Helvetica Wall Panels

With the recent explosion in new options for walls that have nothing to do with paint, we were intrigued by this tip, from Kristie in Mountain View:

"Something I found today - helvetica wallpanel - could be a cool-looking way to teach kids their numbers."

What's a wall panel you ask? It's a dimensional wall covering formed from laminate over a carved wood core, and it can be stained or painted, though it comes in a variety of colors as well.

Helvetica is part of a series of carved relief Iconic Panels from Burlingame design firm B+N. They're a clever way to add texture and drama to your walls if you live in a space that's devoid of any architectural detailing -- though they will also add nooks for dust.

We agree with Kristen that Helvetica is a worthy typeface for teaching the numerals. Tune in for the movie on its history, due in early 2007.

Helvetica panels range from $945 to $1000, depending on the finish, and can be ordered directly from B+N. Download the specs for details. (Babygeared also sells them but their e-commerce is not working for the time being.)

Comments (4)

This would be really cool with writing up side down or sideways. Kinda keep your guest's busy.

>"Something I found today - helvetica wallpanel - could be a cool-looking way to teach kids their numbers."

Actually, it'd be a terrible way. Small children have figure-ground issues, and white-on-white with that level of crowding would be very hard for most small children to distinguish. By the time they could read it, they would already be familiar with thei numbers. Besides, for $1k, you're buying it because you like it, not for any "educational" value.

Actually my son learned his alphabet form these wall panels. he ran his fingers in the numbers, it helped him write them as well. what do you think about that lids?

We are researching these issues with the BBB, as the information reported in these claims is inaccurate.

We were very disheartened to see that just anyone can slander a person or business on the internet leaving no recourse and that such activity can tarnish what has been a good reputation for 7 years with thousands of satisfied customers.