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?
Elisabeth writes:
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?
Greg says
Keep It!! Ours was painted over by a previous owner and we can’t wait to restore.
Camille says
You can paint the grooves white or black and the rest of the paneling any color you
Want. Looks awesome when done . Like a striped wall
Thanks cami
Elisabeth says
I did think a bit about some kind of color block scheme. who knows.
Rebecca says
I’ve lived in a house with paneling and just couldn’t adapt to the “dark dungeon atmosphere” in the home. Real wood is different than the thin inexpensive panel board. I would paint if there aren’t a lot of windows to offset the darkness.
Sandi says
I would keep it (especially if it is real wood) if there is plenty of natural light to the room to lighten/brighten it up…..too much dark can become depressing. If you can add a skylight, they were around then, or todays version Solo Tube.
Janice says
If it were real Knotty Pine, I would say keep it, but not that. Loose it!
Ginny says
I agree with the sentiment to embrace what you have, if only for a while.
If you find that you don’t like it or that it does not work with your furniture, then consider painting. Leaving one wall as an accent wall is a good idea too.
But see what you think after a year of living with it.
Carolyn says
My home was built in 1948. I have not touched most of the of it’s original elements. I “updated” my kitchen by replacing old, chipped green and burgundy tile with new 4×4 yellow and burgundy tile. I even added a NOS sizzle strip thanks to this website and EBay.
My family room was covered in dark paneling. It wasn’t Knotty Pine but the wood was original to the house. After living with these dark walls for over 15 years, I finally broke down and PAINTED THEM. I have never regretted my choice.
Not all choices of yesteryear are necessarily what we can live with today.
Best wishes!
Elisabeth says
thank you
Dino Melfi says
Keep at least one wall of it. Pretty cool
Liz says
The bold colors and wood/fabric styles of MCM furniture show really well against wood paneling. If Elizabeth can’t live with it, then paint it, if that doesn’t work, then remove it.
Diane Lindgren says
Totally recall this paneling from that era. If I’d moved into a house at that time that had it I’d have gotten rid of it, looked cheap then and still does.
Sherry Cooper says
I agree but it is personal preference.
Elisabeth says
thanks, I do understand the sentiment.