Where flat wall linings once dominated, designers are now using vertical slats and fluted profiles to create depth and movement across large surfaces. The look draws on the same design language as traditional VJ panelling, updated for modern interiors.

This shift reflects broader trends discussed in VJ Panelling in Contemporary Australian Interiors: Beyond the Hamptons Look.

Not all slat panels perform the same way. The key distinction is whether a panel is purely decorative or engineered to manage sound.

• Decorative fluted panels focus on texture and visual impact
• Acoustic slat panels combine timber slats with a sound-absorbing backing
• Acoustic options help reduce echo and reverberation in busy spaces

Choosing between them comes down to how the space is used and how important sound control is to the outcome.

Slat and fluted panels can be finished in a range of materials to suit the design intent and budget:

• Natural timber veneer for warmth and grain variation
• Reconstituted or engineered veneer for consistent colour across large runs
• Laminate for durability and cost efficiency
• Painted MDF for a clean, uniform finish

Bord's timber veneer and laminate and melamine ranges support a wide variety of these finishes.

These panels suit a broad range of applications, but they add the most value where texture or acoustics matter.

• Reception areas and feature walls
• Hospitality and retail fit-outs
• Open-plan offices where acoustics are a priority
• Residential feature walls, bedheads and joinery

Substrate choice is critical, particularly in humid or variable conditions. Moisture-resistant MDF is often preferred to reduce the risk of movement behind the finished surface.

These considerations align with guidance in Fire and Moisture-Resistant MDF: When Standard MDF Isn't Enough in Australian Projects. Bord's MDF range provides a stable base for slat and fluted profiles.

Slat and fluted panels offer a rare combination of visual interest and functional performance. When the face material, substrate and acoustic requirements are considered together, they deliver spaces that feel as good as they look.