Home » Misc » Ideas for painting wood paneling

Ideas for painting wood paneling


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.

Painting Wood Paneling Ideas - Designing Idea

Below are the painting wood paneling ideas including the most popular paint colors, the best primer, and paint finish for your interior wall panels.

Wood paneling is an architectural feature that’s an old-school style that continues to be popular in many homes today. Wood paneling remains a favorite due to the warm, inviting, and epitomized 1970s style, but wood panels became scarce and obscure around the 1990s. 

When the minimalist style became the contemporary scene in interiors, the desire for a sleek and modern look has placed the traditional wood panels in decline.

Wood panels are now paired with better colors rather than the kitschy look of the past and are used sparingly as a feature wall or accent wall to add to the space’s character.

Table of Contents

Wood Paneling Surface Preparation

Painting wood paneling adds dimension and can update the style and add depth to the character of any room in your home. There are many ways to paint them and colors to use.

However, there are some factors you should take into consideration before using any method, including how old the wood panels are. See the types of wood wall paneling here.

Before going ahead with your painting, you need to prepare the surface so that paint can adhere to the material well. Poor quality of surface or having a material that absorbs liquid easily, such as limewash, concrete, or clay plaster, can be hard upon holding on to the paint. These surfaces should also be free of any foreign materials such as smoke residue.

Steps to Prepare Your Wood Panel Surface for Painting

1. Remove loose dirt and debris with a brush or vacuum cleaner. 

2 . Use surface preparation such as TSP or trisodium phosphate or any chemical paint stripper, especially if the surface has been painted or varnished before. 

3. Wash down the surface with cold water to remove the remaining chemical treatments.  

4. Sand them with a fine-grit sandpaper. For veneer wood panels, make sure not to sand through too much as it can remove the wood layer off. 

Remember, though, preparation is key to having a long-lasting finish when choosing a paint finish for your wood paneling. 

Tip: Use liquid deglosser to remove gloss 

Best Primer For Wood Paneling

See this primer at Amazon [sponsored link]

If you’re going to use the recommended interior latex paint, the best primer to use is a stain-blocking latex primer. The primer base should match the paint base for the paint to adhere.

Colors To Paint Wood Paneling

When choosing paint colors for your wood paneling, the earthy and neutral tones are the safest choices since these color schemes are easily matched with other colors.

1. Periwinkle #97A3DA – The perfect wood paneling for any room creates a relaxing yet lively atmosphere, especially when you’ve got a lot of white and black accents.

Periwinkle comes with a lavender blue color with an almost pastel hue and belongs to purple and violet. You can go with a mid-tone version instead of the twilight hue for bedrooms.

You have a lot of décor or furniture going with this cool tone for your wood paneling gives it an updated look while keeping the elements balanced even with a busy décor or architecture. The color is modern, and there are still a few periwinkle-colored interiors giving you a fresh to the unlikely color. 

Periwinkle #97A3DA

The lavender hue works both for public and private interiors. 

Trim: Light Beige 

Accent: Fine Grain

2. Emerald Green #046307- Also known as ocean green or bottle green, emerald green, unlike most cool tones, has a more intense outcome but still gives a relaxing vibe to any room.

Add complementary colors such as gold, blush, sage, fuchsia, violet, or navy for that boho-chic or tropical interiors. If you’re thinking of adding wood paneling in your bathroom or kitchen, the emerald green is a compelling backdrop or accent. 

Emerald Green #046307

Trim: Beige, Gray

Accent: Charcoal Gray, Black

3. Light Beige #F5EFE8 – A bright yet calming color choice for your wood panels is the light beige that echoes the soft browns of nature. This color is perfect for that shiplap wall for country or cottage-themed homes.

Although it’s quite common to see this traditional hue, you can incorporate other modern tints with this main color, such as violet or black. 

Light Beige #F5EFE8

Trim: Light Violet or White 

Accent: Black

4. Champagne #f7e7ce – The very light brown with pink undertones shows a calm and feminine color that can update and brighten up any wood paneling.

If you’re building a loft or basement with limited light coming through, this cheerful hue is your perfect wood paneling paint.  

Champagne #f7e7ce

Trim: White

Accent: Green 

Alternatives: Bisque Hex #ffe4C4, Antique White #faebd7, Cosmic Latte #fff8e7

5. Aegean Teal #708A8C – Easy on the eyes and has that modern touch, the Aegean teal is a subdued version of teal mixing green, blue and gray together.

The color is a popular wall color this 2021, and we have seen Benjamin Moore’s latest Aegean teal version. 

Aegean Teal #708A8C

The color exudes a relaxing ambiance and can go with all the neutral hues and some other earthen tones. 

Trim: White 

Accent: Red Orange

6. Coin #9897A9 – Gray works with everything, and you can switch things up by adding accent colors such as white or metallic accents. This gives the cool tone a more vibrant line and emphasizes other elements.

The great thing about the Aegean Teal is that it’s a color that is present and noticeable where you can place it all over the interior without looking too much.  

Coin #9897A9

Trim: White 

Accent: Blue 

What Paint Finish Is Best To Use For Wood Paneling?

A satin finish is the most commonly used surface finish for interior painting projects, and it’s the best option for wall paneling.

You’ll get a medium sheen with a satin finish, which is easier to clean and more durable than matte and eggshell finishes. The only disadvantage of a satin finish is that brushstrokes are more visible.

If you have paneling in a high-traffic area like a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or family room, you should use satin-finish paint. It complements flat paneling, which can be found in many rooms. Check out the best paint finish for a living room here.

Satin is also a good choice for board and batten and raised paneling in a dining room because it is less shiny but still easy to wipe off. If you have tongue and groove connection paneling in a wall like a kitchen, satin is also a good choice because you’ll have to clean the walls more frequently.

Finally, beadboard paneling has grooves in it, which trap dirt easily. Satin paint is the best choice for beadboard and wainscoting because it is easy to clean. This is especially important if you’re going to paint with a brush or roller.

What Kind Of Paint Is Best For Paneling?

See this paint at Amazon [sponsored link]

Interior latex paint is the best type of paint for paneling. These paints are more durable and last longer so that they won’t crack or chip over time. Latex paint is also water-based, which means you can clean latex paint-coated surfaces with just water.

Can You Paint Directly On A Wood Panel?

Painting wood paneling is perfectly acceptable, especially if it makes the room appear gloomy and outdated.

Painting wood panels are a great way to brighten up a room while also making it appear larger. But, if you want to paint your wood paneling, as discussed, you’ll need to prepare the surface and use the proper paint.

You can either brush or spray paint on your wood panels. There’s no need to use brushes or rollers when spraying painting wood paneling because you can just as easily let a gadget do the job for you if you have one at home or rent one from a local store like Home Depot. 

Visit our paint colors for textured walls design guide for more related content.

HOW TO PAINT WOOD PANEL WALLS | INSTRUCTIONS | DIY

Brighten up the room by painting the dark paneled walls with a fresh coat of paint.

Expenses

$

Mastery level
from beginning to end to the end of

1 day

Tools

Show all

Materials

Show all

000 as this? Here's more:

Wall Sheathing By: Chip Wade

Photo Credit: Wade Works Creative

Wade Works Creative

Intro

Inspect Panels

In some cases, you can remove the paneling and paint the walls directly. But often the sheathing was installed with nails and glue, and you could damage the walls if you tried to remove the sheathing. In addition, in some cases, the sheathing is placed directly on the wall stud, and there is nothing behind it. When you're ready to start painting, make sure your paneling is solid wood. Some panels actually consist of a vinyl print that mimics the look of wood. To check, sand a small area on the wall. Vinyl covers peel off quickly, revealing the cardboard underneath. If your walls are finished with vinyl or thin veneer, you will need to take extra care when painting them. nine0003

Step 1

Photo credit: Wade Works Creative


Wade Works Creative

Prepare

Cover baseboards and cornices with tape and cloth or plastic wrap. Remove all switch panel covers.

Step 2

Photo credit: Wade Works Creative


Wade Works Creative

Wash the upholstery

Clean the upholstery thoroughly with an all-purpose cleaner or degreaser and a sponge. Let the lining dry completely. nine0003

Step 3

Photo Credit: Wade Works Creative

Wade Works Creative

Fill Grooves

Do this step only if you want to minimize grooves (1/8 foot deep or less). To fill, apply a light putty with a spatula. When the putty is dry, smooth it with a sanding block.

Step 4

Photo credit: Wade Works Creative

Wade Works Creative

Apply primer

Use a brush to apply primer to the skin grooves. For knotting, apply a shellac-based primer to keep the color of the knot from bleeding out.

Step 5

Photo Credit: Wade Works Creative

Wade Works Creative

Full Surface Coating

Prime flat surfaces with a paint roller. If the skin is still visible, apply a second coat of primer once the first coat is completely dry. Let the second layer dry. nine0003

Step 6

WADE WORKS CEATIVE

WADE WORKS CEATIVE

image 2

Author photo: WADE WORKS CREATIVE

TRACK TO OPENELAS TO: WADE WORKS CEATIVE 9000 , as well as a primer, first painting over the grooves, and then quickly with a roller to level the surface. Be careful not to let the brush strokes dry in the grooves before smoothing them out with a roller. nine0003

Next

How to Install a Dog Door

Let your pet get the most out of your yard by installing a dog door in your patio's mesh door.

How to Build a Hanging Copper Shelving Unit

Add Copper Adhesive Paper to the back of the shelving unit for an instant upgrade.

How to Apply an Acid Look to a Concrete Floor

Apply an acid look to a concrete floor using an environmentally friendly stain. nine0003

How to paint panels

Painting panels can be a lot of work, but the results are worth it. It can decorate a room and give it a whole new look.

How to Create Paneled Walls

Add stucco to your walls for a sophisticated look.

How to Lighten Panels with Paint

DIYers give this space a bright new look by simply painting the paneling and fireplace to make the most of natural light. nine0003

How to Build Custom Wall Cladding

Four-panel interior doors form a fantastic wall cladding in the master bedroom.

How to paint stripes on a wall

Painting stripes is one of the easiest ways to add space to any room without using wallpaper.

The easy way to apply shiplap panels

Adding a rustic lap wall is easy if you use glued panels; no nails, hammers or saws needed. nine0003

How to prep walls and trim

Learn how to prep a wall before painting to give your interior a professional look.

Wooden wall panels for interior decoration (63 photos). Beautiful interiors and design

Attractive wall panels made of wood

When designing an interior, wall decoration plays an important role - because it is they that catch the eye first of all. Wallpaper, tile, just paint? There are many options, and choosing the best one is sometimes not so easy. In our article, we offer you a fairly modern finishing method, which is not used so often - and therefore pleasantly surprises all guests. These are, of course, impressive wall panels made of wood or wood. True, they should be selected together with specialists, since panels of a certain type are suitable for each of the rooms. We recommend Neva-Ask specialists, they have extensive experience in decorating walls with various materials. nine0003

The appearance of such panels depends on the surrounding details, they can be combined with almost all materials. View our gallery with many options in the photo, and you will definitely be able to choose the right option for decorating the walls with wood panels.

Office Wall Panels

Often used on a key wall in an office (the one opposite the bookshelves). Inside such a wall, you can build a TV or an artificial fireplace to dilute the colors and give it a twist. It looks great both in a light version and in a contrasting dark finish. nine0003

Moisture Resistant Bathroom Wall Panels

Perhaps the most important requirement when using bathroom wall panels is their moisture resistance. And so - this is a good option for finishing the wall near the mirror or the wall where the shower or bath is located. Pairs well with woodgrain tiles.

Chic with wood wall panels

Large bathroom options

Using bright wall panels for living room design

The most important advantage of wooden wall panels is a large selection of colors and textures. Therefore, you can fit such a wall into almost any interior - and it will look chic. It is necessary to distinguish between panels made of artificial materials (including wood-like ones) and panels made of natural materials. The latter, of course, are significantly more expensive, but they also look much more elegant. You can use backlit panels to visually separate the wall, or you can use different shades or even shapes to combine them. nine0003

Through wooden panels, you can place accents

Wooden panels visually share the space

Elegant vertical wooden panels

Excellent color selection refreshes the living room

Creating color contrasts in the living room
9000 9000

Panel. suitable for the bedroom

It's nice to look at a wall finished with wood. For austere bedrooms, dark colors are often used, and for those who love light colors, there are also wall panels that radiate warmth and comfort. They help to significantly brighten the room or, on the contrary, help to complement the interior with bright details that emphasize the general idea. nine0003

Chic wall decoration complements the dark bedroom

Walls of the bedrooms pleasantly decorated with wood

Cozy bedroom with wooden panels

Wooden wall panels for the kitchen

in the wall decoration of the kitchen panels are also popular as tiles.

Learn more