Aime MazzengaWall paneling may often conjure images of dark, outdated basements, but the architectural feature has come a long way in past decades. In fact, incorporating it into your homes design can result in an elevated and sophisticated space. Dont believe us? Were here to prove your wall paneling beliefs wrong.From wood to wainscotting and even acoustic panels, wall paneling ideas can add unique charm, honor your homes past life, and help protect your precious drywall from damage. The best wall paneling ideas are all about enhancing and flattering a space. Paneling isn't limited to floor-to-ceiling slats that cover an entire wall. You can add a chair rail or wainscoting panels for a historical touch, or use vinyl planks to get a midcentury-inspired look for half the price. If youre comfortable with power tools, wall paneling can also be the perfect weekend DIY project.Whether youre looking for ideas to spruce up your plain drywall or youre adding some much-needed character to a new build, read on to discover 35 of our favorite wall paneling ideas to kickstart your next project.More ways to spruce up your bare walls:1Use Thin WaincottingNicole FranzenWall paneling ideas don't have to be intense and moody. For a light lift, install ceiling-height rectangles of wainscoting to add subtle architectural interest. The picture-frame molding elevates the ivory walls in this primary bedroom, designed by Amy Knerr.Tour the Entire Home2Honor the Home's HistoryNicole FranzenOriginally built in 1936, this Indiana home had gone through its fair share of renovations. But to help bring it back to its roots, designer Amy Kerr incorporated subtle paneling and rich ceiling beams. In this primary bathroom, the wall paneling is painted with a semi-gloss paint to help the light reflect.Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Think Inside the BoxRead McKendreeRather than long, vertical, or horizontal planks, try something new with your wall paneling ideas. Dozens of small, raised panel wainscoting squares line this traditional living room and make it feel more elevated and sophisticated than blank drywall. 4Use Sheets, Not BoardsAime MazzengaIn this Chicago home, designer Wendy Labrum chose white oak paneling in the dining room. But thanks to her use of wider sheets and subtle molding details, the paneling is a far cry from the traditional '90s look. Here, it's a warm and welcoming addition to the gathering space. Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Soften Busy PatternsLindsay SalazarFor a bathroom, where the wallpaper or tile often covers the room from ceiling to floor, wall paneling ideas can be a great way to break up that wash of pattern. A wider plank half-height wainscoting calms the all-over pinstripe in this Emma Ainscoughdesigned space. 6Embrace Farmhouse CharacterALI HARPERThis Nashville new build had the potential to lean fully modern, but architecture firm Pfeffer Torode brought the interiors back down to earth with aged finishes and moments of character, like the paneling used on the walls of this kitchen.Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Accentuate Tall CeilingsDavid TsayUse vertical wood paneling to draw the eye upward and create the illusion of never-ending ceiling height, even if your space is already towering, like this kitchen by Fran Keenan. A light color will also complement the wall paneling ideas and help to bounce around natural light.Tour the Entire Home8Wrap an IslandChris EdwardsWood paneling shouldn't be reserved solely for your walls. Curve a slatted sheet around the outside of your kitchen island to add texture and architectural interest without breaking the bank.Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Warm Up a Cool PaletteStephen KarlischThe key to a balanced interior is all about pairing hues from both sides of the color wheel. In this sage green kitchen, a wood panelwrapped range hood creates a cozy atmosphere among the stone floors and black countertops.Tour the Entire Home10Create an Air of FormalityKatie CharlotteDining rooms may be disappearing across American homes, but a formal space is crucial for those who like to entertain. Incorporating wood paneling is a great way to make the room feel special and stately.Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Bring the Outdoors InKatie CharlotteThe foyer establishes what Bishop calls the home's relaxed formality. This Charleston home is located on a marsh, and the wood paneling helps bridge the gap between the interior and the nature surrounding the house. Tour the Entire Home12Spice Up a White WallJenn VerrierAn all-white space often feels stark, but adding wood paneling can create some visual interest in an otherwise bare space. In this attic, the horizontal slats help to focus the eye on the interesting angles in the walls and ceiling.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Envelop a RoomThere's nothing better than feeling cozy and bundled up at home, and wall paneling ideas can provide a cocooning effect. Design firm McLaren-Excell preserved this original midcentury paneling to embrace the natural warmth and texture. 14Make It Coastal ChicBeachy white wood paneling is the quickest way to give your home a coastal feel. Designer Jeffrey Alan Marks extended this paneling onto the ceilings of his California home to make the small space feel larger and airier. Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Show Off the GrainMiranda EstesThis cabin designed by White Space Design Group has wall paneling throughout. But nowhere is it more beautiful than in the dining room, where each and every plank's unique grain is on display. The warm-toned wood mirrors the views of the forest and Puget Sound beyond. Tour the Entire Home16Use Salvaged WoodJeffrey TotaroDaniela Holt Voith, founding partner and director of Design at Voith and Mactavish Architects, helped design this home, which was converted from a historic barn. In addition to these bookshelves, salvaged wood paneling was reused throughout the house.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Brighten a NurseryWhite walls have become increasingly popular in gender-neutral nurseries, but the stark color can feel cold and bare. To combat that, add texture with decorative wall paneling. The subtle detail creates warmth and visual interest, as seen in this space designed by Karlee and Weston Marsh.Tour the Entire Home18Paint It PurpleMolly CulverIf you're a big fan of color and wood paneling, look no further than this Shannon Eddings Interiorsdesigned bunk room. Painting wood paneling in a single vibrant color can be all the decoration a simple space needs.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Go ThickerBrittany AmbridgeThis dining room designed by Jamie Drake proves that wood paneling works well beyond the farmhouse aesthetic. The extra-wide, seamless wood panels extending from the walls to the ceiling are painted crisp white for a fresh take on the shiplap look. 20Lacquer ItJust because you have wood wall paneling doesn't mean you can't experiment with a fun colorin fact, it's an excellent reason to try one out. Paint the whole space in a rich, high-gloss hue for maximum impact.