8 inspiring panel and slat ideas—update a cabinet or make a stunning headboard

Using slats and paneling, you can easily modernize your cottage decor, add romantic touches, or evoke a nostalgic atmosphere. A safe choice for new surfaces and built-in furniture is to use paneling that can already be found in the space. A slatted wall preserves the room’s openness and allows natural light to flow from one area to another.

Since slats and panels have a distinct directional pattern, it’s worth using it to your advantage. In a low-ceilinged space, vertical lines can add a sense of height. Conversely, applying horizontal lines to the side walls can make a high-ceilinged space feel lower. On the end wall of a narrow room, horizontal lines can make the space appear wider.

1. Highlight with contrast

Enhance wood with colors. Traditional, naturally toned wood paneling makes a cozy and beautiful accent wall when paired with white. The softly light-hued floor was first treated with lye and then finished with oil wax.

2. Elevate the ceiling

When applied to a large surface, such as a ceiling, slatting adds warmth and vibrancy. A wooden finish can also highlight the shape of the ceiling. If needed, acoustic materials can be conveniently concealed behind the slatting.

3. Headboard with style

You don’t always need to panel the entire wall; even small-scale solutions can transform a space. The cabinets cleverly frame the panel to serve as a headboard. A separate frame was built at the head of the bed to attach the panels.

4. For a manor house feel

Wainscoting is a convenient way to add grandeur and a touch of manor house ambiance to a space. You’ll achieve a harmonious result by avoiding strong color contrasts between the wall and the paneling.

5. Paired with a log wall

White half wall paneling refreshes and accentuates the dark log walls. It also complements the rustic style perfectly.

6. Update for the better

By customizing, you can transform even a dull piece of furniture into something you love. In this unique piece, wooden slats have been attached to the doors of IKEA’s Ivar cabinet for some extra flair.

7. Part of the wall

If you want to echo the era of your house, create an old-house feel, or blend cabinets into the wall, built-in panel cabinets that extend up to the ceiling are the ideal solution.

8. Preserve the sense of space

In a compact yet tall space, slatting can preserve the sense of airiness. The sense of spaciousness is maintained when the eye isn’t blocked by a solid wall but can pass through the slat wall all the way to the back of the loft. The slat wall also makes the loft safe. While relaxing up there, you can feel both secluded and connected to those downstairs.