The Best Paint Colors For Paneling Wall Makeovers
If you have outdated, dark wood paneling making your rooms feel small and dreary, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders. Choosing the right paint color is key to giving paneled walls a modern, stylish look while allowing the wood detail to shine through.
Read on for important factors to consider, top color recommendations, and project tips for stunning results.
Assess Your Existing Wood Paneling
Before choosing paint colors, take stock of your wood paneling type, color, and condition. This will help narrow down paint options suitable for your specific project.
Paneling Wood Type
Common wood paneling types include pine, cedar, redwood, oak, cherry, and birch. Darker woods like cherry and oak pair well with lighter paint colors to brighten up the space. For lighter pine or birch, feel free to get creative with deeper, bolder hues.
Existing Paneling Color
Look at whether you have light, medium, or dark wood paneling. For dark paneling, stick to light neutrals or pastels to offset the dominant wood tone. If your paneling is already light-colored, go for brighter, deeper colors in the blue, green, yellow, or orange color families.
Condition of Paneling
Inspect paneling for any cracks, chips, warping, or uneven surfaces. Properly sand and prime these areas so paint adheres smoothly and evenly across the entire surface.
Plan and Prepare Paneling for Painting
Proper prep work ensures your painted paneling looks great and lasts. Follow these key tips before starting any paint project.
Clean and Sand Paneling
Wipe paneling down to remove any dirt, grease, or grime so paint bonds tightly. Lightly sand to rough up the surface. Tack cloth the walls to remove dust.
Prime Paneling
For the best paint coverage, use an oil-based primer or dedicated wood primer before painting. This helps paint adhere properly on slick or resinous woods.
Use Correct Paint Sheen
Flat or matte finishes can accentuate uneven areas on heavily textured wood. An eggshell or satin sheen creates a smooth painted look. Semi-gloss adds durability and subtle sheen.
Gather Supplies
Stock up on paint primer, brushes, rollers, trays, painters tape, tarps, and anything else needed to paint your paneled walls from top to bottom.
Recommended Paint Colors for Dark Wood Paneling
Dark wood paneling can feel imposing. The following light, soft paint colors create a bright, airy counterpoint to rich, dramatic wood tones.
Bright White
There's nothing like crisp clean white to make a dark space feel open and light. Contrast glossy white walls with matte black fixtures and accents.
Soothing Neutrals
Warm greige, almond, and sage green are peaceful neutrals alongside espresso-hued paneling. Soft peach and coral inject gentle color while allowing the wood grain to still shine through.
Paint Color Ideas for Lighter Wood Paneling
If you have honey oak, birch, or pine paneling, feel free to get creative with vibrant paint colors to play up the lighter wood tones.
Bold and Dramatic Hues
Deep blue, emerald, mustard, and burnt orange make lively color statements next to blond wood. Paint the paneling an audacious color, or just do an accent wall.
Pretty Pastel Palette
Sweet shades of robin egg's blue, buttery yellow, lavender, and celadon green give a playful pop of color and work in a cottage core design scheme.
Complement Your Room's Overall Design
When selecting paint for paneled walls, consider how colors complement existing room elements for a polished, curated look.
Flooring
Hardwood floor staining provides a handy color reference point. For cohesion, choose a painted wall color in the same tone family as the floor stain.
Furniture
If your room features sizeable wood furniture pieces, factor the wood stain tone into your wall color selection to tie the whole space together.
Window Treatments
Color coordinate fabric window treatments like drapes or valances with your painted paneling using analogous or contrasting hues.
Ceiling and Trim
Crisp white ceiling and trim molding frames colorful walls elegantly. Or echo wall paint on crown molding and ceiling trim for an immersive effect.
| Room Function | Paint Color Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Bedroom | Robin egg blue, sage green, dove grey |
| Living Room | Coral, light yellow, teal |
| Home Office | Buttercream, crimson, navy |
| Kitchen | Turquoise, olive green, terracotta |
Use this handy paint suggestions chart for rooms throughout your home. Tailor colors to the vibe you want for each room based on its purpose.
Follow Proper Paint Drying Times
Rushing paint drying leads to tacky surfaces, poor adhesion, and an subpar finished look. Ensure proper cure times for a durable, lasting result.
Allow Ample Drying Time Between Coats
Wait the manufacturer-recommended recoat window (typically 4-6 hours) before adding another layer of paint over the first.
Cure Paint Fully Before Use
Leave freshly painted walls untouched for at least 48 hours, up to 30 days depending on paint type. This prevents damage to the finish.
Your room feels brand new because of the bright focal feature. Bask in the uplifting ambiance a fresh coat of paint brings any space. Have fun and get creative with color transforming lackluster wood paneling throughout your home.