Decorative Panels as Wall Covering Materials
By Editorial Team
Updated on October 2, 2024

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:
Get 3 renovation quotes for your wall panel installation project
RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes for your wall panel installation. If you submit your project to us, we’ll put you in contact with the most suitable contractors for your project. Fill in the form on our homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will receive quotes from companies that specialize in wall coverings.
Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives
Looking for something else?
Related articles
The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

Editorial Team
•08 Nov 2023
While a laundry room is, first and foremost, a space designed for practical use, and its aesthetic aspect is often neglected, one shouldn’t overlook the overall appearance of the often-forgotten space to fine-tune it to the rest of the house. With this in mind, here are décor suggestions for your new laundry room.

Léa Plourde-Archer
•04 Oct 2024
Ceramic is a highly-resistant and versatile material that is known for being both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Adapted to all tastes, it is sold in the form of tiles that are offered in a wide variety of colours, shapes and textures. There is something for every budget, as prices vary, among other things, depending on the quality of the material and shape of the tiles.

Editorial Team
•08 Nov 2023
If you're looking to give your interior a modern look, concrete and concrete-inspired wall coverings are a great option. This article explains all the ways you can achieve a concrete look for your wall, with or without real concrete!
Editorial Team
•09 Sep 2024
Nowadays, in our homes, one of the rooms in which we spend the most time is the kitchen. Not only is it where we cook, but it’s the ideal place to spend time with friends and family, usually over a good meal. Hence, there’s value in making it cozy and welcoming. So, without further delay, why not give your kitchen the makeover it deserves to make it as homely as possible? This space can be revamped with the help of just a few clever ideas! Here are some interior décor tips that’ll make your dated kitchen look modern in no time!

Editorial Team
•24 Jul 2025
Sealants are a crucial part of insulating and shielding structures from bad weather and water leaks. Among the different sealants retailed, thermoplastic sealants differ on account of their unique properties and versatility. This comprehensive guide delves into all thermoplastic sealant-specific characteristics, including their pros and cons, as well as methods of application. We will also take a look at the difference between thermoplastic and silicone sealants, as well as tips for applying such products effectively.