I have a serious confession to make: I actually like paneling. Yep, It’s true. I know what people are saying behind paneling’s back (or maybe in front of its face): “It darkens a room” and “It dates the space” not to mention “It’s hideous.” I wasn’t always a fan. In fact, when I first stepped inside the combination living room/dining room/kitchen of the home I fell in love with, I thought, “This paneling will be the first thing to go.”
The living room paneling, pre-move in.
But after living with it for a few months, I’ve changed my tune a little. Maybe it’s the nature-lover in me. Maybe it’s in my genes (My dad makes live-edge furniture, so I’ve always loved to see wood in its natural state.) All I know is, I no longer shudder when I walk into the room. And since the huge windows give this space tons of light, it doesn’t seem too den-like. (Don’t worry, I’m still not a fan of this kind of paneling.)
Paneling, front and center.
While I don’t want to ditch it completely, I do want to modernize it a bit. Even adding colorful mod furniture and art, like Genifer Sohr did below in her home, creates a “modern cabin” feel that I like.
Photo by Tec Petaja for Design Sponge
However, while I like the visible wood grain, I’m not as big of a fan of the color. I’d love to sand it down to its just-cut state and finish it with a UV-protecting finish to give it a more Scandinavian look, like Swedish architect Per Bornstein did in his knotty pine-happy home in Sweden.
Design by Swedish achitect Per Bornstein; photo by Pia Ulin for Dwell
Natural-hued knotty pine also lends itself well to both modern…
Design by UNI Architects via Remodelista
…and more eclectic furnishings (I’d like to do a mix.)
Design by Blackman Cruz; Photo by Timothy Street-Porter for Elle Decor
What would you do? Paint it, stain it, leave it natural or tear it out completely? Tell me your take.
Read Liz’s previous House Diaries posts here and follow her home inspiration board on Pinterest.
Hi This is not a comment on panel walls. But perhaps you guys can help me and I tried to find another area for my question. Here goes: I have a copy of the Stam chair, which has a chrome frame and leather back , seat and arms. The leather on some chairs are shot. I love these chairs so much and cannot find where to get new chairs that would cost me under $200.00 or who would replace the leather. Do you have any ideas. Perhaps one of you new shows does refurbishing or you can suggest a source.I watch all your shoes and love the HGTV network. Cordially, Norma
[...] House Diaries: In Defense of Paneling HGTV Design Happens Fri, January 27, 2012 3:39 PM UTC HGTV Design Happens Rate Share (function(){var [...]
I can almost see what you're saying, but nope it's just not for me. Maybe because my dining room used to have it and it just reminds me of that old ugly room…
Just made some pineapple upside down cake. Come see! http://becauseofmadalene.blogspot.com/
Christina
Yeah, it's definitely not for everyone. What did you do instead of paneling in the dining room?
Love the sunshine coming in your windows but I would definitely paint the panelling a white or cream color. One advantage to leaving the panelling alone is that you can put any color in the room and it will look great – except probably orange or yellow. Did you leave the beige rug on the floor?
The beige carpet is there for now but will not be staying. Window treatments are going as well!
I agree, I love wood in general although knotty pine isn't my favorite ~ either whitewashing or painting or at least getting it back to the natural coloring would be more palatable to me.
My mom has old dark grey wood paneling in the living room! So drab! It's beautiful for a cabin or rustic home, but not everyday living.
Tear it out!
If you keep the dated furniture, light switches, window coverings and flooring, it will feel dated but if you bring at least the furniture, window treatments and light switches up to date, it should feel modern. Page through more log home mags for modern decorating ideas.
Definitely! We more modern furniture than what is pictured already (that's the previous owners' stuff) but we're going to get different window treatments, lighting, flooring etc.
I was all ready to vote "tear it out" until I saw the natural knotty pine pic.
I love the look! I'm going to give it a try…
I like the look of wood panneling when is done in either a bleached or pickled finish on the more modern looks, also if its done as dark expresso finish. The old traditional panneling is not at all apealing to me.
As long as it’s real wood, I love it! We have it in our family room and it gives the room a very warm feeling. Easy to clean also!
Erica, I agree with you. We have it in our family room. We also have the beamed ceiling. We have never put a nail in the wood as it looks like fine furniture. We will not remove it because it makes the room so warm and inviting. We think it's beautiful and it is. Also very easy to keep clean!
I think the unfinished looks like a sauna! Even though I am a fan of real wood, tear it out. It's days have come and gone…
Have you considered a very light white-wash on it? The detail of the wood will still be visible, but it will give the room a different mood.. I think you can do other colours as well, not just white.
Hi Jess,
I have thought about that — perhaps a grayish-white? So many options…
I have the same paneling, when we moved in it was just like yours and I didn't know how I was going to live with it… I sanded every wall and the ceiling, than white washed and varnished it, It came out beautiful, very cottage style. I love it now.
Tam, glad you learned to live with your paneling! Do you have before-and-after pics?
Do you have any pics? I have lived with my dark honey stained knotty pine walls and ceilings for too long, want to do what you did, but ther Hubby isn't going for it?? Ugg.. I need to show him samples..
I would love to see pictures of your walls now. Even before and afters._
I have 3/4" tongue and groove wormy chesnutt paneling in 3 rooms of my home and the kitchen cabinets are made from this. I hate the stain color. Can someone tell me how to sand it or restain ( hubby will not paint it) the wood please. my email is cmridge@bellsouth.net
For now I would leave it and experiment w/fabric covered sheets of plywood or even foam to lessen the effect of all of the wood then cover them with your pictures or sculpures or whatever…you could always re use the fabric in pillows and such if you decide to pull the paneling…It really isn't that unappealing and could be made to look any style you want..perhaps potions could use a cork board or fabric wainscotting type of change-up as well…Good luck, I would really try to work with it!
Also..to add to previous post, I would consider different shapes and sizes of panels as well!
We have real pine paneling in our circa 1950's home, but with updated furnishings and lots of light from our windows and skylights, I like it. I think it can add to the charm of a home if tastefully decorated around.
Sounds like we are in the same boat! I'd love to see photos of your finished, paneled rooms.
We had dark plywood grooved panelling and it is so ugly. The real deal can look warm and inviting if it is done right. The plywood panelling in our house was torn down within a few months after moving in and this brightened our space immediately.
I'd love to see your before-and-after pics!
We are going to take our paneling down in the LR and DR. Trying to decide between sheetrock and beadboard. Leaning towards sheetrock. Really not looking forward to the dusty mess.
Good luck with the take-down. Unfortunately, it seems like dust is inevitable in both our cases.
If you are considering beadboard; you should just paint it and save yourself time and money! You will need to sand it lightly in order for the paint to adhere properly. My favorite white is called "Neutral Ground" it's a Sherwin Williams paint. I's not too white but not a cream either. Just tell them what you are painting and they can advise what procedures and paint type. If you go with sheetrock you will want to texture it as well, alot of work!
I lived in a home with exactly this throughout the home. I thought it was beautiful, but yes dark for every day living. I am not a fan of wood that light so if you don't want the darker wood I would tear it out. I think painting wood is a shame and takes any value anything has away. I cringe when I see that someone has painted the beautiful woodwork in a big old late 1800's home. "Shabby Chic" does not mean paint it up. People paint things to cover blemishes and always have. It make it look cheap. Besides people that like to decorate change things and imagine trying to get all of the paint off if you wanted the wood look back.
You can put starch in cloth to use as paneling and hang patterns. Affordable and easy or just change the decor to lighten it up, maybe both. The current paneling is great for a "country feel", either modern or traditional.
We are definitely changing the decor — our furniture is much more modern than what is shown, plus we're picking up some new stuff.
I call my house my country abode and have knotty pine in the den and offfice. It makes the den feel serene….put a fire in the fireplace and light the candles, have a nice glass of wine and you feel like you at a resort chilling……To each his own, I painted the panelng in the bedrooms but will not change a thing about the den or office. Like someone said, you can put any color n there and it looks fantastic. Enjoy your wood paneling if it makes you feel good and the hell with what others think…(LOL)
I have lived in our bungalow for 15 years, the upstairs had a hall, bath and three very small rooms built in the attic in the 70's. Each room, hall and bath had different paneling and different shag carpet. Still does except all has been painted except one room and all carpet changed. The enclosed front porch was paneled, walls and ceiling, three kinds. The kitchen has two kinds of paneling and wall paper. One wall in master bedroom has paneling and three of the five basement rooms have paneling, all is different, thank heavens the living and dining room had none, but they used the old 9 inch ceiling tile which really bugs me. The main bath downstairs is paneled, the entire downstairs had carpet in shades of blur, gold and green until I started tearing it up to reveal hardwood floors! Oh how I hate paneling, but I would have to go to the studs in each room to solve the problems
Wow, that sounds like a lot of paneling! Good luck!
Keep it, strip it, get some large canvas art or paint your own to hang on it, that's not the cheap stuff of the 70s ( we have both the cheap and this), with the right contemporary furniture and artwork it can look great. Throw in a few antiques and there you go, your own style. My thought is if you throw in traditional furniture it will look dated. Keep it modern, earthy and almost trendy, with a splash of color that you can change. Hit the flea markets and have fun.
Hi Val,
Love the idea of large canvases — was thinking about that today! We are definitely going for a more contemporary feel so that will go perfectly.
Those are my thoughts too. I just bought a ranch condo with a large great room, fully paneled in quality wood knotty pine. It's actually attractive and with the fireplace, gives it a lodgy feel. I am going to place my modern red couch and chair, original modern art and so forth. I think that will give it an update, edgy take on all that wood. Lots of windows helps bring light in so it is not dark and dingy at all.
Awesome house designs… How i wish if i do have money someday I can have houses just like that and I am always looking forward into it now to work even harder. Cebu Island Hotels
I have this same paneling on 2 of my dining room walls. The other 2 walls are very light yellow. It is a big room with lots of light and a fireplace. I love it – it gives the room warmth and a comfortable feeling. I would never change it. Its hard to remove paint when the styles change – wood never goes out of style. This is real wood; not sheet paneling. We matched out hickory cabinets in the kitchen to this color of pine – it was the right decision. Our house was built in 1956 – so was I
That sounds lovely! That was my thought re. the paint. I'm going to stick it out for now.
You have quality paneling. Big difference from the cheap paneling that was used a lot in the 70's. Remember, all quality materials are always in style….depends on how you accentuate it and decorate it. Keep it if you like it. We got rid of the heap stuff in 2 rooms and put up drywall….no regrets. and still have the quality paneling in another and we like it.
I recently saw "burned" wood.
Not blacked but torched. Then it was sealed & it looks great.
You can sand it, torch it, seal it & WOW!
Wish I had pictures of this Outdoor kitchen that I toured
on Tuesday.
Ooh, I haven't heard of that. Thanks for the tip!
Whitewash it!
Paint it … a good stain blocker primer first and if those knots keep showing up, then a quarter inch drywall would be my next step. Ripping out makes such a mess.
I love paneling i love the cabin look, added some rustic log furiture made by the amish, fan of knotty ceder and birch, and i love nature!!
I was never too much of a fan until I watched an episode of 'Sarah's House' when she remodeled the farmhouse. She installed paneling and whitewashed it in a khaki color in the family room. It looked amazing.
I say sand it down and use white pickling stain- it will be georgeous!!!
If your looking for a cabin look then the paneling is great as long as it's not in every room. I hate the knotty pine look altogether! You want your house to look like the inside of a sauna? Well then….okay. Either way it looks to me like you should have a moose head hanging on the wall with duck decoys as accessories. Completely a hunters abode.
That looks like the real stuff! no like the thin cheap paneling in my house( which I painted). I'd have a hard time painting your paneling! I'd probably try to work with it too.
I really like the wood paneling on your walls, it gives it a really retro feel/look. I also like how a lot of your furniture matches these panels. Great job! Hey if you're interested there's a site a friend of mine recommended me to called worldtohome.com. They have a pretty neat selection of home decor stuff that might suit you.
I am in process of paneling our barn loft with T&G pine. Before installing I white washed with watered down White semigloss paint. Grain and knots still show thru but it looks great.
What do others use as a wash? Never tear down real wood for Sheetrock. Wood will last forever, Sheetrock not so long. Look at true old farmhouses and southern mansions they all have yellow pine paneling, much of it painted fantastic warm colonial colors
Hi Bud, that sounds great — that's another option I've considered. Would love to see photos of the barn loft.
If you decide to make a definite change, I recommend having it cut at about 30 to 40 inches from the floor, rip out the top part and add a chair rail. Should make a huge difference.
Paint it white and update the furnishings!!! Please share the "after" pica with whatever you do!!
Hi, I will definitely keep you posted on after pics.
Keep it – at least some of it. We have this same paneling in our 1945 brick cape cod in Oregon and absolutely love it, especially aorund Christmas time. There is just something about it that is so warm and comforting, particularly with a fire in the fireplace. Ultimately, go with your gut – I have fought myself for years becasue the trend seem to be "rip it out" or "paint it". My instincts tell me it makes my house a home
I painted my paneling in our Dining room. It looks great. I really like the bleached or pickled finish. I wish I would have thought of that first.
Hi Barbara,
Do you have before-and-after photos? I'd love to see them!
As soon as you finish painting, it'll most likely become popular again to have this look. Although it's an old style, I say allow the charm to come through. It's beautiful to see the wood grain. If you use what you like, then I think it'd make you happy.
Thanks Carol!
Had a sun room with knotty pine paneling on walls & ceiling, I painted the walls a pale green and left the ceiling, then decorated with lots of quilts, rugs, rockets, etc. I looked so invited and comfortable, I loved it, and so did everyone else.
Oh, that sounds great! Pine looks terrific on the ceiling.
I have a western living room and have the thick paneling on the walls. Not the thin stuff and I have no problem with it. Goes with the decor!
Sorry. Definitely do not like the paneling. We painted paneling in our family room and it turned out great! It looked like textured walls.
After living with that color paneling in our family room we painted it white and it looks realnice with
our modern furniture. It also brought light to the room and makes the room look bigger now.
I live at the jersey shore, and many of the homes have this paneling-including mine. I would never tear it out. If it feels too dark, you can paint it, and it has such a great texture. I have seen it stripped and lacquered and it also looked awesome. I don't agree that you can use any color that you like with natural wood paneling, because the color of the wood must be considered when you plan a color scheme. It seems that rich colors look great, and deep blue and white schemes look great, but pale pastels look terrible.
I'm thinking of a deep blue and gray color scheme with bits of bright yellow. What colors did you go with for your paneled rooms?
Pine paneling can be very sophisticated, and well designed. Not a moose head in sight!
http://room-galleries.myhomeideas.com/pictures/co…
Wow, that looks great! Love the navy + white with the green.
Has anyone put sheet rock over paneling?
I like the knotty pine. I think it looks good in some homes.
Depending on your furnishings, I would either whitewash or paint it white for a fresh open look. A pale yellow is also nice…wood paneling gives texture and interest to a space. Also, in a family room, den or an office, real wood, whether natural or stained, is a great look. Candy Spelling used it in her $150MM home!
My fist reaction was tear it out, but then I saw the pictures and my heart melted. It looks so much like the walls in my grandparents "hunting lodge" turned full time live in home up in Danbury, Ct, That home had the warmest, homiest feeling ever. I agree with those above who mentioned that with the right furniture and accents, paneling can easily be brought in to todays decor. Just don't overdo it.
You should take it all down ans ship it to me here in Oregon. I love the tongue and groove paneling. I rather through that it was sideways not up and down.
I painted my Parent's basement paneling, looks so much better. In the room you're talking about, I would definately paint it white or white wash it or something, it would make a world of difference. In a good way.
I'm not a fan of that honey color pine paneling but have seen rooms where it actually looks good. I don't agree that any color will look good (not loving that light colored chair and rug), but rather I like the look of a northwest cabin style with hunter greens, dark reds, burnished orange/rust, and leather – that sort of thing. Would hate to have it in my entire house, but a den or family room could be really cozy. I'm not sure if you're first picture is your finished room, but to me it looks outdated. Sorry, I don't mean to be mean. Besides, it's your house and if you like it, that's all that matters.