Decorating Ideas for Paneling Walls

Paint

Paint or stain your paneled walls. Remember to sand and apply primer to real wood paneled walls before you begin any painting or staining. While paint will not be able to disguise the fact that there is wood underneath, paint can still contribute to the room appearing brighter, particularly if the wood paneling features darker wood. Choose light colors such as cream, white, yellow and sky blue to open up a room featuring wood paneling. Staining is another option, if your paneling consists of rich, real wood, for a ski cabin or other rustic vacation home.

Use fabric as an option for hiding wood paneling altogether. Look for large fabric sample scraps from home decor stores and use tacks to secure the fabric to the walls, though tacks should be applied to the grooves in between the paneling for best results. Go for one large fabric piece or several pieces in various shapes and patterns. Tapestries are also an option; look for tapestries at home decor stores and online or try creating your own.

Use artwork to distract from wood paneling. Use nails in the grooves between each piece of paneling to hang up pictures, photos and canvas works as desired. Try covering a wall with one large piece of artwork or litter a paneled wall with a collection of favorite black and white photos of family and friends using the same types of frames for continuity. If wood paneling is featured in your den or basement recreational room, try framing works of art done by your children or use wood paneled walls to house a collection by your favorite artist.

Use bookcases and assorted shelving as a final option for decorating paneling walls. Find large bookcases to set up against panel walls or create shelving by using nails in the paneling grooves. Such shelves may be used to house books, favorite photos, assorted collections such as seashells or classic action figures, and can be used in addition to bookcases. Use wood bookcases that match the paneling itself for a rustic feel or use painted shelves, which you can also decorate with patterns and designs in paint.