I‘ve been holding off for a while on posting this incredible 1966 wood paneling, thinking I could find some today-sources for this stylish material. Click the images to enlarge and see the wonderful decorative detail. Alas, nothing on the internet. Does anyone have any other ideas…sources?
It’s so interesting – that this was so popular…then so unpopular. Please don’t rip yours out unless it’s truly pedestrian! When we bought our 1951 “colonial-modern embankment ranch” seven years ago, another of the selling points was its original cherry paneling in the basement. The room itself needed some work – insulation, better heating, lighting, ceiling, carpet…but there was never a doubt about the paneling. Today, it’s the favorite room of my husband and his guy friends — a classic.
Methinks it’s time for paneling like this, to make a comeback.
This post was first published Feb. 19, 2008
Mary says
I am renovating a 1975 that has beautiful solid wood panels, not the grooved kind. I need extra sheets. Does anyone know where to get them?
Marquee says
We are buying a ranch style house built in 1948- and the “den” or tv room- is totally wood paneled, with roll-out windows and black and white checkered floor. It also features wood sliding pocket doors. We are leaving is JUST the way it is. Except for the ceiling.
pam kueber says
Yay, Marquee!
Joe Felice says
The only problem was that, unlike the cheery rest of the house, paneling was usually dark.
John Korolow says
I’m very interested in using wood paneling in one room in the 1969 home which I will soon buy. I can’t seem to find a resource for really good, authentic looking wood paneling (panels that have the vertical groove, intermittently about every 5 to 8 inches across were popular in 1960s homes.) Any ideas for resouces?
Dale in Austin says
Hello! Were you able to find a source for the wood paneling?
Sharon Vincent says
We have top grade wood paneling in our 1973 Master BR, 350 sq ft room, plan on sanding and whitewashing it. (white stain) Mother-in-law has a 1971 6000 sq ft home of tongue and groove spruce interior walls and ceilings, and has whitewashed ceilings in 2 bedrooms to lighten them, turning out beautiful. I plan on lacquering the finish after whitewashing – for a shine that pops. Grasspaper would cover the quality of the old paneling but I want to save the era.
retroppo says
I do like that panelling, but only as a feature wall, I think it would be too much to put it on all 4 walls! As for the tableware…according to my Taschen “Decorative Arts of the 1950’s” bible the shape is designed by Carl-Harry Stalhane & made by Rorstrands Porlslinsfabriker (Sweden) x
super kawaii mama says
I’m trying to find a solution for my sun room feature wall and I will have to investigate this as part of the list. I was originally thinking wallpaper, now I’m leaning towards a faux stone wall paneling. Pam, do you have any rec’s or posts on feature stone walls?
pam kueber says
Hi super kawaii mama, I have never done a post on stone or faux stone walls. I have never researched this. But I tend to think that yes, they were used. Go for it.
Femme1 says
Jean, one of the things I learned from hanging around here on RetroReno is that many different kinds of finishes were used on wood in the 50s and 60s. A whitewashed finish would still be in keeping with the period, although the honey-colored finish was probably the most popular finish, you do see all kinds of interesting colors—blue and green stains, too. Pam has a post about kitchen cabinet finishes that include that whitewashed look.
You might want to live with the paneling for a while and see if it grows on you before you decide right away, too.