8 Reasons to Warm Up With a Wood Plank Wall
The accent finds a place in every room — adding focus, coziness, definition and more
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No longer just for cabins, wood plank walls have been making an appearance in homes of all kinds as accents in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and on fireplace surrounds, to great effect. Here are eight reasons to consider adding this warm, woodsy feature to your home.
No longer just for cabins, wood plank walls have been making an appearance in homes of all kinds as accents in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and on fireplace surrounds, to great effect. Here are eight reasons to consider adding this warm, woodsy feature to your home.
1. It boosts warmth in an open-plan space. Large, open-plan spaces sometimes feel cold, and installing a wood plank wall can make them seem more intimate and homey. Be sure to get a sample of the wood you’re considering so you can check the color against your floors before committing — it’s impossible to tell if two wood tones will go well together from a photo alone.
2. It makes the fireplace even cozier. Turn your fireplace into the heart of your home by surrounding it with wood. It provides an especially welcome bit of rusticity to a crisp, modern room.
3. It creates an artful focal point. Pair a reclaimed-wood accent wall with a painted mural for a one-of-a-kind focal point. This works especially well in narrow areas where you’ll catch a glimpse of the artwork while passing through.
Bear art: New Bohemia Signs
Bear art: New Bohemia Signs
Tips for using reclaimed wood: Using reclaimed wood can be a wonderful way to bring character to your wood plank wall — plus it’s eco-friendly and potentially money-saving to boot. But there are a few things to watch out for. Be sure to:
- Inspect reclaimed wood carefully for signs of insects before bringing it into your home.
- Inspect each plank for warping.
- Carefully sand it to remove splinters.
- Remove any old nails.
Unless you have sourced wood in good condition and are confident in your DIY skills, you’ll probably want to hire a professional carpenter to prepare and install the wood.
4. It warms up a minimalist home. Smooth concrete floors and architect-white walls can be stunning, but there’s no doubt that these sleek, modern favorites can seem stark. Enliven a minimalist space with an expansive wood plank wall in the living room or bedroom.
5. It adds texture to the dining room. Bring home some of the appeal of your favorite restaurant by adding a wood-planked focal wall to your dining space. For even more impact, use the wall as a backdrop for a large art piece and install soft, glowing sconces on either side.
6. It defines an open entryway. If your home (like so many) opens directly into the living room or kitchen, it can be hard to know where to put your belongings when you come in the door. Define a mini drop zone near the entry with a wood plank wall and a bench.
7. It gives a bedroom a woodsy vibe. Create a woodsy wonderland with cool-toned wood planks and a gray and white color palette. Artistic faux deer sculptures and knitted blankets and poufs reinforce the winter woodland look. To change it up for summer, swap the knits for cool rumpled linen and breezy cotton voile in surf-inspired shades of blue.
8. It lends a spa-like feel to the bath. Looking for something a little different in the bathroom? Consider adding a wood plank wall for a serene, sanctuary-like atmosphere. If the wall is in the splash zone, it’s a good idea to protect it with a coating of polyurethane.
How to Bring the Beauty of Reclaimed Wood to the Bath
Tell us: Are you a fan of the wood-planked accent wall?
More: Putting the Focal Wall to Good Use
How to Bring the Beauty of Reclaimed Wood to the Bath
Tell us: Are you a fan of the wood-planked accent wall?
More: Putting the Focal Wall to Good Use