22 On-Trend Wood Paneling Ideas to Spruce Up Your Walls

Paint it White

Do you already have existing wood paneling that needs a makeover? The easiest way to refresh it is with a gallon of paint. Pick a clean, crisp white paint and cover those walls for a shiplap-inspired re-do. This look works with many decor styles but we think it's the perfect pairing for a country chic or vintage-inspired home.

Decorate an Island

This stunning moody kitchen is packed with personality, so the kitchen island centerpiece needed to really stand out against the rest of the space. A pop of wood paneling on the island creates a lot of texture and helps the countertop pop against the black cabinets.

Paint it Pink

There are few things that a coat of coral pink can't improve. This cute and cozy bookshelf is painted a warm pink color that gives off major cottage core vibes.

Consider straying from white and painting your paneling a surprising color to really draw attention and make your paneling work as an accent wall.

Create a Paneled Accent Wall

Sure, a painted accent wall is nice, but a paneled one is even nicer. Consider installing a wood paneling accent wall in an oversized master bathroom or behind a bed for an accent wall that is heavy on personality.

Consider the 5th Wall

Don't neglect your ceiling. A wood-paneled ceiling is a great way to give your living space a rustic feel and a lot of charm. The panels plus warm wood beams give this space a modern farmhouse feel.

Frame Your Fireplace

Your fireplace is the centerpiece of your living room and floor-to-ceiling decorative paneling can elevate your entire living space. If you have extra tall ceilings, wood paneling can help fill up the space and keep things interesting.

Improve Your Mudroom

Your mudroom is one of the most used spaces in your home, so you should give it the same consideration you give the rest of the rooms in your house. Consider DIYing a wall of simple beadboard to give your entryway or mudroom a makeover and a landing pad for your guests' stuff.

Keep it Neutral

While we love the texture and interest wood paneling adds to a room, for some it may be too much for a small space. If you're concerned paneling will overtake your room, keep the color palette simple with clean, white accents.

DIY a Built-In

A built-in unit can completely elevate a room and give it an expensive, high-end feel. You can DIY the look with floating shelves and wood paneling to create a bookcase or a desk for your home office. Paint it mint green for a pop of color.

Upgrade a Powder Room

If you feel as though there's not a lot you can do in a small powder room, you're wrong. Install horizontal paneling in a cozy bathroom to give it a lot of charm and create the illusion of more space.

Take a Rustic Approach

Not all wood paneling must be painted. Few things make as much of a design statement as a paneled ceiling with exposed beams, and when you let the natural wood shine through you can lend a lovely, rustic feel to your bedroom.

Decorate Behind the Bed

What do the spaces behind your bed, your TV, and your couch have in common? They can all be difficult to decorate. If you're struggling with how to fill that awkward space behind your bed, consider a modern wood-paneled wall.

Lean Into the Retro Look

There's no denying that exposed wood paneling can feel a little, well, 1970s, but with the right accessories, you can really lean into that groovy look. Opt for retro-inspired colors such as mustard or gold and head to your local flea market to give your space a '70s makeover.

Transform Your Entryway

If you don't have a formal entryway, you can delineate the space with a dedicated accent wall that makes it feel purposeful and separate from the rest of the home. Keep it natural for a mid-century modern feel.

Go for Wood and Navy

Navy blue is one of those colors that simply goes with every decor style and we love it when it's paired with natural wood. Pair wood paneling with navy cabinets for a high-end kitchen that has a load of personality.

Go for a Geometric Look

Wood paneling doesn't always have to be vertical. Instead, consider a more contemporary, geometric paneling look. Paint it a light blush for a pop of color that isn't overwhelming for a minimalist space.

Go for Earthy Colors

Beadboard paneling adds a load of charm to a bathroom, but you can give it a simple update without taking away from the vintage look. Opt for earthy, muted colors that add a touch of interest without feeling overly modern and out of place.

Take a Modern Approach

Rethink your wood paneling and go with something a little more contemporary and hotel-like by opting for large square panels instead of long vertical panels.

Keep It Natural

There's something about unfinished, natural wood that is so cozy and welcoming. Consider hanging unfinished wood planks behind a couch or in an entryway to give your space a warm, Scandi feel.

Paint It Pink

Step one: DIY a board and batten wall. Step two: Find the perfect shade of pink. Step three: Transform your entire bedroom in an afternoon.

Go Narrower

If wide wood planks aren't your thing, go thinner. A more narrow wood paneling look can feel utterly modern and visually interesting. This is a great idea to help delineate the spaces in an open floor plan home while still keeping the look open and airy.