Some homeowners may see a wood-paneled wall and immediately rip it down, but others are finally starting to embrace the panels, giving them a modern spin. According to the experts of Humble painters, using wood panels as an accent wall is the way to go. Now, accent walls have become less about painting one wall a different color and more about adding texture and character to a room. Here are five ways you can add wood to your walls.

• Wainscoting – Wainscoting has been around forever. Before there was insulation, people used the wainscoting technique to keep a room warm. Now, it is mainly used a stylish way to protect the walls in rooms that are prone to getting dinged, damaged, and scuffed. Made from stock boards and panels, this technique typically starts at the base molding and goes a third of the way to halfway up the wall. Entryways, kitchens, dining rooms, and family rooms are all good locations to wainscot.
• Shiplap– An easy and affordable way to achieve the wood on walls look is with shiplap. Shiplap panels have grooves cut into their edges. They can easily overlap each other and provide a clean look. Shiplap walls add a rustic element to the room you install it in. It’s also a natural eye-catcher, so it works well behind a fireplace. No matter where you place it, it will become the focal point of the room.
• Salvaged– Do you have easy access to a bunch of wood pallets? Use the salvaged wood and create a pallet wall. To accomplish this look, first, deconstruct the wood pallets. Next, lay them out on the floor to decide how you want to them to be structured before you hang them on the wall. Not only can you design a pallet wall with salvaged wood, you can also use it to create art, headboards, frames, and other home décor items.
• Mixed Woods – Use reclaimed or faux wood panels to attain this look. If deciding what different types of wood you should get to create this wall seems like a headache, there is an easy solution – staining! You can buy a bunch of the same panels and stain them all different colors. Dark, light, greys, browns, whites, find a combination that works for you and goes with the rest of your home.
• Reclaimed Barn Siding– When it comes to reclaimed barn siding, there are a variety of options to choose from. When the wood is authentic, it will come in all different widths, colors, and textures. The best part about this style is that it’s natural. The wood is weathered by the elements, making every piece unique. Before you hang the panels, make sure the nails and moisture have been removed and the wood is clean.

All of these techniques are DIY-friendly. However, they do require time, patience, and effort. For more tips on decorating with wood in your home, contact Cheryl Smith, a Chatham, NJ interior decorator.