Update paneling paint

Paneling can give your walls an interesting textured look that adds character and dimension to a room. But if your paneled walls are starting to show their age, it may be time to update their look.

You can transform the look of paneling in several different ways. Whether you want to change the color, texture or both, you can find the ideal option for your room. If your paneled walls' main flaw is their dated color, a fresh coat of paint may be all it takes to give them a new look. The paneling's grooves and texture will still be visible, but a change in color alone can make a significant difference.

Dark paneling often makes a room feel dreary and small, so painting the paneling a light color such as white or cream can instantly make the room brighter. You can also opt for a more colorful look with a bold shade of red, blue or green. When such paneling is removed, those bare studs will need to be covered with drywall before any new wall treatment, including new paneling, can be applied. The good news in this situation is that homeowners get a chance to add insulation to the walls before installing drywall.

Historically, paneling not only served as decoration but also provided insulation and protected walls from furniture damage. Paneling still serves these same purposes but is seen much more as a decorative element. Modern paneling comes in a range of panel widths, groove shapes, textures, and composition. Paneling can be solid wood, wood composite, or even plastic. Also, paneling can be installed horizontally and on ceilings to add dimension and grandeur.

Perhaps the most enduringly popular option for updating plain paneling is wainscoting. Wainscoting is the installation of paneling that covers the bottom part of a wall and is topped with a wainscot cap. Wainscoting looks great everywhere, from bathrooms and kitchens to bedrooms and living rooms. It even looks great in foyers and hallways. When considering wainscoting height, walls should be viewed in thirds with wainscoting staying in the lower third.

The drama is real in this moody bedroom: Black square panels, iron detailing, and an antique brass lamp make for one royally bold space. Okay, we admit this over-the-top look is not for everyone. But for someone with a love of color and an assortment of collectibles, dark wood wall makes an ideal canvas. Trends Design Stories.

By Elly Leavitt. Learn to love your inbox again. Fantastic Frank. Whitewash Your Panels. Courtesy of Tessa Neustadt. Cover Them in Black. Leanne Ford Interiors. Dress Things Up With Marble. Catherine Kwong. Use Panels as a Design Template. Nicole Franzen. Play It Up With Furniture. Studio DB. Go Bold With Color.

Color-block and Add Tiles. Think About Decor. Cameron St. Disguise Panels With a Bookshelf. Spread Panels Out. Think Beyond Farmhouse.

Keep It On the Ceiling. Go for a Simple Look.