Let’s be honest, plain walls are a missed opportunity. If you really want to bring character and dimension into a space, the right interior wall cladding design can do wonders. It’s not just about covering up a wall, it’s about giving it texture, warmth, and personality. Whether you love earthy, rustic vibes or sleek, modern finishes, there’s a cladding style out there that can completely shift the mood of your room.
Wall cladding adds that layer of detail most people overlook, but once you have it, you can’t unsee the difference. It makes your living room feel more put together, your bedroom more luxurious, and even your staircase wall feel like it has a story to tell.
So, if you’re looking for some solid inspiration, here are 20+ interior wall cladding design ideas that can take your space from flat to fabulous, without going overboard. Let’s dive in.
What We'll Cover
ToggleWhat is Wall Cladding?

Wall cladding is a decorative and protective layer added to walls using materials like wood, stone, tiles, or metal. It’s a popular choice in modern homes for both interior walls and exterior walls, helping enhance the overall look while also improving durability. With a wide range of wall cladding designs available today, homeowners can easily transform a plain wall into a stylish focal point, whether it’s a textured wooden panel in the living room or a stone-finish cladding for the exterior façade.
From sleek and minimal to earthy and rustic, cladding works beautifully across various styles and spaces. For interior walls, it adds warmth, depth, and texture, ideal for accent walls in bedrooms, lounges, or TV units. For exterior walls, it gives your home a distinctive look while offering protection from weather conditions. The right cladding design can instantly elevate the feel of your space,both inside and out.
Why Do We Need Wall Cladding?
Wall cladding is more than just a design choice, it serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. Here’s why it’s a smart addition to any home:
- Enhances Appearance: Instantly transforms plain surfaces with stylish textures and finishes
- Protects Walls: Shields both interior walls and exterior walls from moisture, heat, dust, and minor damage
- Low Maintenance: Cladding surfaces are easy to clean and long-lasting compared to paint or wallpaper
- Adds Insulation: Helps in thermal and sound insulation, making your home more energy-efficient
- Covers Imperfections: Great for hiding cracks, uneven plaster, or outdated wall finishes
- Wide Design Options: From wood to stone to 3D panels, there are endless wall cladding designs to suit any style
Now that you know why wall cladding matters, let’s explore some stunning wall cladding design ideas.
Interior Wall Cladding Design Ideas
Fabric or Upholstered Interior Wall Cladding Design

If you’re looking for something other than the usual wood or stone finishes, fabric or upholstered wall panels are a great option to consider. These panels are soft, padded, and wrapped in materials like velvet, suede, or leatherette, instantly giving your space a warm and cozy vibe. In today’s modern interior wall cladding designs, fabric panels are becoming increasingly popular. They work especially well for living room wall cladding, behind the sofa, around the TV unit, or even as an accent wall that adds texture and depth. They’re not just about looks. Fabric wall claddings help with sound absorption, making them perfect for media rooms, bedrooms, or large open spaces where echoes are common.
You can go bold with rich tones like navy blue, bold red or emerald green, or keep it subtle with greys and beige, there’s a style for every mood. And if you’re thinking of giving your bedroom walls a fresh look, try fabric wall cladding instead of a traditional headboard. It adds both comfort and style. So if you’re after something unique and functional, this wall cladding design is definitely worth a try.
Geometric Interior Wall Cladding Design

If you’re into clean lines and modern vibes, geometric patterns are a total win. Think angular MDF panels, laser-cut grooves, or tiles arranged in bold, repeated layouts, these give your walls a stunning 3D effect that instantly adds character. This is one of those cladded wall ideas that doesn’t just fill up a space, it defines it. Whether you’re designing a sleek living room backdrop, a statement dining wall, or even a standout hallway feature, geometric wall cladding offers a contemporary edge that’s hard to miss.
You can go monochrome with tone-on-tone shades for a minimal look or play with contrast, like black and white or wood and matte grey, to really make the patterns pop. Among the many interior wall cladding ideas out there, this one’s perfect if you want to break the monotony of plain surfaces. It brings structure, depth, and a bit of drama, all without overpowering the rest of your decor. Also, here’s a tip: pair it with indirect lighting or spotlights to enhance the shadows and dimensional effect.
Terracotta Grid Interior Wall Cladding Design

If you’re looking to bring character and warmth into your space without relying on loud colours or over-the-top décor, the Terracotta Grid Wall Cladding Design is a brilliant choice. Made using exposed terracotta bricks arranged in geometric patterns, this design effortlessly blends raw texture with structured visual appeal.
The grid layout, highlighted with clean black mortar lines, creates rhythm and movement on the wall while keeping the overall palette earthy and grounded. It’s perfect for accent walls in living rooms, entrance foyers, or even semi-outdoor verandas where natural materials can shine.
This kind of interior wall cladding is especially ideal for homes that lean towards Indian contemporary or tropical modern aesthetics. It brings in a rustic edge without feeling unfinished. And since the patterns are subtle yet dynamic, they can complement both wooden and concrete finishes with ease.
Metal Interior Wall Cladding Design

Metal wall cladding into your home is not only a design choice rooted in tradition but also one that adds timeless character and texture to your interiors. Historically, decorative metal panels were a popular feature in royal palaces, heritage mansions, and temples across India. These intricately crafted surfaces, often made of brass, copper, or bronze, were used to reflect wealth, craftsmanship, and cultural richness.
Today, this legacy is being reimagined in modern homes, especially in hallway walls, entryways, and dining areas, where they function as both a design statement and a cultural nod to the past. The embossing and detailing found in these panels introduce depth, rhythm, and an artisanal quality that flat-painted walls simply cannot offer.
One of the most impactful placements for this cladding is along an entryway wall. It immediately sets the tone for the home, welcoming guests with a sense of heritage and warmth. When installed along a hallway or transition wall, it adds visual interest and turns a typically overlooked space into a design highlight.
In dining areas, this cladding can be paired with mirror inlays or antique brass elements to create an ambient, luxurious setting. The combination of metal and mirrors enhances the natural shine of the cladding, especially under warm lighting. Whether it’s floral motifs, geometric symmetry, or Mughal-inspired patterns, these panels complement a wide range of traditional Indian design themes.
Metal wall cladding isn’t just aesthetically pleasing, it’s also durable, low-maintenance, and highly adaptable. Its ability to reflect light, pair with wood or stone, and elevate a space makes it one of the most versatile interior wall cladding ideas for traditional homes. For those seeking wall cladding designs for living room, foyers, or dining corners that blend history with elegance, this approach offers a perfect balance of tradition and timeless beauty.
Stone Interior Wall Cladding Design

Among the many interior wall cladding ideas, stone wall cladding stands out for its timeless appeal and natural elegance. With its rich texture and organic tones, it introduces a sense of depth and warmth to any interior space.
One of the most popular wall cladding designs for living room interiors, stone cladding offers a rustic yet refined look. It works beautifully as an accent wall behind a TV unit, around a fireplace, or even as a backdrop for artwork and shelves.
The rough surface adds dimension, while the natural variations in color, ranging from subtle beige and greys to darker, dramatic hues. Stone wall cladding isn’t just limited to living rooms. It is equally effective in creating a striking first impression in entryways or adding character to staircase walls. With the right lighting, the texture of the stone comes alive, casting gentle shadows that enhance the overall ambiance.
In terms of material options, you can choose from slate, sandstone, limestone, or quartzite, each offering its own palette and pattern. Modern manufacturing techniques also mean that these stone panels are easier to install than ever before, making them a practical choice for both new constructions and renovations.
If you’re considering wall cladding designs for living room or looking for impactful yet natural materials, stone cladding is certainly worth exploring. It offers durability, visual interest, and a grounded aesthetic that blends seamlessly with both traditional and contemporary styles.
Art Deco or Colonial Revival Interior Wall Cladding Design

For interiors that demand both structure and sophistication, Art Deco or Colonial Revival wall cladding presents a distinctive option that balances historical influence with design clarity. This style of paneling has long been associated with grand hotel lounges, vintage European parlors, and formal dining spaces, spaces where wall design was treated as an architectural feature rather than a background element.
Unlike minimalist surfaces, this form of interior wall cladding embraces depth and ornamentation. Carefully framed panels, often arranged in perfect symmetry, are enhanced with intricate mouldings, scenic inlays, or metallic accents. In many designs, decorative elements such as circular medallions or artwork are integrated within the panels, resulting in a cohesive and curated wall treatment.
As a wall cladding design for living room interiors, it offers both visual weight and a timeless aesthetic. Rich color palettes, deep green, royal blue, or oxblood red, are often paired with wood, lacquer, or metal finishes. The geometry, borrowed from Art Deco traditions, brings clarity and rhythm, while Colonial Revival influences add classical elegance.
This style is particularly effective in rooms where a formal ambience is preferred, such as dining rooms, home offices, or entry vestibules. When paired with layered lighting, especially sconces and chandeliers, the texture and shadow of the wall panels create a dramatic yet balanced effect.For homeowners and designers exploring interior wall cladding ideas that go beyond surface aesthetics, this design offers a structured yet expressive solution. It not only enhances the architectural language of the space but also elevates the overall interior character.
Brass Interior Wall Cladding Design

For those seeking interior wall cladding ideas that combine traditional sensibilities with modern elegance, brass wall cladding is a timeless and refined choice.When it comes to selecting impactful interior wall cladding ideas, brass wall cladding stands out for its distinctive ability to add both warmth and sophistication to a space. With its natural metallic sheen and enduring appeal, brass introduces a tactile richness that few other materials can match.
This form of wall cladding design for living room interiors is particularly effective as an accent wall, whether it’s behind a sofa, framing a console, or incorporated into panel mouldings. The reflective quality of brass enhances ambient lighting, creating a subtle glow that elevates the mood of the room. It is available in various finishes, ranging from a mirror-like polish to brushed or aged textures, allowing for flexibility based on the design intent.
Brass wall cladding isn’t limited to living rooms. It can be just as impactful in entryways, where it makes a strong first impression, or in spiritual nooks, where its warmth and elegance enhance the sense of serenity. When paired with elements like carved wood, stone, or soft lighting, brass cladding adds cultural depth and contemporary polish.
Designers often use brass in smooth panels for a sleek, modern look, or opt for embossed and textured wall cladding designs to introduce intricate detail. Both approaches offer durability, easy maintenance, and a lasting visual appeal, making brass a versatile option for both residential and commercial interiors.
Jaali Interior Wall Cladding Design

Jaali-style wall cladding like this brings in both texture and subtle drama to your living space. The repetitive geometric cutouts create a play of shadow and depth, turning a plain interior wall into a statement feature without overwhelming the room. It works especially well in contemporary or fusion-style homes where there’s a balance between minimalism and ornamentation.
This kind of living room wall cladding not only adds a layer of design interest but also helps break visual monotony in open-plan spaces. It’s a great choice for homes that lean towards soft-toned palettes but still want something eye-catching on the walls. If you’re exploring interior wall cladding ideas that combine style with texture, a jaali panel like this is an elegant, long-lasting option that quietly elevates the whole space.
Fluted Interior Wall Cladding Design

Fluted wall cladding is a popular modern interior wall design that adds texture, rhythm, and elegance without overwhelming the space. These vertically grooved panels give walls a sleek, contemporary look with a hint of softness, thanks to the repetitive linear pattern. One of the best things about fluted wall designs is their versatility. They can be crafted from various materials, like wood, MDF, PVC, PU, or even tile, making them suitable for a range of spaces including bathrooms, kitchen rooms (as a backsplash), living rooms, or even kids’ bedrooms. Depending on the material and finish, you can choose from a wide palette of colors, from natural wood tones to bold or pastel shades, aligning them with your overall interior theme.
You don’t need to cover an entire wall to make an impact. Fluted panels can be used strategically, like on the TV unit wall, behind a bed as a headboard, or in niches and passageways, to add just the right amount of visual depth. The alignment can be vertical (most common), horizontal, or even diagonal for a more dynamic look.This type of interior wall cladding is especially useful when you want to introduce some texture but still keep the design understated and sophisticated. It’s a perfect choice for homeowners who want their walls to look stylish without going too bold.
If you’re exploring modern wall cladding designs, fluted panels strike a great balance between aesthetic appeal and functional flexibility.
Marble Interior Wall Cladding Design

Marble wall cladding instantly elevates the aesthetic of a space by introducing a sense of opulence, depth, and timeless elegance. Its natural patterns, rich veining, and polished finish make it one of the most sought-after materials in both contemporary and classic interiors. Beyond its beauty, marble is surprisingly practical. It’s relatively easy to install and, when sealed and maintained correctly, proves to be highly durable over time. Whether you choose a crisp white marble, a dramatic veined slab, or a muted beige tone, marble adapts effortlessly to various design styles.
One of the greatest strengths of marble is its versatility in placement. It works beautifully as a TV unit wall backdrop, adding a touch of drama and focus in the living area. It’s equally stunning and functional when used as a kitchen backsplash or countertop, where its smooth surface pairs elegance with utility.
Marble wall cladding is not limited to residential spaces alone, it also brings understated luxury to commercial interiors, hospitality lobbies, and upscale retail environments. In short, marble wall cladding is a material that never goes out of style. Whether you’re designing a minimal home, a transitional space, or a statement zone, marble delivers both visual richness and lasting value.
Lego Inspired Interior Wall Cladding Design

Lego-inspired wall cladding is more than just a quirky trend, it’s a bold, creative approach to wall design that instantly brings a space to life. Especially ideal for kids’ bedroom wall designs, this cladding style adds both color and dimension in a way that feels fun, imaginative, and endlessly customizable.
With its block-like geometry and vibrant palette, Lego wall cladding turns a blank wall into an interactive, visually stimulating backdrop. Whether you go for primary color schemes to mimic the original Lego vibe or pastel tones for a softer look, the design encourages play and creativity in the space it inhabits. This concept isn’t limited to bedroom designs alone.
It works wonderfully in playrooms, school classrooms, daycares, libraries, and even auditoriums, anywhere you want to inject a sense of energy and engagement. In fact, even modern drawing rooms with a youthful spirit can benefit from a Lego accent wall, especially when paired with minimal furniture and smart lighting.
Apart from its aesthetic appeal, Lego wall cladding also offers textural variety and modular possibilities. Panels can be rearranged, colours can evolve as the child grows, and the wall can become a design element that grows along with them. In short, Lego wall cladding design is a fresh and joyful interpretation of kids’ room decor, a perfect blend of play, design, and personalization. For parents and designers looking to go beyond the usual decals and wallpaper, this idea opens up a world of vibrant possibility.
Terracotta Interior Wall Cladding Design

Terracotta wall cladding designs offer a timeless blend of earthy charm and architectural character. Known for their rich, brick-red tones and natural matte finish, terracotta cladding instantly brings warmth and a grounded, rustic elegance to any space. Whether used indoors or outdoors, this material has a way of turning even the simplest wall into a design feature.
What makes terracotta stand out is its versatility. It can be used across a wide variety of surfaces, entryways, living room feature walls, stairwell backdrops, exterior facades, and even courtyards. For interiors, terracotta cladding adds a raw, textured look that feels both traditional and artisanal.
In exteriors, it weathers beautifully and blends effortlessly with natural surroundings, making it ideal for homes with a sustainable or vernacular design approach. Terracotta also works brilliantly in commercial spaces, cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and even office lobbies, where it instantly elevates the ambiance with its handcrafted feel. Its bold yet organic appearance creates a memorable first impression and adds an element of storytelling to the space.
You can explore creative applications too, mixing hollow patterns, stacking tiles in rhythmic arrangements, or combining with planters and lighting to create a visual statement wall. What makes this interior wall cladding design so admired is that it’s never just another brick on the wall, it’s a conversation starter. And that’s exactly why terracotta continues to gain popularity: it’s unique, expressive, and always a show-stealer.
Cane Interior Wall Cladding Design

Cane wall cladding brings a warm, organic feel to any interior wall, blending natural texture with timeless appeal. Its woven surface adds subtle pattern and depth, making it an ideal choice for living rooms, reading corners, or even behind beds where you want softness without going fully upholstered.
What makes cane wall cladding design stand out is its ability to feel both traditional and modern, depending on how you pair it. In boho, coastal, or even minimal interiors, it complements wooden accents and neutral tones beautifully. If you’re looking for interior wall cladding ideas that introduce nature-inspired calm and a handcrafted vibe, cane is effortlessly charming and never tries too hard, it’s texture done right.
Granite Interior Wall Cladding Designs

Granite wall cladding is like giving your walls a suit of armor, only it’s stylish, timeless, and oh-so classy. Whether you’re jazzing up a living room wall, giving your entryway some drama, or going bold in the balcony, granite cladding brings in that natural stone vibe with serious texture and strength. Granite isn’t just a looker, it’s incredibly durable, weather-resistant, and super low-maintenance. So it works just as beautifully outdoors as it does indoors.
From rugged split-face textures to smooth honed finishes and high-gloss polished panels, granite wall cladding offers a style for every mood. For a warm, earthy feel, go with granite in rich, natural tones and rough-hewn edges. For a sleek, modern look, jet black or cool grey granite in clean, linear cuts adds a refined and sophisticated touch. So if you’re exploring wall finishes that last long and never go out of style, granite wall cladding deserves a top spot on your list. It’s bold, it’s natural, and honestly, it’s hard not to love.
Wavy Fluted Interior Wall Cladding Design

The wavy fluted wall cladding design is an eye-catching and contemporary way to elevate any interior wall. What makes it truly stand out is its three-dimensional texture, the gentle, undulating curves create movement and depth, adding a sculptural element to the space without overwhelming it.
This design is not just visually appealing, but also incredibly versatile. It works beautifully across different parts of the home, whether it’s setting the tone in an entryway, adding a stylish focal point in the dining area, or enhancing the ambiance of a living room. One of the most underrated yet impactful applications is on staircase walls, the flowing fluted pattern adds intrigue to transitional spaces, making even a simple stairwell feel elevated and thoughtfully designed. Whether you’re going for a minimalist, modern, or luxe interior theme, wavy fluted cladding seamlessly adapts and adds a layer of sophistication to your overall decor.
Mirror Interior Wall Cladding Designs

Mirror wall cladding is more than just a decorative choice, it’s a thoughtful design technique that transforms your space in both subtle and striking ways. As far as interior wall ideas go, this one stands out for its ability to amplify light, create the illusion of space, and bring a touch of sophistication all at once.
One of the biggest advantages of mirror wall cladding is its reflective quality. It bounces both natural and artificial light across the room, instantly making your interiors look brighter and more spacious. This makes it an excellent option for compact areas or rooms that lack direct sunlight. As a living room wall cladding element, mirrors can dramatically open up the space, making it feel airier and more inviting.
Design-wise, the flexibility is impressive. You can go for a single full-length mirror that becomes a bold solo accent, or opt for mirror panels arranged in geometric shapes or patterns that give the wall a sense of rhythm and dimension. Incorporating golden accents, whether as trim, framing, or nearby lighting fixtures, further enhances the luxurious feel. The mirror picks up these metallic tones and reflects them softly, creating a warm, glowing ambiance that elevates the entire space.
Whether used in a hallway, dining room, or especially the living room, mirror wall cladding is a powerful design tool. It serves both form and function, creating depth, enhancing light, and acting as a beautiful focal point. If you’re on the hunt for interior wall cladding ideas that feel timeless yet stylish, mirror cladding is a perfect choice that brings elegance without effort.
Rustic Wood Interior Wall Cladding Design

Rustic wooden wall cladding is a design trend that never goes out of style. With its raw textures, warm tones, and natural imperfections, it instantly adds depth, character, and a lived-in charm to any interior. Whether you’re designing a cozy living room, a statement entryway, or a boutique-style bedroom, rustic wood panels are an effortless way to bring nature indoors.
What makes this wall cladding design so impactful is its ability to transform a plain wall into a visual focal point. The grain, knots, and variation in wood create a layered, earthy feel, perfect for creating an intimate and welcoming space. Pair it with soft neutrals, linen fabrics, and matte finishes to enhance the rustic vibe.
Ideal for:
- Living room backdrops behind sofas or fireplaces
- Bedroom headboard walls
- Entryways or foyer nooks
- Café-style dining areas or accent walls in open kitchens
You can choose from reclaimed wood, weathered pine, or even engineered panels that mimic aged timber. The finish can range from light washed oak to deep walnut, depending on whether you want a soft countryside aesthetic or a bold lodge-style effect. Beyond looks, rustic wood cladding also offers insulation benefits and can help in moderating indoor acoustics, making your space feel quieter and more grounded.
Cork Interior Wall Cladding Design

Cork wall cladding is one of the most understated yet powerful design elements you can introduce to a space. It’s more than just a surface, it brings in visual warmth, tactile texture, and a subtle sense of comfort and calm. Made from the bark of cork oak trees, this material is renewable, eco-friendly, and surprisingly affordable, making it a smart choice for both budget-conscious and sustainability-driven projects. One of the standout features of cork cladding is its natural acoustic properties. It helps absorb sound, reduce echoes, and improve overall insulation, perfect for spaces where privacy and clarity matter, such as office meeting rooms, home studios, open-plan living rooms, or even staircase areas that tend to amplify sound.
This wall cladding design isn’t just about performance, it’s also incredibly aesthetic and versatile. Cork can be finished in a range of colors, patterns, and textures to match your interior palette. Whether you’re going for a raw, rustic vibe or a sleek, modern finish, cork allows you to customise it to suit your space. You can keep its natural tone to emphasize an organic, earthy atmosphere, or opt for bold stains, polished surfaces, or geometric patterns to make a statement.
In residential interiors, cork walls work beautifully in:
- Entryways, where it can act as a warm, welcoming backdrop.
- Living rooms, to create a cozy feature wall that doubles as a sound buffer.
- Staircase walls, where vertical surfaces often go underutilized but can be transformed with texture.
In commercial spaces, especially in environments like:
- Co-working hubs
- Creative studios
- Conference or call rooms
And because it’s lightweight, easy to install, and even acts as a mild thermal insulator, it’s as practical as it is stylish. =So whether you’re designing for acoustics, aesthetics, or both, cork interior wall cladding design offers a sustainable, customizable, and striking way to elevate any space.
Moroccan Tile Interior Wall Cladding Design

Tile cladding is one of the most versatile and fuss-free ways to dress up a wall. Whether you’re working on a home office, a kitchen corner, or an entryway, tile cladding gives you the perfect balance of texture, colour, and durability. It’s not just about tiles on the floor or bathroom walls anymore, bringing them onto feature walls can completely change the vibe of a room. What makes tile cladding stand out is the surface detail it brings in. Unlike paint or wallpaper, tile cladding adds real texture and dimensionality. Whether it’s a glazed finish that reflects light, or a matte tile that adds earthy softness, you get a tactile richness that flat walls just don’t offer.
The beauty of tile cladding lies in how adaptable and expressive it is. From fish scales to metro bricks to large format slabs, you can pick a pattern that suits your space and your personality. It’s not just for utility, it’s a design feature. And unlike some materials that feel trendy and then fade, tile cladding has that timeless visual quality that continues to feel relevant, no matter the season.
Take the turquoise fish scale design, for example. This is a type of tile cladding that instantly adds movement, colour, and energy. It creates a sort of focal point that pulls your attention, even if the rest of the room is minimal. That’s the charm of tile cladding: you can go bold with the wall and keep everything else simple.
Tile cladding also works well in high-use areas. If you’re someone who likes a clean, low-maintenance space, this material is a winner. It’s easy to wipe down, resistant to moisture, and doesn’t fade like painted surfaces. That’s why it suits places like home offices, stairwell walls, entryways, dining corners, and even parts of the living room where you want a more styled, curated feel.
In terms of styling, it’s super flexible. You can:
- Pair glossy cladding with matte furniture for contrast
- Use wood or metal elements to balance the hard surface with warmth
- Add layered lighting to highlight the cladding texture at different times of day
- Keep adjacent walls neutral so the cladding wall becomes the hero
So if you’re designing a space and want to add a bit of drama, durability, and design all in one wall, tile cladding is genuinely worth considering.
That’s a Wrap
The bottom line is this, interior wall cladding is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to transform a space without tearing it all down. You don’t need to break walls, renovate endlessly, or start from scratch. Whether it’s an old wall that’s lost its charm or a newly built one that feels too bare, cladding acts like a stylish mask, hiding imperfections while adding texture, warmth, and character.
It’s a smart design move that not only uplifts the aesthetics but also gives your space that extra zing, that something special which makes a room feel more finished, more expressive, and more you.
FAQ’s
What is interior wall cladding and how is it different from regular wall finishes?
Interior wall cladding refers to the process of covering an internal wall with a material, such as wood, tile, PVC, MDF, fabric, or stone, to enhance its appearance, texture, or performance. Unlike paint or wallpaper, which are surface-level treatments, interior wall cladding adds depth, texture, and often functionality such as moisture resistance or acoustic insulation. It also offers better durability and long-term finish, making it a preferred choice for feature walls or high-use spaces.
Can interior wall cladding be applied on existing walls without removing the old surface?
Yes, interior wall cladding can be applied directly on existing walls without breaking or removing the previous surface. This is one of the main advantages, it allows for a quick visual upgrade without the mess of civil work. As long as the wall is structurally sound, dry, and level, most cladding materials can be fixed using adhesive, screws, or interlocking systems.
Is interior wall cladding waterproof?
Whether interior wall cladding is waterproof depends on the material used. Materials like PVC panels, vitrified tiles, and ceramic wall tiles are highly water-resistant and suitable for wet areas like bathrooms or kitchens. On the other hand, wood, MDF, or fabric-based claddings are best suited for dry zones unless treated with a waterproof coating or sealant.
What are the best materials for interior wall cladding?
The best materials for interior wall cladding include wood, PVC, fluted panels, stone veneers, decorative tiles, and even cork or fabric panels. The choice depends on where it’s being used. For example, PVC is ideal for utility or moisture-prone areas, while wood adds warmth to bedrooms and living spaces. Fluted MDF panels are trending for modern feature walls due to their sleek, sculptural look.
Does interior wall cladding improve acoustic and thermal insulation?
Yes, interior wall cladding can help with both acoustic and thermal insulation. Materials like cork, upholstered panels, wood, or thicker MDF boards absorb sound and reduce echoes, making them great for home offices, media rooms, or bedrooms. Some panels also create an extra layer of insulation that helps regulate indoor temperature.
How is interior wall cladding fixed to the wall?
Interior wall cladding can be fixed using several methods depending on the material. For lighter materials like PVC or MDF, adhesive bonding or direct screwing into the wall is common. For heavier materials like tiles or natural stone, cement-based adhesives or mortar are used. Some modular cladding panels come with interlocking grooves or are mounted on wooden or aluminum battens for added support and ventilation.
What is the thickness of typical wall cladding panels?
The thickness of wall cladding panels varies by material, but most interior panels range from 6mm to 18mm. For example, PVC or laminate panels are thinner, while fluted MDF or natural stone veneers may be thicker to offer texture and strength. It’s important to factor this in during installation, especially if space is limited.
Is wall cladding better than painting or wallpapering a wall?
Wall cladding is often considered better than painting or wallpaper if you’re looking for long-term durability, low maintenance, and added dimension. While paint or wallpaper may fade or peel over time, cladding materials resist wear and tear better and often require minimal upkeep. They also help conceal wall imperfections without resurfacing the entire area.
How much does interior wall cladding cost in India?
The cost of interior wall cladding in India varies widely based on the material. On average, it can range from ₹80 to ₹500 per square foot. PVC and laminate panels are more affordable, while natural stone, designer tiles, and custom fluted panels fall on the premium end. Installation charges and surface preparation may add to the final cost.
Can interior wall cladding be used in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms or kitchens?
Yes, interior wall cladding can absolutely be used in bathrooms and kitchens, but only with moisture-resistant materials. For wet zones, materials like vitrified tiles, PVC, and glass panels work best as they don’t absorb moisture and are easy to clean. Avoid using untreated wood or MDF in such areas unless properly sealed.
What is the standard thickness of interior wall cladding panels?
The standard thickness of interior wall cladding panels typically ranges from 6mm to 18mm, depending on the material and the design intent. For example, PVC and laminate sheets are usually on the thinner side, around 6mm to 10mm, which makes them easy to install directly on existing walls without taking up much space. MDF, fluted panels, or stone veneers can go up to 12mm–18mm or more, especially if you’re aiming for a textured or sculptural finish.
Thickness affects more than just aesthetics. Heavier or thicker panels may require a stronger subframe or batten support system, while thinner panels can often be fixed using adhesives or direct screwing methods. It’s also worth noting that in tight spaces, like narrow corridors or compact rooms, choosing a slimmer panel can help retain usable floor space.