HI -- I can see that the paneling you have is just the cheaper panel board and it has a gloss finish on it that you will have to sand after you clean it with the TSP ( tri sodium phosphate ) with is an acid that removes grease and dirt etc. Already sounds like a lot of work doesn't it . For the kind of panel board it is I think and know it isn't worth it and the paint too.. I usually tell people to remove old panel board like this and just do drywall . Much better and then you can check any electrical that's there because that is old too.

A painter friend of mine uses primer Zinsser BIN on paneling with excellent results. It does not require sanding, though cleaning prior to painting is important. It does take a couple of days to cure, so do not go scratching at it right away. I have not used the Zinsser BIN but I have used Zinsser 123 with no sanding on my 1970's stained trim. It worked wonderfully. I used two coats. Do not use a paint and primer combo - this application requires a very good primer first.

I'll be painting my paneling later this year - too much yard work just now! I have Zinsser and had planned on sanding - I'd read sanding and mineral spirits so might have to give the TSP a try instead. The paneling is mostly hidden behind bookcases and a mirror so it won't be getting bumped. It is actually pretty, my husband stained it a nice dark color and installed it decades ago, but my LR faces north and I just don't get enough light.

We painted the paneling in our old house and it looked very bright and pretty. I actually like the look of painted paneling, so would probably do that over taking it down.

We painted it a shade of white, and also had a white built-in bookcase. I added colorful accents, and the room was off of a yellow kitchen so it wasn't too much white in that instance.

Here's some different pictures. I like the whites, but I think a color could look pretty if it's a bright space. Our room had very little natural light, so a light color was needed.

My paneling will be painted a light cream, as will the 2 bookcases that are placed on the wall. I have a little desk from my childhood that is dark which will also be placed on that wall. The rest of the room will have a couple more cream bookcases, cream curtains on the picture window, a neutral sofa and a dark wood dresser. I have a blue/green/ivory rug, a green desk and blue TV console. The color comes in with a nice yellow green on the other 3 walls - I think it's called Celery Sprig (Behr).

That said, my paneling was on 1 wall only so I have color options elsewhere. I'm guessing you have it on all walls. What you do with the bookcase will depend on whether or not you like color. Absolutely you can paint it the same color as the walls and then display bright items in it. OR, you can choose an accent color to paint it- one way would be to paint the outside white with an accent on the inside or paint the outside the accent and the inside white, which would better show your collectibles. Any of these options would work - just decide what makes you the most comfortable.

Also, with all that wood painted white, I'd consider a dark wood table, if you don't already have one. You'll need something to ground the room. You can also inject color in a rug or even a painted chandelier. I see the DR opens into a dark hallway painted green. Maybe you will want to choose a brighter shade in there to lighten it up a bit, too. My previous green walls weren't that much different than what I have, which was similar to yours, and the new color is like the sun is shining brightly on them all day long. A seriously very small change but what a difference. Pick a color you love but I think I'd stay away from white (in the hall). You'll have enough of that!

I've enjoyed everyone's comments! I'm working on a house built 31 years ago. My den has the shiny, inexpensive paneling that was in style then. I plan to paint it - probably a creamy yellow color. I've considered removing it also, but I have drywall everywhere else - so I'm going to leave it for a different texture. My sister was brave and painted her paneling years ago and it looks great!

Howard, How'd it turn out? I painted my bedroom shiny laminate-style panelling and the painter's tape pulled the paint and some laminate off. This was on the ceiling moulding, so not too horrible. Going to have to be careful to not rub any furniture against the walls otherwise the paint will scratch off.