If you grew up in the 1960s or 70s, you may remember a home with at least one wall paneled in wood. Those probably aren’t good memories. The cheap paneling (and its even less-attractive imitations) that prevailed in suburban homes in the mid-to-late 20th century killed the idea of using lumber as a tasteful wallcovering for decades. But thanks to the green movement, there’s a resurgence in using natural substances in the home, and wood is making a comeback.
Wood paneling of the kind used in upscale bars and Gothic churches is probably not within the budget of most homeowners. But there are a number of reasonably economical options. One is balsa – the same lightweight, easily manipulated material you used for airplane models. The advantage of using balsa is that it’s easy to cut and stains very well, so it can be used in many different configurations. One idea is to use panels of alternating colors.
Wainscoting offers a slightly more old-fashioned approach to the wallcovering décor. Wainscoting uses panels along the bottom of a wall to about waist-high level. Solid wood is a traditional – but expensive – option. If you can afford it, solid wainscoting can evoke an English country home or give your room a classic Victorian feel. But a more economical option is to go with something like bead board, narrow vertical strips of wood.
For the environmentally inclined, using reclaimed or recycled lumber either as a wallcovering or an accent may offer an intriguing option. Recycled lumber comes from barns and sheds and can be bought from lumberyards, particularly those dealing in reclaimed lumber. The draws of using recycled materials include aesthetic appeal and cost. If you want to go all out with recycled lumber, a rustic look can be a terrific conversation starter.
Maybe you like the idea but aren’t quite sure about the idea of a solid wall covered in wood. (Many of us won’t ever get past that 1970s-era rumpus room.) If so, you might want to try wallpaper that evokes trees. You can find a wallpaper made from tree bark. Or perhaps just limit your use of wood to accents or frames.
Green design is catching on, and so are natural and recycled substances as design elements. In addition to its enduring popularity in flooring and furniture, wood has reclaimed its reputation as a legitimate design choice for wallcoverings. The 70s are dead. Wood is back, and it’s bigger than ever.
Wolf-Gordon can supply all your wood wall covering and other home designing needs. Visit in person at one of the following showroom locations: Los Angeles Showroom Pacific Design Center at 8687 Melrose Ave., Suite BM5 Los Angeles, CA 90069; Chicago Showroom Merchandise Mart at #10-161 200 World Trade Center Chicago, IL 60654; or visit http://www.wolfgordon.com/. To obtain samples or for general information, call 800-347-0550 or email info@wolf-gordon.com.
