Paint Ideas to Brighten a Room With Wood Panelling

White

• Dramatically transform a room by painting wood paneling with a flat white or slightly off-white paint. Although some might think white walls are stark and cold, they also provide a neutral backdrop for colorful furniture and art. Light and airy is the feel you’ll get when you layer in cheerful tones of light blue, yellows, reds or light greens. White-painted paneling is an ideal backdrop for shabby-chic, cottage décor or a clean, modern space filled with large art prints. Create a faux wainscoting look by painting the lower half of the paneling white, and the top half a different, light color. Separate the colors with some decorative trim for a subtle wainscoting look.

Sage Green

• A light sage green paint over white primer will brighten a room covered in wood paneling. With a flat or eggshell finish, sage green walls will enhance natural lighting and create an organic and relaxing feel in a room. White trim and whitewashed furniture complements the look while shades of oatmeal in an area rug and upholstery continue to brighten the entire space.

Light Blue

• A light-blue paint color with an eggshell finish transforms a dated wood-paneled room into a sea-breezy retreat. Brightening the room and enhancing natural light, the light blue paint is an ideal backdrop for a casual beach decor style. White trim and crown molding will add sophistication and some architectural details that frame the paneled wall and add definition to the room. Tans, blues and yellows can be brought into the room through furniture or textiles to compliment the brighter environment created.

Tan

• A semi-gloss, light tan or sand color paint brightens wood paneling and provides a neutral backdrop for nearly any home decor. The semi-gloss sheen will amplify available light in the room and distract from the traditional grooves common to the underlying paneling. White trim will add to the lighter and brighter look while also providing sophisticated details that can be mimicked in built-in bookshelves or fireplace trim. A neutral application like this means decorating versatility for years to come.