Knotty to Nice: Painted Wood Paneling Lightens a Room's Look

Children ran from the scary dark walls in this spare room, but white paint and new flooring put fears and style travesties to rest

Christina Katos August 12, 2013

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My home came with many details that I was thrilled with: crown moldings, large windows, traditional features and hardwood floors galore, to name a few. The dark and dated knotty pine paneling in my spare room was not on that list.

Wood paneling is fine for some, but this particular paneling was causing an issue in my house. Eventually this room was to become our guest room, but when we first moved in, it was our temporary playroom. There was just one problem: I’m not exaggerating when I tell you my children were terrified of that room. The first time we came to look at the house with the kids in tow, they ran up from the playroom screaming. Once my oldest was able to catch a breath I was told they saw scary seal faces peering out at them from the wood.

Even though this was not a permanent playroom, I needed for my children to actually want to play there. It had to change.

Before Photo

Traditional Knotty to Nice: Painted Wood Paneling Lightens a Room's Look

BEFORE: The knotted pine paneling and old linoleum flooring didn’t make my temporary playroom the most inviting space for my children to play in.

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I was informed that the walls were full of scary seal faces. No amount of colorful Legos could change my children’s minds.

Find a designer that specializes in kids’ rooms

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AFTER: I used my favorite Wooster Shortcut angled 2-inch brush for the grooves and for the trim, making sure to remove any extra paint. A ⅜-inch-nap woven fabric roller then made quick work of the rest.

Two coats of primer and two coats of Benjamin Moore’s Mascarpone helped transform this space. The warm white on the wall creates a soothing and cozy feel.

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Then I added Trafficmaster Allure vinyl plank flooring. I chose a warm option called American Walnut and laid it right over the old brown tile. It worked so well for my family that when I refinished my basement I used it there, too. Once the basement was finished, the former playroom then became a dedicated guest room.

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The small stairway leading up to the main floor also had a cavernous feel when we moved in. Now vertical white paneling gives the illusion of height.

More Ideas for Painted Wood Paneling

Are you thinking of painting your own paneling? Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

The Lettered Cottage

Painted paneling can add character to many rooms. Your design style is not limited with this feature.

Overwhelmed? Hire a pro painter to do it for you

Wayne Windham Architect, P.A.

Horizontal paneling makes a room feel larger by drawing the eye out to the edges.

Whitten Architects

Adapt it to your own style with your choice of color and accessories. Don’t limit your paint palette. Paneling can add a statement in any color.

Ellis Custom Homes LLC

Go with a colored stain to show the details in the wood. Who needs artwork in a room like this?

Structures Building Company

This minimalist hallway has a clean and refreshing feel. There might be colorful rooms behind each door, but the white hallway keeps them all in line.

VOH Architects

You might want to take your painting a bit further than most. Antiquing the walls adds character to a simple white paint job.

Would you paint wood paneling? Have your say in the Comments!