Are Accent Walls Still in Style?
Yes, accent walls are still on trend, but the focus is less on color and more on texture. Painting one wall a bold, bright color used to be the way to go. Nowadays, textures that come from wallpaper and wood, like shiplap, are in style.
The general rule for accent walls is that they should be the first wall you see when you enter a room. That way, the accent wall will always be visible.
What’s Shiplap?
Shiplap boards have grooves cut into their edges for a tight, overlapping fit. Shiplap paneling can add instant character, texture, a rustic feel and a focal point to any room in your house. It’s affordable and easy to install as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project with just a few basic tools: a saw, level, stud finder, hammer and nails.
In this photo, a shiplap accent wall in an entryway makes a lovely backdrop for accessories on a console table topped with chalky paint. A globe pendant light and a chevron floor runner finish out the space.
Measuring and Buying Shiplap Materials
Measure your space to figure out how many planks you’ll need. Store the planks inside your house for at least 10 days after buying them to let the material acclimate to your indoor humidity level.
For a more traditional appearance, use square black masonry nails to get the look of antique-cut nails.
How to Install Shiplap
You can fasten shiplap planks to walls either vertically or horizontally. Simply nail through the drywall directly into wall studs. You can use construction adhesive when installing planks on ceilings or over other surfaces as long as they’re in good condition. Just finish-nail the panels in place to hold them while the adhesive dries.
Trim corners, ceilings and floors with small 1-inch-by-4-inch boards. Options depend on your style preference and skill level. A compound miter saw will help you piece together planks and trim using a mix of butt joints, miter joints and bevel joints. For more tips, see our guide How to Use a Miter Saw.
When running your planks vertically, you may need to install furring strips 24 inches or more on center. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Does Shiplap Make a Room Look Bigger?
Shiplap can make a room look bigger, but it depends on how you use it. If you install shiplap vertically, it can add the appearance of height to a room, as the vertical lines make walls feel taller. This is great if your room has low ceilings. Horizontal shiplap can make a room feel wider and is well suited to narrow rooms.
Coordinating Shiplap With Your Décor
Looking for ideas for shiplap walls? Create a focal point in an entry or living space with shiplap. Play up the rustic look with simple accessories such as a chalky-painted table or a repurposed dresser. Learn to apply a DIY chalk-finish paint.
What Color Should I Paint a Shiplap Accent Wall?
White is a common paint choice for shiplap, but you shouldn’t feel limited by its popularity. While white shiplap looks great as it brightens a room and gives it that classic farmhouse feel, you can paint shiplap any color.
Consider a bold color choice to enhance the accent wall effect or go with unpainted shiplap wall paneling for a truly traditional, textured look. You can also lightly sand patches of the painted shiplap to give it that rustic, worn look.
See How Your Neighbor Did It
Do you want the shiplap look but for a fraction of the price? Check out how Casey and Bridget of “The DIY Playbook” got the look for under $100 using plywood.