Wood panelling originally gained popularity in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, not just because of its aesthetic quality and sense of grandeur but also for its ability to insulate properties. Both qualities make it a popular choice for modern interiors, too. Simon Gray, designer at The Bespoke Kitchen and Interiors, says that panelling "lets you "soften the room acoustically, offers a degree of protection and gives any room a real sense of splendour".
Although panelling is perfectly suited for adding authentic period character to Regency, Victorian and Georgian properties, it can be used in more contemporary homes to great effect and even in smaller proportioned interiors. Brian Purnell, director at Distinctive Country Furniture, reveals: "It is commonly thought that a room will appear to be smaller with panelling; however, in our experience, the smaller rooms especially tend to appear larger."
HISTORY ON THE WALLS Restoring or adding natural oak panelling to a room does add an air of history and it is important to add the right style of panelling for the period of the property for an authentic finish. However, as with most period details, if a different style appeals it can work as long as the style is not of an earlier period than the property. Natural solid oak timber panelling is most associated with the Tudor and Jacobean style used to create grand dining halls and entrances in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The panels of this period are smaller and fielded, creating large squares or rectangles with a frame. Friezes could be created with decorative carvings in the centre of the panels. A popular style for intimate rooms or for the wealthy of this period was linenfold, where the carvings resemble vertically folded linen to give the effect of rich drapes of fabric. The wood is usually left unpainted but varnished or oiled for different effects.