If you’ve been scrolling interior inspiration lately, you may have noticed a gorgeous new way wallpaper is being used – framed within wooden wall panels. Think classic panelling, but instead of painting every section the same colour, the wallpaper becomes the star, neatly contained inside each panel like a piece of art.
It’s refined, creative, and surprisingly versatile – and it’s quickly becoming one of our favourite wallpaper trends.
What Is Wallpaper Panelling?
Wallpaper panelling is exactly what it sounds like:
wallpaper is applied inside recessed panels or framed sections created using wood mouldings, beading or traditional panelling.
Rather than papering an entire wall, you create structure first, then fill each “frame” with wallpaper. The result feels considered, layered and very design-led.
You’ll often see:
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Classic rectangular panels
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Tall vertical panels for height
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Square panels for symmetry
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Full room panelling with wallpaper in every section
Why This Trend Works So Well
It adds instant elegance
There’s a very heritage, almost Parisian feel to wallpaper framed this way. It nods to traditional interiors, but feels fresh when paired with modern colours and furniture.
Perfect balance of pattern
Love bold wallpaper but don’t want it to overwhelm the room? This is the ideal solution. The panelling breaks up the pattern, making florals, damasks and statement designs feel softer and more curated.
It turns wallpaper into artwork
Each panel becomes its own feature. Intricate designs, painterly florals and scenic wallpapers really shine when they’re framed and given space to breathe.
It works in so many rooms
This trend isn’t just for grand living rooms. It looks stunning in:
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Bedrooms (especially behind the bed)
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Dining rooms
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Hallways and staircases
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Home offices
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Even downstairs WCs for a luxe boutique feel
Best Wallpaper Styles for Panelled Walls
While you can use almost any wallpaper, some designs really come into their own when framed:
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Florals – Bold florals look incredible when given their own space, and panelling allows you to enjoy the detail without overwhelming the room. A design like Exotic Fruit Gold Wallpaper is a perfect example – its rich botanical motifs and warm golden tones feel luxurious and artistic when framed, almost like individual paintings across the wall. This works beautifully in dining rooms, bedrooms or elegant living spaces. Check out more beautiful floral wallpapers designs here
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Botanical prints – Leafy prints, trailing vines and garden-inspired patterns are ideal for panelled walls. Framing these designs gives them a more formal, tailored feel while still keeping the softness and charm of nature. They’re especially effective when paired with muted green, sage or deep blue woodwork.
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Damask & heritage patterns – Traditional damasks and classic motifs were practically made for this trend. When set inside panels, they feel timeless rather than dated and work perfectly in period homes or rooms with original features. Choose a soft, chalky paint colour for the panelling to let the pattern shine. Just like Belvedere Green Damask Wallpaper below. Check out more traditional Damask Wallpapers here
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Chinoiserie & scenic designs – these look incredible like wall art
Detailed scenic designs truly come to life when framed. Each panel becomes its own window onto the design, making this a stunning option for feature walls, dining rooms or statement hallways. These styles work best with wider panels to allow the artwork to be fully appreciated. I love this wallpaper - Amie Damask Mushroom, A beautiful traditional Chinoiserie design.
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Subtle textures – linen effects or soft metallics for a quieter look, a little bit of texture can make a huge difference. Check out Romana Stone Wallpaper , A beautiful heavy weight viny with a subtle shimmer. There's tons more plains. Check them out here
Top tip: wallpapers with a clear repeat work best so each panel feels intentional rather than random.
Choosing Colours for the Woodwork
The paint colour you use on the panelling makes a huge difference.
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Soft neutrals (off-white, stone, pale grey) keep things light and classic, our full collection of Neutral Wallpapers are - here
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Deep colours (navy, forest green, inky blue) create drama and contrast just like this beutiful navy wallpaper - Botanical Palm Navy Blue Wallpaper or check our more dramatic navy wallpapers here.
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Matching tones pulled from the wallpaper make the whole scheme feel cohesive
High contrast is very on-trend right now – think dark blue panelling with pale floral wallpaper inside.
Is This Trend Hard to Achieve?
Not at all – and that’s the beauty of it.
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Panelling can be created with simple mouldings, not full carpentry
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Wallpaper is applied after the frames are in place
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You use less wallpaper than covering full walls
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It works in both modern and period properties
It’s a great way to elevate a room without a full renovation.
Why We Love This Trend at Nobletts
Wallpaper within panels perfectly combines craftsmanship, pattern and personality – everything great interior design should be about. It allows you to be bold without being overpowering and makes even smaller rooms feel special.
If you’ve ever wanted to use a wallpaper you absolutely love, but hesitated, this trend might just be the perfect excuse.
If you’d like help choosing the right wallpaper for a panelled look, pop into the shop or browse online – we’re always happy to help you bring an idea to life.
