Decorative panels are great in that they serve both practical and decorative purposes. These characteristics surely play a part in their sudden surge in popularity. Here are a few things you should know about this type of wall covering:

If you're looking to add style to your interior home design, decorative panels can be a great option. Usually, they work as statement pieces, only covering one or two walls in a room. 

Rarely will you find a room where every wall is covered up using this type of material. Many different styles of decorative panels are available. From 3D effect to thermoplastic or even transparent resin, you’re likely to find at least one type of panel that suits your taste.

One major perk is the fact that they can be customized, so you can adapt them to your interior design. Some panels look more like a design accessory than a wall covering. 3D decorative panels are most easy to customize. 

They can be painted or covered with decorative adhesives which match your interior design. You can also choose to highlight them by selecting a vibrant colour to contrast with the rest of the room. It’s all up to you!

Pros and cons of decorative panels for walls

Decorative panels are considered to be a type of interior wall covering that is versatile, in addition to being generally easy to install and simple in terms of maintenance. That being said, the specific characteristics of said panels depend on the type of material from which they are made. Indeed, a decorative panel that is made of wood will not necessarily have the same pros and cons as a panel that is made of aluminum.

When purchasing materials, it is important to learn about and compare the different options to see which type is best for the room and the aesthetic preferences of the home's occupants.

The different materials that are used for decorative panels

Decorative panels are available in a plethora of different materials plastic, wood, aluminum, copper, steel and bamboo. Before you choose which type of panel you want, be sure that the material you choose is well suited for the room where it will be installed. 

For example, don’t put a giant decorative wood panel in your bathroom: chances are that the humidity will ruin it. Thankfully, most decorative panels are very resistant and durable. 

The cost of decorative panels

Installation tends to be simple and on a day-to-day basis, they are easy to clean. One of the main drawbacks of decorative panels is that they tend to be more expensive than other types of wall coverings, costing anywhere between $24 and $120 per panel. Before the panels are installed, the surface underneath has to be well prepared, especially if the panel is made of wood.

Here are a few examples of prices for decorative panels:

• Prefinished panel (8 ft x 4 ft. 1/8 inch) - approximately $40 (sold by unit)

• Imitation concrete wall panel (48" x 96") - approximately $60 (sold by unit)

• Brick effect wall panel (48" x 96") - approximately $78 (sold by unit)

• PVC wall panel (20,89 sq.ft.) - approximately $105 (sold by unit)

Preparation steps will depend on the type of material you choose. When buying your decorative panels, be sure to inquire about the steps you will need to follow for the installation process. Also, know that certain types of panels might not be adapted to your home.  

Installing decorative panels in the bathroom: yes or no?

The idea of installing decorative panels in your bathroom is something you would like? Before purchasing the materials and completing the installation, you must make sure that your room is well-suited to accommodate these materials. 

Indeed, to be certain that the conditions are ideal for the installation of decorative panels, please make sure that the bathroom is well ventilated. Also, note that the panels should be installed away from the bath and shower.

Here are other articles about wall coverings, to give you ideas and help you better know the different materials available on the market:

• Interior wall coverings: prices and characteristics

• Wall covering inspirations: wood panels and wood by-products

• Wall covering: concrete and its imitations

• Wall covering inspirations: natural and decorative stone

• Wall covering inspirations: wall tile

• Wall covering inspirations: wallpaper

• Paint and wall covering renovation guide