For decades, wood paneled walls were the thing you painted over the moment you relocated. However something shifted. What was as soon as a decorating issue is now a purposeful style option, appearing in the most elegant homes
. Wood paneling is back, and 
this time it’s entirely deliberate. Here’s how to ensure yours feels current, thought about, and anything but dated.
The Return of Wood Paneled Walls Modern vintage wood paneling living room by DECORILLA designer, Jonathan K. Wood paneling
‘s first act was more practical than attractive. In the 1960s and 70s, it was a quick, cost effective method to complete a space. Thin, dark sheets that included warmth and texture without a great deal of effort. But as tastes shifted toward lighter, airier interior concepts, paneling silently fell out of favor, and paintbrushes did the rest. Its reappearance is a different story totally. Today’s wood paneling has actually evolved– strong boards, architectural slats, and clean-lined geometric designs have replaced the thin sheets of decades past. Pair that with a growing hunger for natural, lasting materials, and it’s simple to see why designers stopped overlooking it and started celebrating it
. Pro Tip: Unsure what look to choose in your interior with wood paneled walls? Attempt our Free Interior Decoration Design Quiz to find your perfect design today!
Modern Concepts for Styling Wood Paneled Walls
Mid-century modern-day living-room with 70s wood paneling by DECORILLA designer, Michelle B. Wood paneling works best when it fits the overall design of a room. Still, the goal is not to recreate the past. These ideas show how wood paneled walls can look existing in contemporary homes. 1. Lighten It Up With Natural Finishes 
Modern bed room with wood accent wall by DECORILLA designer, Peter C.
Lots of older homes used dark discolorations on paneling. That surface soaked up light and made rooms appear smaller sized. Shifting to a lighter tone changes the state of mind, so think about natural oak, ash, and maple for modern wood paneling. These woods show light and show subtle grain patterns for an authentic accent. Refinishing existing wood paneled walls can also work. Sand away the dark stain to reveal lighter wood underneath. If the grain looks uneven, a soft matte stain can assist produce a more well balanced surface. 2. Turn It Into a Wood Slat Wall Feature Modern living space with wood slat walls by DECORILLA designer, Sadi M. A wood slat wall brings a fresh structure to paneling. Unlike large boards, thin vertical slats develop a vibrant rhythm throughout the wall. Spacing between slats likewise matters. Little gaps enable the wall behind them to reveal through, including contrast without extra products. Utilized attentively, a slat function keeps wood paneled walls looking more architectural than decorative. Install it as a freestanding system to zone out a room, or on top of an existing drywall to present a brand-new pattern. 3. Break It Up With Painted Areas Transitional living-room with ornamental wood panels for walls by DECORILLA designer, Molly I. Paneling does not have to cover the whole wall. In truth, partial protection frequently looks more existing. Painted drywall can frame wood paneled walls and reduce visual weight. For example, you can stop paneling at chair-rail height while the upper section stays painted. Alternatively, space vertical panel strips throughout a painted wall. This design conveys visual interest by stressing negative area.
Neutral paint tones work well here, specifically if they enable the wood grain to stick out. 4. Develop a Focused Wood Accent Wall Restroom with modern wood paneling accents by DECORILLA designer, Catherine W. Not every room requires paneling on every wall. In a lot of cases, one well-placed feature makes a more powerful statement. The paneling that method becomes a visual backdrop rather of an enclosure. Wide boards work well for this appearance. A horizontal wood slab wall stretched across the room can guide the eye, whereas vertical boards highlight the ceiling height. Even basic cutout panels can move the look from dated to modern-day. Nevertheless, for a bolder upgrade, check out 3D geometric ornamental wood panels for walls. These designs use raised shapes and duplicating kinds to change your surface into a sculptural marvel. Keep surrounding walls simple to make sure the wood paneled walls stay the main feature. 5. Refresh 70s Wood Paneling with Modern Layouts Transitional bed room by DECORILLA designer, Jason D. Some older homes still live with original 70s wood paneling. Eliminating it can be pricey. Nevertheless, that’s not
an issue, as nostalgia and retro design trends are on the increase. A basic design change can revitalize the look, so think about turning the boards during renovation. For instance, rearrange vertical panels into a chevron pattern to present more movement across the wall and shift its visual circulation. Integrating boards and battens to create a framed grid offers it a more defined look. You can also introduce trim pieces to divide large panels into sections. 6. Accent Lighting Takes Wood Paneling to the Next Level Transitional office with wood accent wall by DECORILLA designer, Erica G. Integrated lighting and wood paneling is among those combinations that look much more pricey than it actually is. A basic LED strip tucked behind a shelf, along a ceiling line, or at the base of a paneled wall casts a warm radiance that draws out the natural grain in a manner no overhead light can match. The result feels deliberate and architectural, like the wall was designed, not just decorated. Always choose warm white LEDs over cool white. Cool tones combat the natural heat of wood paneling and make the entire effect feel medical rather than comfortable.
7. Balance With Big Artwork Modern living space with wood accent wall by DECORILLA designer, Galina H Artwork can soften the visual effect of wood paneled walls. Without it, long areas of paneling dominate the space. This works particularly well when paneling extends
throughout a broad wall. A single canvas or framed print develops a clear focal point; at the exact same time, it breaks up the duplicating pattern of the panels. Scale matters here. Pick artwork large enough to stand against the wood paneled walls. Small pieces frequently vanish against the wood grain. In contrast, a bold print or simple abstract
painting keeps the wall from leaning excessively standard. 8. Couple with Concrete or Stone Aspects Contemporary living space wood plank wall by DECORILLA designer, Thoraya A. Combining products can give wood paneled walls an existing touch. Concrete and stone supply a strong contrast to the natural grain of wood. Together, they develop a balanced mix of textures. For instance, a stone fireplace can anchor a room with paneling on nearby walls. The stone includes visual weight while the wood softens the appearance. Concrete features operate in a similar way. A concrete coffee table or wall area introduces a contemporary edge. When coupled with wood paneled walls, the mix of products feels contemporary. Ready to bring back wood paneled walls into your home? If you wish to take advantage of your paneling, a professional designer can help you nail the appearance. Schedule your Free Online Interior Design Assessment to begin your job today!