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?
Robbie Kendall says
Based on what I have learned from this site, I’d recommend keeping it not for one year, but two. Yes, try revarnishing it if you find a product that works for it. However, if, after a full two years, you still don’t care for it, I’d let it go and, if ripping it out, see if it can be removed so that you could donate it somewhere in case it could light up someone else’s life. When replacing it, I’d look into a real wooden paneling that you might like similar to what was available when your home was built. That way you can respect the original architect’s intent while improving your home.
Tracy says
I would soooooo keep it.
Jamie says
I would keep it in one room (den or family room) and go all out to decorate the room the way you want it. Clean the paneling and give it a good shine with polish or varnish. Live with it in your space and then decide.
Joe says
Interiors seemed to be a bit dark back in that era, and people panelled entire rooms. I don’t mind seeing GOOD panelling on one wall, say, an accent wall. But I am opposed to the cheap panels that were commonly available. This appears to be unique and attractive panelling, so I would keep it on one wall. But the flooring should definitely be lighter, along with the surrounding walls.
Jeff says
I’d keep it. Its becoming a rarity as quite a few people have torn it out of their home.
Char says
Hey Elizabeth!
I’m loving the “pattern” that is on that paneling!
Keep It!!
Chris H says
I just skimmed the coments, so sorry if this has been said. I’d choose one small/inconspicuous wall and varnish it. Often this kind of panneling had only the lightest coating of varnish. After 50 or so years it’s lost it’s luster and become dull. My preference would be satin finish, but the sheen is your call. This might make a difference in how well you like the panelling.
Elisabeth says
thanks I do want to look into some product to test in a small area as you suggest.
Bruno says
Hey Elisabeth, I say it depends on your style. Since your house was built in 1964 you can go either 50/60s style more mid century then I would get rid of it. If you go more Groovy late 60s/70s style I
Would keep it!!
Amanda says
My 1968 split-level MCM came with dark walnut paneling in the downstairs family room. I hated it at first and wanted to rip it out. But now I love it. This paneling actually looks quite nice. I think with the right flooring and lighting, it can look quite stunning.
Thomas says
Keep it! You will regret it if you tear it out.