Wood paneling was originally used to add warmth, both literally and figuratively, to a stone-walled structure. As a decorative element, it can infuse a room with a definite character—from traditional (think wainscoting and boiserie), to retro (hello 70s faux-wood paneled walls), to modern, depending on the degree of ornamentation used. Here, some prime examples.

A mahogany paneled foyer and staircase makes for an impressive entryway in this 12-room, single-family townhouse at 24 West 71^st Street (on the market for $17.65 million).

The entry of an Upper West Side townhouse at 48 West 70^th Street (yours for $15.45 million) includes original wood paneling, pocket doors, and a welcoming fireplace with a carved mantel.

At 687 Lexington Avenue, a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath penthouse (for rent at $12,900/month) features an English-inspired living room with wood-paneled walls and matching built-in bookcases.

For those with more modern tastes, this three-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath co-op at 900 Fifth Avenue (yours for $4.75 million) includes a 16-foot-paneled entrance gallery that can double as an entertainment space.

And at 17 East 83^rd Street, a single-family townhouse (priced at $22.5 million) boasts a formal living room with restored, 17-century Jacobean paneling from England, plus this mahogany-lined library with coffered leather-and-mahogany ceiling and woodburning fireplace.