Living Room
Your living room is a space built for relaxing, socializing, and welcoming guests into your home. It should be a comfortable, clean haven that reflects who you are.

How To Give Your Outdated Living Room an Easy Makeover

If you feel like your den or family room desperately needs a makeover, it’s time for a refresh. Paint is one of the easiest ways to turn a retro den into a modern haven. Here’s how to paint your den, turning it into a modern and bright room the whole family can enjoy.

How To Know if You Need to Update Your Living Room

Is your den stuck in the 1970s? Is it dark? Are the windows old and drafty? Is the carpet worn out? If your room feels closed, dark, and dreary, it’s time for a refresh. 

Things like dominant dark wood paneling can make a room feel smaller and more imposing, almost like a cave. Old and small windows don’t help, as they may only let in minimal light. Aging carpet may show wear and tear, and things like stains and pulled thread can give your den an unkempt, dingy appearance.

If you’re hoping for a lighter, brighter, and more modern space to relax and spend time in, here’s how to paint your den and follow other key tips to get it.


How to Paint Your Living Room For Best Results

Painting is one of the most important steps to updating a retro den. Consider coating the walls, paneling, windows, shelves, and bookcases in bright white to reflect light and make the room feel more open. Here’s how to do it.

Paint the Walls and Ceiling

The first step toward a lighter, brighter den is to coat the dark paneling and walls with bright white paint. The white immediately makes the den feel more open and airy.

Next, paint the ceiling, which can give the ceiling a higher look that creates the illusion of more space. I recommend painting the ceiling first to prevent drips onto the freshly painted walls.

Don’t forget to mask flooring, windows, and trim to protect those surfaces before you begin painting. 

Spray the Walls, Bookcases, and Shelves

Paint sprayers can speed up the painting process, especially when you have an entire room, including ceiling and shelves, to cover.

  1. First, prep the walls or paneling and built-ins by lightly sanding them, filling up any holes or cracks with spackle, removing loose caulk, and re-caulking if needed.
  2. Use painter's tape to mask off floors, windows, trim, and any areas you won’t be painting. Remove the tape immediately after painting before the paint dries.
  3. Then, apply two coats of bright white paint to the walls with a sprayer. You may want to apply a third coat once the other two are dry to ensure full and even coverage. 
  4. Using a sprayer, reach all the nooks and crannies of the wall.
  5. Then, coat bookcases and shelving to match the white walls. The crisp white paint will make your den feel welcoming and airy instead of oppressive and dark.

Hiring a Professional Painter Vs. DIY

Going the professional route or choosing to DIY depends primarily on the size of your den. For most DIYers, properly prepping and painting over 700 square feet of walls may seem daunting. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring professional painters to cut some time and labor off your makeover. They have the knowledge, tools, and experience to ensure a quality, lasting paint job.

Today's Homeowner Tips

I recommend gathering at least three free estimates from reputable local painting pros before setting your makeover budget. If you opt for the DIY route, make sure to calculate the paint’s cost before starting and ensure you have all the tools you need to do the job right. 

Average costs vary based on the space size, the number of coats needed, and whether or not you decide to use a primer. Here are some rough estimates so you can form an idea of what this DIY home improvement project will cost you:

  • Full professional interior painting service: $2 to $4 per square foot
  • Priming and painting the walls and ceiling: $1 to $3 per square foot
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Other Ways To Revive an Outdated Living Room

If you’ve painted and are ready for more updates, here are some other ways you can revive an outdated den:

  • Replace the dated vertical blinds with breezy linen drapes that filter light softly.
  • Switch out the carpeting for hardwood with a modern gray wash to warm up the floor.
  • Update lighting fixtures to complement the new color scheme.
  • Add bright pops of color and contemporary accents to finish the transformation.

These changes will create a fresh, inviting family hangout with a casual coastal style.


Learn More About Living Room Updates


So, Is Painting Your Living Room Worth It?

Painting over rich wood finishes is controversial but often worthwhile. Lightening up those dark walls immediately makes rooms feel larger, brighter, and more inviting. Dark hues absorb light and feel confining. Light, neutral paint can also unify disparate elements like paneling, drywall, trim, and ceilings.

Another considerable benefit of this project is its affordability. Painting is the most cost-effective update for outdated, damaged wood paneling. It allows you to refresh the room on a budget before considering more extensive renovations. If done correctly, painted paneling wears well for years with occasional touch-ups. For many homeowners, the benefits outweigh the loss of natural wood grain. 


FAQs About Painting Dark Wood Paneling

What kind of paint adheres best to wood paneling?

High-quality interior latex or acrylic paint is best for wood paneling — it adheres well and stays put. Oil-based paint also sticks well but requires more prep and has strong fumes, making it a less desirable option for DIYers.


How do I prep paneling before painting?

Lightly sand to rough up the finish, then clean thoroughly before painting. Fill any cracks or holes with spackle. I recommend using a primer to enhance paint adhesion.


Can I just paint over the existing paneling stain or clear coat?

Yes, but the paint coat may not last. For best results, use a paint stripper or orbital sander to remove the existing finish before painting.


Should I remove nails or panels before painting over paneling?

No, you don’t have to remove nails or panels. Just fill nail holes with spackle as part of the prep. Standard interior latex paint will thoroughly coat them.


How long does it take for painted paneling to off-gas?

Give yourself two to three days for the paint to dry and a week for VOC off-gassing. Keep windows open to ventilate and allow complete curing before occupying the room.


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