Wall panelling has been a massive trend in the last few years. It’s become an incredibly popular choice for homes, retail spaces, the hospitality industry, offices, and much more. Thanks to improvements in foiling and laminating services, the panels look better than ever. There are also many great products today, including DIY installation kits. Ultimately, panels are more accessible and can provide fantastic value. We want to have a closer look here.
Origins
Incredibly, wall panelling has been a decorative choice for thousands of years. The original idea was to use panels to improve insulation and protection. It wasn’t until the 12th century that it became a decorative choice. There was suddenly a lot of demand for highly decorative ornate panels, particularly for wealthy homes. They were a great way to insulate cold stone walls. This led to the development of different styles, including Tudor and Elizabethan.
The Victorian period was a really interesting one for wall panelling. Wainscoting (or dado panelling), the art of decorating the lower part of the wall, became very popular. It was a great way to protect against scuffs and other types of damage. At the same time, it meant you could decorate above it in different styles to enhance the rooms.
It wasn’t until the 1960s and 1970s that we saw the next big wave of wall panelling popularity. The trend took off because panels had become really affordable, particularly synthetic ones. There were lots of options, including light wooden cores with a laminate outer layer to make them look like real wood, stone, or other high end materials. This was a great time for laminating services.
Recent trends
Wall panelling has been one of the most interesting design trends in the last few years. It’s become incredibly popular for homes and various other properties. Notably, it is a great way to introduce texture and improve the character of spaces. It can also make them feel warmer and more welcoming.
Interestingly though, 2026 has seen another evolution in how people use panels. They are taking advantage of the versatility and how good DIY kits are. It’s great to see creative and imaginative uses of the panelling.
There are a couple of key things to consider if you are looking at current trends. Colour drenching is still very popular, so colourful panels are in style. Another thing people love to do is highlight architectural features like alcoves and fireplaces. Wainscoting is a fantastic option, especially if you use panelling with bold statement wallpaper. Finally, think about the spacing. Slim panels were the go-to for years, but more people are choosing wide and super-wide designs in 2026.
Laminating services can improve numerous products
Whether it is wall panels, packaging, signage, furniture, or even vehicles, lamination is a great option to improve the aesthetics. It can also provide many other advantages, including weight reduction, improving moisture resistance, and protection against mechanical wear. We recommend it for all kinds of applications.
If you’re considering laminating services, you should speak to us. We can provide fantastic guidance, working with you to explore different kinds of laminates and choose the right one. We’ll help you get the most impressive results. So, get in touch today.