Wood Paneling
The classic covering for family rooms, wood paneling warms up any room in the house. Paneling is usually associated with traditional homes, but it suits contemporary styles too.
Choose between boards and sheets:
Tongue-and-groove boards are the traditional choice to panel a wall. The board width ranges from 2 to 8 in. Boards are applied horizontally, vertically, diagonally or in a herringbone pattern. Boards span further than sheets, so use them to panel tall walls and ceilings.
Sheet paneling is now more common than board paneling. The sheets are generally 4 ft. wide and 8, 9 or 10 ft. long. They are made of plywood or hardboard, covered with a thin hardwood veneer.
To save money, panel only one large wall of a room. Or install a paneled wainscot to waist height--30 to 32 in. high).