Which products and materials are best for my space?
There are so many different wall panel materials on the market, but choosing the right one for your unique space is key. Other than your particular design aesthetic, factors such as heat, humidity, moisture and room functionality all play an important role in getting the best results.
Our Area Design Guide makes it easy by breaking down the best options by space.
Select your space:
Bathroom
Because bathrooms are filled with moisture, both from direct tub and shower overspray as well as moisture-laden air, bathroom walls need surfaces that prevent mold, mildew and rotting. Although having a bathroom vent fan will help, even the most well-vented bathrooms can have moisture issues if inappropriate wall surfaces exist.
Choosing the right material for your bathroom walls is critical. For areas around tubs and showers, choose a product that is impervious to moisture, mold and mildew. Waterproof, grout-free wall tiles are an excellent and economical choice. The tiles comes in 2 sizes and several stone finishes. For a more rustic look, consider the waterproof, grout-free wall planks. Both are available in tub and shower kits.
If you want to spruce up your powder room, a wainscoting application using beadboard or decorative thermoplastic panel will give the space a finished look. A reclaimed wood accent wall will amp up the charm level in this tiny space.
The chart below lists different wall panel surfaces as well as pros and cons for you to consider when weighing your options.
| Surface | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Beadboard | *Classic Aesthetic *Good wainscoting application *Can be directly applied over most wall surfaces and existing wainscoting | *Not recommended for wall surfaces surrounding tubs or showers |
| Shiplap | *Timeless, traditional aesthetic *Use as full wall or wainscoting application ^Can be directly applied over most wall surfaces and existing wainscoting | *Material tends to attract dust *Not recommended for wall surfaces surrounding tubs or showers |
| Waterproof, Grout-Free Wall Tiles & Planks | *100% Waterproof *Natural stone or wood aesthetic *Use as full wall or wainscoting application *Recommended for wall surfaces surrounding tubs and showers *Tub and shower kits available *Can be applied over most wall surfaces | |
| Decorative Thermoplastic Panels | *Available in wide array of styles & finishes *Use as full wall or wainscoting application | *Not recommended for wall surfaces surrounding tubs or showers |
| Cork & 3D Wood Panels & Planks | *Warm & Rustic aesthetic *Use as full wall or wainscoting application *Added moisture resistance when sealers or varnishes are applied *Can be directly applied over most wall surfaces and existing wainscoting | *Wood sealers and varnishes will alter the appearance of planks *Not recommended for wall surfaces surrounding tubs or showers |
| Board & Batten | *Historical and Traditional aesthetic *Use as wainscoting application *Can be directly applied over most wall surfaces and existing wainscoting | *Not recommended for wall surfaces surrounding tubs or showers *May be too labor-intensive for beginning DIYers |
| Vinyl Gypsum | *Durable *Budget-friendly | *Lack of aesthetic *Not recommended for wall surfaces surrounding tubs or showers |
Living Room/Bedroom
Whether your style is contemporary, traditional or somewhere in the middle, there’s a wall panel out there that’s perfect for your space.
If your goal is to restore character to a home that has seen better days, a chair rail can be a great way to add timeless beauty to your living room or bedroom. There are several materials available, in a wide range of prices. Traditional beadboard and board & batten panels are durable and permanent solutions for DIYers with a larget budget and some experience under-the-belt. Choosing a decorative thermoplastic panel is a great, simple and affordable option to bring back character and pizazz to any room. There are endless patterns and finishes available. White matte decorative thermoplastic panels can be painted to give your wall a uniquely personalized texture.
The chart below lists different wall panel surfaces as well as pros and cons for you to consider when weighing your options:
| Surface | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Beadboard | *Classic Aesthetic *Good wainscoting application *Can be directly applied over most wall surfaces and existing wainscoting | *Can be pricey depending on choice of material |
| Shiplap | *Timeless, traditional aesthetic *Use as full wall or wainscoting application *Can be directly applied over most wall surfaces and existing wainscoting *Ease of installation *Multiple applications | *Material tends to attract dust |
| Waterproof, Grout-Free Wall Tiles & Planks | *Budget-friendly *Use as full wall or wainscoting application *Ease of installation *Multiple applications | *Shorter lifespan than natural material alternatives |
| Decorative Thermoplastic Panels | *Available in wide array of styles & finishes *Use as full wall or wainscoting application *Durable and low maintenance *Budget-friendly *Matte finishes can be painted to match any decor | *Shorter lifespan than natural material alternatives |
| Cork & 3D Wood Panels & Planks | *Warm & Rustic aesthetic *Use as full wall or wainscoting application *Added moisture resistance when sealers or varnishes are applied *Can be directly applied over most wall surfaces and existing wainscoting | *Cost of material |
| Board & Batten | *Historical and traditional aesthetic *Use as wainscoting application *Can be directly applied over most wall surfaces and existing wainscoting | *Cost of material *May be too labor-intensive for beginning DIYers |
| Vinyl Gypsum | *Durable *Budget-friendly | *Lack of aesthetic/ |
Kitchen/ Dining
There are lots of things to consider when choosing a DIY wall solution for your kitchen and dining spaces that will stand the test of time. If committing to the strict cleaning regimen that goes with a grouted tile is overwhelming and you want a professional-looking finish, you’ve got options! Surfaces like waterproof grout-free wall tiles and planks are bacteria and mold resistant and easy to clean. Decorative Thermoplastic Panels are another great option that are simple to install, easy-to-clean and best of all, affordable. If the farm house style is what you’re going for, shiplap is a trendy option to accent your dining space.
The chart below lists different wall panel surfaces as well as pros and cons for you to consider when weighing your options:
| Surface | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Beadboard | *Classic Aesthetic *Good wainscoting application *Can be directly applied over most wall surfaces and existing wainscoting | *Can be pricey depending on choice of material |
| Shiplap | *Timeless, traditional aesthetic *Use as full wall or wainscoting application | *Material tends to attract dust |
| Waterproof, Grout-Free Wall Tiles & Planks | *100% Waterproof *Natural Stone or wood aesthetic *Use as full wall or wainscoting application *Scratch & UV resistant | *Shorter lifespan than natural material alternatives |
| Decorative Thermoplastic Panels | *Available in wide array of styles & finishes *Use as full wall or wainscoting application *Durable and low maintenance *Budget-friendly *Matte finishes can be painted to match any decor *Easy to install | *Shorter lifespan than natural material alternatives |
| Cork & 3D Wood Panels & Planks | *Warm & Rustic aesthetic *Use as full wall or wainscoting application *Added moisture resistance when sealers or varnishes are applied *Can be directly applied over most wall surfaces and existing wainscoting | *Cost of material *Wood sealers and varnishes will alter the appearance of planks |
| Board & Batten | *Historical and traditional aesthetic *Use as wainscoting application *Can be directly applied over most wall surfaces and existing wainscoting | *Cost of material *May be too labor-intensive for beginning DIYers |
| Vinyl Gypsum | *Durable *Budget-friendly | *Lack of aesthetic |
Basement
Finishing off your basement is a great way to create a cozy space and add square footage to your home. Preparing your basement walls and using the right waterproof wall panel is critical. Since basements tend to attract water, choose a product that is designed to withstand moisture. Beadboard (plywood or water-resistant), reclaimed wood planks and shiplap is a durable solution that can be applied over fiberglass or foam insulation. These materials will instantly create a warm and inviting space. If you prefer a different look, a wide range of wall paneling can be applied to your basement walls over the insulation and purple board, depending on the look you’re after.
The chart below lists different wall panel surfaces as well as pros and cons for you to consider when weighing your options:
| Surface | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Beadboard | *Classic Aesthetic *Good wainscoting application *Can be directly applied over most wall surfaces and existing wainscoting | *Can be pricey depending on choice of material *Moderately difficult to install |
| Shiplap | *Timeless, traditional aesthetic *Use as full wall or wainscoting application *Can be directly applied over most wall surfaces and existing wainscoting | *Material tends to attract dust |
| Waterproof, Grout-Free Wall Tiles & Planks | *100% Waterproof *Natural Stone or wood aesthetic *Use as full wall or wainscoting application | *Shorter lifespan than natural material alternatives |
| Decorative Thermoplastic Panels | *Available in wide array of styles & finishes *Use as full wall or wainscoting application *Durable and low maintenance *Budget-friendly *Matte finishes can be painted to match any decor *Easy to install | *Shorter lifespan than natural material alternatives |
| Cork & 3D Wood Panels & Planks | *Warm & Rustic aesthetic *Use as full wall or wainscoting application *Added moisture resistance when sealers or varnishes are applied *Can be directly applied over most wall surfaces and existing wainscoting | *Cost of material *Wood sealers and varnishes will alter the appearance of planks |
| Board & Batten | *Historical and traditional aesthetic *Use as wainscoting application *Can be directly applied over most wall surfaces and existing wainscoting | *Cost of material *May be too labor-intensive for beginning DIYers |
| Vinyl Gypsum | *Durable *Budget-friendly | *Lack of aesthetic |
Laundry Room, other
Adding wall panelling to your laundry room is a great way to add some excitement to the dull task of washing and folding clothes. To complement a transitional decor, consider a Decorative Thermoplastic panel chair rail in the metallic finish of your choice to bring your laundry room to life. Waterproof, grout-free wall planks are also an excellent option to give your laundry space a cabin-like vibe. If your style is more on the contemporary side, try a white Decorative Thermoplastic panel to make the space appear airy and calm. If Shabby Chiq is your thing, a beadboard wainscoting application or a shiplap or reclaimed wood accent wall will soften the space and add a lot of interest,
The chart below lists different wall panel surfaces as well as pros and cons for you to consider when weighing your options:
| Surface | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Beadboard | *Classic Aesthetic *Good wainscoting application *Can be directly applied over most wall surfaces and existing wainscoting | *Can be pricey depending on choice of material *Moderately difficult to install |
| Shiplap | *Timeless, traditional aesthetic *Use as full wall or wainscoting application *Can be directly applied over most wall surfaces and existing wainscoting | *Material tends to attract dust |
| Waterproof, Grout-Free Wall Tiles & Planks | *100% Waterproof *Natural Stone or wood aesthetic *Use as full wall or wainscoting application | *Shorter lifespan than natural material alternatives |
| Decorative Thermoplastic Panels | *Available in wide array of styles & finishes *Use as full wall or wainscoting application *Durable and low maintenance *Budget-friendly *Matte finishes can be painted to match any decor *Easy to install | *Shorter lifespan than natural material alternatives |
| Cork & 3D Wood Panels & Planks | *Warm & Rustic aesthetic *Use as full wall or wainscoting application *Added moisture resistance when sealers or varnishes are applied *Can be directly applied over most wall surfaces and existing wainscoting | *Cost of material *Wood sealers and varnishes will alter the appearance of planks |
| Board & Batten | *Historical and traditional aesthetic *Use as wainscoting application *Can be directly applied over most wall surfaces and existing wainscoting | *Cost of material *May be too labor-intensive for beginning DIYers |
| Vinyl Gypsum | *Durable *Budget-friendly | *Lack of aesthetic |