Wall paneling is a quick, cost-effective solution for commercial spaces. There are styles to suit any design or aesthetic, meaning you can find the perfect paneling to fit your space. After a decade in the construction industry, I’m no stranger to paneling or to helping clients choose the best option for their projects.

For inspiration, I’ve rounded up six ways to use wall paneling in a commercial space.


1. Seating Areas

Reclaimed or new wood wall panels don’t have to be installed on walls to be stylish or functional. You can use panels to accent seating areas, as shown. The wood adds a natural touch and makes the area warm and inviting. Consider engineered wood as a viable panel option.


2. Wall Frames

Wood panels frame spaces and draw attention. Panels can surround a niche, letting the bold wall color pop while tying in with a hallway’s wood paneling. Light wood complements an office’s bold colors while maintaining a natural look. The effect is cohesive, contemporary, and inviting.


3. Restaurant Accents

Rustic panels add interest and detail to areas you might normally want to hide. Here, they frame the kitchen serving area, highlighting it as the focal point. People will automatically turn this way when they enter, which can help improve the flow of traffic or direct people where they need to go.


4. Ceilings

Wood panels on the ceiling
Image Credit: Canva

The ceiling is considered the fifth wall in interior design. Wood panels on the ceiling add warmth and contrast to balance the modern furniture. This creates an inviting, comfortable atmosphere.


5. Wall Displays

Panels make an excellent backdrop for displaying collections. Items can hang directly on the wood or be recessed into niches to highlight displays. Consider additional lighting to take full advantage of your paneled display areas, as shown. You can resurface wall paneling to refresh the look over time.


6. Smooth Wall Panels

wood paneling room
Image Credit: Canva

Sometimes, wood paneling stands alone as the room’s accent. Rich, warm wood paneling clads the whole wall shown, adding warmth and contrast to the contemporary furnishings.


So, Is Wall Paneling Right for Your Commercial Space?

Ultimately, the versatility of wall paneling allows it to transform commercial spaces. Panels can direct foot traffic, highlight key areas, add decorative accents, create seating, display collections, and infuse warmth. I think it’s a great choice.


FAQs About Wall Paneling for Commercial Spaces

What are the benefits of wall paneling in commercial spaces?

Benefits include esthetic appeal, showcasing branding or style, directing flow, highlighting key areas, and adding comfort and versatility.


What commercial rooms use wood wall paneling?

Common rooms include lobbies, seating areas, restaurants, cafes, bars, display rooms, galleries, meeting rooms, and offices.


What are the best wall paneling materials?

It depends on your goals, but popular options are reclaimed wood, oak, cedar, pine, bamboo, decorative metal, and accent tile.


Does paneling require special maintenance?

Not particularly. General cleaning advice applies, like dusting and wiping down. Refreshing panels may eventually become necessary because of smoke or fading caused by ultraviolet light.


Editorial Contributors
avatar for Doug Sluga

Doug Sluga

Doug Sluga is a professional roofer and carpenter with ten years of experience in residential and commercial construction. His expertise spans the breadth of the roofing trade from minor repairs to laying shingles to framing trusses. These days he spends most of his time writing about roofing and the roofing industry.

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Casey Daniel

Casey Daniel is a writer and editor with a passion for empowering readers to improve their homes and their lives. She has written and reviewed content across multiple topics, including home improvement, lawn and garden care, sustainability, and health and wellness. When she’s not reviewing articles, Casey is usually playing board games, repainting her bathroom, or quilting.

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