Many of us agree that Knotty (Pine) is Nice — but what about its flashier cousin, 1960s-1970s wood paneling that got kinda … designy? Elisabeth is new to her 1968 house and her eyes are a bit in shock at her two-tone inlaid wall paneling. This sure must have been hip back in the day. She asks us: Should it stay or should it go?
Hi,
I’ve just purchased a 1964 home. It is exciting but a bit overwhelming. There is a lot of paneling in the house. Looking at the May 1968 House and Garden magazine I can identify it as Georgia-Pacific Inlaid Paneling. I know it was marketed as the affordable option to real wood inlay work. It is not tongue and groove and it is not knotty pine. I am in a quandary as to whether to keep it. If it were real wood I would not have a question. I don’t mind trying to keep it with the intent of staying in keeping with the spirit of the times. However I would probably need some kind of confirmation that it is a good idea. My first instinct was “ugh, paneling”. I am new to this. Also the expense of remove and replace is weighing on me. Thanks for your time and any advice.
Best,
Elisabeth
Wow, Elisabeth, you are so ingenious to find that ad. Which wood is ‘yours’? Elm with walnut inlay? Pecan with walnut inlay? Cherry with walnut inlay? Or Walnut with pecan inlay? Surely a reader will know.
I have my own opinions, of course, but first, let’s hear from readers:
Should Elisabeth keep her circa-1970s paneling…
Or should she rip it out or paint over it?
Lyndasewsalot says
I agree that you should keep this paneling. Even if it’s just on one wall. I would add a lot of thoughtful lighting to the room. Instead of going with a lot more wood, I would accent with Black , to bring out that dark stripe. It also may make the wood appear lighter if you clean it really well. Smoke may have darkened it over the years. Remember . A lot of people smoked inside! I would get rid of any carpet , and maybe do a wood floor ( or laminate) the color of the very lightest part of the wood tone in the walls. Then add lots of color with your upholstry and are rugs. With a retro vibe fabric. Have fun! And good luck with your new home
Elisabeth says
thanks!
Laura Ainsworth says
Last night, I was watching an episode of “House Hunters Renovation” that featured a midcentury ranch with kitchen cabinets JUST LIKE this, I had never seen them before and thought they were fab!! Sure enough, the couple chose this house and pronounced it a “total gut job.” The cabinets, like everything else, had to go. The husband was just taking a sledgehammer to the original tile bathroom when I decided I just couldn’t watch and turned off the TV in disgust. (Full disclosure: That often happens, as I tend to watch these shows mostly to see the “before” houses.) So…
PLEASE KEEP these cabinets, without painting them. If you are quick to take them out, you’ll miss the opportunity of seeing them in the context of your finished period renovation and furnishings. At that point, I think you’ll be thrilled you still have the cabinets.
Betty Neufeld says
I can relate to paneling,my mobile home is 1969 and the Whole thing is paneling (a light grayish color). I would cautiously remove some in areas where dampness or mold might be and paint others and leave some,possibly change color. A lot can be behind those walls. Our walls were already painted but the inside closets were not thats how I know what was originally the color. Check for insulation, warm and cool rooms matter. May look nice but be too cold or hot .H igh utilities or good looks.
Diana says
Someone may already have mentioned this, but what about lacquering the paneling with a really glossy, rich color?
Steve Musselman says
Are you sure it’s actually wood? Paneling like yours was often a “picture” of wood that’s actually a plastic veneer mounted on plywood or Masonite. If it’s not wood I would get rid of it in a New York minute as it was junk back then too (I know, I installed for people back then) . If it’s wood, I’d think about it even though that pattern doesn’t appeal to me personally.
Removal is the simplest thing in the world unless it’s glued and nailed but if it’s just nailed, it will pop right off the wall.
Sherry Cooper says
I think you are spot on, the pattern is too uniform to be real wood. That is a 70’s version. Whether keeping it or not is personal preference. I don’t think one could varnish it, it would peel off. If you like it, keep it, if after living with it a while you still want it gone, then remove it.
Felicia Alexander says
Elisabeth, Steve Musselman makes a great point. That junky plywood stuff tends to warp, too. Figure out what you have. If it’s real wood paneling, i’d live with it for a while to see if it grows on you. If it’s plastic or laminate over plywood, I’d get rid of it.
Tina says
Keep it. I painted mine in my porch and front hall a creamy white and it looks quite stunning. Also you have no idea what is behind it. Trust me 1835 farm house we don’t tear things down we call things like panels vintage.
Jeff Mitzo says
Can you leav one room or just one wall as an accent? Then furnish that room W/ later period mcm. Try removing a small out of the way area and see what happens. If it’s been attached with small nails only kit should be easy . If they also used an adhesive then you will have to do a lot of removal and patching.
Alberta says
If it is good condition, I would keep it at least for a couple of years. Keep everything else light.
Linda says
Sorry,
I disagree with the consensus. It’s h****** [edited]. I would paint over it if you can’t afford removing it. It’s dark and depressing. If you were content with it, you wouldn’t have inquired.
Elisabeth says
I understand the strong reaction to it. It is something else. I am just going to keep mulling over it a bit.
Anissa says
I’m quite nostalgic when it comes to paneling, so I’m biased here ;-). I say keep it if it’s in good shape. So rare to find in homes these days. Usually been ripped out before you come across a MCM home that’s been put on the market :/ Enjoy it!