Decorative Metal Wall Panels: A Timeless Design Method

Decorative metal wall panels have been around for more than a century.  In fact, the primary means of decorating plain walls in the Old World was by installing these in old cement, adobe or stone walls.  These will create stunning effects that add a rustic charm to any home.  There are several designs that can be made since metal, depending on the type that you will choose for your wall, is very pliable.  In the old days, paneling for vertical surfaces was limited to wrought iron, which was the primary means of livening up of blank surfaces during the old days.  Just look up pictures of old houses in Spain or most of continental Europe and you will find vast variations of this decorative technique in any house that you view.

Not So Old World

Today, metal wall panels have gone beyond wrought iron as a main material.  More and more homes are being paneled by more modern metals.  One of these is the space age material, aluminum.  Aluminum, when produced for this purpose is actually applied to the builder’s ply of the wall, which makes a strong yet flexible section of the house.  This type of metal panel may also be painted to make walls that are easier to decorate because a layer of paint will really catch hold on an aluminum surface.  It is, in fact, being used more and more to panel ceiling as much as walls.  Before its widespread use, tin was more the main material of choice because it had most of the malleability of iron but it also had the shine of silver.  However, tin is a bit prone to rusting and fading which made the use of it as paneling material very maintenance intensive.  Aluminum, on the other hand, is able to withstand oxidation and corrosion and the new alloys that are formulated to be these metals are built for strength and will set well to any shape that you want them to be.  There are also a very wide range of patterns and designs that can be provided by manufacturers these days.  These can be from small sections of walls or closet doors to entire ceilings or whole lengths of corridors.

Utilitarian As Well

You may be used to the idea that these metals are the ones that soda cans are made of.  While that is technically the case, remember that these new metals may be alloyed with other elements that can make them stronger and more flexible.  Thus, you may rest assured that your wall, while being burdened with just a minimal amount of weight will be sturdy because of this addition.  These are being used for tornado or hurricane prone areas because it adds a degree of flexibility to the support function of the walls.  Not only that, by choosing this option, you are able to increase the value of your home in the event that you may want to sell it.  A series of metal panels will help in the resale value.

So, old world or modern, using decorative metal wall panels will surely bring in the charm or the sophistication that you want for your home at a not so hefty price.