I am painting over knotty pine paneling.

I have a total lack of ability to envision a description in my mind, maybe you could post a photo?

Are you wanting opinions about if this is a good design plan or more DIY info about how to do it, what kind of paint to buy or just from anyone who has experience painting paneling? 

I have a 1897 home and thankfully nobody painted any of the amazing oak woodwork.  But, I like the look of the old woodwork, but that is my liking.  If this is not the main area of the house and you own the house, paint it, if that is what you want.  If this was a living room, dining room with oak woodwork, I would say leave it alone.

The sideways-ness was driving me nuts...but I too am not exactly sure what you're asking...

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Ok - I would want to paint that. The paneling going in 2 different dircetions would be confusing to work with! I am wondering if you just paint half it might look like you didn't finish. I would start with the ceiling, then if that does not brighten things up enough you can always do more. Here is a link to a website I go to alot for inspiration when I don't know what to do in the house:

http://www.houzz.com/photos/48810/Ral-eclectic-living-room-other-metro

I just typed in painted paneled ceiling and it came up with tons of really pretty rooms with painted paneling.

Here is another pretty photo of a room where the painted the ceiling but left the paneling on the walls:

http://www.houzz.com/photos/1706950/Lower-Level-Living-modern-basement-philadelphia

Thanks a lot, now I'm going to spend way too much time looking through all of these photos .

I'm so glad you posted pics--that helps a lot :)

I will first qualify my input by saying there's good interior wood--wood like flip's house--that I think should rarely, if ever be painted.  But as you've said, 1965 wood panelling is not that.

I like your idea.  I think it will totally work, specifically because of the different directions.  I think I would probably paint the ceiling too; 6.5' is a low ceiling, and I think having it light will help make the room feel more open.

What's your plan for the stairs and risers?

FWIW, I live in a converted barn and we have lots of wood in here--post and beam, hickory floor, exposed joists and floors from the second floor lofts make some of the ceilings in rooms on the first floor, and we have knotty pine main ceiling, but the main ceiling is 38' tall and the other ceilings are at least 12-14' depending on the "room".  All of the walls are a "linen" colored plaster.  I think it works, but even in a big open space with lots of windows like this, I think wood on the walls would be just too much, too dark.  

Will you post after pics? Please?

Oh - YES - PAINT IT!! That's not fine woodwork, it's 60's paneling, and it's too dark for that room. Here's an awesome blog post on how to paint paneling that has a couple of awesome before and afters to give you an idea of how much better it will look:

http://www.younghouselove.com/2011/06/paneling-the-bane-of-our-existence/

Disclaimer, I have never been a fan of that type of woodwork. Have you considered removing the paneling and seeling it on e-bay or craigslist?

Have considered stripping ti and using Blonde shellac rather than the orange that is on there now? Blonde is the lightest shellac and will brighten the room up considerably.

If you are going to paint it you will need do do some serious prep work. The walls will have to be scrubed and primed with an alcohol based primer, Bin and Zinser are two good ones.

You will want to ventilate when youare priming the fumes will have a similar effect to consuming to much alcohol. I belevie the cans say you can paint after 24 hours I would wait minimum 48.

Heya Mary!

I kinda wish I was there to help with this project  . . . .except for . . . I really think you should FIRST paint the ceiling white and see what that looks like and then make a decision AND I HATE PAINTING CEILINGS!

Usually I'd be in the foaming-at-the-mouth-don't-paint-wood camp but this is not lovely oak in a Victorian house but dark knotty pine in a dark basement.  A little white paint will go a long way.

I hope I get out to NV to see it this year!