Why A Wood-Paneled Home Looks Better With Less Decor

Wood paneling is coming back in style after being ripped away and replaced with plain white walls in modern homes everywhere for the past 10 years. This shift comes as designers and homeowners seek to add more comfort and warmth to homes in an attempt to move away from the cold, muted, minimalist interiors of the 2010s. Especially beloved in the 1970s, wood-clad walls bring an enveloping texture to any space, as well as a connection to nature and the outdoors that is entirely at one with the biophilic interior decor movement. 

Decorating a home with wood-paneled walls, however, requires a tricky balancing act. They're a stand-out architectural feature that deserves to be highlighted, yet they can easily become overwhelmed and gloomy if framed incorrectly. That's why it's best to keep it simple when furnishing a wood-paneled home. Minimal décor will rightfully direct the attention towards your unique wooden walls while guaranteeing that the space feels airy and open despite its darker, heavier backdrop. While there are some exceptions, overall, you should keep your pieces minimal and simple in wood-paneled homes.

To trick to successfully complementing the star quality of your gorgeous wooden walls is to furnish the rest of the room with simple, minimalistic, and neutral pieces. The walls alone will be bearing the brunt of the decorative work, so the rest of the elements can take a backseat. Take notes from the clean and inviting Japandi style, of which wood paneling is a mainstay, and adopt a Kanso approach. This means reducing your décor to the essentials and living a clutter-free life, which, in turn, will help the unique architecture of your wood-covered space really shine. While you can hang artwork and other items on the walls, limit them and choose simple options.

When it comes to colors, the choice is quite intuitive. Lighter colors like off-whites and pale neutrals reflect light, making the space feel bigger and airier, in contrast with the density of the wood. Earth tones like browns, greens, blues, and creams are also the perfect match for a nature-inspired wood-clad interior, contributing to its organic feel. To avoid monotony, bring pops of bolder colors and patterns to the accessories around the room, such as pillows and rugs. And, for a more modern look, the occasional metallic or marble accent also pairs wonderfully with wood. 

If you're working with painted or more subdued wooden walls, this could actually be the perfect opportunity to go all out with your décor. When this element of your space isn't as attention grabbing as, say, a wall covered in dark wood, rough reclaimed wood, or textured wood slats, then you can definitely be more playful with furniture, art, and textiles. Simple wood paneling like wainscoting can be a fantastic backdrop for statement decorative pieces, adding a healthy dose of flair to the room without overwhelming it. If those pieces happen to be made from wood too, you can balance it out by painting the panels white. 

For maximalists, pairing painted wooden walls with bold patterns or art displays can also produce a fascinating dialogue between the craftsmanship of the paneling and the artistry of those elements. Moreover, some types of paneling, like picture frame molding, are literally made to be adorned with grandiose paintings, providing extra framing that ensures your art becomes the focal point in any room.