Home » Misc » Colors to paint paneling

Colors to paint paneling


8 Paint Colors That Go With Wood Paneling

Jump to:

Wondering which paint colors go with wood paneling, but aren’t sure where to start? If so, you’re in the right place. We’ll show you 8 unique options, why we love each one, and a few things to know before painting.

Disclaimer: REthority is supported by ads and participation in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you click our links. The information included in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or financial advice.

Paint Colors for Wood Paneling: A Summary

Are you having trouble find good paint colors that go with wood paneling? Wood paneling offers a vintage look that makes the home appear more welcoming.

However, you might be surprised to know this type of wood wall paneling is quickly becoming the preferred choice for homeowners who intend to enhance the aesthetics of their home.

When you’re deciding on the best colors and patterns for rooms that have wood paneling, it’s always best to side with earthy and neutral colors. The best choices are yellow, white, turquoise, off-white/ivory, grays, blues, greens, and beige.

Which Paint Colors Go With Wood Paneling?

Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

When it comes to design, wood trim and wood paneling have unique accommodations that you should adhere to. By learning which colors allow you to add other features to the room without clashing, you can bring your vision to life.

1. Yellow

Yellow is a versatile color that pairs beautifully with both dark and light wood panels because it echoes the want undertone of the wood.

You can use muted mustard yellow, and this color will work wonderfully in a modern bedroom or kitchen. You could just as easily use a bright and sunny shade of yellow as well.

2. White

The color white pairs well with everything, and therefore it’s called a universal color mainly due to the fact that it’s incredibly versatile. For example, a room with white walls, when matched with light colored wood paneling makes, for a modern warm look.

More specifically, this is the way to mix a techy appearance with a natural look. Typically people who go with white do so to enlarge the way that their room appears.

3. Turquoise

Suppose you are a person that has taken a pointer or two from traditional interior designs. In that case, chances are you’ve noticed that wood paneling and turquoise is a staple of Southwestern décor.

The funny thing is that this is not a trend exclusive to the Southwest. This color is for anyone looking for more of an exotic look. The turquoise gives a beach-like ambiance against the wood trim when used in this way.

4. Gray

Gray can complement a white-themed kitchen counter adorned with white paneled wooden walls and cabinets filled with kitchen utensils.

You may be surprised to learn that grays are where it’s at when it comes to home design. This is especially true for those that enjoy modern and traditional looks. 

If you’ve been mulling over what color to choose for your panels, gray is the best choice. Gray is versatile and can be used with country, modern and traditional looks. This color simply complements everything.

5. Blue

If you wish to have royal themes using your wood paneling, blue is a tried, true, and classic choice. It’s common to find older homes with a cerulean or royal blue hue against mahogany or cherry.

This is indeed a fantastic contrast, and it will give your room a sophisticated feel and look. This happens to be even more accurate when paired with gold.

6. Different Shades of Green

When it comes to wood trim, green is more of a conventional color to put with it, even more so if you have wood finishes which are darker, such as mahogany. This kind of color scheme is not foreign to the design of Ivy League schools. The look is not only rustic, but it looks refined as well.

You may be shocked to learn that you don’t have to choose the darkest shade of green for it to pair well with the wood paneling. For example, mint green is an excellent choice due to the contrast that it provides.

If you wish to give off tropical or ocean vibes, turquoise is the color to achieve this effect. If you want something elegant and regal, try pairing turquoise with brass or gold will produce a nice palatial feel to your home.

7. Beige

Beige is an excellent choice for nearly any trim or wood paneling. Thanks to the fact that it’s color is neutral, this sandy color can be put in an extensive range of palettes.

You can use this shade with the quirky or traditional look due to its versatility. Beige hues can be used with a mild golden tone, and this will help improve the aesthetics of the wood panel in any room, in most situations.

Read Next: Colors That Go With Beige

8. Off-White/Ivory

You can try a modern kitchen with wooden paneling and a lower cabinet section that’s painted white. In some instances, white can contrast too much with the color in a room.

That’s even more true if your goal is to design a kitchen that’s more inviting with a more comfortable and cozy look.

A mild off-white like an eggshell cream will work wonderfully with delicate colors. Moreover, if you are fond of a Tudor-style design theme, there’s the option to match a dark wood with off-white instead of white.

Tips on Choosing Paint Colors for Your Wood Paneling

Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Remember that furnishings and fabrics can help bring wood paneling to life by enhancing the tones. When deciding on the best wall colors, don’t forget the fabrics and furnishings to enhance your wood panels.

Take into account the dominant tones that provide high drama to your color scheme.

For example, warm and neutral colors, like dark gray or tan-green, will highlight the rich dark brown color of the wood panel if you match the walls with an even-toned brown color; it makes the environment more comforting. 

The primary goal is to make sure the colors are simple and don’t overdo it by selecting furniture that’s too dark and makes the room feel dreary.

Also, try using contrast to make the room pop more and to make the wood paneling stand out in a good way. When you contrast the color of the walls with the wood panel, your room has a more distinct look to it.

For example, if the room features a dark wood like walnut, mahogany, or oak, it stands out beautifully against light blue, ivory, or white. If you have a lighter wood tone such as maple, ash, or birch, go with a dark and bold color like navy or dark green instead. 

How to Make Wood Paneling Look Good Until You Paint

Here are ways to liven up your wood paneling even without painting it:

Stain the Wood

If you have had your wood paneling for years and you’re trying to revive it because it’s looking dull, try adding a stain to it to see if that helps. If the paneling is actual wood, use a rich stain that will adhere well to give it that “new” look. 

Focus on the Furniture

If you feel that your wood paneling isn’t eye-catching, but you’re trying to draw attention and be bold, focus on the furniture.

Choose a few distinguished pieces like sectional or trendy chairs, designer tables, and so on. Go for bold patterns, bright colors, fun textures, and other exciting aspects that distract from the walls or complement them.

Interior Decorating Mistakes to Avoid

Anna Maryenko/Shutterstock

Using a wood panel is tricky because it’s a classic design theme that is easy to butcher. There are some simple and effective ways to make it look great, and it’s even easier to make it look horrible. Be sure to avoid these mistakes when decorating:

Choosing the Wrong Paint

There are two ways that this can go wrong. You can choose the wrong paint color for the room itself, like pairing dark colors with dark paint and vice versa, or just choosing a color that doesn’t match well, like orange. 

Or, you could be painting the wood panel itself incorrectly. Be sure to sand and prime the panel first, and then pick a vibrant paint, oil-based being the best option. Also, don’t rush the drying process.  

Trying to Match a Rug or Carpet to the Panel

Under no circumstances should you try to make the carpet match the color of the wood paneling. Dark brown wood with a dark brown carpet looks awful and will totally bring down the brightness in the room.

You also don’t want to pair light wood with a light carpet because it’s too one-toned and doesn’t add anything distinct or contrasting. Remember, light walls go with dark floors, and dark walls go with light floors.

Read Next: Interior Decorating vs. Interior Design

Things to Consider 

The thing to consider most is the pattern or the wood panel and its color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the responses to the most commonly asked questions regarding pairing colors with wood paneling:

Is it a bad idea to paint wood paneling?

Absolutely not. Painting the wood panel is a simple way to transform a home interior from outdated to modern.

If you’re not sold on the wood panel, and you’d like to go for the element of texture, this is the perfect solution. It’s also a good idea if your wood paneling has become old and looks worse from year to year. 

Is wood paneling outdated?

People often think that a wood panel is a bad choice for home décor because it’s old and reeks of the 70s. However, while the reputation for retro is accurate, that doesn’t mean that the concept can’t be freshened up and made to look more modern. 

If your colors clash, then it will indeed look outdated and worn. But if you can bring the right furniture pieces in and choose the perfect paint to go with the wood paneling, it can be a gorgeous addition.  

Can you paint stripes on wood paneling?

The answer to this depends on what look you’re going for with the painted paneling. It’s challenging to bring a room together with striped walls because it’s hard to match the furniture with that design theme. 

If you have a skilled interior decorator that can show you how it can work, go for it. Otherwise, avoid painting stripes on the wood and focus on painting the walls a solid color instead.

Can you make the wood panel lighter before you paint the walls?

If you want to paint the walls a dark color but the wood panel is already dark, you might consider trying to lighten the panel itself. Bleaching and whitewashing can help, but be sure that you completely cover the parts of the room that you don’t want to be exposed.

Should you use wood paneling in the bedroom?

Admittedly, wood paneling looks best in a living room or a den, and you don’t typically see this type of theme in a bedroom. However, if you have a home office in your bedroom, it could go well to make the space look more professional. 

So, What Colors Go With Wood Paneling?

So there you have it — paint colors that go with wood paneling. Choosing the right colors to paint your walls can be the difference between a beautiful and creative room and a dull and boring one.

If you go with the perfect colors to make the wood panel look fresh and modern, the possibilities for color combinations are extensive. 

Remember that the most popular choice will be your neutral colors like grey, white, beige, and off-white, but colors such as green, blue, and yellow work really well if done correctly.

You Might Also Like:

12 ways to add color and character |

(Image credit: Brent Darby, Neptune, TI Archive)

Paneling paint ideas allow you to breathe a new lease of life into a room, and are a simple way to refresh the existing décor and the style of a space with minimal fuss.  

Originally used as an insulation technique, paneling ideas for walls are often associated with traditional interiors, however, recent trends show that they are becoming a firm favorite for decorating and updating interior spaces, both classic and contemporary, adding a beautiful, decorative element to the home. 

Using paneling paint ideas allows you to get creative with color and texture in your space. Whether you keep things simple with subtle shades for bathroom paneling ideas, or choose bold paint colors to make a striking statement for stair paneling ideas, using paint to enhance the paneling in your home is a great way to create a unique architectural feature.

Paneling paint ideas

When it comes to paint ideas in the home, adding color and character to your paneling is a quick and easy way to transform the look of a space. 

With there being an array of paneling designs for interiors of all sizes, ages and styles, there are many paneling paint ideas you can choose from to best suit your home. 

Below, you can explore our top paneling paint ideas to help you make the most of the paneling in your home below.

1. Create contrast

(Image credit: Neptune)

In this beautiful dining room space by Neptune , an elegant contrast is formed between the warming pale pink shade on the walls and the dark black painted paneling. 

A room full of texture, shape and color, the dark paneling works to great effect when united with these contrasting elements, and creates a subtle statement without being overwhelming or uninviting

2. Complement your wallpaper 

(Image credit: Jon Day Photography)

When decorating, wallpaper ideas and painted paneling are a match made in heaven.  

In the study above, the dark ochre wall paper with a busy, botanical black and white print is grounded by the pale blue paint used on the paneling below. The paint color evokes an atmosphere of calm whilst effortlessly coordinating the wallpaper design. 

Whether you use painted paneling to frame wallpaper to create an elegant decorative design, or wallpaper the section of wall above, using paint colors to enhance and complement your chosen wallpaper will create a cohesive, stylish look.

3. Use all one color

(Image credit: Davide Lovati)

Depending on the paint color you choose and the style of your space, using all one color in a room can make your painted paneling stand out or blend in.  

In this bedroom, the floor-to-ceiling woodwork has been elevated by the striking, deep blue paint, creating an inviting and relaxing atmosphere.

When decorating with blue, picking a vivid blue shade like this adds a contemporary element to the traditionally painted paneled walls, with the color choice adding personality to the clean and uncluttered design.

4. Be bold with black 

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Decorating with black does not need to feel intimidating or dramatic, when used in the right way black paint can create an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, so why not make a chic statement and be bold with black paint on your paneling. 

In this bedroom, the dark paint by Farrow & Ball creates an inviting, cozy space, whilst adding a striking, modern edge to a traditional paneled design. Complemented by wooden and metallic accessories, the overall look is a beautiful combination of the old and new.

Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball Brand Ambassador, states a dark color like black or slate is 'a fabulous choice for poorly lit/ north-facing rooms. It works wonderfully on paneling, is surprisingly restful and has the neat trick of making your walls visually recede – so one to consider for a small room'. 

5. Add a modern twist to a traditional style 

(Image credit: Mel Yates)

Using paint is a simple and effective way to rejuvenate a traditional interior space with color and contemporary charm.

Painting paneling in a bright, modern shade will effortlessly inject style and personality into a room. 

The uplifting blue paint used in this bedroom adds energy and character to the space, with the mix of pattern, print and color forming a beautiful design that pays homage to both classic and contemporary styles.

6. Use a timeless beige-gray 

(Image credit: Brent Darby)

For a timeless backdrop that can grow with an interior space for years to come, beige-gray is becoming an increasingly popular shade to use in the home. 

Versatile and long-lasting, painting paneling a beige-gray shade allows for you to add color through accessories and furnishings, ideal for living room paneling ideas.

Beige-gray can coordinate with a huge range of colors across the spectrum, and allows for you to easily make changes to other parts of your scheme over time without clashes or opposing color combinations.

7. Take inspiration from nature 

(Image credit: John Lewis)

Taking inspiration from nature will always be a winner for decorating ideas. Using earthly, timeless color palettes that reflect the natural world is great for both classic and contemporary interiors.

In this bedroom space by John Lewis , the dark green painted paneling has been elevated by elegant scalloped edging, creating an eye-catching design statement is both simple and beautiful. Complemented by light green paint on the walls and pink and floral accents, the overall design is a considered reflection of the natural world. 

(Image credit: Michael Sinclair)

By incorporating the paneling in a room in a bold, painted design, you can create a striking statement that celebrates the unexpected. 

In this living room, the vivid orange painted stripe adds an invigorating energy and a colorful accent to the space, creating a beautiful contrast with the light gray paint and other textures and patterns in the room.

Here, the painted paneling blends into the abstract painted design, yet still subtly adds character and an element of tradition to the expressive living room space.

Great for ceiling paneling ideas, an unexpected use and placement of color will be sure to create a innovative design statement in a room.

9. Create a sleek look with color blocking

(Image credit: Neptune)

Decorating with black and white can create a subtle impact in a space that is both elegant and sophisticated. When combined with other textures and complementary colors, color blocking can make for a timeless design in the home.

In this black and white dining room by Neptune, the painted black paneling adds character and texture to the large open space. Lifted by the white paint on the walls, the matching black and white paintings enhance the paint colors and painted features, creating a unified, modern design. The dark wooden floor and dining table add contrast and warmth to the space, with the overall space feeling relaxed and inviting. 

10. Create a painted paneling effect

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

If your home does not have any painted paneling and you do not want to set out making your own, painting a unique paneling effect on your walls is a clever way to create the illusion of paneling in a space.

You can use a palette of colors to create painted panel effects of more depth with shadows and highlights, or you can simply use one color like in the hallway above and create outlines of different sizes to mirror the panels, perfect for modern hallway paneling ideas.

A painted paneling effect is a very simple way to enhance an empty wall in a space without the effort of making your own paneling.

A great technique for decorative room ideas, using a painted paneling effect creates a contemporary, artistic feel that has been inspired by tradition.

11. Embrace calming neutrals  

(Image credit: Jake Curtis)

Neutral room ideas are guaranteed to create a long-lasting scheme for the home. Incorporating your paneling into a neutral design can create a relaxed, spacious effect with a subtle element of texture and character.

Whether you paint the whole room or just the paneling in a neutral shade, you can then add color and pattern through accessories and furnishings, with a neutral option working as the perfect backdrop.

12. Use complementary colors  

(Image credit: Nepture)

It can be a tough decision deciding on paint ideas for a room, so ensuring that you pick color combinations that are complementary will ensure for a long-lasting scheme. 

If you want to paint your paneling a different color from the rest of the room, using the color wheel will help you decide on harmonious color choices that are both striking and appealing. 

In this living room, the two purple shades used create a beautiful, contemporary design, with the added red accents and wall art creating a colorful and balanced scheme.

How do you paint paneling and make it look good?

Making sure that your panels, whether they are traditional or new, are prepped and are in the right conditions for painting will ensure that your painted paneling looks flawless. 

Helen Shaw, UK Director at Benjamin Moore states, 'If you are going to update your space and add paneling, make sure you consider the type of paint you use. Surfaces need to be dust free and well prepared and primed to ensure that the final finish stands up to the demands of the environment'.

The four basic steps to remember for preparing your paneling are cleaning, sanding, priming then painting. 

What is painted paneling made out of?

Paneling for painting is traditionally made out of wood. Originally, paneling was used in homes to help insulation, with authentic paneling crafted from solid wood such as oak or walnut. 

However today, paneling used for painting is often made from MDF. Using MDF allows for you to then easily paint the material to create a similar, traditional paneling effect without the expense of using solid wood.

Zara joined Homes & Gardens in February 2022 as a Content Editor. After studying English Literature at University, she worked as an Ecommerce Website Editor, Content Writer and Buying Intern at multiple independent businesses within the luxury retail and lifestyle sectors. Her role at Homes & Gardens unites her love, experience and passion for the world of design and desire to create inspiring written content. She enjoys nothing more than discovering new trends, brands and products, whether that be in fashion, interior design or lifestyle.

What color to paint the lining: idea photo, white color

When decorating, the question is often asked: what color to paint the lining?

When you choose what color to paint the wall paneling, first of all, you need to start from the general design decision.

If you are painting the wall paneling indoors, you need the color to harmonize with the interior (look at the color examples of the wall paneling in the photo). The shades chosen for painting will affect the atmosphere of the room as a whole. It should be borne in mind that different shades are suitable for different rooms, for example, in the kitchen you can use warm colors - orange, yellow.

Lining paint

Warm colors range from light beige, yellow to brown. On the contrary, cool shades of gray and blue are suitable for the office. The colors "under the wood" will look great in the bedroom. White color is universal, it can be used in any room, and it suits any style. As a standard, light colors such as ivory, pistachio, olive, light blue and, of course, white are more popular.

The lining can also be painted in different colors, in which case the lower part of the panel will need to be painted in a darker color, as you can see in the photo. By painting the lining you can create your own unique color masterpiece, armed with masking tape, brushes and paints of different colors. This coloring can be used as a special original version of the decor.

Attic painting

Sometimes lining is painted “antique” (you can see the options in the photo). The most interesting thing is that it is not so much the color that was chosen that is important, but the painting technology. The first layer is painted, preferably in a dark color. After that, for the effect of aging, you need to sand the panel with a metal brush. Then the lining is covered with transparent paint.

White is the most popular color for lining. This color is associated with elegance and sophistication. Many designers recommend using it. True, the color is so traditional that it will not say anything about the owner of the room.

It is very laborious to paint the lining white, so that the final version will satisfy the requests, you will have to spend a lot of time. You can paint with acrylic, polyurethane, latex, oil paint. They have high durability characteristics. Before painting, the wall will need to be cleaned of dust and old paint, sanded and impregnated. Coloring is made in two layers. Before applying the second layer, the first must dry.

When the second layer dries, the coating is fixed with varnish. From this last finishing layer, the surface acquires a shine. When painting, it is worth considering the individual characteristics of different types of paint. For example, oil white paint has the property of drying quickly. This is a convenient property, but along with it, such paint quickly clarifies and loses its color qualities. When using white and any other light shades, care must be taken not to use these colors in areas of the greatest pollution. Too well on these shades then the slightest traces of dirt are visible.

The influence of lining color on the psychological and physical state of a person

Each color carries a certain emotional load and affects the state of a person. When choosing a shade for paint, this is also worth considering. The visual perception of color should play an important role in choosing a shade. Red color has a stimulating effect. This color energizes, but at the same time it can increase pressure. Red is also associated with passion and aggression.

What color is better to paint the lining? Yellow is considered the optimal color, it does not irritate, does not tire, improves vision. Yellow color has the ability to cheer up and stimulates the development of intellectual abilities.

Thus, the color for painting the lining should be chosen taking into account what kind of atmosphere you want to create in the room, and what visual effect to achieve. You may want to visually expand the space or, conversely, reduce it. White color visually expands the room, while dark colors narrow it.

No matter what color you choose, the paint should be of high quality, not have a strong smell, and, of course, the shade of the paint should emphasize and complement the design of the room.

What color to paint the lining

Home Painting What color to paint the lining in different types of interiors

Contents

Wooden paneling is a versatile material, thanks to which you can recreate any type of interior. Stylish appearance, absolute environmental safety and the ability to change color allow you to experiment and transform your home whenever you like, simply repaint the slats, without replacing them and complex repairs.

But what color should the lining be painted? There is no single answer, it all depends on personal preferences and the chosen design style.

Which colors are better to use for lining

By making the interior decoration of the house with clapboard, you can completely follow one of the popular styles or simply decorate the house beautifully. If there is no goal of exact imitation of the famous interior, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the general recommendations for painting the lining:

What color to paint the lining, depending on the type of interior

What color to paint the lining inside the house? It all depends on the chosen design and the rest of the situation in the house. The easiest way to treat wood is to apply a clear lacquer, this method is great for distinctive rustic styles, country or hunting lodges. What if you want something more original?

Decorating your home in classic English style? The easiest way to implement the idea is to finish with wood on one third of the height of the wall, and paint the rest with pastel colors. What color to paint the lining? Light shades, slightly darker than the one that covered the rest of the wall. You can add chic and sophistication using paints with glitter or mother-of-pearl.

Do you prefer delicate French Provence or original shabby chic? In this case, it is better to paint the lining in light colors of purple, green, blue or pink, complementing the interior with appropriate textiles and furniture.

The loft is a typical contemporary style with wood trim. What color to paint the lining in this case? Only in white! You can diversify with several slats of contrasting shades, but the main color is only white.

Without delving into the details of any of the generally accepted styles, you can recreate any interior, most often this is practiced in the stylized design of children's rooms or terraces. By painting the lining in different colors, you can get a room that no one else has.

How to create a mood with lining in different colors

When deciding what color to paint the lining inside the house, one cannot ignore the influence of one or another color on mood.

Learn more