Can you make wood paneling lighter in colour

Yes, Clean,Prime with tow coats of primer allowing to dry in between and paint

If it's actual wood, it can be sanded and stained a lighter color. If it is prefinished panels, I would just whitewash or paint it. I'm lazy and would paint it. Just give it a good cleaning, prime and a coat or two of paint.

If real wood paneling, you can strip and restain it. If not, paint it or take down and install sheetrock.

I would put a white wash over it after i had sanded it. You can wash it with tsp to dull the finish and clean them. Otherwise you have to strip and bleach the color out. A lot of work. Paint is the best option. Paint on, wipe off. Seal to get the sheen desired.

Jack has it. Sand lightly, paint w/white, wipe off, then seal when you have your color. It can actually "age" the look.

You can paint it - prime it first with Kilz and then paint any color you want to use to brighten your home.

Just paint it!