9 Genius Ways to Make Wood Paneling Work

If you're not a fan of the all-wood look, try one of these DIY fixes.

Courtesy of Vintage Refined
Add a Coat of Paint
A popular method for covering up ugly wood paneling, painting it white quickly brightens up a space and gives the boards a cute cottage vibe. These bloggers even had success painting their paneled cabinets (and yes, taking some down, too).

Get the tutorial at Vintage Refined »

Courtesy of House of Turquoise
Obscure it With Shelving
Built-in bookcases steal the focus, while stylish accessories turn the panels into a decorative backdrop. But if you reallyhate those lines, just stack books in front of 'em until not an inch shows through.

Courtesy of Carla Aston
Lighten Up With Art
If you want keep the wooden color for a rustic room, but don't want the space to feel too dark or dated, use your accessories wisely: A small gallery wall and a large, show-stopping mirror gladly take the attention away from the deeply stained wood.

Courtesy of Home with Baxter
Choose a Dark Color
Here, a deep navy paint is strategically placed on paneling the homeowners don't want to stand out. Why? Because the white accessories, shelving, and appliances take the emphasis off the ridges, helping them almost disappear.

Courtesy of Fixing it Fancy
Ditch It Strategically
Removing wood paneling is no easy task, so this homeowner decided to scrap the panels on the walls and simply paint over the ceiling, What's left actually has adorable texture and life.

Get the tutorial at Fixing it Fancy »

Courtesy of Project Nursery
Conceal with Curtains
When you can't beat it, just throw long drapes over it so you don't have to look at it. Here, green, white, and blue cloth make this nursery feel soft and welcoming, instead of harsh and rigid.

Get the tutorial at Project Nursery »

Courtesy of Maison De Pax
Lighten With Whitewashing
This technique allows you to keep the woodgrain texture of walls, but not the deep color. Start by watering down your paint, then you'll want to brush on, immediately wipe, and repeat until you get your desired color.

Get the tutorial at Maison de Pax »

Courtesy of The Lettered Cottage
Choose Soft Accents
Long, flowing drapes and bright, white chairs give this paneled room a breezy, beachy feel. The best part? This fix doesn't involve any messy paint, and adds light texture to a space.

Courtesy of The DIY Showoff
Use a Stencil
This light pink wall features floral patterns (thanks to some serious stencil work) that help distract attention away from the panel's lines. It kind of reminds us of a dollhouse, and might be the perfect solution for a little girl's room.

Get the tutorial at The DIY Showoff »

Next
A Georgian Mountain Cabin Gets a Floor-to-Ceiling Transformation

By Lauren Smith

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