It is not uncommon for homes built in the 1970s to have paneled walls. Paneling was quite popular then, but not so much anymore. If you have paneling in your home, do not despair. You can reinvent it with a little elbow grease. Here are some ideas.

Paint is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to reinvent wood paneling. You can go with any color you want, and depending upon the look you are after, you can fill the grooves or leave them unfilled. If you are looking to create stripes, for example, you might want to leave the grooves as are and use them as a guide to mark off the stripes. After a light sanding and cleaning, you will be all ready to prime and paint.

If paint is not your thing, perhaps wallpaper is. Wallpaper comes in a variety of texture and patterns. You can use almost any wallpaper you want, and the prep work is fairly easy. Just fill the grooves with joint compound, sand, clean and apply liner or sizing and the wallpaper.

Plaster is another option, but it will take some time to do. There are many types available for novices. For the best results, you should prime the paneling, attach the metal lath and apply the plaster as recommended. Depending upon your needs, you can create a smooth, glossy finish or an earthy, flat finish.

Love the look of your paneling? Keep it and give it an update with a new finish or new trim. You can sand, stain and varnish solid wood paneling just like you would any solid wood furniture piece. You can even use stencils and painter’s tape to create a pattern. Laminate wood paneling is a bit more difficult, but can still be sanded and stained. The stain may not penetrate evenly, however, so you might want to experiment in a corner first. You can create any number of patterns on paneling with molding. Just cut the trim, nail it to the paneling, putty the holes and paint or stain the trim as you see fit.

None of these ideas appeal to you? Check online and at your local hardware store for further suggestions. And remember, if nothing appeals to you, you can always remove the paneling. Just be aware that what you uncover may not be in the best of condition. Installing new drywall can be time consuming and costly.