Decorating
Renovating
10 Places to Perk Up With Shiplap
As an accent or feature, shiplap-clad walls bring interest and country-style charm to any space. See how in these homes
Shiplap has surged in popularity in recent years. 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.
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.
Browse more country-style homes
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.
Browse more country-style homes
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 cosy corner.
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 cosy 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.
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.
10 ideas for high-functioning laundries
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.
10 ideas for high-functioning laundries
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 tongue-and-groove wainscoting – in a hall, kitchen or dining room, for example.
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 tongue-and-groove wainscoting – in a hall, kitchen or dining room, for example.
7. With colour
Just because shiplap is most often seen in white doesn’t mean you can’t paint it any colour your heart desires. The painted shiplap in this space looks rich in smokey blue with crisp white trim and wood details.
Just because shiplap is most often seen in white doesn’t mean you can’t paint it any colour your heart desires. The painted shiplap in this space looks rich in smokey blue with crisp white trim and wood details.
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.
Making the most of an attic space
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.
Making the most of an attic space
9. In a finished basement
Finishing a basement can be a wonderful way to add liveable 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.
Finishing a basement can be a wonderful way to add liveable 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
If you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation!
More
Read more decorating stories
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
If you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation!
More
Read more decorating stories
Who says shiplap has to fill the entire room? Try it on the bedhead 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 (such as the one behind your sofa).