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Dark wood panelling hallway ideas

last year

last modified: last year

we have darkwood panelling in our hallway and want to modernise a little while still keeping some character. we are thinking of painting the panelling and taking the stove and brick chimney surround out. perhaps replace with an open fire as was original. has anyone done anything similar? the hallway is quite dark and gloomy in winter. The roof beams are also dark wood.

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Comments (5)

Sonia
last year
That is a lovely bit of panelling. I love it in its natural form in period homes like Hatfield House, but I do think painting it is a possible option to update a private home. When was your house built? The fireplace doesn’t look in keeping so maybe is a later addition? I think painting the beams white, or maybe taupe, will freshen it all up but still keeps the character. You may find then that the natural panelling doesn’t feel quite so dark.
Dougie thanked Sonia
kazzh
last year
It is a gorgous hall. Oh, for housing stock with such style! I have a feeling the hall wouldn't feel as heavy if it was returned to its original proportions with the brick mantel removed and fireplace reinstated, with a lighter tone in any tile featured - as i'm guessing there may have been some tile.
Dougie thanked kazzh
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kazzh
last year
I see you have gone with a deep red theme in your furnishings so if you decide not to remove, changing the curtains, fire surround seating and the chairs to a lighter tone (am thinking linen) will give a lift.
Dougie thanked kazzh
minnie101
last year
I would definitely put the fire back to original or similar.

The panelling is gorgeous so you may get differing responses! You could lighten the rugs etc as Kazz suggested and a mirror may help. If you really want to paint though here’s a same style hall with much of the wood painted (which does look beautiful)
Dougie thanked minnie101
Dougie
Original Author
last year
The house is around 1930 and is a mix of mock tudor, arts and crafts and modern additions. The panelling was not original but was an expensive addition at some point. I like the idea of painting the panelling but leaving some in the dark wood such as the stair rail etc. i agree lighter furnishings would help also.

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