Today, wainscoting is still used in many homes, and it has become a popular way to add character and style to a room. While traditional wood paneling is still used, modern materials such as PVC and MDF have made it possible to create wainscoting in a variety of styles and colors. Whether you prefer a classic look or a more contemporary feel, wainscoting can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room.

There are several types of wainscoting ideas to gain inspiration from, each with its own unique style and benefits.

Raised Panel

Raised panel wainscoting is a classic design that features panels with raised edges. This type of wainscoting is often seen in formal dining rooms or entryways. It adds a sense of elegance and sophistication to a space. However, raised panel wainscoting can be expensive and time-consuming to install.

A vintage fabric and wood chair sits at a vintage trestle desk on double wainscoting lit by a nickel swingarm lamp.
Photo Credit: Mabley Handler – A vintage fabric and wood chair sits at a vintage trestle desk on double wainscoting lit by a nickel swingarm lamp.

Beadboard

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Beadboard wainscoting is another popular option. It features narrow, vertical panels with a beaded groove in between each one. Beadboard is a great choice for bathrooms, kitchens, or any space that needs a touch of cottage charm. It is relatively easy and inexpensive to install, although it may require frequent cleaning to keep dirt and grime from accumulating in the grooves.

Board and Batten

Board and batten wainscoting is a rustic style that features wide, vertical panels with narrow strips of wood (called battens) covering the seams. This type of wainscoting is a great choice for farmhouse or country-style homes. It adds texture and warmth to a space. However, board and batten wainscoting can be difficult to install and may require a lot of measuring and cutting.

A gold french chair is finished with blue chinoiserie fabric and placed in front of a wainscot wall.
Photo Credit: Dunbar Road – A gold french chair is finished with blue chinoiserie fabric and placed in front of a wainscot wall.

Shiplap

Shiplap wainscoting is a trendy option that has gained popularity in recent years. It features wide, horizontal panels with a small gap between each one. Shiplap is a great choice for modern or coastal-style homes. It adds a sense of casual elegance to a space. However, shiplap wainscoting can be expensive and may require professional installation.

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The choice of one of these types of wainscoting ideas should depend on your personal style and the needs of your space. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks. Whether you choose raised panel, beadboard, board and batten, or shiplap wainscoting, you are sure to add a touch of style and sophistication to your home.

Sophisticated white and blue powder room features blue wallpaper over white wainscoting.
Photo Credit: Karen B Wolf – Sophisticated white and blue powder room features blue wallpaper over white wainscoting.

Choosing the Right Style

Choosing the right style of wainscoting for your home can be a daunting task. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision.

First, consider the room’s existing decor. If you have a modern, minimalist style, a simple, clean-lined wainscoting will fit right in. However, if your room is more traditional or rustic, consider more ornate paneling with decorative moldings and carvings.

Master bathroom features a modern cast iron tub on marble hexagon floor tiles and gray wainscoting.
Photo Credit: Anne Chessin Design – Master bathroom features a modern cast iron tub on marble hexagon floor tiles and gray wainscoting.
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Next, think about your home’s architectural style. If you have a historic home, a classic panel or beadboard wainscoting will complement the period details of your home. On the other hand, if you live in a more contemporary home, a more modern wainscoting style, such as a flat panel or tongue-and-groove design, maybe a better fit.

Finally, consider the practical aspects of your wainscoting. If you have kids or pets, choose a durable material that can withstand wear and tear. If you’re looking to soundproof a room, consider a denser material such as MDF or plywood.

An oil rubbed bronze arch mirror is mounted on gray floral wallpaper over a half moon bonze console table on wainscoting.
Photo Credit: Lux Decor – An oil rubbed bronze arch mirror is mounted on gray floral wallpaper over a half moon bonze console table on wainscoting.

When choosing the right style from the endless wainscoting ideas out there, consider the existing decor of the room, the architectural style of your home, and the practical needs of the space. By taking these factors into account, you’ll be able to choose a wainscoting style that not only looks great but also functions well for your home.

Floor to ceiling light gray wainscoting in master bathroom adds a classic finish to the walls completed with a modern freestanding tub paired with a floor mount chrome tub filler. A gray X bench furnishes the bathroom against the wainscoting wall and bathtub styled to complement the chrome and gray finishings.
Photo Credit: Amy Storm and Co – Floor to ceiling light gray wainscoting in master bathroom adds a classic finish to the walls completed with a modern freestanding tub paired with a floor mount chrome tub filler. A gray X bench furnishes the bathroom against the wainscoting wall and bathtub styled to complement the chrome and gray finishings.

Tips for the DIY Route

Installing wainscoting is a great way to add a touch of elegance to any room, and doing it yourself can be a great way to save money. Here are some tips for DIYers who want to install wainscoting on a budget:

  1. Rent tools if necessary: If you don’t already have the tools you need to install wainscoting, consider renting them instead of buying them. This can save you a lot of money, especially if you only plan to use the tools once.
  2. Use inexpensive materials: Wainscoting can be made from a variety of materials, and some are more expensive than others. If you’re on a budget, consider using inexpensive materials like MDF or beadboard instead of more expensive options like solid wood. However, be sure that the materials are adequate to achieve the desired look of your favorite wainscoting idea.
  3. Do it yourself: The biggest cost savings when installing wainscoting is the labor. By doing it yourself, you can save a lot of money on installation costs. Plus, it can be a fun and satisfying project to tackle on your own.
  4. Plan ahead: Before you start your project, make sure you have a plan in place by picking a style that you like. Measure the room carefully, choose your materials, and know exactly what you need to do before you start. This will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your project goes smoothly.
Foyer boasting stacked wainscoting and gray grasscloth wallpaper finished with a vintage gray chair and a cowhide accent rug on oak wood floors.
Photo Credit: Liz Caan – Foyer boasting stacked wainscoting and gray grasscloth wallpaper finished with a vintage gray chair and a cowhide accent rug on oak wood floors.

Overall, installing wainscoting yourself can be a great way to save money. By renting tools, using inexpensive materials, doing it yourself, and narrowing your mind to the best wainscoting ideas, you can create a beautiful and elegant look in your home without breaking the bank.

Placed around a round beige wooden dining table, beige woven dining chairs sit on a gray rug in front of gray wallpapered walls finished with light blue wainscoting and light blue crown moldings and baseboards. The ceiling is completed with glossy white shiplap.
Photo Credit: LWC Interiors – Placed around a round beige wooden dining table, beige woven dining chairs sit on a gray rug in front of gray wallpapered walls finished with light blue wainscoting and light blue crown moldings and baseboards. The ceiling is completed with glossy white shiplap.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is wainscoting?

Wainscoting is a type of decorative paneling that is applied to the lower portion of a wall. It can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, MDF, and PVC.

What are the benefits of wainscoting?

Wainscoting can add visual interest and texture to a room, as well as provide protection for walls from scuffs and scratches. It can also help to create a more formal, traditional look in a space.

How high should wainscoting be installed?

The height of the wainscoting can vary depending on personal preference and the style of the room. As a general rule, it should be installed at least one-third of the way up the wall, but it can be higher if desired.

Can wainscoting be painted?

Yes, wainscoting can be painted to match the existing color scheme of a room. It’s important to use a paint that is appropriate for the material of the wainscoting.

What is the difference between wainscoting and beadboard?

Beadboard is a type of wainscoting that features narrow, vertical planks with a beaded edge. While all beadboard is wainscoting, not all wainscoting is beadboard.

How do you clean and maintain wainscoting?

Wainscoting can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrub brushes, as they can damage the surface. Regular dusting and occasional touch-up painting can help to keep it looking its best.

Can wainscoting be installed over existing drywall?

Yes, wainscoting can be installed over existing drywall. However, it’s important to ensure that the wall is clean, smooth, and properly prepped before installation to ensure a secure and long-lasting installation.

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