Wall panelling

Wall panelling (lambri in Turkish) is a cladding of panels applied over a wall. It can cover the whole height up to the ceiling, or stop at a set height with paint or wallpaper above, a version known as wainscoting that is common in classic interiors. Solid wood, wood-veneered MDF, painted MDF, PVC and fabric-wrapped acoustic panels can all be used.

What it does

Its first job is protection: in corridors, stairwells and dining rooms, where chairs and shoulders rub against walls, panelling takes the wear. Its second job is aesthetic, adding warmth, rhythm and depth. Vertical battens make a ceiling feel taller, while horizontal divisions widen a room. With insulation behind it or perforated panels, it also helps with acoustic comfort.

Design points

• A straight batten or subframe goes under the panels, and wall irregularities are corrected there.
• Sockets, switches and light fittings are planned together with the panel layout.
• Solid wood panelling needs joints and expansion gaps to cope with changes in humidity.
• The junctions with skirting and ceiling should be resolved as part of the panelling detail.

In a render, panelling sets the character of a room through grain direction and the rhythm of its divisions. Avoiding the same wood grain repeating on every panel and letting a slight shadow fall in the joints makes it far more believable. For using finishes correctly in a model, see choosing materials for architectural modeling and rendering.