Design tips & trends
How to work timber battens into your home interiors
Timber battens have well and truly taken off in the world of home design and it’s easy to see why.
Whether you want to add texture to a wall, inject warmth into a room, create a privacy screen, control light and sound or simply transform a forgotten corner, this vertical cladding is one of the hardest-working design features in your home.
Rawson Homes interior design manager Julia Johnston explains the benefits of timber battens and how to work them into your home.
What are timber battens?
Timber battening is a design feature whereby strips of wood or timber-look materials are laid out in a linear series with a small space between them. It can be used on the exterior or interior of a home, either attached as cladding to the walls or ceiling, or installed as a standalone screen. You might also hear timber battens called v-groove or tongue and groove cladding.
“Timber battens are incredibly versatile,” Julia says.
“Australians love their timber, and designers have been using them on the façades of homes for a number of years but now we’re starting to see a lot more of it in interiors.
“They’re great for adding warmth, depth or texture to space, or if you just want to turn a plain wall into something really grand and impressive.”
Why timber battens work in your home
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, timber battens also have plenty of functional uses in interior design.
Julia says that a timber batten ceiling can be used to define spaces within an open floorplan, such as a kitchen or dining area, while battened screens can divide or section off spaces without making the room too dark.
“A linear screen works especially well with open staircases because they still allow plenty of natural light to filter through,” she says.
You can also use timber battens to create privacy, control sunlight and shade, and even offer acoustic benefits, all the while promoting a sense of openness and visual connection throughout the home.
Size does matter
The battens can be cut and crafted individually or installed as a prefabricated modular system in a straight or curved composition. Whether you opt for wood or timber-look material, there are plenty of different shades, profiles and finishes to choose from. You will also need to decide on the width, depth and spacing of each batten, depending on the functionality and desired aesthetic.
“If you’re using timber battens as a screen for aesthetic purposes then you can make the spacing quite wide, but if it’s for privacy or acoustics then you’ll want to keep them quite close together,” Julia says.
When it comes to feature walls, keep in mind what might need to go behind the battens, or on top of them.
“Electrical wiring can be tricky on walls with wide spacing so if you’re wanting to mount lights on the wall then we recommend keeping the profile quite small.
Wondering how to incorporate timber battens into your home décor? Here’s some inspiration:
1. Timber batten ceilings
A timber batten ceiling in the kitchen adds warmth and makes your cabinetry stand out. Julia says that a drop ceiling is the perfect spot to try out this look in a small space, rather than committing to a whole room, as seen in Rawson Homes’ Metford display home.
2. Timber batten cabinetry
While timber is often a no-no in wet areas like the bathroom, the combination of tiles, stone and porcelain can often leave you feeling cold. At Marbella, we added a feature wall made from Biowood, a waterproof composite timber alternative to create a warm and welcoming sanctuary. Hot tip: the round mirror is great for bouncing light around the space and making the room feel bigger.
3. Timber batten screens
Central staircases can be difficult to enclose, but these Biowood battens lining the staircase in Rawson Homes’ Marbella display home are spaced generously to allow plenty of natural light to filter through and views to the rooms on either side.
4. Timber battens in the bathroom
While timber is often a no-no in wet areas like the bathroom, the combination of tiles, stone and porcelain can often leave you feeling cold. At Marbella, we added a feature wall made from Biowood, a waterproof composite timber alternative to create a warm and welcoming sanctuary. Hot tip: the round mirror is great for bouncing light around the space and making the room feel bigger.
5. Timber battens on the façade
Let’s not forget how good timber battens look on the exterior of a home, particularly Rawson Homes’ Grace 25 design on display at Ginninderry. The striking combination of light battens and white trim works perfectly on this mid-century-inspired façade, adding depth and enhancing the modular design.
Now that you’ve seen what can be achieved with timber battens, call 1300 223 345 and have a chat to one of Rawson Homes’ design consultants to see how you can work them into your new home.
