By Helen Johnson
Channelling the Panelling
The panelled wall look is very ‘in’ right now – elegant and really effective. Of course, you can get a high-end luxury look with real panelled walls but there’s a simple yet effective way to bring your walls to life with this look. And it’s an easy look to achieve so you can you can do it yourself!
‘Faux’ panelling is a great way to get the look without breaking the bank. A WL1 Amelia WallstylⓇ moulding is a simple, cost-effective way to introduce a timeless architectural element to a room and you only need a few basic tools to complete the job and it’s a fairly simple project to undertake. So be brave… you’ve got this!
Equipment you will need
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Mitre Block (for precise corner angles)
- Saw
- Grab adhesive
- Caulk
- Caulking gun
Decide on the shape design for your walls (i.e. rectangular or square) and begin by measuring the wall from the top of the skirting board to the ceiling (or a picture rail if you have those).
You could then scale a drawing on paper (nothing too technical just 1cm = 10cm on the wall) to work out how many panels could comfortably fit onto the wall space, using a straight-edged spirit and tape measure to create your lines. It is important to remember to include the measurements between each panel and the space at either end of the wall.
Once the design is on the wall, measure and cut your mouldings using the mitre block to saw cut 45-degree angles for the corners.
Adding plenty of grab adhesive to the back of the moulding and attach the design onto the wall, using a spirit level to check they are straight. Once attached, leave to dry overnight.
Once dry, caulk any edges and corners, filling in any gaps. Finally, paint the moulding in your chosen shade and marvel at the transformation!
Alternatively, if all that sounds a little too ambitious, we stock a new beautiful grainy-feel 3D panel effect wallpaper in a pale grey or dusky pink. It’s ‘paste the wall’ paper –making it cleaner and easier to hang. Plus, with paste the wall, you have a little more time to apply the wallpaper and if the glue does start to dry, another coat of the paste is all that is needed. You won’t run the risk of applying too much product to the wallpaper, which would make it soggy and prone to tearing. Happy decorating!
#AskHelenHow – decorating advice for home interiors
Helen Johnson is the owner of the Decorating Centre Online and a decorating and interiors expert. In her new regular column, Helen will teach you how to create different looks and effects which will transform your rooms – whatever your budget! If there is a specific tip you’re looking for or have a question you would like to ask Helen, let us know by commenting on our social media posts with the hashtag #AskHelenHow. You may also contact Helen via her Instagram page @decoratingcentreonline
