7 Paint Colors That Go With Wood Paneling

Wood paneling offers a warm and elegant look to the room. But if you’re an indecisive person like me, finding the right paint color that complements wood paneling is probably nerve-racking!

So, to make things easier, I shortlisted seven paint colors that I believe can perfectly go with wood paneling.

This guide covers the seven best paint colors that go with wood paneling, along with their pros and cons.

7 Best Paint Colors That Go With Wood Paneling

Wood paneling can go with any neutral, subtle, or warm paint color. So, this list isn’t exhaustive.

1. Blue

If you’re looking for a paint color that can make a subtle yet bold statement, then opt for blue. It’s one of my favorites, as blue isn’t as dull as white or bright as yellow. It offers just the perfect balance.

Blue paint color and wood paneling will give your room a royal and classy appearance. Moreover, blue complements many other colors. So it won’t look odd with your furniture or decorative pieces in the room.

Also, if you love black but find it too dark as a paint color, you should opt for darker shades of blue, like navy blue. Darker shades of blue paired with contrasting lighter shades of wood paneling will offer a rich and gorgeous appearance.

You can also pair lighter shades of blue, like cerulean blue, with your wood paneling. This would make you feel like you’re living on a warm and sunny Mediterranean island!

Pros:

• It offers the right balance of subtle and bold.
• Darker shades of blue provide a rich and luxurious appearance with wood paneling.
• Several shades are available, from lighter to darker.

Cons:

• Darker shades of blue can absorb heat and make your room warmer.
• Scratches and chips quickly.
• Fading is more evident.

2. Ivory or Off-White

Many home renovation enthusiasts love to pair white with wood paneling. However, I suggest opting for ivory or off-white paint over white paint.

White paint can look bright and sometimes appear dull and monotonous. You’ll also have to add warm lighting to create a homely feel.

On the other hand, ivory or off-white is ideal as it gives the versatility of white color, along with a homely vibe.

It doesn’t matter if you have light or dark wood paneling; off-white or ivory paint will go with both. As it is not too bright, it will highlight the wood paneling too!

Note: Ivory or off-white paint is best if you prefer well-lit rooms over dark ones.

Pros:

• It gives a minimal and warm feel.
• It highlights the wood paneling section more.
• Both light-colored and dark-colored wood paneling would complement off-white tones.

Cons:

• The paint might appear different based on your location (due to sunlight).
• The paint can look grimy and dirty over time.

3. Turquoise

Like cerulean blue, turquoise is also the quintessential paint color to give your room some nautical vibes.

Turquoise has become the go-to paint color for those who prefer cool and chill tones. This color can also bring about a calm and relaxed feeling.

However, don’t think of turquoise as simply a tropical paint color. If your room has some shiny artifacts of gold and silver, then a turquoise paint color paired with wood paneling can bring about a royal and vintage look!

Pros:

• It can offer tropical and royal looks depending on how you decorate the room.
• It is not as common as other suggested paint colors. Hence, your room would seem different from the rest.

Cons:

• It might look dark at times.
• It can lose its original color and fade over time.

4. Beige

Beige is the right paint color for anyone planning to add more colors to their room.

As beige is a neutral and mild tone, you can pair it with any other paint color you want. It can be an ideal option for bohemian-style paint or minimalist-style paint. It is up to you!

Additionally, beige acts as the perfect base for anything. So you can even paint some golden hues on it, which will further enhance the look of your wood panels.

Pros:

• Quite versatile and can be used with different color palettes.
• It can easily enhance the wood paneling’s appearance.

Cons:

• Dirt or blemishes are more noticeable.
• It might look monotonous sometimes.

5. Brown

You might wonder how to use brown paint on wood, which is practically the same color. Will it even look good? Well, the answer is yes, it does.

This combination is the best match for anyone who loves the autumn vibe. Using brown color with wood paneling will give your room an earthy and cozy feel.

Also, you can pair lighter shades of brown with dark wood paneling or vice versa. However, try to choose different shades, as similar ones can dull the natural appearance of the paint and the wood paneling.

I mainly recommend using brown paint with wood paneling for vintage-themed homes or rooms.

Pros:

• It provides a natural and earthy feel.
• Best for a subtle vintage appearance.

Cons:

• If you choose the wrong shade, it might end up blending with the wood paneling.
• It can reduce the overall room lighting.

6. Black

If you’re looking for an artsy and minimal appearance, try pairing black paint with wood paneling. Black paint might sound like a bad idea due to how dark it is, but it gives a sleek and modern look that no other color can provide.

It also has certain functional benefits, such as absorbing dust particles, enhancing sleep quality, and many more. Also, choosing proper lighting with black paint and wood paneling will make your room look stylish!

Pros:

• Black paint will highlight the wood paneling.
• It requires minimal maintenance as dirt and blemishes aren’t visible easily.

Cons:

• It is not suitable for areas with high temperatures.
• It is not ideal for small areas.

7. Sage Green

You cannot always escape to the woods, but you can paint the surrounding walls of your wood paneling with sage green paint!

This combination works wonders as it gives the room a natural, woody, and earthy appearance. All you need to do is decorate the room with some plants or hang them on your wood paneling.

Sage green paint would undoubtedly make for a refreshing and vibrant change among other neutral-toned and minimal options.

Pros:

• It gives a natural and refreshing feel.
• It offers a unique combination.

Cons:

• It might blend poorly with other colors.

How To Choose the Best Colors

Below are some quick tips to help you find the right color that complements your wood paneling.

1. Consider the Wood Shade

Wood paneling comes in various colors. So, it is imperative to gauge its shade and decide on the surrounding colors accordingly.

For instance, if you have dark-colored wood paneling, avoid opting for dark colors. Instead, choose shades like beige, white, or ivory, complementing the dark-colored wood.

Similarly, choose popping and vibrant shades like blue, black, or even yellow if you have light-colored wood paneling.

Remember that it’s all about finding the right balance of warmth and coolness!

2. Define Your Style

When you’re presented with several options, you might get confused. So first, define your style. Are you looking for a royal appearance or a tropical one? Do you want artsy vibes or vintage vibes? Depending on your style, you may pick the colors listed below.

• Modern and sleek: black or white
• Artsy: beige
• Royal: navy blue, ivory, or off-white
• Earthy or natural: brown or sage green
• Tropical or vibrant: cerulean blue or turquoise

Summary

Paint colors can make or break your room’s appearance. Hence, finding the right paint color is essential to highlight the wood panel’s appearance while enhancing the room’s interior too!

So, try to opt for neutral or earthy tones while dealing with wood paneling. Too bright or dazzling colors can overshadow your wood paneling and affect its appearance.