Wood paneling may be a trend of the past, but anyone owning a midcentury home knows that this trend has a habit of making a reappearance. If you’re struggling to style or update your existing wood paneling, don’t fret. Here are our wood paneling makeover ideas to give your outdated space a fresh and modern look.
Embrace the wood paneling
The easiest way to makeover wood paneling in your home is to embrace it.
Refresh your wood paneling
Your wood paneling could appear lackluster and outdated due to years of wear and tear. Refresh your panels by giving them a deep clean. Scrub away any grime or dust, and carefully clean the grooves between the panels. Once properly cleaned, consider adding a fresh layer of wood stain or varnish to have them look as good as new.
You may be surprised by how lovely wood paneling can look once it’s been cleaned and refreshed with stain or varnish. The wood will look glossy, and the fine grain will stand out nicely, adding visual intrigue to your space. To fully embrace this classic midcentury look, add midcentury modern furniture to your room.
Paint your wood paneling
Another classic method of enhancing existing wood paneling is to paint it. White is a popular color, but you can choose whatever suits your color palette. This is an excellent idea for homeowners with real wood paneling and vinyl panels from the ’70s.
Pick a coat of paint suitable for the material you’re working with, and be sure to sand the surface before dipping your paintbrush or roller into the container. We recommend choosing one color for the entire wood-paneled wall. However, some people have played around with multiple hues to create designated sections in the space.
Transform your wood paneling
You don’t have to embrace your wood paneling as it is. Instead, try these ideas to transform it into something more modern.
Go for a wainscoting aesthetic
Turn the lower half of your wood paneling into wainscoting for a more elegant and modern look. This will require some know-how with power tools and can be a more extensive project than the ideas mentioned above.
Consider cutting your wood panels about a third up the wall from the floor. The lower third will remain paneled while the upper two-thirds get cut out and replaced with typical drywall. Then, add wood trim at the space where the drywall meets the wood paneling for a smooth transition. Paint your drywall a lighter hue and your wood paneling a darker tone for the best look. The goal is to treat your wood panels like wainscoting to give them a cottage or farmhouse aesthetic.
Turn your paneling into board and batten
Board and batten is a popular design choice in recent years. Makeover your wood paneling by adding thin strips of wood over the grooves to create raised seams. These will be the batten. Paint your wood paneling and the newly added trim pieces in whatever color best suits your needs. While it may not be the exact dimensions as a board and batten wall, it will have the same visual appeal.
You can also space out the raised grooves with two to three wood panels between each batten for a more custom look that better reflects traditional board and batten. It’s up to you!
Hide your wood paneling in plain sight
When in doubt, you can always hide your wood paneling in plain sight by turning it into an artistic focal point.
Hang oversized artwork
The simplest way to hide your wood paneling is to invest in an oversized piece of art. Hang large artwork or a painting on the wall with your wood paneling. If you prefer, you can refinish the wood or paint over it before adding the art to give yourself a clean and fresh backdrop.
Your large art piece should reflect your design style and add some color to your space. Additionally, this will help break up the repeating lines of wood paneling and can make a room brighter and more vibrant. Hanging a large mirror can also be a great choice if you choose to cover your wall.
Add shelves for a built-in look
Another option is to install shelves along the entirety of the wall for a built-in bookcase aesthetic. Consider investing in shelves in a range of sizes and lengths. Install them in an asymmetrical way to offset the rigidity of the repeating straight lines of the wood panels. Use cube shelves or other wood box shelves to add more depth and dimension. You may also consider using industrial metal piping as brackets or investing in sleek metallic brackets to break up the look of the wood.
Add plenty of books, knick-knacks, and plants to your shelves to cover the majority of the wall. Some wood paneling should peek through, but it won’t be as overwhelming as it can be if you had left the wall blank.
Cover the wall with plants
Alternatively, you can turn your wood paneling wall into an art installation using plants. Use shelves, hooks, brackets, and wooden sculptural boards for an intricate look. Create a moss wall or layer plenty of hanging vines to create a green wall aesthetic. Add backlights or fairy lights to take the space up a notch. This can be perfect for communal spaces or rooms where you plan to entertain.
Wood paneling doesn’t have to feel drab and dated in your space. Follow our tips to curate a space that feels refreshed and modern.
