Fixing wood to our walls is nothing new. There is evidence wood panelling was used in ancient Greece, Rome, Japan and China, mainly to provide insulation and protection.
In the UK, it’s quite easy to trace our love affair with wood panelling, thanks to our beautifully preserved listed buildings and National Trust properties. Walk around many historic buildings and you’ll see panelling in a variety of styles, from ornate Gothic details from the Tudor era and Renaissance flourishes from the Elizabethan period, to bold geometric shapes from the Jacobean years.
According to The Heritage Woodwork Consultancy, wood panelling became a symbol of ‘stateliness, dignity and comfort’ during these bygone eras but by Victorian times, people were using wood panelling for practical as well as aesthetic reasons.
The wood was often applied only half way up a wall and was capped by a dado rail to offer protection from people sliding their dining chairs back. The Victorians also moved away from just using oak, with walnut, birch and redwood making an appearance.
More recently, veneered panelling was used in the Mid Century (1940s to 1960s), while tongue and groove cladding became a hallmark of the 1970s and 1980s. Today, there are some fresh interpretations of wood panelling, which include:-
1. Shaker
Also known as ‘board and batten’ panelling, this sees a series of plain wooden battens applied to a wall horizontally and vertically to create identical squares or rectangles. The panelling can be applied to floor-to-ceiling or half way up, and looks great when used as a feature wall.
2. Wainscoting
While Shaker panelling is unfussy and very equal, Wainscoting panelling takes the interest level up a notch. Classical style decorative mouldings are used to create different sized squares and rectangles - often with shapes within shapes. Walls panelled Wainscoting style are frequently accompanied by intricate skirting and topped with a dado rail.
3. Slatted
Very ‘of the moment’ are timber slats, which can be affixed to a wall horizontally or vertically. It’s common to leave a 5mm to 10mm gap between each slat for the characteristic drop shadow effect. This look can be enhanced by painting the wall behind a dark colour before applying the wood, or by adding LED illumination between, above or below the slats.
4. Shiplap
Shiplap is a modern take on tongue and groove wood panelling. The sickly orange tones that came from cedar have been left behind in favour of redwood and larch, and the extra wide planks now available upgrade the aesthetic. A New England feel can be achieved by painting the planks, or for a raw look, opt for coastal weathered, aged or reclaimed materials.
We know that potential buyers are genuinely impressed when care has been taken over the décor of a property. If you’d like advice on how to prepare your home for sale– and for a no obligation valuation – please get in touch.
As more professionals embrace remote and hybrid working, demand for well-designed home office spaces is on the rise. Whether you're a landlord in Cardiff or across South Wales, understanding what makes a great home office can help boost your property's appeal, reduce void periods, and attract quality long-term tenants.
At RedKey, your local Cardiff and Newport property experts, we know how to position your rental to meet modern tenant expectations. Here are five key features that make a home office truly desirable — and how you can use them to your advantage.
Tenants value properties with plenty of natural light, and this is especially important in a home office. Natural light not only boosts productivity but is also linked to better sleep, improved mood, and fewer headaches.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
If your rental’s home office has limited light, use mirrors to reflect brightness, opt for light-coloured furniture, and choose pale window dressings that let the sun in. Small changes can make a big impact when staging.
Remote workers spend hours at their desks, so comfort and functionality matter. A desk cramped against the wall may look space-saving, but it lacks practicality.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
If space allows, pull the desk away from the wall to give the illusion of more room and improve comfort. Legroom is a key feature tenants now look for in Cardiff rental homes with workspaces.
Adding plants to a home office doesn’t just improve the aesthetics — it also boosts health and wellbeing. Studies show greenery can reduce stress, improve air quality, and increase focus and happiness.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
When staging your Cardiff rental, place low-maintenance plants or high-quality faux greenery in the office. It adds instant charm without requiring tenant upkeep.
Clutter is a productivity killer, and tenants want tidy, organised workspaces. Office essentials like chargers, stationery, and documents quickly pile up without the right storage.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
Install floating shelves, built-in cabinets, or stylish storage baskets to help tenants keep the space organised. Highlight these features in your rental listing for extra appeal.
Wall colour plays a huge role in a home office environment. While tenants may personalise later, neutral shades are universally appealing and help stage the space in a way that feels calm and professional.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
Stick to pale greens, cool blues, light greys, or off-whites. These tones help promote focus and relaxation — exactly what remote workers need.
With more tenants than ever working from home at least part-time, the home office has become a major selling point. Properties that include a functional and attractive office space stand out in the competitive Cardiff rental market.
By making just a few simple upgrades, landlords can:
Increase rental appeal
Reduce void periods
Attract high-quality, long-term tenants
Enhance rental value
At RedKey, we specialise in property management and marketing in Cardiff and South Wales. We know exactly what tenants are looking for and can help you present your property at its very best — including highlighting work-from-home features that drive results.
👉 Get in touch today for expert advice on staging, letting, or managing your rental property:
📞 Call 02920 090690 / 03333 447850
📧 Email hello@redkeylets.co.uk
Let us help you turn your rental into a high-demand property in the Cardiff rental market.
#CardiffLandlordTips #HomeOfficeCardiff #CardiffRentalMarket #RemoteWorkReady #CardiffLettings #SouthWalesProperty #LandlordAdvice #RedKeyPropertyExperts
As more professionals embrace remote and hybrid working, demand for well-designed home office spaces is on the rise.
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