✨Let us introduce you to DIY wall molding or paneling-an ultimate home upgrade that is equally timeless and trendy.
It can give you the architectural wow with the fewest tools and a free weekend, be it modern minimalism, classic French flair, or bold grid lines.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown for the project that you will really want to do.
🔥Why Put up Wall Molding?
Gives depth and personality to dull, flat walls.
Instantly elevates a space, any space.
100% customizable to suit your preferences.
Relatively inexpensive yet delivers high-end effects.
Renter-friendly options are available; adhesive is the name of the game!
🧰Materials Required:
Trim or molding strips pre-primed (MDF, pine, or PVC)
Measuring tape + pencil
Level or laser level
Miter saw or miter box (for angled cuts)
Nail gun or finishing nails
Wood filler
Sandpaper
Caulk for that seamless finish
Paint + Primer
Painter’s tape
💡FYI: For renters, try using removable adhesive strips in place of nails.
💡Pick Your Paneling Style:
▢Picture Frame/Box Molding — Elegant, timeless and easy to DIY.
▢Board and Batten — Clean vertical lines, great for height.
▢Modern Grid — Bold, geometric designs great for feature walls.
▢Wainscoting — Old-world charm with half wall paneling.
▢Slat Wall — Vertical wood strips add warmth & texture.
🛠️DIY Steps: Picture Frame Molding
Step 1: Layout Your Plan
Draw your arrangement. Mock the design up on the wall with painter’s tape to visualize spacing. Determine how many boxes you want and measure those spaces with precision.
Step 2: Cut Your Trim
Cut to size using a miter box or saw, usually 90° straight cuts for box molding. If necessary, label the back side of each piece, so you don’t confuse them.
Step 3: Attach the Trim
Check placement with a level to ensure it is straight. Attach the molding with a nail gun or heavy-duty adhesive. Make sure that, once you have one complete box set up, you can use it as your template for the remainder.
Step 4: Fill, Sand, and Caulk
Fill holes and gaps with wood filler. Smooth out edges. Apply caulk along the edges of the trim to fill any tiny gaps and make it look seamless.
Step 5: Prime and Paint
Paint trim and wall the same color for a unified, custom look. You could go really bold with dark navy or charcoal or keep it light and bright with creamy whites and beiges.
🧠 Pro Finish Making Tips:
Measure thrice, cut once
Always roll the paint for a smoother surface
Use laser levels to save time with alignments
Take on higher trims, between 2.5-3.5 inches, for more impactful presentation
Matte or satin finishes give that extra sheen.
🎨 Styling Ideas by Vibe:
Style Paint Color Trim Style
Modern Chic Matte Black Grid Paneling
Classic Parisian Soft Beige Picture Frame Molding
Farmhouse White-on-White Board & Batten
Bold Statement Forest Green or Navy Tall Vertical Panels
💬 Real Talk:
Wall molding sounds scary, but it’s honestly super satisfying once you start – there is real magic in a flat wall coming alive and knowing you did it yourself!
📸 How does it look?
Tag your wall in #LeInteriore – we love to huff and puff over creative homes and who knows if we might just pick yours!