What Types of Wood Paneling Would Look Good in Your Home?

What Types of Wood Paneling Would Look Good in Your Home?

When you own your own home, there’s great joy in having the power to change the look whenever you want. Maybe you’re sick of staring at a plain white wall in your hallway, or you spend a lot of time in your home office and want something different to focus on during those online meetings that feel endless. Whatever the reason for your décor updates, you want to enhance some space in your home. Wood paneling can help with that!

At The Moulding Company, we have seen customers choose from all different types of wood paneling to upgrade their space. Whether looking to accentuate a specific feature of their home or hoping to draw the eye away from something they didn’t love about a particular room, our customers have always found a solution in our moulding options. And wood paneling is one of the most versatile of those moulding choices!

Why Wood Paneling?

Are you looking for a simple way to improve the look of your home significantly? Stylish wood paneling is the perfect way to dress up boring walls, and it has been a statement piece in many homes for decades. When done well, it can make your home feel warm and inviting with a unique, custom look. If you’ve never had wood paneling in your home before, choosing this moulding can add texture and dimension to an otherwise plain room, making for a more comfortable atmosphere.

What Types of Wood Paneling Work Best for My Home?

Wood paneling comes in many forms, so it can be hard to know which variety is best for your home’s aesthetic. After all, you’re not just decorating walls! You’re enhancing your home and bringing more joy into your life.

You will need to consider this question carefully while choosing what types of wood paneling you want to add. Consider what you love and which types of wood paneling will remain in style for years to come, so you don’t feel the overwhelming urge to replace your paneling again in a few years when trends drastically change.

There are several types of wood paneling to consider when you are ready to refresh the look of your home, but there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. Here are some of the more common types of wood paneling.

Reclaimed Wood Paneling

If you want to create an accent wall in your living room, consider adding character and texture with reclaimed wood paneling. Reclaimed is more eco-friendly than new wood because it utilizes lumber rescued from old barns, warehouses, and factories that would otherwise end up in landfills. It’s also a conversation starter because it’s much more interesting than simply painting an accent wall a different color from the others.

Reclaimed wood paneling is a popular choice for those who want a more rustic or aged look in their home. In some cases, reclaimed wood is also stronger than new boards, as it comes from older trees.

Wainscoting

To add elegance to any room, consider lining the walls with wainscoting. This type of wall treatment only covers the bottom portion of the wall and is a favorite for interior design for a reason—it’s visually stunning! Cherry wood wainscoting is a fan favorite for its versatility in many designs.

Standard heights from the floor include 36 inches, 42 inches, 54 inches, and 72 inches. The wainscot paneling may be capped off with decorative moulding or a narrow picture shelf. Beadboard and v-groove paneling are traditional options, but any “half-way-up-the-wall” method is considered wainscoting.

Board and Batten Wood Paneling

Wood paneling with the texture and character of wainscoting can also run all the way to the ceiling in a style called board and batten wood paneling. This traditional wall paneling method uses wide boards installed vertically with narrow battens to cover the seams. The width of the boards and battens you choose is up to you.

Shiplap

If you prefer a horizontal wall treatment, consider shiplap. This wood paneling features boards with a special notch or “rabbet” cut into the edges to fit together with water-tight construction. You can mimic this traditional paneling with any wood boards installed horizontally on the walls, even if they lack the signature notch of genuine shiplap.

Beadboard Paneling

Beadboard paneling is decorative and beautiful. It’s also flexible and looks good installed either partway up the wall or from floor to ceiling, depending on the look you’re hoping to achieve. The flat panels are separated by grooves that give this moulding a more cohesive look.

Vertical Wall Paneling

Of the types of wood paneling you might know, vertical wall paneling often comes to mind first. It was made prominent in the 70s, thanks to its easy installation and how quickly you can paint it to match any room in your home. Today, vertical wall paneling is making a comeback for the same reasons. It’s incredibly customizable and a versatile choice for any home.

3D Wood Paneling

With 3D wood paneling, the raised panels add some drama to the room. This style will create a bolder statement than many other types of wood paneling. There are some drawbacks to this type of wood paneling, however. It tends to collect dust and may be challenging to keep clean, so keep that in mind as you update your space.

What Species of Wood are Good for Different Types of Wood Paneling?

Common wood species used for wall paneling include alder, cherry, maple, oak, fir, popular, and others. Medium density fiberboard (MDF) and melamine are examples of durable, impact-resistant wood alternatives that are popular for wall paneling.

The Moulding Company offers these materials and more to help you create the look you are going for, with the level of quality you deserve. Don’t let all the options overwhelm you! If you’re having trouble deciding on suitable materials for your project, we would be happy to help.

Colors and Finishes

There’s nearly an endless array of wood paneling colors and finishes for your project. White is traditional, but it’s far from your only choice. If you select a natural wood species, you can opt to stain it and preserve its natural beauty. You can also choose any paint color under the sun to improve the look of your interior. Popular options include charcoal, cream, tan, and grey. You can also paint your wood paneling a bold hue to contrast a neutral-colored wall.

How Can I Upgrade the Current Wood Paneling in My Home?

Do you already have wood paneling in your home but feel it needs an updated look? Replacing it is always an option. Many DIYers find replacing their paneling a task they can complete in a few days. Others choose to work with contractors for a more refined, finished look. Either way, you should expect your space to look new and fresh again rather quickly!

However, repainting your wood paneling can give it that fresh look more affordably, depending on the type of paneling you have. You may paint your paneling in modern colors or even add wallpaper to some sections of the paneling to make for a more eye-catching look. Some homeowners choose to paint the grooves in between panels different colors to create unique, dynamic stripes.

If you need help choosing new wood paneling for your home, or you want some expert advice on upgrading the look of your current paneling with paint, turn to The Moulding Company in Concord, CA. We can provide you with personalized recommendations and a free quote for your upcoming project. Contact us today to get started!