Panelling, Georgian

[atlasfever]

Hi there,

in my one modern room, I was looking to do a panelling theme to the walls. I would like to stick to a georgian/regency style panelling -- can one recommend any resource they have come across around some suggestions for design? When I google panelling/georgian/regency, I have seen some rather odd designs.

Appreciate any feedback. Incidentally, I have a flat exit door (fire door) that I need to keep, so I felt panelling this modern addition room would nicely conceal it.

Thanks

 

[atlasfever]

Adj: When I say conceal, I mean it would be an opening still, but nicely blend, as the exit door opens out. Thanks

 

[stephenh]

A very simple answer is to Google 'georgian panelling' and then go to 'images'.

The Georgian Society's 'The Georgian House' has some good visual references.

Good luck.

 

[plasticpigeon]

I imagine there must be some Georgian properties near you that are open as museums, or even as doctors surgerys dentists etc, where you may be able to pop in and have a look. There are a few things like that near me, so even more likely in London.

this place might be good to visit. It was recommended by someone on this forum. I intend to go next time I'm in London.

http://www.geffrye-museum.org.uk/

 

[atlasfever]

Hi,

Yes, thanks -- I have googled.
What I meant to ask was whether there are any good rules to follow with it.

The 'standard' georgian panelling is what I would like, as per a room in my neighbour's property, built by same builder & time. Here's a photo from that museum mentioned above which shows the type I want.
However, I have noticed that on some narrower areas (for example, narrow walls, or narrow spaces above doors), I have seen strange panelling done, where people have kept the usual thickness of the foreground panel, and then there's only room for a narrow background strip.

I find it hard to explain, but I think you may infer from my poor description.
Also, can you panel up to the cornice? or do you have to stop at a painting rail?
And, is the skirting just done normally and the panelling begins from the skirting?

Thanks!

 

[Nigel Watts]

George I came to the throne in 1714 and Geroge IV died 116 years later in 1830. During this time styles changed significantly, so talk of "standard Georgian panelling" is rather meaningless.

The panelling in the picture you posted is in a very early 18th C style and would not have been used in in a house dating from around 1800, which I understand is the approximate date of yours. In fact, wooden panelling would have been considered very unfashionable at that date. That style of panelling came back into fashion in the late 19th and early 20thC with the baroque and Queen Anne revivals.

A fully wood panelled early 18th Century room would most probably have had a wooden cornice rather than a plaster one. Fitting panelling to a wall which never had it while trying to preserve an original skirting and plaster cornice simply won't work and will look wrong. Of course if the room you are seeking to panel has no original features and the CO doesn't mind there is nothing to stop you doing it.

 

[plasticpigeon]

Hi Atlas I know what you mean about the small background panel. I see this on modern kitchen units where the usually mock framework is very thick, leaving room for a tiny panel in the centre. This doesn't look elegant and I don't believe would be the choice of a craftsman who made wooden paneling in the Georgian period. What you have seen could be a modern interpretation of what was there but not done very well. I remember seeing an almost fully paneled room at one of the Darby houses in Coalbrookdale. The picture in the link is this room. If you look through the other pictures it is more common for the rooms in these houses to have a paneled dado. However as Nigel has said, these houses are from the mid 18th century so predate your property by quite some way, and although industrialist's houses, they are not in the big city, but in a small town, so styles may differ. If you want to put paneling in, this might be used for inspiration though.

http://www.virtual-shropshire.co.uk/gallery3/index.php/visitor-attractions/darby_houses/20v30_10_DSC_0086