How to Decorate a House With Wall Panels

Covering an Entire Wall

• 1

  Measure the length and width of the wall where you will be installing your paneling. Cut your paneling sheet to the same length and width.

• 2

  Place the first sheet in the left corner and position it. Ensure that it is level and plumb against the wall.

• 3

  Apply panel adhesive in wavy lines to the back of the sheet. Press the panel in place against the wall. Reinforce with nails that are hammered into the studs, about every two inches down each stud.

• 4

  Continue to add paneling around the room, leaving a 1/8-inch gap between panels to allow for expansion. Cover one wall to make a focal wall, or cover all of the walls in the room.

• 5

  Keep the paneling in its natural wood tone for a rustic effect or paint it to coordinate with the room where you are installing the wall panels.

Covering Part of a Room

• 6

  Measure the length of a wall where you want to install paneling to part of the wall. Divide this measurement by two.

• 7

  Paint your panels white. This helps make it look like wainscoting.

• 8

  Apply paneling adhesive to the back of the paneling. Hold in place and nail your paneling to the wall studs, starting from the left corner of the wall.

• 9

  Continue to add the sheets of paneling to the wall. Leave 1/8 inch between each sheet so the paneling has room for expansion.

• 10

  Measure the length of the recessed panels in your kitchen cabinet doors. Cut your paneling to the size. Position your piece of paneling flush against the left corner of the recessed panel. Nail the paneling in place. As an alternative, cover flat doors completely with paneling to make your own beadboard cabinet doors.

• 11

  Add paneling to the ceiling. Nail the paneling in place. The wooden paneling on the ceiling will make the room seem more intimate and rustic.