What to do about that 1970s wood panelling

The '70s aren't dead yet. It still exists in the dark wood paneling installed in many a house during that decorating-challenged decade.  Paneling made sense in its way:  it was inexpensive and easy. You could do a basement in an afternoon and avoid the mess of drywall. The problem was that most of it was really dark, making said basement resemble a cave, and looked cheap (because most of it was).

Now, it sticks out like an avocado refrigerator, saying I'm nearly 40 years old and out of date. The problem is that the same problems it solved back then still exist.  If you remove it, the odds are there is no drywall or plaster underneath. And if there is, the paneling may have been hung to cover it up. So what do you do?

Here are three solutions ranked from most difficult = expensive to easiest = cheapest.

1) Remove it and drywall. Yep, that's the best option for looks but the messiest, most expensive, and most time consuming. For a basement, it may not be worth it. For a family room, it just may be. Unless you're really handy, this is probably a job for a pro. (That's honest advice from one who drywalled a basement.  Once. Here's a tip - don't use overhead/can lighting for your illumination source - it hides defects. Use a spot light or standing lamp to get light from the side.)

2) Fill in the grooves and paint.  This takes some time and talent with spackle. But when you're done, it will look like drywall and be a heck of a lot cheaper. (Remember the light trick from #1.) For step by step instructions and helpful tips, check out this article from bejane.com.

3) Paint it. Use a good sealer first. Then paint it any color you desire. The grooves will still show but the color will be better. We had this in our current house before we remodeled. It wasn't bad, really. The paint color itself was boring, but the paneling didn't look bad. This is also the best solution if you need a quick fix because you just can't stand the paneling until you have the time or money to do option 1 or 2.

Either will be an improvement.  If you have a better idea, please share it in the comments!

 

Comments

[Sherry C.]

Use pine planks over the paneling. You can get it in plain planks or beadboard. It can be put up horizontally, vertically, or at a slant. You can alternate the plain planks with the beadboard, too. It's paintable or you can use varnish. Leaving it natural brightens a room. Painting it adds architectural charm. It's very versatile to any style of decorating. The planks come with knots or without. It isn't the cheapest method of covering paneling, but its not expensive, either. And very easy to put up compared to putting up paneling sheets. The best feature is that it is real wood, not a paper fabrication. Also, any old nail holes can be filled in with wood putty and sanded and repainted. Hardly, if at all, noticeable. Sure beats "wood" paneling by a long mile!

[cindy]

Paneling looks beautiful when painted a light color. It will give a cottagey feel to a room.

[sunglasses hut]

Oh brother, I hope the drool all over my keyboard doesn't create a short on my laptop! I love these dies! Wow! You are one lucky duck to have them to play with! Your work is just beautiful!1

[Sottpoiff]

Since i adore your posts i thought i would show my appreciation by making a comment. Thanks alot for the very good times you give :)

[ssconstructionexperts.com/]

Hi there, after reading this awesome post i am too delighted to
share my knowledge here with mates.

[vape-nation.com]

I was able to find good advice from your blog posts.

[Chaussures Louboutin]

bon poste, je vous remercie pour le partage!