How to choose the right Slat Wall Panels
Written by Milan Jara on 23rd Apr 2025
How to select the right Slat Panels for your room upgrade
Slat Panels, aka “wood slat walls” have been around for centuries, but they really gained traction among the American and European design communities in the mid 20th century.
Their Japanese appearance, resembling a sleek timber lattice that’s referred to as “Ramma” can look fantastic just about anywhere that they’re placed, making them a versatile design option, and they’re about as easy as it gets when it comes to the installation.
Originally, slat walls with large/wide slats were all the rage. They easily covered old and boring walls, even if the surface wasn’t flat. Once the excitement was over, people tended to paint over the slat walls, but then as new designs, styles and slat sizes became readily available, the popularity rose, once again.
Nowadays, Slat Wall Panels are available in a wide variety of styles with thin or “tiny”, “mini” & “small” slats being the go-to choice for renovators and design enthusiasts due to their modern aesthetic.
Innovation in Slat Wall Panels with Faux Wood
Wood Slat Wall Panels certainly are a beautiful architectural design element, but all of that gorgeous timber, the preparation of the panels and the cost of transport can result in an expensive room upgrade, and this is probably why they haven’t been seen as a feature in more homes and commercial buildings across the US.
In more recent years, advances in faux wood materials such as polystyrene, polyurethane and medium or high density foam has allowed manufacturers to produce Slat Wall Panels that are molded from real wood and look just as though they’re made from authentic materials.
This innovation has led to the creation of our brilliant range of Faux Wood Slat Wall Panels that mimic the appearance of a real wood slat wall with a much lower price tag!
We couldn’t be more proud of our range of faux wood slat panels. Not only are they available in a wide variety of patterns, styles and slat sizes, they’re made from the same eco-friendly material as yogurt pots!
View all of our Wood Slat Wall Panels
Choosing the right slat size for your space
Not all wood slat panels are the same, and with so many options to choose from compared to several decades ago, how do you decide what style is best for your room transformation? Here’s a breakdown of the different Wood Slat Wall Panel styles and what makes each one unique:
- Mini slats: Perfect for a subtle and sleek look. These delicate slats offer an aesthetic that’s ideal for contemporary or minimalist spaces. They are great for small rooms where you want to add dimension without overwhelming the area.
- Tiny slats: A step up from mini, these slats provide a bit more depth while maintaining a sense of elegance. They work well in both traditional and modern settings, offering a unique blend of classic and new age appeal.
- Small slats: If you want something with more obvious and pronounced lines without dominating the space, small slats are a great middle ground. These are perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and offices where you want a visually engaging backdrop.
- Medium slats: The sweet spot for balance! These slats create a visually appealing look that complements both modern and rustic interiors. They work exceptionally well in commercial settings like hotels, restaurants, or high-end boutiques.
- Large slats: Bold, dramatic, and perfect for making a statement. These slats work well in large rooms where you want the walls to stand out. Ideal for loft-style apartments or industrial-themed spaces, large slats add grandeur and texture.
Some benefits of choosing wood slat wall panels
Beyond their stunning aesthetic appeal, wood slat panels offer a range of benefits that make them a top choice for interior upgrades:
- Easy installation: Unlike traditional wood wall treatments, these panels are designed for quick and hassle-free mounting. Many come with a simple interlocking system, making DIY installation about as simple as it can get.
- Cost-effective elegance: Get the luxurious look of real wood without the hefty price tag. These panels provide high-end style without breaking the bank.
- Low maintenance: No need for constant staining, sanding, or sealing. A quick dusting or occasional wipe-down with a cloth keeps them looking pristine.
- Enhanced acoustics: While not full-fledged acoustic panels, the texture of wood slats helps reduce sound reflections and background noise, making your home feel more serene. For acoustic panels, see our range of Acoustic Wall Panels & Acoustic Ceiling Tiles.
- Large choice of style: From cozy to ultra-modern, our selection of wood slat panels fit seamlessly into any room style, whether it be a home or commercial space.
Where’s a decent place to use wood slat panels
The beauty of wood slat panels is their versatility. They can be added to just about any room and with so much choice, they can be matched up to your existing or preferred room style.
Here are some different ideas for how you can incorporate slat wall panels into your home or commercial building:
- Feature walls: Make a single wall pop with rich texture and natural charm. A wood slat accent wall can instantly transform a bland space into something stunning.
- Ceiling accents: Extend the warmth of wood overhead for a cozy, intimate feel. This works particularly well in open-concept spaces, adding depth and contrast. Also consider looking at our wide range of ceiling tiles.
- Media walls: Frame your TV area with stylish slats for a high-end entertainment space. It improves the viewing experience by providing a sleek, polished background.
- Home offices: Create a professional yet inviting backdrop for video calls and workspaces. The natural wood tones bring warmth and sophistication, making workspaces feel more comfortable and inspiring. Just imagine some new slat wall panels in your workspace - it’ll no longer feel like such a drag heading in there for a busy day of work!
- Entryways & hallways: Instantly upgrade these transitional spaces with elegant wood details. A well-placed wood slat panel can add character and a welcoming touch to these often-overlooked areas.
- Bedroom headboards: Use wood slats as a stylish and modern headboard alternative. This adds depth and coziness to bedrooms, making them feel more inviting and luxurious.
- Retail & hospitality spaces: Many businesses use wood slat panels to create the right look and feel for their staff and customers. Whether it's a boutique, cafe, or hotel lobby, these panels add a touch of sophistication that impresses customers and guests alike.
Some extra tips for choosing the right Wood Slat Panel for your space
Before you go ahead and purchase some new slat wall panels for your upcoming project, here are some further tips and suggestions on how to make sure you make the right choice, but don’t forget that we have a friendly team of experts that are ready to answer any questions.
- Consider your space size – Smaller slats work best in compact areas, while larger slats make a bold statement in open spaces.
- Match your aesthetic – Light wood tones create an airy, Scandinavian feel, while darker tones bring warmth and drama.
- Think about acoustics – If noise reduction is a priority, opt for designs with more texture to help diffuse sound.
- Experiment with placement – Wood slats don’t have to be limited to walls, try them on ceilings, around door frames or even as room dividers.
Wrapping up
Wood slat wall panels are more than just a design trend, they’re here to stay and will remain a timeless way to transform your interior walls with warmth, sophistication, and a touch of nature.
With a wide variety of styles to choose from, you can find the perfect panel to match your current layout or preferred aesthetic while enjoying the added benefit of improved room acoustics. Whether you're going for a modern, rustic, or eclectic vibe, these panels make transforming your walls easier and more exciting than ever!
& if you missed it earlier, don’t forget that our range of slat wall panels are made from the same sustainable and eco-friendly material as your yoghurt pots, that being over 96% recycled raw materials!
Take the time to browse through our full range of Wood Slat Wall Panels and if you’re ready to purchase some samples or make a complete order, feel free to have a chat with our team of experts first to ask any questions.
