How to Blend Wall Panelling and Grasscloth in Interior Design By SJ Interiors Designs

Combining wall panelling with grasscloth in interior design can create a stunning, sophisticated, and textured aesthetic that feels both luxurious and timeless. Both materials have distinct visual qualities, but when paired thoughtfully, they can work together harmoniously to elevate a space. The key to achieving a balanced, cohesive design lies in how you blend these two elements, creating a sense of flow and depth without overwhelming the room.

At SJ Interiors Designs, we believe in the power of natural materials like wall panelling and grasscloth to add dimension and character to a room. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to effectively blend these two design elements for a polished, cohesive look.

1. Understand the Visual and Textural Differences

Before we dive into how to blend wall panelling and grasscloth, it’s essential to understand the unique qualities of both materials:

• Wall Panelling: Wall panelling, whether it’s traditional wood paneling, shiplap, or even more modern, flat-panel designs, adds architectural interest to a room. It can come in a range of textures, from smooth and sleek to deeply textured, creating depth and shadow on walls.

• Grasscloth: Grasscloth is a woven material made from natural fibres like jute, hemp, and raffia. It adds an organic, tactile texture to the room with its unique woven appearance and can come in various colours, from subtle neutrals to bolder, more dramatic hues. Grasscloth’s primary appeal is its texture—rich, natural, and grounded.

Both materials bring texture and character, but they each have a very different visual feel. The challenge is to blend them so that they feel complementary rather than competing.

2. Start with a Neutral Foundation

When combining bold textures like wall panelling and grasscloth, starting with a neutral foundation is crucial. You want to allow both materials to shine, but if everything in the room competes for attention, the space can feel overwhelming. Begin by using neutral tones as the base for both your wall panelling and the surrounding space.

• Panelling: If you choose wood paneling, consider neutral tones like light oak, ash, or white-washed wood for a subtle contrast to the grasscloth. You can also opt for a painted panel in a neutral color like soft beige, off-white, or gray to let the grasscloth stand out.

• Grasscloth: Since grasscloth often comes in a range of earthy tones (like taupe, beige, or gray), pick a tone that complements the color of the wall panels. For example, a soft taupe grasscloth could pair beautifully with light oak panelling, while a deeper charcoal grasscloth could work with painted white or light gray panelling.

Pro Tip: Keep the panelling and grasscloth in shades that have similar undertones to ensure the materials flow together. Warm tones with warm tones (like honey oak with beige grasscloth) or cool tones with cool tones (like white panelling with soft gray grasscloth) will create a more cohesive look.

3. Create Contrast with Placement

The placement of both the wall panelling and grasscloth plays a crucial role in how they interact. For a balanced look, you want to consider where each material will be used and how it will impact the overall design of the room.

• Accent Walls: A popular way to blend panelling and grasscloth is by using one as the accent wall and the other on the surrounding walls. For example, you could install wood paneling on one wall as a focal point, while using grasscloth on the adjacent walls to soften the effect. This creates a sense of balance, allowing both materials to shine without competing.

• Paneling Above or Below Grasscloth: Another approach is to divide the wall into upper and lower sections. For instance, you could use grasscloth on the lower portion of the wall (up to chair rail height) and add paneling above it. This layout works well in spaces like dining rooms, entryways, or living rooms, where you want to create a sense of architectural interest without overwhelming the room.

Pro Tip: Use wall panelling as a grounding element on the bottom half of the wall and grasscloth as a soft, textured finish on the top half. This creates a natural flow from the bottom to the top, and the room feels balanced and anchored.

4. Play with Scale and Texture

Both wall panelling and grasscloth offer rich textures, but they work best when their scale and texture are carefully considered.

• Panelling Scale: The scale of the panelling should complement the grasscloth. For example, wide, flat-panel wall panelling can be paired with a finer woven grasscloth, as it provides contrast without feeling too heavy. Alternatively, larger or raised paneling can work well with a more understated, neutral grasscloth that doesn't overwhelm the space.

• Grasscloth Pattern: Grasscloth can come in a range of textures, from fine, subtle weaves to larger, more dramatic patterns. When pairing grasscloth with wall panelling, choose a grasscloth weave that doesn’t compete with the panelling’s texture. A fine weave works well with detailed, carved wood panels, while a more dramatic, oversized grasscloth weave can balance more simplistic, flat-panel designs.

Pro Tip: If you’re using highly textured grasscloth, go for a simpler, more streamlined panelling style. Conversely, if your paneling has intricate detail, opt for a more subtle, flat-weave grasscloth that doesn’t fight for attention.

5. Introduce Coordinating Accents and Details

Once you’ve blended the panelling and grasscloth, use coordinating accents and details to tie the room together. Accessories, lighting, and furniture should all complement the textures and colours of the wall treatments without competing with them.

• Lighting: Choose lighting fixtures that enhance the textures of both the grasscloth and panelling. Wall sconces or recessed lighting can highlight the tactile qualities of both materials, casting shadows and bringing out their natural beauty.

• Furniture and Textiles: Bring in furniture and textiles that echo the natural tones and textures of the wall materials. A neutral sofa in soft linen or cotton, a jute rug, or wooden side tables can create a seamless flow between the different elements. Similarly, consider adding cushions or throws with textured fabrics (like velvet or tweed) to add warmth and layer in additional softness.

Pro Tip: Use wood, brass, or neutral-coloured accents to complement both the panelling and the grasscloth. This will create a visual thread that unites the space, allowing the textures to feel intentional rather than overwhelming.

6. Consider the Room’s Function and Mood

The room’s purpose and desired mood will also influence how you blend wall panelling and grasscloth. For instance, in a living room or dining room, you might want a balance of both materials that feels cozy yet sophisticated. In a bedroom, using grasscloth as an accent wall combined with wooden paneling can evoke warmth and serenity. A home office with a mix of smooth, minimalist paneling and neutral grasscloth can create a focused, calming environment.

• Cozy Spaces: In smaller rooms, such as powder rooms or bedrooms, layering wall panelling and grasscloth adds dimension and richness without overwhelming the space.
• Open Spaces: In larger, more open areas like living rooms or dining rooms, you can experiment with bolder paneling designs and larger areas of grasscloth for dramatic effect.

Pro Tip: For more intimate, cozy spaces, opt for warmer tones in both the paneling and grasscloth. For more expansive rooms, cooler, neutral tones can help to maintain a sophisticated, airy vibe.

7. Experiment with Different Types of Paneling

Wall panelling doesn’t have to be traditional. There are many options for creating modern or more rustic looks, each offering unique opportunities when paired with grasscloth.

• Shiplap: A more modern, clean-cut option, shiplap paneling works well with grasscloth for a coastal or farmhouse aesthetic. The horizontal lines of shiplap pair beautifully with the vertical texture of grasscloth, providing a layered effect.

• Wainscoting: For a more classic approach, wainscoting paneling can be paired with soft, neutral grasscloth. This combination is timeless and works in many design styles, from traditional to contemporary.

• Raised Panels or Beadboard: In more formal spaces, detailed raised panels or beadboard can pair with finer-textured grasscloth to create a sense of depth and elegance.

Final Thoughts

Blending wall panelling with grasscloth in interior design is an exciting way to create a sophisticated, textured space. The key to a successful combination is choosing complementary tones, textures, and placements that allow both materials to shine without competing with each other. Whether you choose to use grasscloth as an accent or as the focal point, and whether you go for classic paneling or something more modern, the result can be a beautifully layered, harmonious interior.

At SJ Interiors Designs, we specialize in creating custom spaces that blend the natural beauty of textures like grasscloth and wood paneling. If you’re ready to transform your space with these stunning materials, contact us today to start creating a timeless, sophisticated interior.

Let’s bring your vision to life, one textured wall at a time!
SJ Interiors Designs