Wainscoting is a beautiful and timeless way to add character and charm to any room in your home. But with so many different types of wainscoting available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your space.
In this article, we’ll explore the various styles of wainscoting, from raised panel to beadboard, and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for a modern or rustic look, there’s a wainscoting style that’s perfect for your home.
So let’s dive in and discover the different types of wainscoting that can transform your walls into works of art.
What Are The Different Types Of Wainscoting
There are several types of wainscoting available, each with its own unique style and characteristics. Here are the most popular types of wainscoting:
1. Raised Panel Wainscoting
Raised panel wainscoting is a classic style that features panels that are in front of the styles and rails. This creates a raised effect that adds depth and dimension to your walls. This type of wainscoting is perfect for traditional or formal spaces.
2. Flat Panel Wainscoting
Flat panel wainscoting is a more modern style that features panels that are behind the styles and rails. This creates a sleek and streamlined look that works well in contemporary or minimalist spaces.
3. Beadboard Wainscoting
Beadboard wainscoting is made up of thin, individual boards that are placed directly next to each other. Each board is interlocked with its neighbor via a tongue-and-groove system, creating a seamless look. This type of wainscoting is perfect for adding texture and interest to your walls.
4. Overlay Wainscoting
Overlay wainscoting is a combination of flat panel and raised panel wainscoting. Flat panels are installed first, and then additional panels are centered on them. These additional panels are sometimes lined by molding, creating a layered effect that adds depth and interest to your walls.
5. Board and Batten Wainscoting
Board and batten wainscoting is essentially flat panel wainscoting with vertical boards used to cover seams or stiles. The additional boards are known as battens, and they add a rustic touch to your walls.
6. Shiplap Wainscoting
Shiplap wainscoting is a more modern method of wainscoting that has become popular in recent years. It features wood planks with a tongue-and-groove edge that are installed horizontally on your walls. This type of wainscoting adds texture and interest to your walls while giving your space a cozy, rustic feel.
Raised Panel Wainscoting
Raised panel wainscoting is a classic and elegant style that has been around since colonial times. It is characterized by panels that are in front of the styles and rails, creating a raised effect that adds depth and dimension to your walls. The panels are beveled by a skilled craftsman to create a decorative raise that gives the impression that the wall has sunken inwards.
This type of wainscoting is perfect for traditional or formal spaces and can be adapted for higher-ceilinged rooms by adding a center rail to create two rows of panels. The height of the wainscoting is typically between 30 and 40 inches, but it can be customized to fit your specific space.
Raised panel wainscoting comes in several styles, from modern to rustic homes. It is a versatile option that can be painted or stained to match your decor. The panels can also be customized with different shapes and designs to add even more visual interest.
Beadboard Wainscoting
Beadboard wainscoting is a classic style that has its origins in 19th-century Victorian and cottage styles. It is made up of thin, individual boards that are placed directly next to each other and interlocked with their neighbor via a tongue-and-groove system. This creates a seamless look that adds texture and interest to your walls. Beadboard wainscoting is perfect for informal spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and back hallways. However, you can also fancy it up with the addition of a row of flat or raised panels to create a more formal look.
When combining beadboard with flat panels, for example, keeping the middle and bottom rails flush with the face of the beadboard streamlines the overall appearance. This creates a casual yet polished look that can work in a dining room or bedroom. Beadboard wainscoting is also versatile in terms of color and finish. You can leave it natural or paint it in any color you like to match your decor.
Board And Batten Wainscoting
Board and batten wainscoting is a type of wainscoting that features wide vertical molding pieces, known as battens, installed on larger boards. This creates a pattern consisting of square or rectangle sheets of material joined by thin braces. Board and batten wainscoting is often used to create a rustic or farmhouse look in a space.
The boards used for board and batten wainscoting can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, MDF, or PVC. The battens can also be made from the same materials, or from metal or another decorative material. The boards are typically installed vertically, with the battens covering the seams between them.
Board and batten wainscoting can be installed at various heights on a wall, depending on the desired look. It can cover the lower third of a wall, or it can be installed higher up to create a taller wainscoting panel. The height of the board and batten wainscoting should be chosen based on the overall scale of the room.
One advantage of board and batten wainscoting is that it can be used to cover up imperfections in walls, such as uneven drywall or plaster. It also adds texture and interest to a room without being too overwhelming. Board and batten wainscoting is often painted in a contrasting color to the upper portion of the wall, creating a dramatic effect.
Flat Panel Wainscoting
Flat panel wainscoting is a sleek and modern style that is perfect for contemporary or minimalist spaces. This type of wainscoting features panels that are behind the styles and rails, which creates a streamlined look with clean lines. The flat panels are made up of boards with no beveled edges or molding, causing them to look deeper than the stiles and rails.
One of the benefits of flat panel wainscoting is that it can be easily customized to fit your unique style. You can choose the size and shape of the panels, as well as the type of wood used. This allows you to create a custom look that perfectly fits your space.
Flat panel wainscoting can also be combined with other types of wainscoting, such as beadboard or raised panel, to create a layered effect. This adds depth and interest to your walls while still maintaining a modern aesthetic.
Overlay Panel Wainscoting
Overlay panel wainscoting is a unique style that combines elements of both raised panel and flat panel wainscoting. It starts with the installation of flat panels, which are then followed by additional panels centered on them. These additional panels can be raised or flat, and they are sometimes lined with molding to create a layered effect.
One of the benefits of overlay panel wainscoting is its versatility. It can work well in both traditional and modern spaces, depending on the type of panels used. Raised panels can add a classic, formal touch to your walls, while flat panels can create a sleek, minimalist look.
Another advantage of overlay panel wainscoting is that it allows you to play with color and texture. You can paint the flat panels one color and the overlay panels another, creating a two-tone effect. You can also experiment with different types of molding to add texture and interest to your walls.
Shiplap Wainscoting
Shiplap wainscoting is a type of wainscoting that has gained popularity in recent years, thanks in part to the show Fixer Upper. It is essentially wood planks with a tongue-and-groove edge that are installed horizontally on your walls, creating a cozy and rustic feel. Shiplap was originally used as a method of attaching plaster or drywall to walls before modern methods were invented.
True shiplap has a distinct look with its wide planks and visible gaps between each board, while other tongue and groove options are thinner and often installed vertically. Shiplap can be stained, but it is more commonly painted in white or light colors to create a bright and airy space.
One of the benefits of shiplap wainscoting is its versatility. It can be used in any room of the house, from living rooms to bedrooms, and can be paired with a variety of decor styles, including farmhouse, coastal, and modern. Shiplap wainscoting is also relatively easy to install, making it a popular DIY project for homeowners looking to update their walls without a major renovation.
It’s important to note that while shiplap wainscoting is a trendy option, it may not be the best choice for every home or space. It’s important to consider the overall style and architecture of your home before committing to this type of wainscoting. Additionally, if you live in an area with high humidity or temperature fluctuations, it’s important to choose the right type of wood for your shiplap wainscoting to prevent warping or cracking over time.