Interior Wall Cladding Trends That Have Aged Badly & What To Do Instead
Interior wall cladding is a powerful design element that can define the look and feel of a space. However, just like fashion, interior design trends come and go. What was once considered cutting-edge can quickly become outdated, making your space feel stuck in the past.
Top Interior Wall Cladding Trends to Avoid in 2025
Here is a list of outdated interior wall cladding finishes, along with modern alternatives and tips that often cost less or offer better value for the price.
1. Heavy Faux Stone Panels
Why It Aged Badly
Faux stone wall panels were once popular for adding rustic charm or a touch of grandeur. But the bulky, artificial appearance of low-quality versions has not aged well. It oftentimes clashes with today’s minimalist or clean design preferences.
What To Do Instead
Try lightweight textured wall panels or 3D decorative wall cladding in natural tones. Natural stone veneers used sparingly can create elegance without overwhelming a room. High-quality composite options, like those from 4 Everdeck® , provide the warmth of wood without the maintenance.
Alternatively, consider ceramic tiles, wooden slats, or recycled materials for a more contemporary and eco-friendly update.
2. Dark Wood Panelling
Why It Aged Badly
This ’70s staple absorbs light and can make rooms feel small and closed-in. Its heavy look is at odds with the bright, open interiors that are most popular today.
What To Do Instead
Choose lighter woods like birch, ash, or white oak. Vertical wooden slats or fluted panels in these tones brighten a space and add clean lines. Composite options like 4 Everdeck®’s Ash Grey and Walnut tones are excellent for a low-maintenance wood-look finish.
Alternatively, try painted MDF panels for a customisable, budget-friendly option.
3. Glossy PVC Panels
Why It Aged Badly
Glossy PVC wall panels were admired for being water-resistant and low-maintenance. However, they tend to look synthetic and dated.
What To Do Instead
Switch to matte-finish materials like moisture-resistant engineered timber, composite wood, or even lime-plastered surfaces for texture. 4 Everdeck®’s matte-finish composite cladding offers a wood-like look with superior resilience.
Fibre cement boards are also a great modern option for areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
4. Overly Themed Accent Wall Finishes
Why It Aged Badly
Printed panels mimicking bricks, stones, or overly themed designs become outdated quickly and limit your decor flexibility.
What To Do Instead
Use subtle geometric textures, slatted wood, or elegant wall batten designs in soft, neutral tones. These timeless finishes work with evolving trends and various interior styles.
4 Everdeck® offers understated yet visually rich finishes, while other painted wooden beadboard or V-groove panels remain classic alternatives.
5. Entire Rooms Covered in the Same Cladding
Why It Aged Badly
Covering every wall with the same material can feel monotonous and boxy. It was once meant to create uniformity, but today it feels somewhat overpowering.
What To Do Instead
Feature walls are more impactful and on-trend these days, so combine cladding on one or two walls with painted drywall or wallpaper and mix different textures, such as composite wood panels with stone or tile for a layered, designer look.
6. Imitation Brick Panels
Why It Aged Badly
These and other similar panels aim for an industrial-looking vibe but often come off as fake, repetitive, and lacking texture.
What To Do Instead
Use real brick veneers or authentic-looking textured cladding with better detailing. 4 Everdeck®’s wood-look cladding adds depth and warmth with a natural appearance, while other brands offer concrete-look panels for an industrial-chic edge.
7. Loud Colours and Patterns
Why It Aged Badly
Bold, bright cladding was once trendy, but now it clashes with more muted, flexible modern aesthetics. They also aged poorly and are harder to match with new furniture or decor.
What To Do Instead
Stick with neutral colours like greys, beiges, soft whites, or earthy tones. Then, add personality through interchangeable décor elements like art, textiles, and lighting.
Composite cladding from 4 Everdeck® or other quality suppliers offer neutral, warm tones suitable for any style.
8. Generic Laminate Cladding
Why It Aged Badly
Laminate lacks the authenticity of real wood or stone. It’s also prone to peeling and damage, especially in humid environments.
What To Do Instead
Invest in high-quality engineered wood, composite materials, or real wood veneers with a protective finish. Composite wall cladding, such as that offered by 4 Everdeck®, provides the rich texture of natural wood without the issues of delamination or warping.
9. Overuse of Wallpaper Cladding
Why It Aged Badly
Wallpaper can peel, fade, or bubble, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. When used as cladding, it can oftentimes lack the durability of more solid options.
What To Do Instead
Use moisture-resistant wall panels in high-use areas. Materials like PVC-free composite wood, fibre cement boards, or even reclaimed wooden planks are durable and stylish.
4 Everdeck®’s composite panels resist moisture and temperature changes, making them ideal for humid conditions.
10. Ignoring Sustainability
Why It Aged Badly
Many older cladding materials relied on non-renewable resources or were not recyclable, contributing to environmental harm.
What To Do Instead
Choose eco-friendly options. Look for products made from recycled or responsibly sourced materials. 4 Everdeck®’s composite wall cladding, for example, is made from recycled wood and plastic. Other options include bamboo panels, reclaimed wood, and cork, all of which offer sustainability and beauty.
Final Thoughts on Outdated Wall Cladding Trends
Interior wall cladding should elevate your space, not lock it in the past. By avoiding outdated trends and embracing timeless, sustainable materials, you can ensure your interiors remain fresh and stylish.
4 Everdeck®’s composite wall cladding is just one of several modern options that combine durability, elegance, and low maintenance. Other great choices include ceramic tiles, fluted wood panels, and recycled materials, each offering unique textures and finishes.
Whether you’re renovating a single room or designing an entire home, smart cladding choices will help you create a space that’s modern, functional, and in-line with current trends.
