Few things are more popular for home decor than real wood. Whether you choose to use it on the walls, the floor, or the ceiling, wood brings warmth, beauty, and character to any place you decide to install it. For the bedroom, which often has little visible floor space, one of the best ways to incorporate the look and warmth of real wood is by using wall panels.

Not only do wood panels make a stunning focal point, but they also add a cozy ambiance that’ll make you never want to leave. With endless possibilities for customization and design, wood wall panels are the perfect way to transform your bedroom into a stylish sanctuary that’s uniquely you.


A Growing Trend – Wood Wall Panels

Wall panels have been growing in popularity for several years. Wood surfaces used in interior design have been found to positively impact the people who view them, referred to as “visual comfort.” Wood makes spaces look warmer and more natural and may provide the added benefit of helping to lower stress for the inhabitants.

Accent walls have been a popular trend for several years now. They are used to highlight a specific section of a room or create a focal point. The traditional way of creating an accent wall is by painting it in a solid color. However, it’s now common to use different materials to create an accent wall. Wood wall panels are among the most popular materials as they are easy to install and available in various colors, tones, and styles. They create a beautiful focal point and add warmth to the space.

Wall panels made of real wood provide an authenticity that cannot be replicated with faux materials. The variations in the wood grain and texture create visual interest. Wall panels made of reclaimed wood tell a story of the material’s history, evoking a sense of nostalgia. The versatility of wood allows for custom sizes and shapes to fit any wall space.



Using Wood Wall Panels in the Bedroom

Bedroom wall panels can be used in much the same way that accent walls are used in other rooms of the home. They can call attention to a specific section of your room, or they can become a backdrop for other items or furnishings that automatically draw the eye.

In the bedroom, the most logical place to use wall panels is behind the head of the bed. Using wall panels in this area can help create the look of a larger and more dramatic headboard. Since the head of the bed is a natural place for your eye to focus, having wood wall panels helps to draw the eye even more and gives you something of interest to look at. The wood wall panels have different grains, textures, and colors, giving it character and making it something you want to look at.

Wall panels behind the bed can extend from floor to ceiling or be designed as a headboard inset, depending on the desired aesthetic. Large-scale wood panels make a bold statement, while small, staggered wood planks create visual texture and interest. The wood panels can be left natural or stained and finished to blend with other woods and fabrics in the space. Upholstered panels paired with wood add softness.



Functional Wall Panels

Wood is versatile enough that you can create a custom design that will benefit virtually any area. For example, you can create a headboard above a bed to include some task lighting or build shelves or drawers into the wall to give you additional storage. This can help make the most of small rooms and spaces where the bed takes up the majority of the space.

Wood wall paneling can be used to line the backs of niches, create a custom headboard for your bed, become the backdrop for a TV or entertainment center, or be used to frame out a bedroom fireplace. Because wood is so easy to work with and install, you can make better, more functional wall paneling rather than relying on accent material that does not allow for personalization or customization.

Incorporating storage into wood wall panels keeps bedroom necessities close at hand while maintaining a clean, integrated look. Wall panels with cubbies are great for books and accessories — you can add concealed lighting inside the cubbies for drama.

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For clothing storage, try panels with cabinet doors or drawers. Open shelving creates display space to show off favorite objects.


wood wall panels
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The Look and Style of Bedroom Wall Panels

One of the best things about wood is its ability to provide so many different styles and features. Wall panels can be rustic in appearance, with reclaimed wood panels available, which have nail holes, saw marks, and a natural patina that will enhance rustic-style homes. You can also find new cut wood wall panels that can be finished and stained in a variety of colors to match any decor.

Wooden wall panels can be created using a single species of wood, which provides greater consistency, or a blend of antique woods can be used to bring a variety of colors and textures to the design. Whether you’re designing a modern and sleek bedroom that needs some warmth from wood or a rustic and rural-style bedroom that requires a rich, worn wood to complement the rest of the decor, you can find a wall panel that matches your style.

For a rustic look, combine stained cedar, pine, or oak planks in a variety of widths. Gray-stained ash evokes Scandinavian minimalism. Dark brown mahogany and ebony wood bring drama to traditional and eclectic styles. Bleached and white-washed wood lends a beach house vibe. Matchwood wall paneling to bedroom furniture for a cohesive look.


Warm Up Your Bedroom’s Style with Wood Wall Panels

Wood is so incredibly versatile that you can use it nearly anywhere. In the bedroom, wood makes a great way to add some character, interest, and warmth to your room without taking up valuable floor space. Incorporating bedroom wall panels made of real wood into your interior design can capture the beauty and warmth of the material, elevating the overall aesthetic of your space.


So, Is Wood Right for Your Bedroom?

Wood wall panels offer many advantages for bedroom design. The natural beauty of wood creates visual interest and a welcoming feel. Wood’s flexibility allows for custom sizes and integrated storage features. Reclaimed wood has a rustic appeal, while finished wood panels can match any decor. The texture and colors of wood complement soft fabrics and add warmth. For these reasons, wood wall panels are an excellent choice for making a stylish statement and enhancing the comfort of your bedroom.


FAQs About Wood Wall Panels

What types of wood work best for wall panels?

Popular choices include pine, cedar, oak, maple, and mahogany. Reclaimed barn wood or salvaged wood also has great rustic appeal.


What are the best ways to finish wood wall panels?

Staining allows you to match any color scheme. Clear finishes like polyurethane protect the natural wood look. White-washing creates a coastal, beachy aesthetic. Bleaching provides a Scandinavian-inspired light wood tone.


How difficult is it to install wood wall panels?

Many interlocking and click-in panel systems assemble quickly without nails or glue. Pre-finished panels just need sticking up with construction adhesive. For custom designs, wood slats can be cut and mounted to a substrate attached to the wall.


Can you mount things on wood wall panels?

Yes, wood wall panels provide a solid mounting surface for art, mirrors, shelves, and wall-mounted TVs. Use special wall anchors suited for wood. Take care not to crack wood slats with very heavy objects.


How can you incorporate lighting with wood wall panels?

Concealed lighting inside cabinets, shelving, or wall recesses highlights the wood’s grain and creates drama. Small discrete sconces or reading lights can be mounted on panels by the bed for task lighting.


Editorial Contributors
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Abbie Clark

Contributor

Abbie Clark is a writer and blogger. She is the founder of "Hey She Thrives", where she writes about all things motherhood, coupled with expert cleaning tips that echo the warmth and order of a loving home. She is also the co founder of "RideRambler." There, you can find all of the info you'll ever need on DIY car fixes and Auto news.When not writing, you can find Abbie chasing her toddler, trying a new cookie recipe, or fishing with her husband.

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Jeff Zoldy

Jeff is a writer, editor, and marketer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has been editing on the Home Solutions team for over a year and is passionate about getting homeowners the information they need when they need it most. When he’s not working, Jeff can be found at baseball games, golfing, going to the gym, reading, watching movies, and playing video games.

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