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Design Dilemma
melisaaddison

Should I Paint the wood Paneling?!

12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
should I paint the wood paneling around my fireplace even though it matches my kitchen cabinets (which wont be updated anytime soon)? It also matches the doors and other accents throughout the house right now. the walls are classic taupe so I planned to paint it the same as my walls. Thanks!
Featured Answer
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    I think the panelling around the fireplace is "trying" too hard to look like the kitchen cabinets but it is obvious they are not the same. Treat the fireplace as a separate entity. I would paint it out, maybe a soft warm creamy colour. I think BM white dove OC-17 would look great, or if you like something a bit darker you can go with BM ballet white OC-9. You can use the same paint to white wash the brick if you are not attached to it. This would brighten up the space and have a relief for the eye from all of the wood in the kitchen.

    Comments (25)

    • 12 years ago
      Can you take a picture of the right side of your room and post it. Can get a better idea of how to help.
      Melisa Addison thanked grobby
    • 12 years ago
      Here you go. Don't mind the mess...taking down all the holiday decorations. The wood paneling wraps all the way around. There is a fireplace in living and family room.

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    • 12 years ago
      This is two sides of the same fireplace?
    • 12 years ago
      yes
    • 12 years ago
      One word, YES! In white or beige to update the space and lighten and brighten it .
      Melisa Addison thanked anitajoyce
    • 12 years ago
      I think you should paint the panelling as well as the red on the
      Fireplace. Can you remove the piece of wood running down the
      Side of the fireplace? Painting will give it a temporary update
      If you are not planning on doing anything major right now.
      Melisa Addison thanked murymury
    • 12 years ago
      my walls are taupe...should I paint the same as my walls?
    • 12 years ago
      I don't think I can remove the piece running down the side
    • 12 years ago
      Yes, you can paint the wood the same color as the walls. Painting the brick fireplace is a good idea also as mentioned by anitanazar .
      Melisa Addison thanked anitajoyce
    • 12 years ago
      I like the wood piece running down the side! I think it would look great to paint the mantle, side piece, and brick the same white. It will unite all the different textures and look chic. The you could paint the walls any color you like. I think it would look nice if the color was not the same color as the fireplace.
      Melisa Addison thanked greenvelvettree
    • 12 years ago
      Another vote for painting it, your entire room will be brightened up! Please post pics if you go ahead with it!
      Melisa Addison thanked njmomma777
    • 12 years ago
      Thanks Everyone! I think I will start with painting the paneling and go from there. My husband is pretty attached to the paneling, brick and mantle (especially the mantle because it is solid wood and he thinks it is a sin to paint quality wood).
    • 12 years ago
      Agreed. I wouldn't paint the mantle just yet. Post pics after you have painted the wood panelling and let's see how it looks. Good luck!
    • 12 years ago
      My husband always says the same thing about painting wood, brick, etc, then likes to ask why we didn't do it sooner, when he sees how great it looks once I'm through. Husbands! Sheesh!
    • 12 years ago
      Paint it light and stain the mantle to match the floor. He will fall in love and before you know it you will have cream colored cabinets too, lol. If I did anything to the brick it would be to make them have an aged look and multi color accents.
    • 12 years ago
      A light pickling to the red brick...
    • PRO
      12 years ago
      Treat the paneled wall as a regular wall, and paint it the same neutral color you have used in the adjoining room. I might also consider painting the mantle a contrasting color - probably black - to give it some weight and balance out the TV.
    • 12 years ago
      Paint it !
    • 12 years ago
      HI -- YES !! I think it needs it ASAP !
    • 12 years ago
      You have a great opportunity to open the fireplace between the two rooms
    • 12 years ago
      I am adding my vote to all of those who suggested painting the paneling and brick. One can also cover the brick with tile or stone. I also think a different mantle piece would help.
      Melisa Addison thanked Mike Slater
    • 12 years ago
      What about the woodwork? Leave it dark or paint it?
    • PRO
      12 years ago
      If you can't replace it with drywall for a more updated look, then paint it! the space will feel lighter.
    • 12 years ago
      thanks. Unfortunately I have to leave the trim the darker natural wood. Will the paneling still look ok a lighter color?
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