Use Tongue and Groove for Knotty Pine Walls 

Before we discuss decorating knotty pine walls, let’s mention why tongue and groove (T&G) paneling with the end-matching design is superior. Old-style pine boards can require face nailing that shows and end-butting pieces on wall framing. They also require much more measuring and sawing to install.

T&G end-matching paneling overcomes the shortfalls of standard pinewood boards. Why spend a lot of time on installation when T&G panels go up faster, easier, and with virtually no waste. The last piece cut for the first row becomes the first piece on the second row. This is possible because the ends of the paneling fit together anywhere between the studs. What could be easier than that? Now, on to decorating your walls.

Colors for Knotty Pine Walls

Let’s start by saying you should not paint knotty pine paneling. After all, you installed the paneling to display its natural beauty and characteristics – not hide them. Sometimes the pine resin may bleed through white paint and show. Painted paneling does not let the wood ‘breathe’ like stain and clear coat. Here are some favorite suggestions:

  • Use a clear coat only to highlight pine’s knots, color, and grain
  • Stain a darker color and clear coat to add your personal touches
  • Stain with whitewash instead of painting for a modern lighter look
  • Carefully coordinate two wall colors when using pine wainscoting and drywall
  • Try these tips for staining wood

Lighter colors work well if you install knotty pine paneling on ceilings. Knotty pine paneling is so versatile that almost any color stain can be used. It is also available direct from the retailer in a pre-finished condition.

“T&G end-matching paneling overcomes the shortfalls of standard pinewood boards. Why spend a lot of time on installation when T&G panels go up faster, easier, and with virtually no waste.”

Wall Hangings and Artwork

Most homeowners prefer simple wall hangings and artwork in knotty pine rooms. Do not overcrowd the walls, and use only a few carefully chosen pieces so they are noticed. This presents a clean and uncluttered appearance that highlights the pinewood characteristics. These thoughts on wall hangings and artwork should prove helpful:

  • Eliminate busy patterns of wall decorations
  • Limit lots of patterns, materials, and textiles on walls and furniture
  • Simplify rooms, furniture, and walls, and let the rooms beam
  • Use lighting that highlights pine’s rustic characteristics
  • Select artwork colors to blend in well with your paneling

Some homeowners use a theme for wall hangings and artwork, such as landscape paintings, historical artifacts, family heirlooms, or family portraits. Curtains hung on walls should be styles and colors to complement and lighten the walls.

Layouts for Decorating Knotty Pine Walls

Pine paneling in the early to mid-20th century was typically installed vertically. The trend now is to install it horizontally or diagonally. Other layouts may appeal to you. Remember that the paneling patterns can affect the colors, wall hangings, artwork, decorations, and bookcases/shelves in any room.

  • Horizontal layouts are today’s most popular
  • Diagonal patterns add zest to small rooms
  • Vertical layouts look good in larger rooms

The layout you choose should fit the décor of the house or cabin. Do you want a rustic or cottage theme or something more modernistic? An entire wall need not be paneled because you can create a partial accent wall for a special effect. Its color can match or contrast with another material such as drywall or metal.

Pine Walls with Bookcases/Shelves

Bookcases are not quite as popular as they once were because many of us read online materials more than printed books these days. However, if you want to display books and other items on shelves it is still a good idea.

Your paneling should form the background for shelves instead of a thin piece of manmade material you see in some bookcases. Why hide pine’s beauty when you don’t need to? Bookshelves can have a formal frame around them or be flat boards supported by brackets. Either way, construct them with knotty pine wood and stain them the same color as the walls.

As far as what you put in or on bookshelves/cases, art, souvenirs, antiques, photos, and other personal items can look as nice as colorful books. The less cluttered the better. 

Decorating knotty pine walls is a personal choice, and you can use these ideas as a general guide for them.  Add your imagination for an endless variety of ways to decorate your walls.

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