Modern Wood Wall Paneling: A Fresh Look at a Timeless Material

May 2, 2022


Classic materials are used in modern spaces to create fresh and modern looks that feel natural and are timeless. Mid-century modern designs and minimalist spaces can often feel cold and clinical without the addition of warmer, high-quality, organic materials. Modern rustic has become a mainstream trend among architects and interior designers, encompassing clean straight lines with rustic materials. Sometimes all it takes to make a project more inviting is a few natural elements, like real wood, that add a little texture and color.

The principles of biophilia can help to explain the growing demand for interior designers to include natural elements into modern spaces. Basically, the idea is to incorporate the benefits and the feel of the natural environment into the buildings and spaces we inhabit day to day. This has a very positive impact on the way we interact, whether in the conference room at work or the living room at home. 

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So, how do we accomplish this in practice? Some of the more obvious ways include adding large windows to let more light in, as well as create greater views into the outdoors. Adding plants and green elements is a big plus that not only makes spaces look great, but can also improve air quality as well. Natural materials like real wood and stone are also being heavily used to add warmth, color and texture. All of these elements are proven to have a calming effect on inhabitants and increase happiness as well as productivity.

Modern Wood Wall Paneling Design Ideas

Wood wall panels can be incorporated in a variety of ways, regardless of the space. From floor to ceiling, shiplap walls to selective wall decor, the use of natural wood paneling is endless and only needs a space to install it in. And many remodel and home decor projects are easy enough for homeowners to DIYers, with easy snap together features like shiplap edges or tongue and groove.  

Explore these 10 ideas for using decorative wall panels to makeover your residential or commercial space and start reaping the benefits of bringing more real wood grain indoors.

1. Add Depth to Modern Design with Rustic Wood Accent Walls

Coastal Collage Wall

Rustic Wood Accent Walls add a Lot of Depth to Modern Design

Spaces where people gather benefit from being both attractive and comfortable. Natural elements can make these places more enjoyable and provide better utilization. Wood walls are a great way to add natural wood grain materials and character without becoming overwhelming.

2. Ceiling to Wall Panel Design

Antique Oak Wall

Antique Oak Wood Paneling

Breaking up the space by using reclaimed antique oak paneling adds character to retail spaces, and in this case, draws attention to the second-floor displays. The use of focused lighting fixtures that are not only attractive but also functional highlights the wood. Using wood wall panels on the ceiling is a great wax to incorporate a natural material while keeping everything below clean and organized.

3. Use Special Lighting that turns your Wood Walls into Modern Wall Art

White Oak Paneling

The Lighting Shows the Wood as a Work of Art

Showcase a clean, wooden wall by highlighting the wall design with special lighting. This brings a gallery appeal to the space and makes it seem like modern wall art, even as part of an interior structure. It still has the minimalist appeal of a plain wooden wall in the interior design, but with all the warmth of the real wood grain – and much more interesting than ordinary white walls.

4. Clean And Inviting, Rustic Wood Walls Create Separation

Barn Wood Wall

Clean and Inviting, Rustic Wood Walls Create Separation

From one area to another, there needs to be a feeling of separation. Using wood walls in a modern interior is the perfect way to differentiate rooms, giving the feeling of different purposes. Reception and entryways are the first thing visitors see when arriving, this is a great place to make a strong first impression by adding inviting elements that feel comfortable and classic.

5. Modern Walnut Sliding Door Panels

Modern Walnut Wall

Modern Walnut Doors and Walls

Creating places that have a reasonable amount of privacy while still feeling open and transparent is an art form. Dark and gloomy rooms are a thing of the past in modern design. Incorporating natural light keeps people alert and is much healthier. Adding decorative wall panels made from real walnut allows the inhabitants to be flexible with the space and adds texture and color to the overall environment.

6. Build Bench Seating into the Wall

Modern Wood Wall

Bench Seating is Incorporated into the Wall

Built-in features are stylish and show a level of planning for permanence. When executed properly, adding interior design elements that are functional and attractive can be a fun way to make a simple statement. Benches, nooks and shelves are all good examples of built-in furnishings that can be accomplished easily with stellar results.

7. Barn Wood Creates Great Wall Decoration for Signage

Modern Barn Wood Wall Paneling

Barn Wood Creates a Great Backdrop for Signage

While full accent walls may be more commonly thought of, wood paneling can also be incorporated in a unique way that showcases it as a wall decoration. This restaurant dining room uses decorative wall panels to show off the restaurant name in an eye-catching way. The wall decor brings in the rustic, real wood vibe while still maintaining a modern feel. It’s sure to be a focal point that patrons will remember!

8. Create a Focal Point with Reclaimed Rustic Wood Paneling

Reclaimed Modern Wall

Reclaimed Rustic Wood Paneling

Creating a focal point in a space draws attention to the important details. Pizza is a food we all enjoy from time to time, seeing how it’s made is always fun. The rustic reclaimed wood paneling in this modern pizza shop puts the kitchen on full display and really enhances the overall dining room experience.

9. Mixed Woods Break Up Large Walls and Add Interest

Modern Wood Hallway Wall

A Long Hallway Clad with Wood Feels Warm and Inviting

Mixed Wood Wall

Mixed Woods break up Large Walls and add Interest

Large and long spaces can be boring and unfriendly. Adding natural materials with color variation can help make them more appealing and creates a sense of warmth and purpose. In most spaces, hallways don’t get the attention they deserve – they merely serve a purpose. Using wood wall coverings can make the journey more of a destination and enhance user experience.

10. Reclaimed Elm Paneling Adds Natural Elements to Modern Style

Modern Office Elm Wood Wall

Reclaimed Elm Paneling

When designing a mid-century modern interior, it is important to remember and plan for all details big and small. While the overall look and feel will most likely be clean and crisp, adding natural wood grain elements will help to make the space more inviting with a warm atmosphere. From eco-friendly reclaimed wood wall panels to more modern feeling sustainably harvested woods, the natural grain pattern and organic variation of wood paneling can be just what’s needed to set the space apart.

Bring the Benefits of Natural Elements into Your Modern Design

There are so many ways to incorporate natural elements into your next home improvement project or commercial design space. Adding wood wall paneling is a simple way to bring the warmth and texture of real wood into your space. We have many types of wood panels to choose from. If you’re feeling inspired from these modern wood wall paneling design ideas, contact us today! We’ll help you answer any questions, make a selection and even order free samples so you can see and feel the wood in real life.

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