Fitting wall panels | Instructions & fixing tips

How to Install Upholstered Wall Panels

Upholstered wall panels can be installed using hook-and-loop fasteners or mounting adhesive, depending on the wall surface and the desired level of permanence. Here you can find out which installation method is best for your project.

Published on May 17, 2026 Reading time: approx. 6 minutes Paneldesign24 Guide

Which installation methods are available?

Upholstered wall panels can generally be installed in two practical ways: with hook-and-loop fasteners or with mounting adhesive. Both methods have advantages — the most important factor is the wall surface and whether you prefer a flexible or permanent installation.

Installation with hook-and-loop fasteners

Ideal if the panels should remain removable or adjustable later on. Important: Reliable adhesion is only possible on smooth, clean, dry and dust-free surfaces.

Installation with mounting adhesive

Ideal for a particularly strong and permanent wall installation, especially on larger surfaces or heavily used areas.

Installing upholstered wall panels with hook-and-loop fasteners

Installation with hook-and-loop fasteners is especially practical if you want to install upholstered wall panels without drilling. However, reliable adhesion is only possible on smooth, clean, dry and dust-free surfaces.

On rough, porous, dusty, damp or uneven walls, the fasteners may not adhere properly. In these situations, installation with suitable mounting adhesive is usually the better option.

Installing upholstered wall panels with hook-and-loop fasteners on a smooth wall — Hook-and-loop installation is flexible and easy, but only reliable on smooth, clean, dry and dust-free surfaces.

Important: Hook-and-loop fasteners only adhere reliably to smooth, clean, dry and dust-free surfaces. For rough, porous or uneven walls, installation with mounting adhesive is usually recommended.

Advantages of hook-and-loop installation

easy installation without drilling
ideal for smaller wall areas
panels can be aligned more easily
practical if panels may need to be replaced later
only suitable for smooth, clean, dry and dust-free surfaces

Installing upholstered wall panels with mounting adhesive

Mounting adhesive is the right choice if the upholstered wall panels should be installed permanently and very securely. This method is especially suitable for larger wall areas, heavily used spaces or wall surfaces where hook-and-loop fasteners may not adhere reliably.

Advantages of adhesive installation

very strong hold
ideal for large wall surfaces
clean appearance without visible fixings
suitable for permanent wall design
stable even in heavily used areas

Hook-and-loop fasteners or mounting adhesive – which option is better?

The best installation method depends on whether you prefer a flexible or permanent solution. The condition of the wall surface is also very important.

Installation Method	Main Advantage	Recommended For
Hook-and-loop fasteners	flexible, simple and no drilling required	smooth, clean, dry and dust-free wall surfaces
Mounting adhesive	very strong and permanent hold	large surfaces, permanent installations and heavily used areas

If you are unsure, first check the wall surface carefully. If the wall is smooth, clean, dry and dust-free, hook-and-loop fasteners can be a practical solution. For rough, porous or uneven surfaces, mounting adhesive is usually the more reliable option.

Preparing the wall before installation

Proper preparation is essential to ensure that the upholstered wall panels are aligned correctly and remain securely attached. This is especially important for hook-and-loop installation.

measure the wall area carefully beforehand
clean the wall surface thoroughly
allow the wall to dry completely
remove dust, grease and loose paint
for hook-and-loop installation only use smooth, clean and dust-free surfaces
lay out the panels on the floor before installation
use a level or laser tool for precise alignment

Discover upholstered wall panels

Whether installed with hook-and-loop fasteners or mounting adhesive, upholstered wall panels create a modern and elegant wall design.

View upholstered wall panels

Frequently Asked Questions about Installation

Yes. Depending on the wall surface, upholstered wall panels can be installed using hook-and-loop fasteners or mounting adhesive without drilling.

Yes, but only on suitable surfaces. Hook-and-loop fasteners adhere reliably to smooth, clean, dry and dust-free surfaces. Adhesion may be limited on rough, porous, dusty or uneven walls.

Hook-and-loop fasteners work best on smooth, clean, dry and dust-free surfaces. The wall should be free from grease, moisture, dust and loose paint residues.

Mounting adhesive is recommended for permanent installations, larger wall areas or wall surfaces where hook-and-loop fasteners may not adhere reliably.

Yes. The wall should be clean, dry, smooth and dust-free. Proper preparation is especially important for hook-and-loop installation.

Panels installed with hook-and-loop fasteners are usually easier to remove. Mounting adhesive creates a more permanent bond and may leave marks or residue when removed.