If you are a home decor aficionado, then you’d know that every detail counts when it comes to creating great interior design, including the walls. In fact, your space will look incomplete without striking walls. While there are different ways to dress up your bare walls, wall panelling is a popular option.

But you might have questions like, “Is wall panelling expensive?”, “Is it a good idea?”. This detailed guide will not only help you out with wall panelling cost, but also provide other useful information like what affects the cost, advantages and types.

But first, let’s understand what wall panelling is. Wall panels are pieces of material that are used to cover a wall. These not only increase the aesthetic value of your walls, but also help in covering unsightly wires and damage.

However, installation of wall panels can be tricky and should never be done without expert help. At Livspace, our designers come with both expertise and years of experience in installing stunning wall panel designs, according to your requirements.

What are the factors that affect the wall panelling cost?

wall panelling cost in india
From the core to the finishing, as well as the complexity of the design, everything plays a role in determining the final wall panelling cost

Before we get around to calculating the wall panel price, let’s understand the factors that will affect the final cost.

  • Core material: One of the primary factors that affects the wall sheet price is the core material. Generally, for the core, ply or MDF is used. The higher the core material cost, the higher the wall panelling expenses and vice versa
  • Finishing material: Laminate, fabric and mirrors are common finishing materials
  • Polishing: Apart from the materials, the polish you use also matters. Common polishing types include PU, Duco and lacquer
  • Labour: Once you’re done with the materials and polish, you need to hire labour to install the panels, which adds to the wall panelling installation cost
  • Thickness and area: The thickness of the wall panels and the area it will cover must also be included in the final wall panelling cost
  • Design: The more complex the scope of design, the higher the cost

What are the advantages of wall panelling?

wall panel wood
From beauty to functionality, wall panels satisfy both requirements for a great-looking home

Here are all the reasons why we love wall panelling designs:

  • Wall panelling can increase the aesthetic appeal of your home
  • You can use panels to hide unsightly wires
  • Depending on the material, wall panels can be easy to clean and maintain
  • Wall panels can help with insulation and soundproofing your room
  • Panelling can be done on a low budget by choosing cost-effective materials

Also Read: Cost of Wallpaper for Walls: Installation and per Square Foot Price

How to calculate wall panelling cost per square foot?

While there are multiple factors that can affect your wall panelling cost, material and labour are the primary ones. Take a look at the costs here:

*The prices mentioned are exclusive of 18% GST
**The cost includes panelling as well as polishing over the panels
These prices are an estimate. Your overall wall panel price can vary depending on the city, labour charges, material and finish, design, and the area being covered

Types of wall panelling with prices

FactorsCost range*
Wall Panel₹150 to ₹2000 per sq. ft.
Back ply frame₹50 to ₹70 per sq. ft.
Labour₹50 to ₹150 per sq. ft.
Cove provision (if any)₹50 to ₹70 per sq. ft.
Total₹300 to ₹2300 per sq. ft.

There are mainly five different types of wall panelling. The table below lists the price ranges for these types.

TypesWall moulding price per sq. ft.Notes
Overlay₹700 to ₹1,050 per sq. ft.The starting price
range is for
laminate. The cost
will go up with
other materials like
veneer and PU
Shiplap₹900 to ₹1,000 per sq. ft.
Geometrical wooden panel for wall₹500 to ₹750 per sq. ft.
Wainscoting₹135 to ₹200 per rft.Includes solid wood
or MDF trims
with paint finish
Beadboard/board and batten₹750 to ₹950 per sq. ft.Paint finish

*All prices mentioned are exclusive of 18% GST. These prices are an estimate. Your overall wall panel price can vary depending on the city, labour charges, material and finish, design, and the area being covered

#1: Overlay

overlay wall panelling ideas for modern kolkata homes
You can opt for different materials like wood or laminate to create an overlay wall panelling design that will work as a great backdrop for your TV unit wall

Where to Use

Overlay can be used behind your TV unit as a TV panel. This not only improves the aesthetic appeal but also helps in hiding electrical wires.

#2: Shiplap

shiplap wall panelling
In case of shiplap, pieces overlap each other to form airtight ridges

Where to use

You can use shiplap anywhere in your home as a design aspect. It adds texture to a space and acts as a striking feature.

#3: Geometrical panels

geometric wall panel design for modern homes
Geometrical panelling is the geometric arrangement of wooden panel for wall

Where to use

You can use geometrical panelling as an alternative to geometric-patterned wallpapers on your headboard wall.

#4: Wainscoting

wainscoting wall panelling in white
Wainscoting covers half or one-third of the lower part of your wall and protects against damage

Where to use

Wainscoting can be used in the living room to transform dull walls and enhance the look of the space.

#5: Beadboard/board and batten

beadboard wall panelling in mumbai
Inherited from the British, beadboarding is done by placing pieces of wood or other materials vertically next to each other
board and batten wall panelling
Similar to beadboarding, board and batten technique binds the boards together while the batten hides the ridge joints of the boards

Where to use

Beadboarding/board and batten can be used anywhere in your home to make your home look stunning.

Cost of different wall panelling materials

To calculate the price of the wall sheet design you pick, it’s important to know how much the material will cost you. This table lists the different types of wall panelling materials and their costs.

MaterialCost range*
Veneer₹150 to ₹400 per sq. ft.
Fabric₹300 to ₹1,500 per sq. m.
Laminate₹65 to ₹250 per sq. ft.
Acrylic₹150 to ₹400 per sq. ft.
Mirror₹120 to ₹400 per sq. ft.
Brick₹50 to ₹350 per sq. ft.
Stone₹200 to ₹600 per sq. ft.

*All prices mentioned are exclusive of 18% GST. These prices are an estimate. Your overall wall panel price can vary depending on the city, labour charges, material and finish, design, and the area being covered

Wall panelling polishes with prices

The following are additional types of wall panelling that are usually done over core materials like MDF and veneer. While duco is a type of paint, PU and melamine are polishes that are added as a layer over core materials.

MaterialCost range*notes
Duco Polish₹150 to ₹300 per sq. ft.Over MDF
PU Polish₹250 to ₹600 per sq. ft.Over MDF or veneer
Melamine Polish₹100 to ₹150 per sq. ft.Over veneer

*All prices mentioned are exclusive of 18% GST. These prices are an estimate. Your overall wall panel price can vary depending on the city, labour charges, material and finish, design, and the area being covered

Wall panelling materials

#1: Veneer

veneer wall panelling for modern indian homes
Veneer is a core material for wall panelling and requires a polishing material on top like PU or melamine polish
  • Veneer looks like wood, making it a great wooden alternative
  • The cost of veneer is much lower than a wood panel price
  • Moreover, it is versatile and durable

#2: Upholstery/fabric

fabric wall panelling for delhi homes
If there are children or elders in your home, opt for fabric wall panelling for the headboard walls in their bedrooms as a safety measure
  • Fabric wall panelling helps in insulating the room
  • It is also child- and elder-friendly

#3: MDF with wooden panel for wall

mdf wooden pattis wall panelling
Since MDF is a core material, you can opt for wooden pattis or polishes like Duco as a layer on top
  • Cost-effective alternative to a complete wood panel
  • MDF is also more resistant to insects and termites than wood, making it a popular choice in the world of interior design

#4: PVC

  • The cost of PVC panel price is lower compared to several other materials
  • Low-maintenance
  • It is also available in a variety of options

#5: Mirror

mirror wall panelling for foyer
If you have a small room, opt for mirror wall panelling as this will create the illusion of space
  • To reduce the wall panelling cost, you can opt for multiple pieces of mirrors and join them together as a single panel
  • Mirror wall panels can make your room look spacious
  • A mirrored panel also acts as a statement piece in your home

#6: Brick

brick wall panelling in kolkata
For a rustic theme in your home, you can go with brick wall panelling
  • They are easy to maintain and long-lasting
  • Brick wall panelling can give your home a natural and rustic look

#7: Cement

cement wall panelling ideas
If you prefer an industrial theme, cement wall panelling will ensure you get the right look
  • Cement wall panels are extremely durable
  • Moreover, cement is quite easy to clean and maintain
  • Cement also provides insulation

#8: Stone

stone wall panelling ideas
Stone wall panels, like marble, are the easiest way to achieve an opulent look
  • One of the biggest advantages of stone wall panelling, especially marble, is its aesthetic appeal
  • Stone is also resistant to heat, cold and moisture, increasing its durability

Also Read: 44 Creative Wall Decor Ideas for Your Favourite Wall

More wall panel designs to serve as inspiration…

How can Livspace help you?

  • 100,000+ happy homes designed with expertise and trust
  • Operational in 100+ cities across India for seamless service
  • 3,500+ designers and professionals bringing your dream home to life

Finding the right designs for your dream home is not an easy feat. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone, and you definitely don’t need to make expensive mistakes that’ll haunt you every time you walk into your home. Visit our interior designers near you, to start your journey.

Looking for tailor-made costs for your home? Hit our Cost Calculator to jump into your financial planning.

Need inspiration beyond your current Pinterest spiral? Check out Design Ideas for professionally curated looks that actually translate to Indian homes and lifestyles.

Want to see what real people think? We have designed over 75,000+ homes. Browse through Livspace reviews from customers and hear what they have to say about us.

Ready to discuss designs? Find an interior designer near you and let’s get started.

Disclaimer: All contents of the story are specific to the time of publication. Mentions of costs, budget, materials, finishes, and products from the Livspace catalogue can vary with reference to current rates. Talk to our designer for more details on pricing and availability. Please note that the designs showcased within the story are subject to availability and will vary based on the year the homes were designed. Consult our designers for more details on the latest designs.