Wainscoting is a classic and timeless way to add depth and texture to your walls. But with so many styles and types to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for your home.
From raised panel to beadboard, each style has its own unique characteristics and charm. In this article, we’ll explore the different styles of wainscoting and help you find the perfect fit for your space.
So, let’s dive in and discover the world of wainscoting!
What Style Is Wainscoting
There are three main styles of wainscoting: raised panel, flat panel, and beadboard. Each style has its own distinct features and can be customized to fit your personal taste and decor.
Raised panel wainscoting is a classic style that originated in Colonial-style homes. It features interior panels that are flush against the wall and trim panels that are beveled by a professional craftsperson to protrude outward. This creates a wall that appears to be sunken inwards, when in fact its exterior panels are raised to create that effect.
Flat panel wainscoting is a more modern take on the classic raised panel style. The panels are installed behind the styles and rails, using boards with no beveled edges or molding. This causes them to look deeper than the stiles and rails, creating a sleek and sophisticated look.
Beadboard wainscoting is a type of tongue and groove style wood paneling that generally appears to have narrow vertical planks of wood (about 2 inches wide) side by side with no overlap. There is usually a ridge or “bead” between the wood planks. This type of wall covering comes in panels that connect with the familiar tongue and groove interlocking effect. Beadboard wainscoting is perfect for adding a touch of charm and character to any room.
What Is Wainscoting?
Wainscoting is a type of wall covering that is laid over the lower portion of a wall to contribute to the decor or support the room’s overall construction, or both. It is made up of different size boards and trim, and fixed to the lower portion of the wall, offering a sense of seamlessness all around the room. Wainscoting panels are considered as versatile as they are charming, and they mesh with countless styles. Additionally, they can be used to break up colors and textures, creating a contrast that’s hard to beat.
There are five main types of wainscoting panels: Raised Panel, Flat Panel, Beadboard, Overlay, and Board and Batten. Raised panel wainscoting features panels that are in front of the styles and rails, giving the appearance that they are raised. Flat-panel wainscoting features panels that are behind the styles and rails, creating a deeper look than the stiles and rails. Beadboard wainscoting is made up of thin, individual boards placed directly next to each other and interlocked via a tongue-and-groove system. Overlay wainscoting is a combination of flat panel and raised panel wainscoting, with additional panels centered on flat panels and sometimes lined by molding. Board and batten wainscoting is essentially flat panel wainscoting with vertical boards used to cover seams or stiles.
Traditional wainscoting is decorative wood paneling along the lower wall that protects the wall from scuffs. The height of traditional wainscoting is usually 36 to 42 inches. The chair rail goes at the top and baseboard is at the bottom. The middle part is made with either raised panels, flat panels, vertical v-joint tongue and groove (T&G), or beadboard tongue and groove. Traditional wainscoting from 18th century England was made from quarter sawn Oak and finished with an oil turpentine protective coating. Today, most wainscoting is being painted solid colors but sometimes people still prefer a stained wood look.
Raised Panel Wainscoting
Raised panel wainscoting is a timeless and elegant style that adds depth and dimension to any room. This style features panels that are flush against the wall, with trim panels that are beveled to create a raised effect. The decorative raise is achieved by beveling the edges of the panel, which creates a sense of formality and sophistication.
One of the defining features of raised panel wainscoting is the height of the panels. Typically, raised panel wainscoting is between 30 and 40 inches in height. However, this design can be adapted for higher-ceilinged spaces by adding a center rail to create two rows of panels.
Raised panel wainscoting is versatile and can be customized to fit any decor style. It can be painted in any color or stained to bring out the natural beauty of the wood. Additionally, raised panel wainscoting can be combined with other styles of wainscoting, such as beadboard or board and batten, to create a unique and personalized look.
This classic style of wainscoting has been popular for centuries and continues to be a favorite among homeowners and interior designers alike. Its timeless elegance and versatility make it a great choice for any room in the house, from formal dining rooms to cozy bedrooms. Whether you prefer a traditional or modern look, raised panel wainscoting is sure to add charm and character to your home.
Beadboard Wainscoting
Beadboard wainscoting is a classic style that originated in 19th-century Victorian and cottage styles. It consists of thin, individual boards placed directly next to each other, creating long, continuous vertical grooves with raised beads spaced every inch or two. Beadboard is found in individual boards, each about 32 to 48 inches long by 3 to 4 inches wide, or in large panels as long as 8 linear feet that help expedite the installation process. The beads and grooves are molded into the board in the factory.
One of the advantages of beadboard wainscoting is its versatility. It is a popular choice for informal spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and back hallways, but can also be fancied up with the addition of a row of flat or raised panels for a more polished look that can work in a dining room or bedroom. The combination of tongue-and-groove beadboard and flat panels creates a casual yet elegant look that can be customized to fit your personal taste and decor.
Another advantage of beadboard wainscoting is its ease of installation. While it was once individual thin boards used to create the bead board pattern, now they manufacture large sheets that give the illusion of thin individual boards, making install much easier. Additionally, beadboard is available in a variety of materials, including wood, PVC, and MDF. Wood is the original form and the most authentic and customizable. However, wood needs to acclimate to your climate and your home; if the right wood isn’t selected, you may see gaps or cracking in your wainscoting.
Board And Batten Wainscoting
Board and batten wainscoting is a popular style of wainscoting that has been around for centuries. Originally used as a practical option for exterior siding, it was soon brought inside the house to protect walls from damage. Today, board and batten wainscoting is mostly a stylistic choice that adds a comfortable, upscale farmhouse feel to any room.
The board and batten pattern is characterized by rectangle patterns (boards) separated by strips of wood (battens). It can be easily installed by a non-professional with minimal carpentry experience, making it an inexpensive way to add dimension and architectural interest to a space.
Board and batten wainscoting is usually applied about 32 inches up the wall, measuring from the floor. It can be used as an accent wall or as a full wall treatment. The wooden panels make any room look more polished and add character and a focal point to the space.
When deciding on whether to use board and batten wainscoting, consider your personal style. If you love the rustic or farmhouse style, board and batten may be the perfect choice for you. It can also be modernized by painting it in a moody, deep color to add interest without overwhelming the space.
Flat Panel Wainscoting
Flat panel wainscoting, also known as recessed panel wainscoting, is a sleek and modern style that uses rails and stiles to create a flush look. Unlike raised panel wainscoting, the panels are installed behind the styles and rails, using boards with no beveled edges or molding. This causes them to look deeper than the stiles and rails, creating a clean and contemporary appearance.
Flat panel wainscoting is a great option for those who prefer a minimalist design with clean lines. It is also a good choice for smaller rooms as it creates an illusion of space due to its flush look. The distance between stiles and trim can be customized to suit your preferences and the amount of space you are working with.
One way to add interest to flat panel wainscoting is to combine it with other styles such as beadboard or raised panel. For example, tongue-and-groove beadboard can be combined with flat panels for a casual yet polished look that can work in a dining room or bedroom. Keeping the middle and bottom rails flush with the face of the beadboard streamlines the overall appearance.
Choosing The Right Style For Your Space
Choosing the right style of wainscoting for your space can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by considering the overall style of your home. If you have a traditional or colonial-style home, raised panel wainscoting may be the perfect fit. On the other hand, if you have a more modern home, flat panel wainscoting may be a better choice.
If you want to add a touch of charm and character to your space, beadboard wainscoting is a great option. It works well in any style of home, from traditional to modern. Beadboard wainscoting can be painted in any color, making it easy to match your existing decor.
Another factor to consider when choosing the right style of wainscoting is the height of your walls. If you have low ceilings, raised panel wainscoting may make the room feel smaller. In this case, flat panel or beadboard wainscoting may be a better choice.
Finally, don’t forget to consider your budget. Raised panel wainscoting is typically the most expensive option, while flat panel and beadboard wainscoting are more affordable.
In summary, when choosing the right style of wainscoting for your space, consider the overall style of your home, the height of your walls, and your budget. With these factors in mind, you can select the perfect style of wainscoting to enhance the beauty and functionality of your living space.