Wood paneling is coming back in a big way. It’s rustic and very cozy, for one. Plus, because of its popularity, wood can add value to a house. Anyone looking to sell up soon could take a calculated risk to increase the price of their home. However, it’s not all picnics and rainbows. Firstly, paneling can be hard to decorate as it’s stubborn. It isn’t as if you can transform the style because wood is wood. And, ripping it out and starting again isn’t a smart idea because it’s a waste of time and money.
The realization might make you think “what am I going to do?!” To begin with, don’t panic. Secondly, you might want to have a glance at the advice below. Here are the helpful hints which should lend a hand when it comes to decorating a wood-paneled property:
Hide It:
For those of you who just can’t stand the panels, it’s time to take away its pop. Walls seem as if they are impossible to change barring a splash of paint due to their size. However, don’t forget that you can easily hide them with large, bulky furniture. A bookcase is a fantastic piece that will take the focus from the wood. You and your guests will be too busy leafing through the novels on the shelf to realize there are panels behind the books. Cases of dead trees aren’t the only things which can help, either. On a bookshelf, antiques and traditional home ware can be as effective at obscuring the wall. Never stack as many bits and pieces on a shelf as books, though, because it looks cluttered. The best option is to choose five or six items and space them out along the rack.
Splash Of Paint:
Wood has a deep, warm feel to it which can be troublesome. Not only is it dark, but some homeowners find totally unappealing. Gutting the house isn’t an option as it’s costly and time-consuming. The good news is that paint can be a wonderful way to transform paneling, and it doesn’t break the bank. All you have to do is choose a color of your choice and start brushing. For example, a white or cream is a fantastic option for anyone who wants to add light to their property. Even better, wood soaks up paint so the walls take on a textured look after the fact. An overlay can also change the style. White panels make a house feel as if it is now a comfy little cottage on the edge of town.
Alter The Direction
Lots of homes have panels which run one way: vertically. The readers who double as fashionistas will know that the direction of a shape can impact the style. It’s the worst kept secret in the world that horizontal stripes make a person seem fat. In the home, across running lines are not putters on of pounds but a source of contrast. To begin with, it’s hard not to notice the fact that they lie flat and don’t run up and down. Although you may not realize it now, your mind subconsciously thinks of stripes as moving in one direction. Secondly, everything in the room will run the other way. Drapes, blinds, light fixtures, and lampshades – they all stand vertically tall. As the panels go the other way, the contrast should be striking. Hopefully, the wood boards are just glued on so that you can prize them off and modify the style. If not, you will have to be very careful not to ruin the panels.
Embrace It:
Let’s not pretend like wood panels don’t look amazing. Everyone has been to a house that used boards and thought “I wish my house were this pretty”. The issue is embracing the style and making it work. Although it looks fantastic, wood paneling can be a tricky statement to get just right. One useful hack is to concentrate on a single room. The bedroom, for instance, might have boards running across the walls. If so, use it as a guinea pig before you attempt to revolutionize the entire house. On your bedroom shopping list, you will want hardwood or faux floors, a lumber dresser, and timber wardrobes. That way, the furniture fits in with the rest of the room perfectly. Also, resist the urge to cover up the panels when possible. Instead, stain them and let the wood stand out as the focal point of your boudoir.
Make A Statement:
Along the same lines is the idea of sectioning off an area of a room. For instance, you use a corner of the living room rather than use panels throughout. It’s a straightforward task as long as you find the ultimate location. Lots of homeowners like to squirrel wood away in the corner, which is a smart plan. Wood is a strong material, so it won’t blend in to the point that no one notices its existence. However, it won’t overpower the rest of the pieces, either. A lumber cabinet is a fantastic addition because it looks beautiful while taking up hard to reach space. What’s more, using wood in this way makes it seem special because it has a novelty value. Like the tip above, making a statement tries to find a delicate balance between differing trends.
Choose Soft Accessories:
Because wood dominates, it’s vital to soften the look with accessories. These can range from window dressing to furniture. The pieces don’t matter too much, but their colors do as they add light contrast and texture. As always, white is a fantastic addition to a dark room, as are creams. However, don’t forget about the effectiveness of light blues and yellows. One way to make sure the balance is just right is to use light colors little and often. For instance, homes which pull off the look tend to incorporate light furniture as it’s bulky. Therefore, the pieces stand out more than, say, a coffee table. Drapes are another great choice as they are long and billowy. As a result, it makes the room feel cool and airy as well as light.
Time To Tile:
One of the excellent traits of paneling is that it doesn’t clash with alternative trends. Usually, a strong material like wood would be the only texture in the room, but it isn’t the case here. Due to its flexibility, you can use numerous fashions in one space. Wallpaper is a fine example as it’s coming back in a big way. Tile, however, has to be the most wonderful companion. Tiles add a sense of modernity to a room due to the fact that they are sleek and clean. Also, their thickness adds a new texture which boosts the contrast. When they are put together, the two styles look amazing, especially with a roll or two of wallpaper.
Wood paneling can be something which you want to ditch ASAP. That’s fine because it may not be your bag, baby. But, just know it is possible to incorporate it into any dream house, even your own!
Featured Image By: Pixabay
