My house is a 90's era house that still has many of the original finishes – including this lovely wood paneling in the basement (two walls only – at either end of the lower living room).
I'm finally beginning the process of decorating and want to tackle this paneling situation first. The paneling is installed directly on the house foundation, so removing it and adding drywall is a less attractive option currently. My initial thought is to paint the paneling a coordinating color and retain the wood ledge, but I'm pretty open to anything (including the drywall if that's the only option that will look decent).
A few details in case it's helpful:
– The wall color is Sherwin Williams Tony Taupe. I love it, but am not tied to keeping it. This room gets some natural light but can be on the darker side at times.
– I included a picture of the floor coloring. I do plan on keeping it because it's only a few years old.
– The trim color is the ever popular honey oak of the 90's. While I'd love to replace it, that won't be happening any time soon (if at all).
Thank you in advance!
by sparkelbear
1 Comment
Painting is almost always the right call with this kind of paneling, especially since removal is off the table. A few things that might help narrow it down:Tony Taupe is warm, which works in your favor with honey oak trim – you’re not fighting a cool/warm war on the walls. I’d actually lean into that warmth with a coordinating color rather than going stark white, which can read as an awkward contrast.For darker basements, a mid-tone rather than very dark or very light usually works best. Something in the warm greige or soft sage family that’s a shade or two lighter than the taupe. The paneling grooves disappear when everything is painted the same color.The ledge is worth keeping. Painted in the same color as the panel, it reads as an intentional architectural detail rather than a dated afterthought. You can style it with a few pieces – pottery, a plant, something with some visual weight.If you do paint: prime first (essential with paneling), and use a satin or low-sheen finish. Semi-gloss will highlight every imperfection, flat won’t clean well.