Hardwood Panel Moulding

An eggshell or satin wood paint over a primed surface is the usual choice: it wipes clean and the sheen picks out the mouldings without the glare of gloss. Matt emulsion on the panels and eggshell on the mouldings is a common compromise, though it makes the panels harder to clean.

Grab adhesive on a sound, flat, primed wall holds these sections perfectly well. Pin the mitres while the adhesive cures so nothing creeps, and pilot the pins near the ends in hardwood. Caulk the inside edges afterwards — that thin shadow line is the difference between panelling that looks fitted and panelling that looks stuck on.

Work from the centre of the wall outwards and give yourself an equal margin at each end — the eye forgives an odd panel width far sooner than an uneven border. Once the panels are pencilled on the wall, measure the perimeter of each one, add them together, then add a length for waste because mitres eat more than people expect.

Half-height panelling usually finishes around 90–100cm, at dado height, which suits most rooms. Taller panelling at roughly two thirds of the wall works in a hallway with height to spare. Whatever you choose, keep the line consistent through the room and let it run past doorways rather than stepping up and down.