How to Use Wood Paneling to Add Texture and Drama to Your Home?

Wood paneling and wall treatments can be used in a variety of ways. It’s not just for a sauna or log cabin. There are plenty of great uses for wood paneling on the walls in a modern home. You just need to be a little creative.

The effects of wood paneling

Don’t be afraid to play around with the use of wood paneling. Wood paneling can be used as a backdrop, on an entire wall, on the ceiling, or to make a statement. You can enhance your interior design, or create something unique for your home.

Using wood paneling to decorate home
Use decorative wood paneling to add texture to your room.

Add texture with wood paneling

Wood paneling is a great way to add some texture to a room. Think about only using wood paneling for one wall or a section of a wall. Wood paneling is a great way to break up the room, adding some dimension and excitement. It can also highlight other color choices in the room.

Painting wood paneling

If you are only looking for the wood paneling to create texture, you can always paint the wood any color you want. Paint it the same color as your other walls, or make it a contrasting color to the wood trim and crown molding. You can also play with the direction of the planks. Sometimes running the planks horizontally will create an interesting effect, and make it a bigger statement than running the planks perpendicular to the floors.

Accessorize with wood paneling

Using wooden wall treatments
Add wooden wall treatments for texture. Paint to match the room.

Wood paneling can also help you accessorize the room, like a piece of art or a cool piece of furniture. If you are adding some shelving, think about using wood paneling as a backdrop. You can either match the color of the shelving, or you can make it a nice contrast to the shelving for dramatic effect.

Make wood paneling a focal point

Make a dramatic statement with wood paneling. Use it strategically in one place, or mix two, to create something unique and artistic. Choose a type of wood with some interesting colors and grain texture. Instead of hanging art, use the wood paneling as the art on the walls. Create an interesting focal point of the room.

T&G Flooring is one of the largest wood flooring retailers/contractors in Colorado. Schedule a free consultation with a wood flooring expert.

Picture of Chris Keale

Chris Keale

Owner & Operator of Tongue & Groove Flooring
Wood Flooring 101 Course Creator

Chris Keale is the owner of Tongue & Groove and the creator of the Wood Floors 101 course, an educational resource that helps homeowners and design professionals make confident flooring decisions.

With a career that began in global technology and consulting, Chris traded boardrooms for floorboards, bringing his leadership skills and love of craftsmanship into the hardwood flooring industry. Since 2007, he has grown Tongue & Groove into one of Colorado’s most trusted flooring companies—built on a foundation of integrity, education and precision. 

Known for his sharp insight, dry humor and genuine commitment to his clients, Chris has helped homeowners, builders and designers through the complexities of choosing and installing hardwood floors. Whether teaching in the showroom, on a jobsite or through his Wood Floors 101, his mission remains the same: to simplify a complicated industry and deliver floors that stand the test of time.

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