How to Decorate Wood Paneling Without Painting

November 3, 2017


The use of wood wall paneling can add texture and visual interest to a variety of rooms, both traditional and modern. Adding wood paneling to the interior design of your living room or dining room combines warmth and depth in some of the most used rooms in a home. When friends and family gather together, a great space not only sets the mood, it promotes great conversations.

In the past when contemplating the wood paneling look, most homeowners automatically thought of a dark wood paneled room and cluttered space reminiscent of the retro 70’s. Not anymore with the help of Chip and Joanna Gaines who have frequently used shiplap in home designs and make wood paneling look chic! In fact, wood paneling products, design and installation have come a long way since the days of outdated dark wood paneling.

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Today, there are so many great types of wood paneling options and different colors available; some being traditional, others are rustic, and many create very modern looks that are prevalent on magazine covers and coveted by architects and top interior designers worldwide. Light colored wooden walls can upgrade the look of an interior room and give it a clean, modern look. Light colors help to reflect the natural light and create an airy, welcoming space for homeowners to relax in. And wall panels are an easy DIY project that can quickly makeover the living room feel and look. 

Design Ideas Using Wood Paneling

Reclaimed barnwood is a classic choice for wood-paneled walls and ceilings. Combining rustic elements makes a statement in any room regardless of the interior design style and paint color scheme. Warm and inviting with great history and a lot of stories yet to be told, this timeless, real wood material is right at home in any home decor setting.

When most homeowners think of wood panels their first impression is that they should only be used for wall covering or span an entire room. However, some of the most stunning wood paneling ideas are installed on the ceiling. Adding wood paneling is sophisticated and creates an authentic look and feel to a wide variety of spaces. Another advantage of using the wood paneling on the ceiling is that it doesn’t become overwhelming or give the appearance of being too much wood grain, which can feel very woody.

Great spaces take vision to become reality. Sometimes you have to literally go out on a limb to realize something unique and special. Timeless design style is a combination of creative ideas and talented interior designers coming together to accomplish bold looks that adhere to quality. Using the right materials and color scheme is a huge part of the overall remodel and is what sets it apart from the ordinary.

7 Tips for Decorating with Wood Paneling

Dark wood wall panels can elevate the look of your interior in a variety of ways. From accent walls in a family room to unique backsplashes in a bar area, wood wall panels are a wall decoration that can be added to both residential and commercial spaces. If you like the idea of using wood wall panels as wall decoration in your home, consider these tips for how to decorate wood paneling without painting and make the wood grain statement you’re after.

1. Include Natural Light

Well-lit hallway in an office building features wood-paneled walls.

Dark wood wall panels are a natural complement to a room or hallway filled with natural light. The dark wood helps balance the light and helps cut down on glare while the natural light helps prevent the dark wood from overpowering the area. If you don’t have a lot of natural light already in the room, using mirrors or glass doors to bring light in from other areas can help.

2. Break It Up

Dark wood wall panels in commercial building are broken up with a section of grey wall that features the business name.

A lot of dark wood all at once can be a little overwhelming. Breaking the dark brown wood panels up with another color, or another texture or surface can help. This wood wall decor makes a dramatic statement, while the inset white panel adds contrast that sets the wood planks off nicely.

3. Create an Accent

Feature wall in office building made from wood panels installed at an angle.

Sometimes a simple element is all it takes to create a unique space that shines. Adding an accent wall is a great way to enhance the look and feel of a room, without the expense of a fully paneled room or the ceiling. An accent wall becomes a focal point in the room, creating an element that pops and stands out. This accent wall draws the eye and then holds it by first contrasting the other materials in the room, and then angling the wood planks to better focus the eye on them.

4. Light It Up

Restaurant bar area features dark wood wall panels that are showcased with strategic lighting.

If you lack natural light in the space, it’s perfectly fine to use artificial lighting as well. Including lots of light in the room will brighten the dark wood paneled walls and show them off beautifully. This space uses multiple light sources, including some positioned right on the wood panels to keep the room bright, while letting the dark wood bring some depth and interest to the area.

5. Add Some Color

Smooth wood doors with colored lettering break up dark wood wall panels in hallway.

Another way to break up a lot of dark wood and keep it from overwhelming a space is to add a little color to the design. This logo stands out well against all the dark wood in the hallway. It’s also a different texture and style than the wood. Contrast like this is important in interior design, otherwise the effect gets lost to the homogenization of the area. In this case, the texture of the dark wood wall panels gets to stand out better against the smooth wood doors and bold colored letters.

6. Texture Contrast

Front of restaurant bar features barn wood paneling.

Dark wood wall panels come in many different styles and shades. This barn wood paneling makes a very sharp contrast against the sleeker bar, patterned flooring, and the large picture window nearby. Because it’s the only rustic material in the area, it pops against the other surfaces, drawing and holding the eye. This in turn makes the bar area the focal point of the room.

7. Step It Off

Wood accent wall matches the same wood panels on a nearby column in an office environment.

Sometimes when using a dark wood wall panel as a wall art accent, it can add a little too much contrast to a room for the design to be truly cohesive. In this case, the same wood panels have been added to a nearby pole. This brings the wood wall decoration off the wall and into the room itself, which creates a cohesive look that blends the different elements of the room together and unifies the design.

Find Wood Paneling to Fit Your Interior Design

Whether used to enhance the walls or the ceiling (or even both), wood paneling is a very versatile material that is not only beautiful but quite practical, and provides an authentic look and feel to a wide variety of spaces. With all the choices and options available today, finding and incorporating wood paneling in your next home improvement project is easier and more attractive than ever. Contact Elmwood Reclaimed Timber to find a wall paneling product to add to your home or business. 

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