How to Install a Feature Wall Using Wallpaper or Panelling

Want to transform a plain room into something striking without redecorating the whole space? A feature wall is the perfect solution. Whether you’re using wallpaper for pattern and texture or panelling for a modern, architectural feel, this guide will walk you through how to do it yourself—properly.

It’s easier than you think, and the results can be dramatic.

Step 1: Choose Your Feature Wall

First, decide which wall to highlight. The best feature walls are:

  • Behind a bed, sofa, or dining table

  • In alcoves or recesses

  • Walls with no doors or windows (to keep the design uninterrupted)

Avoid walls with too many distractions—your feature should enhance the space, not clash with it.

Option 1: Installing a Wallpaper Feature Wall

? What You’ll Need:

  • Wallpaper of your choice (buy extra for pattern matching)

  • Wallpaper paste (or peel-and-stick, if using self-adhesive paper)

  • Smoothing brush or plastic spreader

  • Stanley knife or sharp blade

  • Spirit level

  • Pencil and measuring tape

  • Wallpaper pasting table (if using paste-the-paper wallpaper)

? How to Do It:

  1. Prep the wall – Fill any holes and sand smooth. Wipe down to remove dust.

  2. Mark a vertical guideline using a level. Don’t start in the corner—it’s rarely square.

  3. Apply paste to the paper or wall depending on the wallpaper type.

  4. Hang the first drop carefully along your guideline, smoothing from the centre outward to remove bubbles.

  5. Trim excess at the top and bottom using a sharp blade.

  6. Repeat, carefully matching the pattern if needed.

Pro tip: Don’t rush the first drop—it sets the tone for the rest.

Option 2: Installing a Panelling Feature Wall

Panelling adds depth and structure—perfect for modern bedrooms, hallways, or home offices.

? What You’ll Need:

  • MDF strips or pre-cut panelling kits

  • Grab adhesive

  • Spirit level and tape measure

  • Mitre saw or hand saw

  • Filler and sanding block

  • Primer and paint

? How to Do It:

  1. Plan your design – Sketch out your panel layout or use painter’s tape on the wall as a visual guide.

  2. Cut your panels – Use a mitre saw for precise angles. Sand rough edges.

  3. Mark and stick – Use a level to mark positions, then apply grab adhesive and press panels onto the wall.

  4. Fill and sand – Fill gaps or joints with filler, let it dry, then sand smooth.

  5. Prime and paint – Apply a primer coat followed by your chosen wall colour.

Top tip: Use caulk along the edges of each panel for a seamless finish.

Final Touches

  • Add soft lighting (wall sconces or picture lights) to highlight your feature wall

  • Hang art or mirrors for extra impact on panelled walls

  • Keep surrounding decor minimal so the feature wall remains the star

Conclusion

Whether you go bold with patterned wallpaper or timeless with wall panelling, a feature wall can completely lift a room. It’s a quick, cost-effective DIY project with a big payoff—and with the right tools and materials, anyone can do it.

Need wallpaper, panelling strips, or the tools to get started? Visit our DIY supplies section or ask our team for recommendations.