Wall panels instead of paint or wallpaper: when they make sense
When it comes to finishing walls, most people choose between paint and wallpaper. Both are familiar, and both have weak spots. Paint needs a perfectly flat wall, which means long and messy preparation. Wallpaper does not like moisture, scratches or small hands. Wall panels solve some of these problems, although they are not right for every room. Here is how to tell whether they suit you.
How panels differ from paint and wallpaper
The biggest difference is preparation. Before painting, a wall is plastered, filled in several coats and sanded. Any unevenness shows up later in side light. Panels are fixed with adhesive or onto a frame, so small irregularities in the wall behind them stay hidden. That saves time at the rough finishing stage.
The second difference is cleaning. A good panel with a protective decorative layer can be wiped with an ordinary damp cloth. Shoe marks in the hallway or splashes in the kitchen wipe off instead of soaking in, as they would on wallpaper or matt paint.
The third difference is repair. A scratched painted wall usually has to be repainted in full, or the patch will show. A damaged panel can be replaced on its own, as long as you kept a spare from the same batch.
Where panels work best
- Hallways and corridors. These walls get knocked by bags, buggies and shoes more than any others.
- Children's rooms. Felt-tip drawings and handprints are easier to wipe off than to paint over.
- The wall behind a TV or a bed. Slatted panels add texture and help hide cables.
- Commercial spaces. Offices, showrooms and cafes, where quick installation and a hard-wearing surface matter.
Panels are also used in bathrooms and above kitchen worktops, but only the ones the manufacturer clearly describes as moisture resistant. Check this in the description of the specific series.
Diatom and Eco-Core panels: what is the difference
Our catalogue has two main ranges of ECOEAGLE wall panels. They come in similar sizes but have different cores.
Diatom panels are built on a diatomite board. Diatomite is a natural mineral formed from the remains of microscopic algae. The board carries an EBPP decorative layer, and the layers are bonded with PUR hot-melt adhesive. According to the manufacturer, the panel releases no formaldehyde and no volatile organic compounds (TVOC). The surface resists stains, is easy to clean and is not afraid of moisture.
Eco-Core panels are built on a technical board made of bamboo powder, polymer and calcium, with a PVC decorative layer. Their formaldehyde emission class is ENF, one of the strictest there is. The panels are light, keep their shape and hardly bend, so they are easy to install in large sheets.
Both ranges come flat (sheets 60 cm wide and 260 or 300 cm long) and slatted (15.8 cm wide). A flat sheet suits a calm, plain wall. Slats add rhythm and make the ceiling look higher.
Downsides worth knowing in advance
- Panels read as a separate material. If you want a completely seamless wall, paint is the better choice.
- Sockets, switches and corners need planning. Cut-outs and joints are made on site, and a mistake cannot be hidden later.
- Panels cost more per square metre than wallpaper. Less wall preparation covers part of the difference, but not always all of it.
- Different batches can vary slightly in tone. Buy the whole area at once, with a margin.
How to work out the quantity
Measure the width of the wall, divide it by the width of a panel and round up. If the ceiling is higher than the sheet is long, you will need a horizontal joint, and it is best to decide where before ordering. The usual allowance for cutting is 5 to 10 %, more on walls with windows and niches.
If you are not sure about the numbers, send the manager your wall sizes and a few photos. We will tell you how many sheets you need and where the joints should go.
In short
Wall panels are a good choice where walls take a beating: hallways, children's rooms and commercial spaces. They spare you long preparation for paint and are easy to clean. You can browse the available models in the wall panels section. If the panels need to fit into a complete interior, see our page about the design project.