Shiplap is a DIY-friendly material that — despite what countless publications claim — doesn’t seem to be going anywhere fast. If you want to utilize shiplap in a way that won’t look dated in a matter of years, though, it’s a good idea to think carefully about how and where you apply it.
While searching for unique ways to incorporate shiplap into your living room or kitchen yields many great ideas, it’s not always easy to picture how this finish would look elsewhere in your home. But if there’s a wall, there’s a way!
Check out the shiplap wall ideas below to discover just how versatile this decor trend truly is.
Quick Look
- Open-Concept Detail
- Hanging Wall Art
- Mix-and-Match Finishes
- Distressed Wood Panels
- Hidden Accents
- Board and Batten
- Transitional Space
- Multi-Layered Shiplap
- Farmhouse-Inspired Backsplash
- Matching Walls and Ceiling
- Minimalist Charm
- Vertical Shiplap
- Recessed Accent Wall
- Arched Alcove
- Built-In Shelving Backdrop
- Stair Landing
- Converted Closet
- Banquette Backrest
- Modern Lumber
19 Stunning Shiplap Wall Ideas Ranging From Modern To Rustic
1. Open-Concept Detail
Shiplap does not need to cover an entire room — or even an entire wall — to be an effective design choice. Adding a touch of shiplap to the odd segment of wall can help bring dimension into the space without overpowering it.
In this example, shiplap is far from the most striking part of the room design. Yet the space would look and feel incomplete without the section of shiplap in the corner.
If you look closely, you’ll also notice how the shiplap wall overlay lines up with the different-colored cabinets. What a simple yet effective way to divide the space without closing it off!
2. Hanging Wall Art
Yes, shiplap adds a considerable amount of texture and personality to a space all on its own. But you shouldn’t neglect to hang wall artwork on top of it.
Consider choosing pieces that allow the shiplap behind to show through a bit. Select frames that contrast with the shiplap itself, lest your hand-picked decor blend in with the wood panels behind it.
3. Mix-and-Match Finishes
Incorporating multiple types of wood paneling in a single room can be daunting no matter the color or application.
Pushing past your uncertainty and including a variety of shiplap styles in your interior decor is a wonderful way to use this material in new and unexpected ways.
If you don’t believe us, this example expertly proves that shiplap pairs beautifully with itself. We love the use of natural wood grain but you can also mix and match painted shiplap throughout your home.
4. Distressed Wood Panels
While modern shiplap has a sleek aesthetic, the distressed paneling is an unmatched choice for any rustic- or beach-inspired living space. This finish is most often seen on white shiplap.
For a more contemporary take on distressed decor, experiment with your favorite paint color instead.
Here both the walls and ceilings have been covered in beautifully distressed shiplap panels. But you can also adapt this idea for a smaller accent area.
5. Hidden Accents
Designing a stylish home is as much about the oft-overlooked details as it is the big and bold ones. This shiplap wall tucked inside a storage nook adds a surprising amount of texture to an otherwise insignificant space.
Choosing to paint the shiplap the same color as the adjoining walls makes for a smooth and subtle transition. Of course, you can create a more dramatic shiplap nook by employing a different shade.
6. Board and Batten
Shiplap has many close counterparts in the world of interior design.
Board and batten consist of wide wood panels joined together by much thinner, raised ones. It’s a wonderful option for any wall that calls for even more texture than traditional shiplap provides.
This particular example features a horizontal board and batten. Vertical panels are far more common. You can play around with the width of each panel for a custom look.
7. Transitional Space
Shiplap looks right at home in both indoor and outdoor living spaces. If you’re updating a covered porch or similar area, consider applying shiplap to your home’s exterior wall for a more relaxed aesthetic.
Since the shiplap overlays intended for interior and exterior use often vary, be sure to take your space’s particular needs into account when picking out materials. The last thing you want is to install a beautiful shiplap wall that doesn’t hold up to outdoor living.
8. Multi-Layered Shiplap
It’s fairly understood that good design avoids layering similar finishes on top of each other. Yet some of the most stylish examples of shiplap walls exist side-by-side with other shiplap elements.
Using high-contrast colors — as in this example — can help differentiate one shiplap surface from another. We also recommend choosing shiplap planks of the same width for your entire project.
9. Farmhouse-Inspired Backsplash
Not all rustic backsplashes are made of tile. When it comes to filling the space above a countertop, horizontal shiplap is a popular alternative to subway tiles.
While a shiplap backsplash is unlikely to hold up to the wear and tear of a kitchen or master bathroom, this laundry room is the perfect place for such an accent! (However, some shiplap look-alikes do exist that will hold up to moisture and food stains.)
10. Matching Walls and Ceiling
In the right setting, shiplap can be as neutral as regular drywall. Extending your shiplap overlay to cover the ceiling can also create the illusion of a bigger room overall.
For the ultimate seamless transition, use identical shiplap panels for both the walls and ceiling.
You can add some intrigue to the ceiling with exposed wood beams. Or keep it simple with just a shiplap overlay.
11. Minimalist Charm
It’s easy to overlook the shiplap overlay featured in this all-season porch. Yet take away the shiplap-covered accent wall and this room design would become quite boring!
One of the greatest boons of shiplap is its ability to make even the simplest space feel warm and inviting. Feel free to use shiplap panels in any room in need of a little extra rustic charm.
12. Vertical Shiplap
Traditional shiplap is installed horizontally. Vertical shiplap is a fresh alternative that works especially well in more modern-leaning design.
Since vertical paneling draws the eye up and makes the space appear taller, this idea is perfect for rooms with relatively low ceilings. It can also be employed as wainscoting, leaving the upper portion of the wall free for paint or wallpaper.
13. Recessed Accent Wall
This miniature alcove is a perfect example of the type of wall that can be transformed by a simple shiplap accent.
The combination of recessed wall and contrasting finish creates a natural frame around the entryway bench. When it comes to recreating this idea in your own home, any piece of furniture or statement decor could be used in the bench’s place.
14. Arched Alcove
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It’s hard not to fall in love with this stunning shiplap wall! If nothing else, it’s a wonderful example of how shiplap can be incorporated into nearly any architectural style (not just those in the rustic family).
The use of white shiplap against white walls might seem like a missed opportunity. While it’s true that contrasting paint colors could be used for an even bolder finished product, the shiplap alone is enough to make this alcove a statement all its own.
15. Built-In Shelving Backdrop
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Built-in shelving is making a big comeback in contemporary design. If you want your newly installed shelves to stand out from the rest of the wall, consider applying shiplap panels behind them.
By extending the shiplap overlay behind the TV, this example makes the entire entertainment center feel like one cohesive piece. But you could also recreate this idea with standalone shelves.
16. Stair Landing
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This shiplap-covered stair landing is a wonderful example of how you can use subtle design choices to visually divide an open space.
Since the accent wall is visible from the top and bottom of the staircase, it does double-duty by adding color and texture to both the upstairs and downstairs. Keep this in mind if you try to replicate this shiplap design in your own home — the finish should coordinate with the existing decor on each floor.
If you wanted to paint the shiplap the same color as the adjacent walls, consider adding a large piece of artwork or a statement mirror.
17. Converted Closet
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Converting an entryway closet into a combination seating and storage area is a wonderful way to make your home feel more spacious. Applying a subtle overlay like shiplap to the closet interior helps distinguish it from the rest of the room.
Using shiplap in this way could be purely a design choice. However, this is also a great way to cover up closet walls that may have seen better days.
18. Banquette Backrest
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This shiplap paneling may not technically be on the wall. Design-wise, however, it functions much the same.
Banquette seating is making a comeback. There’s really no better way to create a multi-purpose within your kitchen. And utilizing shiplap pays homage to the retro aesthetic of this seating solution.
If desired, the shiplap pictured here could easily be extended up to the walls above. This small change would make the ceilings feel taller and generally give the space an airier look.
19. Modern Lumber
We’re so accustomed to whitewashed shiplap that it can be a bit startling to see it in its natural state. But this unpainted shiplap wall is perfect for evoking a blend of rustic- and Scandinavian-inspired charm.
Combining this shiplap idea with modern furniture and minimal decor prevents it from feeling like a log cabin interior. If you needed proof that exposed lumber can look sleek and contemporary, this is it!