Painting Cigar Room-esque Wood Paneling

4 years ago

I bought a home from the 70s and need to lighten up the room. I've been told to rip out and place drywall, but I actually like the beautiful design. What paint colors would you recommend? I know white is a safe color and would be better for resale, but would love to see what everyone else recommends.

Featured Answer

IdaClaire

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

I think the wood is quite nice and would not change it. To me, what dates the space more than anything are the mirrors, what appears to be a faux-painted wall in the adjacent room, the ceiling fan lights, and the style of the front door. I'd start with changing those elements, then bring in a beautiful room-sized Persian rug, a clubby-looking leather sofa and sink-right-down-and-relax side chairs. Then again, I love the look of an English gentleman's library, so would probably continue to steer in that direction. Not everything has to be updated with light walls and transitional fixtures; some spaces simply don't lend themselves to that vibe.

Comments (13)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
4 years ago
IMO that wood work is a very dated look design wise so no matter what that won’t chnage so I would do a warm white bu tonce you start it will all need to be done so maybe take those shutters off the windows change all the lighting to LEDs in 4000K and see if it is still too dark a much larger ceiling fixture too Just out of curiosity what is that angled piece above the fireplace and BTW those front doors dont work at all with that wood work
hollybar
4 years ago
What a singular space! I would never paint it white or cream, but I would paint it (lacquer type finish). Shade would depend on the rug and art and how much 70s style mirroring I could tolerate. (definitely not all of it). Probably end up with a colour somewhere between BM Dark Celery and F&B Card Room Green. I would remove the shutters, be on the lookout for a fabulous moderne lighting fixture, and I would keep that bar area.
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PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
4 years ago

I think this olive green color might work for your room if the floors stay light.

This is the paint color used in this room.
margaret T
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
totally agree, the room is fabulous and to create that type of look today would be a fortune! Some thoughts:

-lose the mirrors, except maybe get a nice framed one to put above the fireplace

-Shop for a new front door

-New hanging light - maybe modern, or maybe a large chandelier, depending on your vibe

-The cupboard doors in the built ins around the fireplace seem overly gaudy - I would match the rather plain molding style in the paneling with new doors stained to match and that will modernize that wall.

-lose the shutters and replace with some rolling solar shades if needed and some full length drapes

-more wall wash accent lighting around the perimeter of the room in the flat ceiling

- a leather sofa, some club chairs, a vibrant rug and it could be fabulous.

-A game table in front of the windows would be fun too, or a pool table.

- don't think it is too dark - I would not touch the wood and would leave the white paint, using vibrant furnishings and art to bring in the color
Gcubed
4 years ago
Is this a TV watching room? If so, you could simplify the wall unit to the right of the fireplace and put a TV in the center (removed the shelves). Definitely remove the mirror. Alternatively, you could dry wall the mirror walls and paint a light color (to complement the floor) and hang TV there. I'd leave the wood alone as it would be costly to paint correctly, but I do think lacquering all the millwork would look beautiful!
margaret T
4 years ago
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
4 years ago
Select your rug before you select the color for your walls.
decoenthusiaste
4 years ago
The malachite hearth and surround will effect anything you do, so keep that in mind or start by replacing that with a neutral color. Your light wood floors are another major factor in making your selections of color. And we can't forget the fabrics and textiles you already own that you plan to use in this room. Generally, paint color is based on the upholstered pieces, drapes and rugs. Do you have any of those that you plan to bring in here?
cat_ky
4 years ago
I love the room. I would decorate it nicely and leave all the wood alone. Its gorgeous.
wacokid
4 years ago
Yes, the wood is very nice, and "not dated" it is unique and makes the room unlike others in a good way. I would leave the wood and go with the above posters advise that wanted to keep the wood as is.
decoenthusiaste
4 years ago
Perusing a mag yesterday and saw where malachite is making a comeback in decor, so you may be right in style!
mononhemeter
4 years ago
Not a pro. Cool space! I wouldn’t paint the wood. I might hire an interior decorator to lighten it up with furnishings and window coverings.