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
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.
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: The knotted pine paneling and old linoleum flooring didn’t make my temporary playroom the most inviting space for my children to play in.
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
Find a designer that specializes in kids’ rooms
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.
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.
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.
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.
More Ideas for Painted Wood Paneling
Are you thinking of painting your own paneling? Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
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
Overwhelmed? Hire a pro painter to do it for you
Horizontal paneling makes a room feel larger by drawing the eye out to the edges.
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.
Go with a colored stain to show the details in the wood. Who needs artwork in a room like this?
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.
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!
Would you paint wood paneling? Have your say in the Comments!
Related Stories
Decorating 101
How to Choose a Paint Color You Can Live With
By tidgboutique
See 8 tips and tricks that can help you commit to a color you’ll love
Full Story
DIY Projects
How to Paint a Room: Prep to Painting
By Julie Sheer
Find out the steps to take for the best results when doing it yourself
Full Story
DIY Projects
Houzz TV: How to Paint a Wall Faster
Should you roll your paint first or ‘cut in’ the edges with a brush first? This expert’s preference can save a lot of time
Full Story
DIY Projects
Houzz TV: How to Paint a Wall Like a Pro
See the tools you need and steps you should follow to get the best coverage and finish for your walls
Full Story
DIY Projects
Houzz TV: How to Prime a Wall Before You Paint
Learn how to apply primer in 4 wall scenarios — covering scribbles, painting a light color over a dark one and more
Full Story
Wall Treatments
Houzz TV: How to Stencil a Wall
Use paint and a stencil to add a pattern to any room in your home
Full Story
Decorating Guides
What You Need to Know Before Painting Brick
Sure, painted brick can be a great look. But you need to take some risks into account. Here's how to paint brick like a pro
Full Story
Decorating Guides
10 Places to Use Paint or Wallpaper to Create a Fun Design Moment
By tidgboutique
Add a bright pop of color and pattern to these areas to bring a sense of whimsy and cheer
Full Story
Color
How to Choose a Paint Color
By Erin Carlyle
Designers offer tips for examining your closet, memories and daily life to find the right paint colors for your home
Full Story
Exteriors
8 Great Gray Paint Colors for Home Exteriors
Pros share the gray shades they used to complement the architecture of these remodeled and new-build homes
Full Story
My question, did you sand and then prime? I have painted a room and hallway and the knots show through and are shiny and leak sap or what also may be polyurethane. Also, where I have painted the wood the paneling shifts from summer to winter and shows my paint line, very annoying. Do you use flat paint or eggshell?
It looks so nice!