneling Dining Room
Another color-blocking idea for your half panels would be to focus on the natural light of the room. If a room receives plenty of natural light throughout the day, going bolder with neutral colors would never be wrong. This way, the rooms can be moody without becoming dreary. A well-lit dining room especially benefits from walls with character.
- Florals and Accent Wall Panels
Floral wallpapers are a classic feminine touch that is still prevalent today. However, if you want to subdue their bold appeal, go for half-wall paneling. Make sure the tones of the top and lower half of the walls are complimentary so the colors don’t compete.
One of the most popular colors that pair well with most floral designs is off-white. From Benjamin Moore’s White Dove to Farrow & Ball’s New White, each will add warmth to the space. Their milky hue also adds to the cozy factor of a bedroom.
- Coastal Bedroom Paneling
The presence of warm neutrals is sure to convert any house into a loving home. And when light-colored wood is used for paneling, the room becomes more luxurious.
The addition of textures, especially accompanied by modern light fixtures makes for a serene environment. Coastal decor like this often inspires a comfortable lifestyle, emphasized by open and airy rooms.
To make the paneling look cohesive with the decor, choose a sandy neutral color for the bare walls. Focusing on natural fibers and fabrics would also enhance the theme. This also goes well with large windows and flowy curtains, maximizing the natural light.
Related Article: DIY Rustic Wood Frame Mirror
- Board and Batten Half Wall
Board and batten panels make for excellent half-wall material, especially when used correctly.
The aesthetic is chic and rustic without going too far with farmhouse decor. While they are usually used on a house’s exterior, they can also adorn mudrooms and hallways equally. The same material and paint color can dress up the space without adding much furniture.
A great way to make an effective use of these panels would be to install hooks along the edge.
Half walls on the taller side are ideal for entryways, with metal hooks to hang coats and umbrellas.
- Pink Nursery
Wainscotting adds personality to the walls. I love the choice of painting them an eye-grabbing pink. There are many pink paints out there that border on neutral for a soft yet punchy look.
While using colorful half panels, you can also choose a wallpaper that goes with the theme. Trendy and bold shades like Benjamin Moore’s Genuine pink make for the sweetest girl’s nursery. The bright pop of raspberry pairs well with other muted colors, becoming the focal point of the room.
- Extra Tall Wood Paneling
There is a definitive rule of thumb regarding the height of wainscotting. For most homes, it is a third of the room’s height. However, a more interesting effect can be achieved by tweaking the length. A customized size can easily give the effect of a taller room.
Full wall wainscotting often covers the entire walls, making it look grand. A new style of design included making the height of half walls as tall as 4 feet. You can also go for a two-third wall for a dramatic look.
- Subdued and Cozy Texture
Shades of green are a current favorite among designers, all because of their neutral aesthetic. These specific shades are warm yet soothing, creating the perfect ambiance for any style.
And when their presence is combined with a half-wall paneling’s texture, you get the prettiest effect.
- Windows and Wood Paneling
With a room that has big airy windows, a soft paint color lets the window shine.
The windows are perfectly paired with the border and wainscotting. Using two complementary colors also adds to the polished feel. Spaces like these are especially beautiful during the morning, making them perfect for breakfast nooks or dining rooms.
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- Dark and Moody Texture
Black gives a deep saturation to the walls and creates a dramatic and moody aesthetic. If you don’t want to commit to an entirely black room, a half-wall black paneling is the perfect option.
Many black paints on the market are a little lighter than true black. Shades like Benjamin Moore’s Soot and Nightfall can offer a beautiful contrast to plain white walls. Their warm charcoal influence also gives the place a vintage feel.
This black looks dewy and soothing because it contrasts well with the brick red rug below the bed.
- Rustic Farmhouse Walls
One of the most popular materials used to make half-wall panels is wood. Embracing the natural presence of the wood would always give a classic look.
Related article: Choosing The Right Wood Flooring For Home
By having the wooden panels run a third of the way up the wall, it keeps them overwhelming the space. The wooden floor in a beautiful white oak give off a minimal look. The walls can be simple off-white to complete the aesthetic.
Related article: Affordable Neutral Farmhouse Rugs
- Horizontal Shiplap Paneling
Shiplap panning is common when considering half-wall designs. However, using them horizontally creates a nice break in the texture.
Benjamin Moore’s Shadow Gray and Sherwin William’s Dovetail are two of the most popular paint choices for a beautiful neutral gray.
Whether you choose a cool or warm-toned gray, the white in the bathroom is sure to adapt.
Related article: DIY Plywood Shiplap Wall For Cheap
- Modern Wallpaper and Accents
Pairing a wallpaper with panels doesn’t always need to look feminine and chic. You can give any space a funky vibe by choosing the right wallpaper.
Whether it’s vibrant leaves, or modern florals, the bright colors set off the even brighter panels nicely. The traditional panels also seamlessly match the wallpaper and the surroundings.
The colorful wainscotting is also a refreshing change from the plain white ones we see everywhere. The thin vertical stripes in a soothing shade of charcoal blend with the nearby doorframe evenly. The result is a dramatic entryway.
- Monochromatic Wood Paneling
An all-time classic way of achieving Pinterest-worthy bedrooms is by sticking to a single color. This may not make the rooms look intriguing, but it will be the most aesthetic choice. While paneling half the wall, color both halves the same color for a cohesive look.
A single monochromatic wall is one of the most contemporary ways of decor. The paneling would also sneakily display bold shelving.
Related article: How to Choose the Right Light Fixture Size and Style for Your Home
- Arched Paneling
Half-wall panelings are not always running around the lower half of the room. To jazz up the appearance of an entire wall, why not create a paneling arch in the middle? This instantly changes the whole design of the room and gives the world a glimpse of your personality.
The clean and curved lines of the design also complement bold color choices like deep charcoal. In the end, the structure becomes the focal point of the room.
We have done something similar in our gray and white bathroom and the niche arch shelves draw all the attention!
Related article: Simple Bathroom Decor Ideas On A Budget
- Kitchen Cabinets and Half Wall
A kitchen is usually equipped with a backsplash to protect the walls. But you can also use a half-wall paneling here to create a unique, budget-friendly look. You can easily change up the color with new paint whenever you’re ready for a fresh update.
The trick to adding wainscoting in the kitchen is to pay attention to the accents. By repeating the color of the cabinets to the walls, the addition would blend in immediately. You can also create a contrast with the bare walls and still achieve a perfect balance in the room.
Wrapping Up
Installing a half-wall paneling is an easy DIY that is both affordable and simple to install. It is the fastest way to shake up the visual of the entire room without going through extensive renovations. Even the simplest of white wood panels add a distinct character to the previously bare walls.
From unique and trendy colors to beautiful wallpaper, these panels can accompany any decor choice. You can make the 2 halves of the wall as contrasting as possible, and they would still look smashing.
FAQs
- Is Wall Paneling A Good Idea?
The material used to build these half-wall panels is usually MDF or wood. Therefore, installing these slabs is easy, fast, and durable.
- Which Wall Paneling Is Best?
Apart from MDF and wood, there are plenty of options to consider while installing wainscotting. Some of the other popular choices include Laminate Panels, Natural Wood Panels, and Upholstered Panels.
- Is Wall Paneling Still Fashionable?
Wainscotting has been around for centuries and continues to be a stylish design feature in any home. The material used along with the designs and colors have undergone modernization, and now are as popular as before and look great in just about any room.
Book a complimentary consultation call with me to discuss your project and I’ll develop a custom design plan just for you!
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