I have a 79 year old house. In the main family room the walls are covered with 1/2" thick solid oak planks. The problem is they sort of look like generic paneling unless you look close. I am looking for suggestions to lighten the room and help me decide if I should keep the wood but strip it somehow to lighten it or paint over the hardwood planks. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks

 

Stripping will restore the original color. If that turns out to be light enough, there you are. Otherwise, you could consider a light colored semi-transparent stain or prime and paint the color of your choice.

HTH