What Color Goes With...

**AmyBoz** · 07-01-2009, 07:05 PM

...medium to dark paneled walls?

We are thinking about selling our home, and one of the things we need to do before we get serious is fix up the things that we've never gotten around to.

One of these items is the finished basement. It is paneled with a knotty pine all around, except for the wall going down the stairs and the wall behind the "bar."

I have no eye for design, so I figured I'd ask you ladies, as you all seem to have great eyes for this kind of stuff.

**Contrary Housewife** · 07-01-2009, 07:25 PM

You can't go wrong with a nice neutral color like a beige or light brown, something light but not so light it will show dirt right away. Ask about carpet remnants, if you are only doing 1 room and are not too particular there are deals to be had when a showroom has leftovers that aren't enough to do an entire house.

A lot of the "sell your home" shows paint the paneling white or a very light color to brighten up the room. The new look seems to be more sleek and sophisticated. You'll have to consider your market and how this will look with the rest of the house.

**AmyBoz** · 07-01-2009, 07:28 PM

I guess I should specify...I'm talking about painting the walls where there is no paneling. Thanks!

**frugalfranny** · 07-01-2009, 07:32 PM

I agree.....keep it neutral. And since it is in a basement...and will be close to 'dark' paneling keep it a light neutral. Maybe something in the same color family as the paneling.....only much lighter?

You will want it to look 'light and airy' for the buyers. So lighten it up with 'that' color......and if any windows...light, airy, cheery, curtains.

**Debbie-cat** · 07-01-2009, 09:23 PM

Don't go with too light of a color as it will make the panelling appear darker than it is. Actually go for a medium to darker color and you won't be disappointed. Get some samples from the paint store and put them next to the panelling.

**craftypam** · 07-01-2009, 09:25 PM

We painted our paneling in our fr either white or cream color; worked out fantastic!! Dh has since drywalled it. It always looks good to lighten the basement walls

**JenMarie** · 07-01-2009, 09:32 PM

Sage green looks great with med/dark wood. We have cherry floors with sage walls in our bedroom...I love it.

**MaryCarney** · 07-01-2009, 10:05 PM

Painting paneling makes it almost 'disappear' (look like drywall) if you clean it well and carefully prep it first.

**mamamia** · 07-02-2009, 04:12 AM

I was also going to suggest painting the panelling. Most people are turned off by it these days, and primer and paint does wonders. Before we took our's down in the family room, we needed a quick, cheap fix because I really hated it. We did it in a very deep beige, and it brought the room right up to date for practically no money. I honestly think it could help with your sale too.

Just a suggestion.

Theresa

**ladykemma2** · 07-02-2009, 06:20 AM

i would paint the wall a bright cheery yellow, or coral, like "sell this house".

the one filmed in wilmington they painted a dreary basement room master bedroom screaming coral and the guy sold the house that day.

"sell this house" is my favorite show.

**Michelle** · 07-02-2009, 08:53 AM

My fil painted the paneling white in his old house, and it looked great.

Are you moving to be closer to your new job?

**pat in east texas** · 07-02-2009, 12:29 PM

I'm one who loves knotty pine paneling. I'd paint the walls a very light yellow, and go for a "retro" look with the curtains and any other decor.
gingham and calico all the way for me.

**nuisance26** · 07-02-2009, 03:38 PM

~I love paneling too so I vote not to paint it. My favorite colors to bring out woodwork are white(duh!)and robin's egg blue. I'd lighten up the color a bit if I was using it with a lot of woodwork.~

**Contrary Housewife** · 07-02-2009, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by pat in east texas

I'm one who loves knotty pine paneling. I'd paint the walls a very light yellow, and go for a "retro" look with the curtains and any other decor.
gingham and calico all the way for me.

See, if I was looking at a house for sale a room like that would make me run...

She has to consider not what *she likes*, but what will appeal to a majority of *buyers* in her area.

**Sassyclass** · 07-02-2009, 10:23 PM

I was thinking a real pale butter yellow also. Not bright but something light and clean so it doesn't feel like a basement. I live in a mobile home with brown paneling and I can't wait to move and be able to paint the walls my choice of color.

Cat