How to transform your hallway

Hallways should feel like an oasis, offering a warm embrace as you step through the front door. They are the perfect place to make a great first impression, reflecting your home and personality to both you and your guests.

However, for many of us, hallways have become areas we navigate quickly and carefully to avoid tripping over muddy shoes and piles of coats.

Panels offer an effortless way to transform any hallway with maximum impact. They’re simple to install and come in a variety of textures and colours to match different aesthetics.

MDF Panels. Easy to paint, even easier to install.

The resurgence of MDF panels is unmistakable as more people want to create homes that are filled with character and charm. Once a traditional style, decorative wood has become a staple in all types of homes. Whether it’s to elevate crisp white walls in newbuilds or to make rented properties more homely.

How to install MDF panels

MDF panels are easy to install and cut to size.

1. Prepare the wall: Ensure the wall is flat and level.
2. Measure and calculate: Measure the width of the wall and divide it by the width of the panel to determine how many panels you need.
3. Cut and position the first panel: If necessary, cut the first panel to length. Position it on the wall and level it. Mark where the panel sits level on the wall.
4. Apply adhesive: Remove the panel, peel off the adhesive strip backing to expose the adhesive tape. Align the panel with your marks and press it back onto the wall, ensuring it is level.
5. Install remaining panels: Once the first panel is secure and level, cut the remaining panels to length if needed, and slot them together one after another.
6. Cut panels to fit: If you need to cut a panel lengthwise, measure the top, middle, and bottom of the gap where the panel will fit from the edge of the tongue and groove. Transfer these measurements onto the panel and cut to size.
7. Secure with adhesive: If you cut off the adhesive strip, use a strong adhesive like No Nails (Pink Grip) to secure the panel.
8. Finish with trims: Use dado, internal, or external trims to cover corners or exposed edges. Glue these on once cut to size.
9. Customise: You can either keep the natural wood colour or paint the panels to match your home’s aesthetic. To add extra functionality to your hallway, you can add pegs to the dado rail atop the panel to hang coats or bags.

Slat panels in hallways

The addition of slat panels can transform an uninviting hallway into one that is warm and welcoming. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic feel with warm wood tones or a sleek, modern style with charcoal panels.

The panels can be installed as a standalone feature wall or serve as a backdrop for a functional space, much like the one created by @thepinknext (pictured below).

How to install slat panels

1. Prepare the wall: Ensure the wall is flat and level.
2. Measure and calculate: Measure the width of the wall and divide it by the width of the panel to determine how many panels you need.
3. Find the centre: Locate the centre of the wall and draw a level line up the centre.
4. Start with the first panel: Begin with your first panel on this centre line and work outward from each side to ensure equal spacing on both ends.
5. Cut the panels: Measure and cut the panels using a fine-tooth wood saw or a power saw with a new blade to avoid tear out.
6. Fix the panels: Secure the panels by gluing, screwing, or both.
7. Measure for the last panel: When you reach the last panel, measure down the wall at 300mm intervals to account for any deviation in the wall.
8. Transfer measurements: Transfer these measurements onto your panel, using masking tape for easier marking.
9. Finish the last slat: If you end on a slat, you can either cut it down with a circular saw or remove the slat and cut the felt with a knife to fill the gap.
10. Remove staples: To remove a slat, use pliers to cut and pull out the staples.

Feature wall ideas

Console tables decorated with carefully arranged trinkets are nothing new, but for an elevated twist on this popular décor idea, why not add a feature wall behind it.

There are various styles of PVC panels to choose from, such as marble, wood, and, brick effect.

The Panel Company offers a variety of options to transform your hallway. Whether you’re planning a full renovation with MDF panels or seeking an easy-to-install feature wall.