Retro Renovation

Remodeling, decor and home improvement for mid century and vintage homes

We help you find products and design inspiration to remodel and decorate your home in mid-century and vintage style. Get ideas for your kitchen... or your bathroom... tour a time capsule... and share in a like-minded community passionate about their old houses. Read More.
  • Home
  • Be Safe!
  • Kitchen Help
  • Bathroom Help
  • Other Rooms
  • Decorate
  • Exterior
  • Culture
  • Pam’s Kitchen
follow retro renovation on facebook

  • Home » Decorating Resources -- Also note those subcategories in the orange navigation, above! » Elisabeth wants our help: Should keep her 1970s paneling — or begone with it?

    Elisabeth wants our help: Should keep her 1970s paneling — or begone with it?

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email Newsletter

    Posted by: Pam Kueber • October 17, 2017

    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?

     

    Related stories

    1. Vintage heart pine vs. today’s knotty pine
    2. Ski lodge colors are hot for 2013 — four colors for your knotty pine interior
    3. “Bicentennial Chic” — heck to the yeah
    4. knotty pine walls Alicia and her husband restore the knotty pine in their 1955 cabin — so inviting!
    Comments 263
    Be-Safe-graphic2.3

    Commenting: Information

    Note: All comments are moderated, generally within 24 hours. By using this website you are agreeing to the site’s >> Terms of Use, << which include commenting policies, and our >> Privacy Policy. << Before participating, read them in full.

    Comments

    1. PAULINE says

      January 23, 2018 at 8:38 am

      I have wood paneling one one wall in dining room and 2 walls in living of my 1959 build. I adore it… It is solid wood. But, after 60 years whatever finish was used to preserve it is now in need of refreshing. Does anyone have any clue what I should use? Varnish? Poly? Danish Oil?

      Reply
    2. Jean says

      January 28, 2018 at 5:16 pm

      I have a 3 season room (planning to add baseboards to match the rest of house-base ray) that is fully paneled with beautiful, dark brown, real wood paneling. I have added light furniture and curtains, along with funky posters in bright colors. So fun and different than plain old painted walls. Keep yours!

      Reply
    3. Peggy says

      September 4, 2019 at 8:42 pm

      It’s a gold mine!

      Reply
    4. Rick says

      September 26, 2019 at 4:23 am

      I have the exact same wood paneling in my home. Finishing a major remodel and this paneling is the only thing we kept. Some of it was damaged, so if you want to get rid of any of yours, I’ll gladly buy it!

      Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.


    • BE SAFE / RENOVATE SAFE!
      Get informed and be aware about the environmental & safety hazards in old homes, materials and products. #1 RULE: Consult with your own properly licensed professionals. More info: See our Be Safe/Renovate page... EPA asbestos website ... EPA lead website ... U.S.F.A. – fire safety, etc.
    website-bottom-banner-pam-kateFINAL

    Important Reader Information

    • Terms of Use: By using this website you are agreeing to the site's terms of use. Read them here in full.
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosures: How I make money
    • Contact

    Copyright 2019 © Retro Renovation®, all rights reserved. Please do not use any materials without prior permission.