How to Make Wood Panel Walls Look Good

Wood panel walls may have fallen out of fashion a few decades ago, but they can make a comeback if updated. Finding the right decor to complement them is the key to making them look good.

Adding wood trim like molding is an easy way to upgrade wood panel walls. It is also quick and cheap to install.

Paint

Adding a fresh coat of paint is one of the most basic and cost-effective ways to update wood panel walls. This makes them look new and gives the room a whole different look. Before deciding to paint, however, homeowners should think about the overall style of the room they want to create. This will help them choose the right color.

White is a popular choice because it brightens the walls and can give them a country cottage look. However, it’s also possible to experiment with other colors as well. Black, for example, can add sophistication and class to a room. Or you could try dark grey, which is currently a very popular color for interiors.

Before beginning a painting project, make sure to clean the wall panels thoroughly. This will remove any dirt or grease that may be on them and ensure a smooth surface. Filling any cracks or gaps with caulk is also a good idea. It’s important to do this before applying the first coat of paint because it can prevent moisture from damaging your panels in the future.

After cleaning the panels, apply a primer to help the paint adhere better and hide any imperfections on the wall. Once the primer is dry, you can begin painting. Use a foam sponge roller to cover the majority of the surfaces, and then use a brush to get into the corners and seams. After painting, make sure to wait a few hours before applying a second coat.

If you don’t want to paint the entire wall, try staining instead. This will give the panels a rich and luxurious look. Staining also allows you to keep some of the natural wood grain in the paneling and can add to the look of your home.

Another way to elevate the look of your wood panel walls is to replace some of the panels with marble. This will instantly make your wall stand out and attract attention from guests. Whether you’re looking for a unique way to decorate your living room or a creative backsplash for your kitchen, you can’t go wrong with this one-of-a-kind option.

Wooden Molding

Wooden moldings are found throughout homes as decorative trim for doors, windows, and walls. They hide and help the weather seal natural joints in wall framing as well as create light and dark shadows along the surface. They can also act as a transitional element between two distinct building elements or simply serve as a decorative accent piece in their own right. Unlike the faux paneling of the 1970s, real wood moldings are a great way to add character and warmth to any room.

Whether you’re looking for an elegant, classic look or something more rustic, there’s a style of wooden paneling to fit any aesthetic. Adding a light coat of paint is one of the simplest ways to make wooden panels look good. This will brighten the room and help the panels stand against the wall. Another option is adding some texture to the walls using a wainscoting technique. This can give a room a very traditional feel, and it can be an easy way to dress up a plain bedroom or living area.

Panel molding can also be used to create a feature wall. This can be a great way to highlight a room’s best features, such as a fireplace or a built-in window seat. To set off a feature wall, using a darker shade of paint for the paneling can be beneficial. This will draw more attention to the details of the room and will look much more dramatic than a flat color would.

If you’re not interested in painting your panels, try staining them. This can give them a warm, rich look and will also preserve the natural wood grain. If you decide to stain your panels, follow the proper installation and maintenance methods. This will ensure that your wood panels last a long time and look their best for years to come.

Another benefit of using wooden molding is that it can be made from green building materials. This means that it has a lower environmental impact than other building materials such as plastic or Styrofoam. Additionally, wood can be re-cut and reused, making it more versatile than other types of molding. It can even be re-shaped and stained with caulk or paint to change its appearance.

Wallpaper

Wood panel walls look great with a lot of different wall decor styles. Adding things like art hung salon style or large mirrors can distract the eye from the panels and make them less noticeable. But if you want to take it further, add some wainscoting to your room. This simple swap can give your space a fresh, modern look that completely changes your thoughts about your wood panel walls.

One of the most effective ways to update your wooden panel walls is to paint them a new color. White is a classic and always in fashion, but you can also try something bolder, like navy blue or emerald green, to add visual interest and contrast to the room. This will give your space a designer look that will set it apart from other homes.

Another way to upgrade your wood panel walls is to cover them with wallpaper. This can be a quick and easy DIY project that will make your rooms look brand new. It is important to use a good primer to prepare the surface of the walls, but once it’s done, you will be left with beautiful textured walls that would make any interior designer proud.

You can also cover your wood panels in beadboard or wainscoting to create a seamless, smooth look. This is a little more time-consuming, but it will definitely pay off in the end. It will be hard to tell that the wall used to be wood paneling once you’re finished.

A good way to improve your wooden paneling is to adorn it with some creative artwork. This can be as simple as hanging a tapestry or as intricate as painting geometric patterns on them. This will make your walls more interesting and attractive, removing attention from their dated appearance.

You can even replace the panels with drywall. This can be a more expensive option, but it will give your home a modern and updated look that impresses guests and potential buyers. This will also help to increase the value of your home and will keep it up to date with the rest of the market.

Artwork

Wood paneling can be a wonderful wall decoration. It has the ability to make a room feel warm and welcoming while still being able to showcase your unique style. You can use this wall decor in any room of your house, and it’s easy to incorporate into your design plan. Whether you’re planning on remodeling an older home or looking for ways to upgrade your living room, wooden wall panels can help you accomplish your goals.

If you’re using old wood paneling in your home, painting it can be a great way to change the appearance of the space. However, before you decide to paint your wood paneling, be sure that it’s necessary and will give the room a more modern look. You should also consider the type of paint that you want to use. Light colors will work best for wood paneling, reflecting natural light and brightening the space. It can be tricky to get the desired effect without overdoing it if you’re using a dark color.

Another way to make your wooden panel walls look good is to add some artwork to them. Adding a large painting or a collection of photographs can make the panels stand out and add some color to the room. You can also hang a tapestry on the wall to create an appealing visual effect. Alternatively, you can build a beautiful bookshelf and display some of your favorite books on it. This can distract from the paneling and make it more appealing.

You can also add some other decorative elements to your wood-paneled walls. For example, if you’re using marble, you can attach them to your wood panels to give the walls a luxurious feel. You can also fix pennies on the wall to add a unique design element that will stand out and attract attention.

Wood paneling has a distinct and classic look that makes your room warm and inviting. It’s also very versatile and can be used in different styles. By following these simple tips, you can improve the appearance of your wood panel walls and elevate the overall look of your home.