Wood Paneling is Back in Indiana, and Apparently Better Than Ever?

Wood paneling is perhaps one of the most notorious design features of the 1970s, but in recent years, it seems people are taking a second look at the trend.

I remember seeing a lot of wood paneling as a kid, and for better or worse, the trend has all but faded away in the last few decades. In all honesty, I've never downright hated this type of interior design. As someone with an "old soul," I actually kind of like it, and it makes me yearn for a time of record players, the 1970s rock sound, and perhaps even bell bottoms. While Lainey Wilson has done a great job of bringing the latter back into style, it seems others are trying to do the same with wood paneling.

The Rise and Fall of Wood Paneling

While wood paneling seems to be the anthem of 1970s home decor, its use actually dates much further back than that. According to Walston Architectural Products, records of wood paneling for walls date back as far as ancient Greece, Japan, China, and even Rome. In the beginning, wood panels were used for practical purposes, like insulation and protection. However, it wasn't until the Gothic period that people began to see a more creative use of the design.

During the late 20th century, the use of synthetic wood paneling really rose to the spotlight. You may have even had it on your walls as a kid, or perhaps seen some in your grandparent's retro-finished basement. In addition to its (at the time) groovy look, this type of wall paneling became popular due to its affordability and ease of installation. Personally, I think it still looks better than the old flowery wallpaper I'm still peeling off the walls in my own home. That said, just like my flower-adorned walls, wood paneling quickly shot out of style around the turn of the century.

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Wood Paneling and Interior Design 2025

Home decor magazine House Beautiful claims wood paneling is making a comeback and that it's "better than ever." One of the reasons backing this statement is the fact that designers are steering away from the synthetic laminate-style paneling of the late 20th century in favor of something more authentic. In 2025, it seems folks are also interested in a variety of paneling options, such as beadboard, V-groove, board-and-batten, wainscoting, and shiplap—made from solid wood planks.

Another thing I see folks doing when renovating an old home these days with wood paneling is painting it. In most cases, I don't think it looks all that bad, and it's definitely grown on me these last few years. Home interior designs come and go, but it's safe to say wood paneling isn’t going without a fight. That said, I highly doubt the dark brown laminate planks of the '70s will specifically come back into fashion anytime soon. Then again, you never know.