However there are times when you just can t.
How to brighten a room with dark paneling walls.
Hgtv star chip wade shows you how to modernize old school wood paneling with paint for more follow the hashtag rachaelrayshow.
While a major renovation can certainly correct the issue knocking down walls or adding windows are thankfully not the only options.
So how do you get a fresh light look in an interior with dark wood paneling.
Cost skill level start to finish 1 day.
Take a page from its playbook and add striped pillows and a patterned rug for a cozy finishing touch.
Nowadays people want to brighten things up a little bit.
There s the trouble the expense and sometimes there s just that really gorgeous wood.
Wood paneling can make a room feel a little chaotic not to mention dark musty and reminiscent of the 70s but it can also be seriously stylish when done right.
In fact there are foolproof tricks that the pros use to add light through design details.
Wood walls add coziness to any room partly because wood is a natural material and partly because it s dark.
With dark paneling on the walls your room is likely going for a small intimate look.
It can brighten up a room and give it a whole new look.
This portland home is a mid century modern classic complete with wood detail on the walls and ceiling that pairs up nicely with a dark brick fireplace.
Do all the softness in white.
And whether you have real wood paneling like this or sheet paneling the process to brighten it up is pretty much the same.
Brighten up a room by covering dark panel walls with a fresh coat of paint.
If you have too much wood.
How to brighten a home without painting natural wood walls.
And we re all in love with the idea of making dark wood seem lighter brighter and more now.
Instead of fighting it work with the rich paneling to create a cozy inviting space.
Brightening up a dark space is a common challenge when designing a room.