Dark, dreary wood paneling can instantly date a room and make it feel small and confined. But with a fresh coat of bright, airy paint, you can completely transform the look and feel of a space. The right light, bright color scheme can invigorate those dark walls and ceilings, creating an open, airy atmosphere. This simple project allows the beauty of the wood grain to shine through while lifting the overall mood. We’ll walk through all the steps for choosing colors, prepping, and painting over dark paneling to get a gorgeous, modern look.
Assessing Your Existing Paneling
Before picking paint colors, it’s important to fully assess the existing wood paneling you’re working with. Take note of the exact hue and tone of the wood. Does it have more reddish-brown undertones or yellowish-brown? Is the grain very visible and pronounced? Make sure to consider the overall style as well. Do you want to maintain a traditional, rustic vibe or move toward a more modern, beachy look? Finally, examine the condition of the paneling. Are there sections in need of repair or holes that should be patched and sanded before painting? Determine how much of the original color you want to cover versus letting some of the natural wood tones show through.
Consider the Wood Type and Color
The natural shade of your wood paneling will impact the colors that coordinate best. For example, paneling in a warm cedar tone could pair well with breezy light blue but might clash with a cool gray. Look at the undertones to guide your color selection. You want a color that complements but doesn’t compete with the existing wood shade.
Evaluate the Style
Take stock of the overall aesthetic you want before choosing paint colors. For traditional, formal spaces, you may want to take a more subtle approach with pale neutrals. But if your style is modern or contemporary, painting the paneling a crisp white or even a bold navy blue could look great. Match the color to the mood you want to achieve.
Prep the Surface
Don’t skip crucial preparation steps. Make any needed repairs to damaged or cracked paneling using wood filler and sand smooth. Clean thoroughly and sand to rough up the surface so the paint can properly adhere. Primer formulated for paneling or other bare wood is ideal to ready the surface for your color.
Complementary Color Schemes
Choosing complementary paint colors for dark paneling is all about lightening up the space while enhancing the wood’s natural beauty. Lighter neutrals, airy pastels, or even punchy brights can work well. Here are some pleasing, bright color options to consider:
Soft White or Gray
Nothing opens up a dark room like a coat of crisp, clean white or light gray paint. The lighter value immediately washes the walls with light and makes the space feel more expansive. White shows off the depth and texture of wood paneling while looking beachy and casual. Light gray offers a slightly more modern, elegant look.
Crisp White for a Coastal Cottage Vibe
Painting over wood paneling in a bright white is a great way to achieve a breezy, coastal cottage style. Add other beachy elements like rattan furniture, driftwood accents, and navy blue and seafoam green touches. Crisp white paint allows the grooves and grain of the wood to take center stage.
Blues for a Timeless Look
From navy to baby blue, painted wood paneling often looks stunning against any shade of blue. The colors complement each other perfectly, with the warm wood tones balancing out the cool blue. Delicate robin’s egg blue adds just enough color without overwhelming the space. Or make the blue an accent wall to let some natural wood show through.
Earthy Greens for a Relaxed Vibe
Shades of green like soft sage and seafoam green can impart natural serenity to a space. The colors reflect the organic hues found outdoors in nature. Green offers a more unique alternative to traditional neutrals when painting over wood. Whether you choose a pale celadon green or deeper emerald tone, it will pop against brown paneling.
Punctuate with Yellow
For spaces with warm, reddish-brown paneling, mellow yellow can make for an uplifting accent color. Too bright of a yellow may compete with the bold wood tones, so opt for a muted marigold, lemon cream, or straw hue. Use yellow sparingly or just on one feature wall to keep things cohesive.
Prepping and Painting the Paneling
With your colors selected, it’s time to prep and paint. Proper preparation is crucial for getting the best, long-lasting results from painting over wood paneling. Don’t skip any steps in the process. Sanding, priming, filling holes, and cleaning the paneling thoroughly all ensure the new paint adheres tightly and keeps its fresh look over time.
Choose the Right Paint Finish
The paint finish impacts the final look, shine, and durability of your painted paneling. Here are some finish options to consider:
- Eggshell: Slight sheen, easy to clean, durable
- Satin: Subtle luster, hides imperfections
- Semi-gloss: Some shine, very washable
- Matte/flat: No shine, muted look
In most cases, eggshell or satin finishes achieve an ideal balance of subtle sheen and easy wipe-clean upkeep. Semi-gloss can start looking overly shiny on large walls or ceilings. And flat finishes show more flaws in the wood surface.
Cutting In Carefully
Take your time when cutting in clean edges along borders and trim with a brush. Prevent drips or splatters on adjacent surfaces for best results. Tape off areas like ceilings, door frames, and baseboards first if needed. A mini foam roller covers large paneling sections quickly.
Varying the Paint Tones
For added interest, consider using two complementary colors on the paneling by varying the tones. For example, paint vertical boards in a slightly lighter or warmer shade than horizontal boards. Or alternate colors from one section of paneling to the next. This creates visual rhythm and depth.
Tying It All Together
Once your paneling is freshly painted, there are several finishing touches that can help tie the whole brightened space together. Painting other elements like trim, ceilings, and doors to match adds cohesiveness. Incorporate textured rugs and pillows, art, and plenty of lighting. The goals are to highlight your beautiful “new” wood paneling while creating an inviting, airy interior design aesthetic.
Update Ceilings, Trim, and More
To complete the transformed look, consider repainting ceilings, trim, doors, and any other built-ins or paneling in coordinating colors. This gives the space continuity. You don’t have to paint everything bright white, either. Ceilings in a pale blue or green could be serene. Natural wood beam ceilings would add warmth against white walls.
Incorporate Textures and Layers
Layers of texture help add visual interest while softening an all-white or all-bright paint scheme. Incorporate cozy textiles like blankets and pillows, natural fiber rugs, and unique lighting fixtures. Bold abstract art works well against painted panels. Plants always help breathe life into freshly painted rooms.
Add Metallic and Natural Accents
Metallic finishes and natural materials complement painted wood paneling beautifully. Golden picture frames, brass table lamps, ceramic vases, jute poufs, and reclaimed wood tables all enhance the light and bright new walls. These layers help add depth and keep the space feeling relaxed instead of sterile.
Dark wood paneling can feel heavy and outdated, but is easily revitalized with a fresh coat of paint. Choosing the right complementary colors, like airy whites and greens, breathes new life into the space. Proper prep and application techniques ensure the paint adheres and the wood grain still shines through. Finishing touches like updated trim, natural textures, and metallic accents complete the transformation. With a little planning and effort, you can easily invigorate rooms darkened by wood paneling with bright, cheerful color.
