Wood Paneling Makeover Ideas to Add Architectural Interest

Even if you think your wood paneling is outdated, it’s hard to deny the architectural interest it brings to your home. Do you want to keep the look of paneling but not its unfashionable appearance? We have some fantastic ideas for you if you’d like to keep your window trim or wood paneling but give it a fresh and exciting new makeover.

Hardwood is a gorgeous accent, but with time and use, its allure can fade. Wood paneling is no exception. If the wood paneling in your apartment has seen better days, you can return it to its original luster with a deep cleaning. Use wood cleaning soap and scrub in circular motions for the best results. Keep soft, dry towels on hand to keep the wood from warping.

A coat of paint is the answer to many interior design problems. The surface of wood paneling is very smooth, so starting with a primer is essential. You can paint your paneling white for a bright, fresh aesthetic or use a darker tone for a moody, dramatic vibe. Enhance the visual interest of your painted wood paneling by painting the grout between each panel with a contrasting color.

Do you love the look of your paneling’s wood grain but not its disco-era aesthetic? Traditional whitewash involves mixing various ingredients, but today’s method is much easier. To whitewash wood paneling in the modern era:

1. Begin by watering down your paint.
2. Once it thins out, brush it on your wood and wipe it immediately.
3. Repeat this process as many times as necessary to reach the color you desire.

If you want to liven up the look of wood paneling in your home but need a fast, straightforward solution, artwork is the answer. You can emphasize the paneling with sculptural pieces that allow the wood to be seen or distract the eye from it entirely with framed works. Another trick is installing floating shelves and using them to display photos, art, or first editions of your favorite books.

Give your window trim a rustic look by sanding the existing stain or lacquer off using increasingly finer grits of sandpaper, then use a fresh new stain or topcoat to coat the wood. We recommend a coat of transparent stain once the wood has thoroughly dried. For a rustic appeal, you can also use a hammer or awl to create an irregular pattern of divots or holes to make your trim or paneling look like reclaimed barnwood.

Bring your wood paneling out of the 1970s and into 2024 with a bit of help from Janovic. As the city’s premier retailer of Benjamin Moore paint and Hunter Douglas window treatments, we have everything you need to give your wood paneling a fresh look on life. Visit one of our many showrooms across New York or book an in-home consultation today.