Styling wood paneling

We have a lot of wood panelling in our basement that I would like to lighten. But I can’t decide on painting vs. whitewashing panelling and the brick.

Wood paneling was popular for a couple of decades in the late twentieth century. Nowadays, many experts recommend painting it a fresh color. But beware: if you paint that wood paneling, there’s no going back! Painting the wood paneling is a permanent step that can be wearisome and expensive. We have researched various methods to […]

You don't always have to paint over your knotty pine, especially if it's appropriate to your home. Here are 3 ways to make the most of it.

Because don't you want your dark wood paneling to seem lighter, brighter, and more NOW?

Growing up, the walls of my parents’ living room den were narrow, dark wood panels. No matter the time of day, the place felt like a cave. But though I finally persuaded them to paint them to match the rest of the house a few years ago (and it really did brighten the place up), after seeing these stylish spaces, I’m starting to rethink the wood paneling look. It’s definitely distinctive. It adds texture to a space and it certainly ups the warmth factor.

TV dinners. Poodle skirts. McCarthyism. While we’re glad to leave many 1950s relics firmly in the past, we’re pretty thrilled about the revival of these three utterly fabulous, utterly retro home trends.

Knotty pine panelling transformed by paint.

Say goodbye to 1970's knotty pine wood paneling and give your room a fresh new start. Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer is the perfect start for your wood paneling living room makeover, like this one from SoPo Cottage. This water-based primer sticks to all surfaces without sanding, while sealing stains and tannin bleed. Your walls will thank you.

While some people can't wait to rip out or paint over knotty pine walls, others embrace its unique retro vibe. But before you pick a side, check out these hard-to-resist knotty pine living room ideas that are surprisingly modern.