Wall Panel Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Panels for Your Home or Office

Whether you're refreshing a tired room or renovating a full space, wall panels can add both texture and character without overwhelming the design. They’re decorative, but they serve practical purposes, too, like protecting walls from scuffs and covering up uneven surfaces. 

But with so many materials, styles, and finishes available, choosing the right panels can feel like a big decision. This is why we’ve built this no-nonsense wall panel buying guide to help you make the best choice based on your budget, your space, and your goals!

Before thinking about color or texture, think about the space.

• Bathrooms and kitchens: Look for moisture-resistant panels. Materials like medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a water-resistant finish are excellent here because they don’t warp or peel like cheaper laminate or wallpaper might.
• Living rooms and bedrooms: If the space is low-traffic and dry, you can opt for a wider range of materials and designs, including real wood veneers or painted MDF.
• High-traffic spaces: Durability becomes a priority here. You’ll want panels that can take repeated cleaning, resist dents and scratches, and still look good after years of use.

The material you choose will directly affect the panel’s durability, cost, installation, and appearance. Here are the two most common options we carry at 27EStore:

• MDF (medium-density fiberboard): Our most popular option. MDF is smooth, consistent, and ideal for painted or veneer finishes. It’s moisture-resistant, which makes it great for bathrooms and kitchens, and it’s DIY-friendly.
• Natural wood veneers: If you want the look and texture of real wood without the full cost of solid lumber, wood veneer panels are a smart choice. They offer warmth and grain variation, adding subtle richness to any room.

Tip: Avoid cheap, paper-coated options you might find elsewhere; they don’t hold up to moisture or long-term wear. You’ll end up replacing them sooner than you'd like.

Wall panel pricing varies depending on size, finish, and material. But don’t just look at upfront costs–factor in lifespan and maintenance, too.

• Lower upfront cost: Painted MDF panels are budget-friendly and durable, which is great for rentals or quick makeovers.
• Mid-range: Veneered panels bring natural texture at a fraction of the cost of solid wood.
• Long-term savings: Panels that last twenty or more years without warping, fading, or peeling can actually cost less over time than wallpaper or paint that needs regular touchups or replacement.

If you’re handy and want to DIY the installation, you’ll need panels that are easy to cut, fit, and mount. Flat slab panels or fluted MDF styles are excellent for beginners. On the other hand, if your walls are uneven or your project is large-scale, you may want to hire a contractor, especially for precise cuts around corners or built-ins.

We offer downloadable installation guides and customer support to make your install as easy as possible. Many customers tell us our panels were the first home project they felt confident doing themselves!

Panels can dramatically change the feel of a room, but not always in the way you expect.

• Vertical grooves (like fluted panels): Make walls feel taller, ideal for rooms with lower ceilings
• Horizontal layouts: Can stretch the appearance of a room, making narrow spaces feel wider
• Dark finishes: Add sophistication but may shrink small spaces visually
• Light or painted finishes: Reflect more light and keep spaces feeling airy

If you’re unsure what would work best in your space, order a sample. It’s a small step that can help you feel more confident before you commit!

We’ve been helping homeowners and professionals bring their design ideas to life for years. People choose us because:

• We sell only high-quality, moisture-resistant materials.
• Our panels are made to last and look good doing it.
• We ship quickly and offer detailed installation guides and support.
• You can order samples to try before committing.
• We offer styles that suit every type of home–from minimalist to modern to classic.

Find panels that fit your space, your style, and your budget. Whether you want the rich look of walnut veneer or a crisp white finish, we make it easy to get started.

• Shop Wall Panels Now
• Order Samples 
• Get Expert Help Questions? Contact our team for fast, friendly advice.

Don't settle for surfaces that fade, peel, or disappoint. Choose wall panels that work as hard as you do–visit 27EStore today!