10 Fresh Ways to Use Shiplap Around the House
This stylish wood paneling can work in any room in the house. See how to use it as an accent or a feature
Shiplap has surged in popularity in recent years, thanks in large part to Joanna Gaines and her well-documented love of farmhouse style. But shiplap — a board milled with a halved groove that leaves a distinctive reveal line — is nothing new. And it’s not going away, even after the current frenzy (inevitably) subsides. See 10 ways to use this versatile material, from brightening up a basement to adding charm to the laundry room.
1. On one wall. Who says shiplap has to fill the entire room? Try it on the headboard wall of a bedroom, as shown here, with the other walls painted for contrast. If you want to use a shiplap accent wall in another space, consider using it on the wall you see when you first enter the room (for instance, the wall opposite the door in a dining room), or on the wall where you want to draw the most attention (like the one behind your sofa).
2. In the mudroom. A mudroom is a hardworking transitional space, but that doesn’t mean it has to lack style. Take a cue from this modern-farmhouse-style home and upgrade your mudroom with shiplap walls and built-in cubbies. A pair of paint-dipped stools and a striped light fixture add to the charm.
See the rest of this modern farmhouse
See the rest of this modern farmhouse
3. In a nook. Adding shiplap to a breakfast or dining nook makes the small space feel bright and inviting. You can use it in a space that has shiplap in the surrounding areas, as shown here, but adding shiplap to the nook alone would work just as well, drawing you into the cozy corner.
4. In the kitchen. There’s a reason farmhouse kitchens remain consistently popular — they evoke the warmth and cheer of home comforts in a way that slick modern kitchens just can’t match. Bring a farmhouse vibe to your kitchen, even if it’s a new build, by applying crisp white shiplap to the walls. With the right finish, this material is practical and easy to clean, making it a natural choice for such a hardworking room.
5. In the laundry. Looking for a way to perk up a dark, dreary laundry room? Bright white shiplap makes a cheery choice. Complete the look with a vintage-industrial-style canvas laundry basket and wall shelves to hold supplies.
6. Partway up the wall. In the space shown here, hard-wearing shiplap on the lower portion of the walls pleasingly contrasts the glamorous paper on top. Shiplap can be used anywhere you would normally use beadboard wainscoting — in a hall, kitchen or dining room, for example.
7. With color. Just because shiplap is most often seen in white doesn’t mean you can’t paint it any color your heart desires. The painted shiplap in this space looks rich in smoky blue with crisp white trim and wood details.
Wall paint: Beach Glass, Benjamin Moore
Wall paint: Beach Glass, Benjamin Moore
8. On an attic ceiling. There’s something appealingly old-fashioned about the pitched ceiling of an attic, which lends itself especially well to shiplap. The creamy white on the shiplap shown here makes the space feel warm and welcoming.
9. In a finished basement. Finishing a basement can be a wonderful way to add livable space to your home without adding to the footprint. But making a finished basement feel as inviting as the rest of the house can be a challenge. Take a cue from the space shown here and give your basement an airy feel with white shiplap walls and plenty of lighting.
10. On a fireplace surround. A handsome mantel has been taken to the next level in this traditional space with the addition of shiplap wrapping the wall above. Shiplap would also look right at home on a fireplace surround in a farmhouse or coastal cottage.
Tell us: Are you a fan of shiplap? Where would you love to use it? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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Tell us: Are you a fan of shiplap? Where would you love to use it? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More
15 Key Pieces for Modern Farmhouse Style
10 Architectural Elements for a Modern Farmhouse