There's so much more out there than just shiplap.
While the idea of putting up wood paneling in your home might trigger your fight or flight, it's a much more versatile design choice than some think. Though the honey oak panels from the 1970s are often synonymous with this feature, shiplap, wainscoting, and board and batten are three other versatile examples of wood paneling—and they are often used with a variety of interior styles. If you'd like to see how this wall decor can upgrade the look of your home, we've curated a list of 35 wood paneling makeover ideas from designers that show you just how versatile this style is.
Despite its roots in rustic, farmhouse, and midcentury design, wall paneling can work across a myriad of other interior design styles. In a traditional home, opt for chair-rail wainscoting to add formality to a dining room. Or, whitewash your shiplap for a chic coastal bedroom. Keeping the natural wood tone of your wall paneling is a great option for homes in a rustic setting or as a means of adding historical character. If you’re looking for a more modern approach, there are plenty of designer-approved options you can use to update the feature when renovating isn’t viable.
The best wood paneling for walls ideas are all about enhancing and flattering a space—it isn't limited just to floor-to-ceiling slats that cover an entire wall. Plus, if you’re comfortable with power tools, wall paneling can also be the perfect weekend DIY project! Read on for our 35 favorite wall paneling ideas, direct from some of our favorite designer spaces.
Additional copy by Meghan Shouse.
Wall paneling doesn't have to be intense and moody. For a light lift, install ceiling-height rectangles of wainscoting to add subtle architectural interest. The picture-frame molding elevates the ivory walls in this primary bedroom, designed by Amy Knerr.
Originally built in 1936, this Indiana home had gone through its fair share of renovations. But to help bring it back to its roots, designer Amy Kerr incorporated subtle paneling and rustic ceiling beams. In this primary bathroom, the wall paneling is painted with a semi-gloss paint to help the light reflect.
Rather than long, vertical, or horizontal planks, try something new with your wall paneling ideas. In this room by Palmer Weiss, dozens of small, raised-panel wainscoting squares line the traditional living room, making it feel more elevated and sophisticated than blank drywall would.
In this Chicago home, designer Wendy Labrum chose white oak paneling in the dining room—but, thanks to her use of wider sheets and subtle molding details, the paneling is a far cry from the traditional '90s look. Here, it's a warm and welcoming addition to the gathering space.
For a bathroom, where the wallpaper or tile often covers the room from ceiling to floor, wall paneling ideas can be a great way to break up that wash of pattern. A wider plank half-height wainscoting calms the all-over pinstripe in this Emma Ainscough–designed space.
This Nashville new build had the potential to lean fully modern, but architecture firm Pfeffer Torode brought the interiors back down to earth with aged finishes and moments of character, like the paneling used on the walls of this kitchen.
Use vertical wood paneling to draw the eye upward and create the illusion of never-ending ceiling height, even if your space is already towering, like this kitchen by Fran Keenan. A light color will also complement the wall paneling ideas and help bounce natural light.
Wood paneling shouldn't be reserved solely for your walls. Curve a slatted sheet around the outside of your kitchen island—like designer Charlotte Lucas did here—to add texture and architectural interest without breaking the bank.
The key to a balanced interior is all about pairing hues from both sides of the color wheel. In this sage green kitchen by Stephanie Sabbe, a wood panel–wrapped range hood creates a cozy atmosphere among the stone floors and black countertops.
Dining rooms may be disappearing across American homes, but a formal space is crucial for those who like to entertain. Incorporating wood paneling is a great way to make the room feel special and stately, like designer Cortney Bishop did in this moody space.
The foyer establishes what designer Cortney Bishop calls the home's “relaxed formality.” This Charleston home is located on a marsh, and the wood paneling helps bridge the gap between the interior and the nature surrounding the house.
An all-white space often feels stark, but adding wood paneling can create some visual interest in an otherwise bare space. In this attic, the horizontal slats help to focus the eye on the interesting angles in the walls and ceiling.
There's nothing better than feeling cozy and bundled up at home, and wall paneling ideas can provide a cocooning effect. Design firm McLaren-Excell preserved this original midcentury paneling to embrace the natural warmth and texture.
Beachy white wood paneling is the quickest way to give your home a coastal feel. Designer Jeffrey Alan Marks extended this paneling onto the ceilings of his California home to make the small space feel larger and airier.
This cabin, designed by White Space Design Group, has wall paneling throughout. But nowhere is it more beautiful than in the dining room, where every plank's unique grain is on display. The warm-toned wood mirrors the views of the forest and Puget Sound beyond.
Daniela Holt Voith, founding partner and director of Design at Voith and Mactavish Architects, helped design this home, which was converted from a historic barn. In addition to these bookshelves, salvaged wood paneling was reused throughout the house.
White walls have become increasingly popular in gender-neutral nurseries, but the stark color can feel cold and bare. To combat that, add texture with decorative wall paneling. The subtle detail creates warmth and visual interest, as seen in this space designed by Karlee and Weston Marsh.
If you're a big fan of color and wood paneling, look no further than this Shannon Eddings Interiors-designed bunk room. Painting wood paneling in a single vibrant color can be all the decoration a simple space needs.
This dining room, designed by Jamie Drake, proves that wood paneling works well beyond the farmhouse aesthetic. The extra-wide, seamless wood panels extending from the walls to the ceiling are painted crisp white for a fresh take on the shiplap look.
Just because you have wood wall paneling doesn't mean you can't experiment with a fun color—in fact, it's an excellent reason to try one out. Paint the whole space in a rich, high-gloss hue for maximum impact.
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