🧱 Wall Panels in 2025 - A Complete Guide to Style, Substance & Smart Surfaces
Welcome to the ultimate guide on wall panels in 2025. If you're wondering whether wall panels are still in style (spoiler: they are), which rooms they’re best for, or how they stack up against tiles - you’re in the right place. We’ll also explore the most exciting models from our 3D Decorative Wall Panels collection, including top picks like DORIQUE, SCURETTO, CURVE, and ARC S Arstyl®.
This article answers all the big questions:
- Is wall panelling still trendy?
- Does panelling make a room smaller?
- Wall panel vs tiles?
- What is wall panel made of?
And delivers room-by-room inspiration for bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and more.
Let’s make your walls the most stylish part of your home.
🏡 What Are Wall Panels?
Wall panels are decorative surface elements used to enhance the appearance and function of interior walls. Unlike flat paint or wallpaper, they offer depth, texture, insulation, and sometimes even acoustic or moisture-resistant properties.
They come in many materials, including:
- Polyurethane (lightweight & durable)
- MDF or wood veneer
- Felt & fabric
- Concrete (for 3D feature wall installations)
At Decormania UK, the 3D Decorative Wall Panels are crafted from moisture-resistant polyurethane - perfect for contemporary interiors.
📈 Is Wall Panelling Still Trendy?
Absolutely. In 2025, wall panelling is more popular than ever.
It’s no longer limited to classic wood panels. Modern homeowners and designers love 3D wall panels for their sculptural quality, sound absorption, and moisture resistance. They’re now being used in:
- Minimalist interiors
- Japandi design
- Boutique hotels
- Designer bathrooms and kitchens
Whether you're aiming for subtle texture or bold pattern, wall panelling is the timeless choice.
🛁 Wall Panels for Bathroom - Smart & Stylish
You may wonder: "Are wall panels good for bathrooms?" The answer is yes - if they’re made from the right material.
Our DORIQUE Arstyl® 3D Decorative Wall Panels are moisture-resistant and lightweight, which makes them perfect for bathrooms. The vertical fluted design of DORIQUE also visually lifts low ceilings - a great trick in compact washrooms.
Why choose wall panels over tiles in a bathroom?
- Easier to install
- Seamless texture - no grout lines
- Warm to the touch
- Can be painted any colour
They offer the refined look of high-end architecture with modern-day practicality.
🛋️ Wall Panels for Living Room
Wall panels instantly transform boring living room walls into dynamic focal points.
Use CURVE Arstyl® Panels to bring organic movement to minimalist spaces. Or go bold with DORIQUE’s architectural fluting behind your sofa or bookshelf.
Top Living Room Wall Panel Ideas:
- TV backdrop with LED lighting
- Half-wall panelling for contrast
- Full accent wall in a calming neutral
Wall panelling adds warmth, sound absorption, and structure - even in the most open-plan homes.
🛏️ Wall Panels for Bedroom
In bedrooms, wall panels deliver a cozy, tailored look. Use them as:
- A feature wall behind the bed
- A modern headboard extension
- Wraparound panelling for hotel-style luxury
The ARC S Arstyl® Panels are perfect for soft, scalloped elegance. They can be painted soft cream, taupe, or dusty pink for a serene atmosphere.
Panels also provide acoustic benefits - making your bedroom quieter and more relaxing.
🍽️ Wall Panels for Kitchen
Yes - wall panels work beautifully in kitchens too.
The SCURETTO Arstyl® Panels offer subtle linear patterns that complement cabinetry and modern backsplashes. They’re moisture-resistant, factory-primed, and ready to paint - perfect for splash zones.
Wall Panel vs Tiles in Kitchen:
- Tiles are waterproof but hard, cold, and grout-dependent
- Panels are warm, paintable, and provide subtle texture
Use panels behind breakfast bars, open shelving, or around kitchen islands for high-design impact.
🎮 Wall Panels for TV Wall
Ditch the bulky TV units and go sleek with 3D wall panels.
Use DORIQUE or CURVE panels to create a streamlined entertainment wall. Add hidden LED backlighting for extra flair. The texture adds depth without needing extra décor.
Plus, polyurethane panels are lightweight - meaning less load on the wall compared to wood or concrete.
❓What Are Wall Panels Made Of?
Wall panels can be crafted from various materials:
- Polyurethane (like Arstyl®) - lightweight, moisture-resistant, primed, and paintable
- Fibreboard/MDF - more affordable, needs sealing
- Fabric/Felt - soft, great for acoustics
- Concrete - bold, heavy, and often used outdoors
Arstyl® 3D Panels are made of high-density polyurethane - which balances design flexibility with long-term durability.
⚖️ Wall Panel vs Tiles: Which Should You Choose?
Both have their place, but wall panels are winning ground in 2025.
Tiles:
- Hardwearing
- Ideal for wet zones
- Require grouting & sealing
Wall Panels:
- Easier to install (no grout, no mess)
- Softer and warmer to touch
- Paintable to match your palette
If you want decorative style, warmth, and fast transformation - panels win.
🔄 Is Wall Panelling a Timeless Trend?
Yes - and here’s why:
- Panels have existed in interiors for centuries (think Georgian wainscoting!)
- Today’s 3D panels reimagine that history with modern materials
- They can be painted, updated, rearranged - making them more versatile than ever
Is wall panelling still trendy? Absolutely - especially in neutrals, off-whites, creams, and earth tones.
🧠 Does Panelling Make a Room Smaller?
It depends how you use it:
- Vertical panels like DORIQUE draw the eye up, making ceilings feel higher
- Pale paint keeps panelling from feeling heavy
- Use in zones, not full wraparound, to avoid visual compression
So no - panelled walls can actually open up a space when done right.
🖼️ Panel-by-Panel: Highlighting Our Top Picks
🏛️ DORIQUE Arstyl®
- Fluted vertical grooves
- Ideal for living rooms, hallways, and tall spaces
- Combines beautifully with LED uplighting
📐 SCURETTO Arstyl®
- Clean, modern linework
- Excellent for kitchens, bathrooms, and minimalist interiors
- Works great when paired with other panels
🌊 CURVE Arstyl®
- Organic movement, modern elegance
- Stunning in dining rooms, bedrooms, and spa-style bathrooms
🌙 ARC S Arstyl®
- Soft, scalloped profile
- Gentle lines for cozy bedrooms or boutique retail
❓ FAQ: Everything About Wall Panels
Q: What is wall panel made of?
A: Arstyl® panels are made of high-density polyurethane - durable, moisture-resistant, and factory-primed for easy painting
Q: Wall panel vs tiles - which is better?
A: Tiles are ideal for wet zones, but panels are lighter, faster to install, and offer a seamless visual effect.
Q: Is wall panelling still trendy in 2025?
A: Yes! Panels are being used in every type of interior, from bathrooms to bedrooms to open-plan living rooms.
Q: Wall panel for kitchen - is it safe?
A: Yes, our panels are factory-sealed, water-resistant, and suitable for splash-prone zones.
Q: Does panelling make a room smaller?
A: Not if done right. Use vertical lines and light colours to create the illusion of height and space.
🧾 Quick Recap: Wall Panels Highlights
✅ Lightweight & moisture-resistant
✅ Great for bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens & TV walls
✅ Works in place of tiles for quicker installs
✅ Timeless design + modern material = lasting value
✅ 3D texture = instant elevation
🧠 Final Thoughts: Wall Panels that Speak Your Style
Interior design doesn’t have to follow strict rules. Whether you're styling a bedroom, transforming your kitchen, or crafting a bold media wall, wall panels allow you to express creativity and function. From moisture-resistant panels in your bathroom to decorative textures in your hallway, there’s a solution for every corner of your home.
What matters most is how the space makes you feel. Do you want elegance? Warmth? Drama? With 3D decorative wall panels, you’re free to sketch your layout, experiment with finishes, and create something truly yours. Trends come and go, but thoughtful design is timeless.
