Best way to upgrade dark paneling in the basement?

BarbB
by BarbB

I have a large room (half of my. Basement) totally done in dark wood paneling. Any ideas?

  10 answers
  • Elizabeth Dion Elizabeth Dion on Jul 31, 2018

    Hi! Paint it.

  • Cin21825342 Cin21825342 on Aug 01, 2018

    I would prime and paint it. We have an old log cabin guest house that had out-of-date paneled walls in the bedroom. We cleaned them well, primed them and then added two coats of a nice buff color paint. The room looks beautiful now!

  • Nan W. Nan W. on Aug 01, 2018

    Painting paneling is the way to go! I really like the "texture" that the paneling gives the wall. Be sure to use a "furry" roller (for textured walls) to make the hob easier.

  • Bj Blyth Bj Blyth on Aug 01, 2018

    Definitely paint! Also, add LED lighting. It’s amazing how that can brighten a space!!

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Aug 01, 2018

    Hello Bbo!


    Primer and paint will be your answer!

    We have a log cabin and too much wood is dark and dreary.

    We are quite pleased the previous homeowner placed paneling in two bedrooms and painted it a light color. I would suggest not to hesitare to your paint paneling for a room brightening update.


    I think you’ll be really pleased with your results. Best wishes in your basement painting adventure! Heres a helpful link!


    https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/painting-wood-paneling


    https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/painting-wood-paneling

    • BarbB BarbB on Aug 01, 2018

      Looks great! Did you do it with a sprayer or roller and brush? Thanks for replying.

  • Benny-Meybol Rosquete Benny-Meybol Rosquete on Aug 01, 2018

    Paint them white

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Aug 01, 2018

    Hi-We used roller and brush as we did not have a sprayer. You can see the dark cedar walls outside photo #1 in the above post. I do believe you might be thrilled with the update -as much as we are. More modern paints ( paint and primer) might be advantageous, you might want to inquire about that preformance and coverage at your preferred paint counter for your situation.

  • Em Em on Aug 08, 2021

    I would definitely paint them with a light color. Paint brush for the indentations and roller for the flat area.

  • Deb K Deb K on Sep 05, 2021

    Hi Barb, you can easily paint the paneling, hope this helps you out

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1pD5EgdExQ

  • Susan Susan on Sep 05, 2021

    Other than replacing, use paint. A nice deep barn red or white to open it up a bit. I have a friend who made the bottom into wainscoting and placed printed bathroom wall cover on the top.