20 Inspirations for Upgrading Wood Wall Panel

We don’t have to tell you that trends come and go and then come back again. After all, macrame wall hangings, wicker furniture and velvet haven’t looked that good since the 1970s. But others, like wood paneling, are a little more difficult to pull off. Trust us, there’s a fine line between a beautiful living room and the dingy dens and shabby basement facilities of the past.

Don’t worry. Today, wood paneling can be reinvented into something modern rather than a little grungy. Home décor staples have taken on a new look since the days of shag rugs and avocado appliances. It now gives charm to any area, from rustic to contemporary, that once considered gaudy and uninteresting.

In the world of interior design, constant evolution and updating is key, and updating wood paneling is an exciting way to give a space a whole new look and feel. Wood paneling has always been known for its classic texture and warm properties, but now they have gone modern, bringing new life to indoor environments.

Whether your home is traditional or sleek and modern, there are ways to transform wood paneling into a design element that fits with modern decorating trends. In this article, we’ll explore the various ways you can upgrade your wood paneling, from material and color selection to design and lighting optimization, and how to incorporate traditional elements into a modern style.

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Let’s dive into the world of modern remodeling and discover how you can upgrade wood paneling into a stunning interior design element that will add new glamor to your home. Whether you’re looking to revamp existing wood paneling or considering incorporating it into a new renovation project, get inspired by these ways to upgrade.

01 Use it to create splits

Why choose room dividers when you can actually divide the room? This built-in structure creates separation, but the wood paneling can serve as an accent wall.

02 Update retro look

We’re big fans of the vintage look, but that usually requires vintage-inspired elements rather than actual wall coverings from 30 years ago. This room works because it features an updated version of wood paneling (thin slats in light colors) paired with 1970s-inspired decor.

03 Mixed wood profiles

You probably already know how popular mixing metals is, but it turns out you can do the same thing with wood. This space does an impeccable job of mixing different wood profiles. The lower half of this restaurant is clad in golden birch plywood, while the upper half highlights the warm tones of the wooden slats. The combination of the two makes this space unique and beautiful.

04 Install like wainscoting

Wood paneling doesn’t need to extend to the ceiling to make a statement. Wainscoting is a panel shape that covers the lower half of a wall and is the most classic wooden decorative wall. It’s also not a bad idea to decorate it with lips that double as a shelf.

05 Dye it black

We’ve never seen wood paneling as modern as here. Dye it a darker shade of onyx to instantly enhance its coolness. Keep in mind that this technique can only be applied to solid wood.

06 Try modern methods

The walls of this bathroom are lined with faux wood tiles, creating a stunning optical illusion. The same thing can be done with real wood, but this method is cheaper, easier to install, and faster. When purchasing materials for your wood panel walls, be sure to consider alternatives.

07 Pursuit of dimension

Wood slats are no one-trick pony. Flip them over, place them between each piece, and separate them, and you’ve got an expensive-looking design element that can transform the look of any room.

08 Try shiplap

Think of shiplap as modern wood paneling. One day, our kids will talk about boating the same way we talk about grandma’s basement. But we’re not tooting our own horn when we say that shiplap is a cooler, less over-the-top version of ’70s paneling.

09 Embrace the Look

Wood paneling isn’t just for walls. Embrace the look and run with it. Light-colored plywood on the walls, ceiling, and dining room benches looks modern, clean, and minimalist, but somehow doesn’t look completely overdone.

10 Try horizontal stacking

Shiplap is typically installed vertically, giving you clean lines that run up and down the wall. However, designing a space with horizontally installed shiplap will visually stretch the room from left to right, giving the illusion of being longer. It’s a simple swap, but it makes a big difference.

11 Create screens

If there’s one thing we want you to learn about wood paneling, it’s that you can get creative with it. This wood panel wall is designed as a screen. It creates a partition in the space but doesn’t exactly act as a wall. The separation between the wooden panels creates a beautiful illusion, allowing light and energy to flow freely.

12 Draw it

Just like any other wall in your space, wood paneling can be painted. The walls of this bedroom perfectly frame the geometric composition, while the wooden slats add even more dimension.

13 Try wallpapers as alternatives

If you long for wood-panelled walls but currently live in a rental, put your interior design skills to use with wood grain wallpaper. The result is just as beautiful, but it’s easily removable, cheaper, easier to install, and gives you the illusion of textured walls. It’s a win-win.

14 Install your shiplap diagonally

Although you’ve already seen vertical and horizontal installations, you should keep this new diagonal installation method in mind as a possible restoration inspiration. This hybrid living room and dining room, with horizontal timber extensions on the ceiling and vertical beams painted black, is a recipe for design success.

15 To match your flooring

When you decorate your room with floor-to-ceiling wood, you achieve an impactful look. The wood panels on the walls of this office match perfectly with the hardwood floors, and the result is gorgeous.

16 Try country style

Most of the wood paneling is clean and flawless. Finding distressed wood for your accent wall, however, will significantly impact your overall design. Aged wood brings so much character and charm to modern spaces that you’ll be transported to a different place and time zone every time you come home.

17 Take it to the next level

We love the wood paneling on the walls of this space, but the wood paneling on the ceiling kicks the cool factor up a notch in this living room.

18 Add beams

The wood paneled ceiling itself may feel a little dated, but the addition of beams helps make it feel more modern. Painting them black adds a stylish edge to the space and creates some welcome contrast.

19 Embrace the modern farmhouse

White wood paneled walls are synonymous with the farmhouse aesthetic, but to make it feel more modern and less rustic, combine it with light wood flooring. Keep your decor simple and purposeful, like the room in the picture.

20 Panels built-in

Who says an entire room has to be wooden? These built-ins are well-liked since they have wood paneling. The paneling elevates the room and creates a focal point for the eye in the living room because the entire space is neutral.

21 Choose the right wood and finish

Choose a wood species with a contemporary feel, such as oak, walnut, or maple, and consider sophisticated finishes, such as a high-gloss or matte finish, to enhance the contemporary feel of the wood paneling.

22 Geometric design

Wood paneling that creates geometric patterns can bring a modern feel. Consider using diamonds, hexagons, octagons, or other geometric shapes and arranging them into unique patterns.

23 Combinations of dark and light colors

Use dark and light woods or finishes to create a contrasting effect. For example, combine dark wood paneling with light walls, or vice versa, to create a modern feel.

24 Backlight design

Installing LED light strips or backlighting systems behind wood paneling can add a soft lighting effect to the wall, creating a modern and gorgeous atmosphere.

25 Unique niche designs

Create niches in wood paneling to display art, decorative items or greenery to enhance the layered and modern look of your walls.

26 Abstract art

Paint or print abstract art pieces on wood paneling, which can bring a modern art vibe to the space.

27 Metal and glass elements

Incorporate metal or glass elements, such as metal trim or glass niches, to add a touch of modernity and grandeur.

28 High degree of freedom in customized design

Consider custom wood paneling, designed to suit your personal tastes and needs to ensure the wood paneling blends seamlessly with your contemporary style.

29 Pair it with modern furniture and decor

Combining modern furniture and decorative elements with wood paneling ensures a consistent contemporary style throughout the space.

30 Simple style

Make sure the wood paneling design remains simple and avoid excessive ornamentation and complexity for a contemporary feel.

By using a combination of these methods, you can give wood paneling a modern and gorgeous look while retaining its unique texture and warmth. This will give your space a stunning modern appeal.

Conclusion

Wood paneling is a classic decorative element that retains its unique charm despite upgrades and modernizations. With proper design choices and modifications, wood paneling can not only adapt to modern decorating trends, but also add new life and beauty to interior spaces.

In this article, we explore a range of ways to upgrade your wood paneling, including material and color selection, the use of geometric design, lighting optimization and personalization. These methods give you the flexibility and creativity to incorporate wood paneling into your modern decor.

Whether in a living room, bedroom, dining room, or office, a wood paneling upgrade can inject a modern feel into the space while retaining its warm and cozy qualities. By combining traditional elements with a modern aesthetic, we can create stunning interior designs that breathe new life into a space.

For future renovation projects, consider wood paneling upgrades to turn this classic element into the centerpiece of your home decor. Whichever method you choose, you can expect to see wood paneling shine in your interior with a new look. May these ideas inspire your design and make your home more beautiful and modern.