Holiday Decorating Tips For Reclaimed Wood Paneling

During the holiday season, reclaimed wood paneling can gain even more warmth if you follow the decoration methods listed below. Just be sure to protect your recycled timber by choosing gentle decoration techniques.
1. Add unique holiday art. Don't just hang one or two wintery scenes - cluster a mass of holiday art to create a more stunning impact. Not enough cash to acquire art and pricey frames? Visit your local charity resale center to find inexpensive frames and holiday books that you can turn into a collage. As an example, you could select artwork from "A Christmas Carol" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Another option is to frame the Christmas cards you received last year.
2. Deck the mantel. Rustic timber wood panels often frame a fireplace. If this is the case for your wood paneling, remember to adorn the mantel! Glittering candelabras, refreshing evergreen garlands and lush red bows make for a classy mantel. Adding ornaments to the mantel is also a brilliant method of drawing visitors' attention away from out-of-date wood paneling. On the other hand, if you have newer recycled wood paneling, a beautifully decorated mantel will compliment it, as well.
3. Let there be holiday lights. If the molding above your recycled wood paneling includes a picture rail, use it for hanging art and lights. String lights are easy - just use metal hooks to hang them from the picture rail. (If you don't have a picture rail, experiment with low-impact hook systems.) Depending on how they're placed, net lights could work. For instance, net lights can bring joy to an accent wall without overpowering the space.
4. Install wood paneling around your fireplace. If you're looking for a more powerful makeover this holiday season, think about installing wood paneling around your fireplace. Architects and designers will tell you that any room will feel heavy and cold with a dark stone fireplace, for instance. Applying reclaimed wood paneling around or even over a dark stone fireplace will create a gorgeous, warm, cozy atmosphere.
5. Revive rustic wood paneling with stain or paint. Does your older rustic wood paneling look tacky? If so, maybe it's time for a facelift. Apply a new stain or a fresh coat of paint to bring your wood paneling into the third millennium. Designers often recommend painting over dark, dingy-looking spaces with white paint, which adds a modern touch. Follow these steps to paint wood paneling:
- Use a mild detergent to clean the paneling.
- Cover any holes or blemishes with spackling putty.
- Sand the paneling with 100-grit sandpaper; this will help the paint stick.
- Seal any cracks in the paneling with caulk.
- Once everything is completely dry, it's time to prime and paint the wood paneling. Be sure to wait for each layer of primer or paint to dry before applying the next coat.
The methods listed above will bring a little more "Ho, ho, ho!" to your home this holiday season. One parting note: As you decorate your wood paneling, think about how you can bring out the natural tone of the recycled wood. Select decorations that draw attention to the wood's innate beauty.

By: Michael W. Clark

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Recycled timber products are not only good for the environment, but can bring an element of uniqueness and style to your office or commercial development. Visit ViridianWood.com to view their extensive inventory of reclaimed wood products such as paneling, architectural panels, flooring and more.