How to Add DIY Wall Molding That Looks Luxe—Even If You’re Renting

Sometimes it’s the simplest details that make the most striking visual impact, and wall molding offers the perfect example. This design detail has a long history, dating all the way back to the 1700s with revivals that have popped up in between. We’re seeing another resurgence today. 

“It’s a detail that many might have dismissed as traditional or even antiquated—yet in the refined world of high-end interiors, molding is experiencing a quiet but powerful renaissance,” says interior designer Katie Lindquist. And with a simple DIY technique, it's never been easier to get the luxe look.

Today we’re zeroing in on how to install decorative wall paneling (even if you rent).

What Is Wall Molding?

Wall molding refers to thin wood or composite trim pieces applied to walls to create decorative shapes and patterns. “The visual effect can range from classic to modern, minimalist grids that give a fresh twist to blank walls,” explains Nick Brady, woodworking expert at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware. “They instantly elevate a plain room, adding architectural character and charm.” 

Monika Zasada, home renovation expert and founder of De-Mazing, explains that there are four primary types of wall molding: 

• Crown molding, which is installed at the top of the wall, by the ceiling
• Base molding, which is installed at the bottom of the wall on top of the flooring
• Chair rail, which is installed on the wall where the back of a chair would be and prevents the walls from getting damaged
• Wall paneling, which is installed anywhere on the wall, sometimes as strips of wood to create a repetition of frames and at other times as solid planks covering a wall in its entirety. It’s installed either vertically or horizontally. 

Molding is generally an aesthetic addition to a home, versus one that provides function (except for the case of chair rail, which was traditionally installed to protect walls from inadvertent chair bumps). Lindquist says that base and crown molding create a visual transition between wall and ceiling or floor, softening the angular meeting of those planes. 

Wall paneling is purely there for décor, and mimics the architectural paneling or wainscoting at a fraction of the cost—and without a need for major renovation.

How to DIY Wall Paneling 

Brady says you just need a few basic tools to DIY wall paneling yourself, and that renters and homeowners alike can achieve this instant high-end upgrade without spending much.

Here's how to take on the DIY project.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

To install wall molding, you’ll need the following items: 

• Bubble level and/or digital angle gauge
• Painter’s tape (optional)
• Wall molding material (e.g., lumber, pre-primed molding, MDF trim, etc.) 
• Sanding supplies
• Paint or stain 
• Miter box 
• Fine-tooth saw or power miter saw
• Wood glue
• Nails and nail gun (optional)

Step 2: Plan Your Design

Start by sketching your wall layout on paper or in a computer drawing program, or use painter’s tape on the wall to map out your pattern at full size. "A long bubble level will be handy to ensure that your layout lines are plumb and level, all along the wall," Brady suggests. "A digital angle gauge could be a big help, too, if you are adding angles to your design or working in rooms where corners aren’t perfectly square."

Step 3: Choose Your Moldings and Installation Materials

There are all sorts of options for the moldings you can apply, from flat strips of lumber with minimal ornamentation to more elaborate designs. Brady says that the fancier the molding, the more expensive it generally will be. “Pre-primed molding might be helpful if you plan to paint, because you can skip right to applying the color of your choice,” he explains.

For a more cost-effective option, look for MDF (medium-density fiberboard) trim, which also takes paint beautifully, according to Brady. Sand, paint, and stain according to your preferences. Traditionally, the molding color should match your wall color.

Step 4: Cut Moldings to Size and Assemble the Frames 

Once the molding is painted or stained, you’re ready for the fun part: cutting and installing it. “One low-tech option for cutting either straight or mitered ends on the parts is to use a simple miter box and a fine-toothed saw,” Brady says. “A power miter saw is an even faster option for chopping pieces to length.”  

Use glue to join the pieces of your design together. Assembling your frames on a flat surface, such as a table or even the floor, will be easier than trying to do this detail work directly on the wall. 

Step 5: Attach the Paneling to Your Walls

When the glue dries, go ahead and mount the frames on your project wall. “For permanent installs, apply a thin bead of glue to the back of the molding and set each frame into position,” Brady says.

He adds that a few strips of painter’s tape, applied over the frames and to the wall, will hold them until the glue sets. Alternatively, you can drive in a few nails instead. Clean up any glue squeeze-out with a damp rag.  

Step 6: Touch Up As Needed 

Fill any small gaps or nail holes with wood filler and sand the paneling so it’s smooth when it dries (180-grit sandpaper is great for this). Brady says to also touch up the stained or painted finish as needed with a quality brush.

Note that some people opt to install wall paneling and then paint over their entire wall, which is handy if you’re planning to change the wall color anyway.