How to Update Cozy Wood Paneling

bepsf There are some nice ideas here for remodeling or new building - but not everyone has the option to take down their existing vertical paneling and turn it sideways...
I was hoping for more practical advice on how to design a modern room while making the best of the existing 1970's vertical paneling.

renderings You might try giving it a whitewash with diluted paint and water. Wipe off with rag. Try a light gray or use more then one shade of the gray, ie; light gray and warm gray in mid tone. Just a thought, also might add wall decor and accessories to the room to give it a newer feel.

Gail Dedrick We bought a small 1930 one-bedroom cottage in the Catskill Mountains of NY almost *because* of the original knotty pine paneling. http://www.flickr.com/photos/catskillsgrrl/2284445377/in/set-138303 I realize it is not everyone's taste, but we love it.

furpants I think it's better to leave paneling in it's original state. Original architecture is always appropriate. I would not do a gray wash over existing paneling. It will end up looking dated, and it's a difficult DIY. You can work the decor and accessories to make it work. Lots of 70s interior design looks are hot right now. I did it with big glam fluffy rugs, low leather seating, some cool vintage lamps and a couple large paintings.

xenasmom I like the whitewash idea. I have also painted over paneling with great success. All you need is a good quality primer and paint. If you like the beach/cottage feel, white works well. Sure, the paneling isn't horizontal and trendy, but it's a huge improvement over the '70s look.

franki7 Paneling...arrrgh! How many "discussions" have there been pro and con...we're facing it now...arrrgh! franki

Fine Art & Portraits by Laurel Love the look of the weathered grey wood, but is that tiny stamp in the lower right the fireplace? Why wasn't something built to frame it, so you could even find it? Compare that to 2 photos below it, with the wood carried onto the ceiling. There you've got a fireplace with proper scale for the room.

Toronto Designers I agree, this is not old school paneling, but the photos are great! Nice to see wood being used again instead of all painted out. As for the fake stuff from the 60s and 70s, forget the whitewash and just straight paint it out. That should give it the biggest update. Personally I would go for white or some kind of blue or turquoise to give the different sized old panels the right feel.

jaicy Hello
I was wondering which lamp it was on the first picture.
If you have the answer, please leave me a message
jaicy13@yahoo.fr

I love this lamp And would definitely buy it if I get this answer

Bests

Susie Q Design Studio If you have fake wood paneling, definitely don't hesitate to paint it out. Just remember, for a much better finished result, take the extra time to calk between the panel seams and around the trim pieces that you will most likely have at the ceiling. When you eliminate all the dark gaps and holes, your paint job will look much better and very professional. When the gaps and holes are left unfinished, it highlights the fact that it is cheap painted paneling.

sapphire1 I had my paneling painted and even though I had it primed the paint peels. Any ideas?

Susie Q Design Studio sapphire1, Is it fake plastic paneling or real wood paneling? If it is real wood paneling, is it possible that it was waxed at some time? That should have been stripped before priming and painting. If it is fake plastic paneling, did you sand it before priming? The fake stuff is very shiny and slick and the gloss should be sanded off. The last question is what kind of primer did you use? I always recommend a good oil based primmer like Kilz or Zinsser. If I'm super concerned about anything not sticking, I always use an oil based primer first. I know clean-up is a bigger pain, but you get better adhesion with oil based primers. You can use latex or oil paint over oil based primers. What to do with your paneling now? Scrape it, sand it, prime it and repaint. Booo. It might be easier to just drywall at this point. Sorry!

sapphire1 Hi Susieqdesignstudio , thank you for your response and advice. The paneling is fake. I did wipe it down before painting. The primer I used was by Kiltz and as a matter of fact I had the primer tinted to match the color of the paint. I am not sure now what plan of action to take. I have a lot of thinking to do. I do wish I had left it in its original state. I am one of those that grew up with paneling and find it to add warmth and charm to the home. I will share my next steps with you.

Susie Q Design Studio sapphire1, I thought of another solution last night for you. I don't know what the cost might be because I do most things myself. It will probably be more cost effective than dry walling and a lot easier. My solution is to install wallpaper liner over your paneling after quickly scraping loose paint and re-priming the walls. Then you can wallpaper with a pattern or just wallpaper with a nice textured paper that is intended for painting. You will have smooth fresh wall with no peeling paint. I don't know what your budget is but I know Lowe's carries in-stock textures papers that are pretty affordable. You may have to order the liner.

bellefonte Catskill girl, you've got it going on! Nice patina on that original paneling.

Gail Dedrick Oh, thank you!! That made my day.

sophster What do you do when there are fixed mirrors within the wood panels?

Arttus A nice collection of wood panelling for modern homes here are some traditional oak panelling styles as well http://www.arttus.com/

mymoney I have a den with the old veritcal paneling (YUK). The room is full of drafts. You can tell it was a room added on but no insulation. My husband loves it, but its so old fashion.

What can I do to make the room more bright and exciting?

lindavartanian i have a bungalow built in 1958 with a used brick fireplace, redwood paneling and a redwood ceiling. it is charming, but very dark. i am hesitant to paint any of it, because once it is done, i can't undo it if i don't like it, and i wonder whether it is wrong to try to change the original character of the room...but it is sooo dark and depressing in that room even at mid day.

Gail Dedrick Hi! Is there a large window on the right side of the room as we look at it from this angle?

lindavartanian yes, gail, an almost floor to ceiling 10 foot wide window....but the room is still very dark, at least to my eye.

alhome We have this pickled/whitewashed cedar panelling (1960s) throughout entry way, dining room and living room. Vaulted ceilings painted white help keep things lighter. I really do not want to paint the panelling, though I don't love it....any suggestions on wall and other decor to keep it looking updated? One full wall of built-in bookshelves too -- all the same pickled wood.

sapphire1 I painted my paneling to brigthten up my room.What a mistake!! I like the whitewash as it is.