How to Make Wall Paneling Look Modern

Wall paneling can be modernized by painting the panels a darker color. This helps to create a moodier atmosphere. It also adds a touch of texture to the space.

Adding a stencil pattern is another way to make your wall paneling look modern. This is a quick and inexpensive option that will give your walls a fresh new look.

1. Choose a neutral color

Wall paneling fell out of favor a few decades ago—think bell-bottom jeans and avocado green—but it’s making a comeback. This time, it’s less rustic and more modern, with wood panels that use light tones and a variety of grain patterns for a dimensional look.

If your home has wood paneling and you want to make it modern, painting is an easy and quick way to update the look. The right paint color can help your panels blend into your room or create a focal point that stands out. White is a popular option because it’s neutral and works well with most decor, but don’t be afraid to try a bold shade like blue or green. Be sure to test your color on a piece of wood or plaster first to ensure it will work before you start painting the entire room.

You can also get a more traditional wall paneling look by using natural wood in an accent wall. This is great for bathrooms and closets where you need a sturdy material that can resist moisture or in hallways to add a bit of warmth and character.

Another way to make your wall paneling more modern is to use it as a frame for artwork or photos. This is a great option for living rooms, bedrooms, or dining spaces, and you can even do it on your staircase to add drama and interest to the space.

When it comes to the height of your paneling, the key is to keep it in proportion to the rest of the room. Full-height wall paneling can be overpowering, so it’s usually best to limit the size of your panels to the middle third or two of the room.

If you have a historic home with old wooden wall paneling, be sensitive to the era in which your house was built. Before attempting any updates, speak with your local conservation officer to see what types of changes will be allowed.

2. Add a touch of texture

There are many ways to transform the look of dated wall paneling. While designers often prescribe paint or wallpaper to do the trick, there are other techniques that can add visual interest and texture. For example, one option is to use a textured compound to create a layered appearance. This is a great way to give your walls a more contemporary feel without spending too much time on the project.

Using a drywall knife, apply the compound to your walls in small sections at a time. Start at corners, along baseboards, or at the top of the wall, and work your way down. Try to make your layers as even and consistent as possible. This will help keep the finished product smooth and polished rather than sloppy and haphazard.

Another great way to add a touch of texture to your walls is by stenciling them. Plenty of designer stencils are available on the market, and you can choose from a wide variety of patterns to suit your taste. If you are not comfortable doing the stenciling by yourself, you can always hire a professional to do it for you.

You can also repurpose old wood panels by forming a board and batten framework on them. This is a great way to deliver a craved feeling on flat wooden panels and is very affordable. Adding a layer of wood to your walls can enhance the beauty of your home. The repurposed wood can be stained or painted in different colors and sheens to differentiate it from your other materials, such as matte paint for the walls and a semi-gloss on the trim.

Wood paneling may have fallen out of favor in the 1970s, but it has since made a comeback. While some people may prefer to go with a flat, timeless look, others love the warm and cozy feeling that it offers. However, if your home has dated wooden panels that you don’t want to rip out, here are some tips on how to make them look modern.

To avoid the expense of ripping out your existing panels, consider transforming them into wainscoting instead. This classic finish can be made with a range of materials, including MDF, which is affordable and easy to stain to match your decor. Alternatively, you could have the walls clad with strips of ornate ribbed wood to instantly elevate their look.

3. Add a pop of color

Whether you want to keep your wood paneling in its original shade or experiment with a more modern paint color, there are many options for making your space look modern. For example, painting the wall paneling the same shade as the rest of the room can make it look more cohesive and streamlined. You can also use a darker hue to create a dramatic effect. If you’re hesitant to go completely dark, try using a dark hue on only one or two walls.

Adding some modern furniture or artwork is another great way to help your space look more modern. These pieces will serve to distract the eye from the wood panels and draw your eye toward other design features in the room.

In addition to using a lighter color, you can also add some texture to your wall by using different shades of paint or even creating geometric patterns with the paneling. This is a simple but effective way to add some interest to your room without making it feel too busy or overcrowded.

If you really want to take your wall paneling to the next level, consider incorporating it into a ceiling design. This can be a great way to make the space feel more open and airier while still being warm and inviting. For example, this mudroom by designer Zoya Olefir features a gorgeous wood ceiling with beautiful floral imagery. The pattern is a perfect juxtaposition against the wood paneling and makes this room feel both modern and classic at the same time.

Another option for incorporating wood paneling into your home is to use it as wainscoting. This can be a great way to add character to a space, especially in older homes lacking other architectural details.

This look can also be used in newer homes as a way to add some traditional charm. For example, if you have a modern kitchen, you could use wainscoting around the stove to create a more unified look. Alternatively, you can use wainscoting to add character to a bathroom or hallway.

4. Add a statement piece

Whether your home has whole wall paneling like the traditional home in this inspiration photo or half wall paneling, accents can create an impact that shifts attention away from the room’s wood paneling. Add a leather couch, modern bookshelves, or eclectic paintings and artwork to the space to complement your style and help your wall paneling feel more contemporary.

Alternatively, use a bold color to make the paneling a statement piece in itself. Painting the paneling a dark grey, emerald green, or navy blue is on-trend and instantly modernizes the space. The rich colors also work to accentuate any architectural features in the room, such as fireplaces or molding.

Another option is to incorporate patterned wood wall panels into the space to create an eye-catching feature. Geometric patterns are a popular choice and look amazing against the natural wood tones of wall paneling. You can even try a pattern with multiple colors to create an even more dynamic effect. Always try to pull in the flooring with using one of the colors as the floor color.

The choice of wood species is important as well. For example, reclaimed hardwood wall paneling is a great choice that provides plenty of texture and character while supporting a sustainable design. Premade wood paneling is also a good option for those on a tight budget. It’s typically easier to install than solid wood and is available in many different styles.

When choosing paint, keep in mind that sheens will also play a role in how your wood paneling looks. A traditional look is to paint walls, wainscotting, and trim all the same color to coordinate the whole room, but you could also consider using a matte or semi-gloss on the millwork while using gloss on the walls to create a subtle contrast.

Keeping or restyling existing wood paneling can be a cost-effective and stylish way to update a space. Whether you choose to use paint or other decorating tricks, the result will be a modern, timeless style that can’t be beaten. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out these creative ways to use wainscoting or shiplap. You can even use them to create a visual partition in larger spaces like this dining area from a living room.

Image Source: Freepik