Bespoke Wall Panelling in Newcastle & The North East: The Ultimate Guide to Styles, Craftsmanship, and Timeless Interiors
Wall panelling is experiencing a major revival across the UK — and nowhere more so than in Newcastle and the wider North East. From modern homes in Gosforth to period properties in Jesmond, wall panels offer structure, elegance, and architectural interest that elevate everyday spaces. At Hatkin, we specialise in designing and installing bespoke wood paneling for walls that complement the heritage or modernity of your home while adding warmth, durability, and functionality.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular types of wall paneling, from timeless Wainscot and Shaker to contemporary slatted styles — all crafted using high-quality wooden wall boards and installed with care across Tyne & Wear, Northumberland, County Durham and beyond.
Wainscot Panelling
Wainscot panelling is one of the oldest and most traditional wall panels still in use today. Typically installed at half-height, this style uses rectangular wooden wall boards and mouldings to provide subtle depth and structure. Popular in hallways, dining rooms and stairwells, wainscot wall panelling is ideal for period properties in Newcastle and the surrounding areas.
Our Wainscot installations use MDF or hardwood and are often finished in heritage colours from Farrow & Ball or Little Greene. These panels also serve as a protective surface — perfect for high-traffic areas — and can be beautifully paired with dado rails and custom skirting.
Interested in Wainscot Panelling for your home? Book your free consultation now.
Tongue and Groove Panelling
Tongue and groove panelling is a practical and beautiful solution for spaces where simplicity meets tradition. The interlocking vertical boards are a staple in panelled bathrooms, utility rooms, kitchens, and boot rooms throughout the North East. Because tongue and groove panelling is moisture-resistant, it’s ideal for Newcastle homes where functional wall panels must still feel crafted and warm.
At Hatkin, we often use this style in our bathroom cladding projects — combining waterproof materials with classic detailing. Whether painted in a chalky white or earthy olive, tongue and groove provides a crisp, structured feel that elevates any wall surface.
Love the look of Tongue & Groove? Schedule your consultation today.
Slatted Wall Panels
One of the most requested wall paneling trends in Newcastle right now is slatted wall panels — particularly in living rooms, bedrooms, and home cinema builds. These panels use narrow vertical timber slats (usually oak or stained birch) fixed over a black or tonal acoustic backing.
Slatted wood wall panels aren’t just visually stunning — they also improve sound quality by doubling as acoustic panels. Whether you’re building a media room or simply want a quiet, elevated feel in your living space, this panel wall wood design is both architectural and functional.
Enhance your space with Slatted Panels — Book a design consultation here.
Shaker Style Wall Panelling
Shaker wall panelling is beloved for its clean lines, square framing, and timeless proportion. In Newcastle homes, Shaker style is often used to create calm and order in bedrooms, entryways, and home offices. It suits both modern builds and Georgian or Edwardian properties, thanks to its adaptable, symmetrical form.
We build our Shaker wood paneling for walls using MDF or birch ply and offer both half-height and full-height layouts. Shaker wall panels pair beautifully with picture rails, colour-blocked walls, and even integrated hidden doors.
Ready to add timeless style to your walls? Book your Shaker panel consultation.
Shiplap Wood Panelling
Shiplap panelling is defined by its horizontal overlapping joints, offering a more contemporary look than tongue and groove. We install this style in bathrooms, kitchens, and modern loft conversions throughout Newcastle and County Durham.
Made with moisture-resistant wooden wall boards, shiplap panelling is ideal for bathroom cladding or panelled bathroom feature walls. It adds a subtle shadow line and sense of movement that suits modern interiors while still feeling crafted and intentional.
Transform your bathroom or kitchen with Shiplap — Reserve a consultation.
Board-and-Batten
Board-and-batten wall panelling brings a sense of drama to any space. With vertical battens spaced over flat backing boards, this style is bold, textural, and full of character. It’s often used as a feature wall behind beds, in stairwells, or to define a dining area.
In North East properties, we use MDF or hardwood battens with hand-painted finishes to complement your overall interior scheme. This wall paneling style is particularly popular with clients looking for a blend of rustic charm and contemporary layout.
Inspired by Board-and-Batten? Speak to us about your project.
Victorian Box Panelling
Victorian box panelling (also known as raised and fielded panels) brings a sense of elegance and grandeur to formal spaces such as lounges, studies, or staircases. The symmetrical, full-height wall panels are designed to echo the historic proportions of 19th-century homes — common throughout Newcastle, Gosforth and Jesmond.
At Hatkin, we create this look using premium MDF or wooden wall boards, often with intricate beading or layered mouldings. Victorian box paneling is perfect for restoring period charm or adding gravitas to modern spaces that crave architectural weight.
Restore period charm with Victorian Box Panelling — Book your consultation now.
Why Choose Hatkins for Wall Paneling in Newcastle?
Choosing Hatkin means working with a team that treats your home like a canvas. Every panel we install - whether it's traditional Victorian box panelling or contemporary slatted acoustic panels are designed with care and intention. Our bespoke approach allows us to tailor each project to your home's proportions, lighting, and function, whether you're in a Georgian townhouse in Jesmond or a new-build property in County Durham.
We pride ourselves on delivering craftsmanship-led wall paneling solutions using only the finest materials, including moisture-resistant MDF, hardwoods, birch ply, and reclaimed wooden wall boards. All panelling is fabricated off-site for dust-free, efficient installation, and each project is finished by hand using heritage-quality paints from Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, or Edward Bulmer.
But it’s not just about surface finishes — our work is built to integrate seamlessly with modern living. From hidden doors and storage to lighting integration, media paneling, and even full home cinema builds, our designs go beyond aesthetics to improve everyday life.
Above all, we understand the homes and architecture of Newcastle, Tyne & Wear, Northumberland and the wider North East. Our knowledge of local buildings — and our respect for their character — means we can offer a solution that feels right not just for now, but for decades to come.
Built off-site for minimal disruption
Handmade using premium materials
Designed for heritage properties and contemporary homes alike
Fully integrated with lighting, joinery, and acoustic performance
Serving Newcastle, Gosforth, Jesmond, Tyne & Wear, Northumberland and County Durham
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Whether you’re creating a calm bedroom, designing a panelled bathroom, or building a sound-conscious home cinema, wall paneling is the ultimate tool for structure, warmth and refinement. From slatted acoustic panels to period box panel walls, Hatkin offers considered design, high-quality craftsmanship, and a quiet confidence that lasts.
Ready to start your project? Reserve your free consultation today or call us if you can't find the time you're looking for.
