Among the different decorative methods of wall decor, wood is probably the most favorable choice, whereas wooden wall panels are amongst the costliest.
The natural wood surface blends well with all other materials used in interior and so is quite suitable in almost any interior. Wood is an excellent choice for decorating interiors because it is easy to maintain and inexpensive. Wooden panels can be painted or varnished at home and then let dry. When you want to use wooden wall panels in a commercial setting, you will have to paint or varnish over them to keep them looking their best.
While wooden panels are excellent for interior, they are less so when you want to use them as exterior wall decor. If the panels are made of solid wood with no varnishing or painting, they are better suited as an exterior decor than as interior ones. The panels are more costly than other types of panels. Wood has a distinctive grain pattern that makes it excellent as wall paneling material but it does not look good when used as an exterior panel.
The use of wooden panels as interior wall decorations became commonplace after the World War II when homes had fewer furniture. People began building their own cabinets to store things and the cabinets became commonplace in every home. Wooden wall panels became customary interior decoration as soon as people started building their own cabinets.
With the use of drywall and the easy availability of wood panels, wood paneling became a more popular choice in interior wall decoration as well as for other applications. Paneling became a more popular choice for home decors, when people realized that it could be painted at home. Nowadays, wooden wall panels are used as room dividers, office dividers, hall dividers and much more. They are also used to build outdoor wood decks.
Decorative wooden wall panels became commonplace in the twentieth century as people searched for ways to improve their home interiors without spending too much. Interior decoration using wall panels developed and grew into a sub-niche as interior decoration choices increased. Decorative wood panels became commonplace because they were simple yet elegant and could be painted easily and quickly. They also did not need a special polish or paint job because the color would naturally blend with the natural color of the wood.
Wood paneling became a very popular choice for bathroom wall decoration when the Victorian style was in full swing. A Victorian bathroom had deep wooden paneling set into the wall and the floor included granite tile. Granite gave the floors added strength and durability. Decorative plaster boards were installed above the bathtub to help with storage. There was also a vanity, a mirror, a bench and a wastebasket.
As the Great Depression hit, industrialization increased and people had less money. Because more people were spending their money on necessities, decorating the indoors became commonplace. Home improvement stores began to sell more natural wood panels. Wooden wall panels became a favorite in the home improvement market and were a more practical choice than ceramic tiles. The popularity of wooden wall panels lasted until the 1950s.
Decorating your house shouldn’t be difficult. You can get busy and start on your project while your kids are still at home sleeping. Once the project is started, it usually goes quickly. Wooden wall panels made for the living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, etc. are easily purchased at any home improvement store or home improvement retailer.
If you have an unheated attic or basement, installing wooden wall panels is a good idea. Panels can be installed over the top of existing windows and doors. Wood will help keep heat in the basement and on the floors. You don’t need to do anything with the interior of the house. The exterior of the house will benefit from the new wooden panelling.
Wood can be painted to match your own colour scheme. If you are looking for a natural wood look, paint the wooden wall panels white. If you choose to do black wood paneling, be sure that the paint is oil based and will not bleed when you brush it onto the walls. Some people like to add knick knacks to their wood wall panels. If you want to do this, make sure you know the measurements of the hooks you want to use.
Panelling is a fairly simple process that requires preparation before installation. In fact, you can purchase ready made kits at home improvement stores. The kits come with the wood panels, nails, saw blade and fiber gypsum core. You may also choose to use nails and metal tabs. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully when installing wooden wall panels so that you don’t mar the appearance of your walls.