Wainscoting Ideas for Your Home
Wainscoting refers to panels usually attached to the lower half of the walls. These were originally meant to protect the wall surface from scuff marks. In modern home décor, wainscoting further serves the purpose of adding texture to the walls. Here are some wainscoting ideas that can make a lasting impression in your home:
1. Vintage Wood Wainscoting
Wainscoting was originally made from wood. The wooden panels are still utilized to bring a timeless look to modern homes. You can find vintage wood wainscoting made from oak, walnut and mahogany. Install wood wainscoting in the dining room for a cozy look.
Wood wainscoting can provide thermal insulation. It can also help soundproof the room to some extent.
2. MDF Wainscoting
MDF wainscoting is more affordable than wooden ones. The MDF fiberboards look similar to traditional wood wainscoting. They are made of compressed wood fibers, are lightweight and can be cut easily. This is useful for DIY enthusiasts who plan to install wainscoting wall paneling themselves.
3. Smooth Hardboard Wainscoting
Hardboard wainscoting is another great option for those who want the traditional wood wainscoting look at affordable rates. It is made from engineered wood and can resist wear and tear. Use hardboard wainscoting with a smooth texture for a seamless look. You can easily paint the smooth surface to change the overall appearance of the room.
Buy wainscoting of unfinished surface if you plan to paint it yourself. Use a sander to get a smooth surface.
4. Shiplap Wainscoting
Install shiplap wainscoting in your entryway or mudroom. It will help you create a rustic farmhouse look. These panels are usually installed horizontally. You can install them vertically for a unique look. Install hooks or pegboard on the wainscoting to hang your coats and hats. Place a shoe rack nearby to store your footwear. Now, complete the look by including a wooden bench. You can sit on the bench to wear or remove the shoes comfortably.
5. Beaded Wainscoting
Add texture to your space with beaded wainscoting. It has narrow vertical grooves, which can add texture to the plain walls. You can further use beaded wainscoting as a subtle visual divider. This is useful for open-concept homes that have a large open space with both living room and dining room side by side. You can use beaded wainscoting of different colors or finishes in each space. It will help distinguish one area from the next.
Dust may settle in the grooves of beaded wainscoting. This could make it difficult to clean them. Opt for smooth surfaces for easier maintenance.
6. Integrate with the Fireplace
Use the same wainscoting on the wall and fireplace. Cover the mantel with the same material. Extend the same style on both the walls surrounding the fireplace. It will blend the fireplace seamlessly with the rest of the space. Use white panels for a sophisticated look. If you prefer a rustic ambiance, cover the fireplace and walls with stained wainscoting.
Read the manual first and check if it’s safe to use near the fireplace.
7. Wainscoting with Geometric Design
Take an unexpected approach by crafting wainscoting with geometric design. Opt for simple shapes like squares, diamonds or circles. Buy pre-cut wooden shapes and plan out how to arrange them. Cover the space between the chair rail and baseboard with interesting patterns to give the look of wainscoting.
For instance, you can use alternating shapes in a vertical line. Paint these wooden shapes in the same color as your wall for a polished look. Then stick these wooden shapes on the wainscoting with wood glue. Cover the wall above the chair rail with wallpaper in contrasting colors to complete the look.
8. Match with the Ceiling
Consider painting the wainscoting in the same color as your ceiling. It will enhance the visual height and make the room look more spacious. This approach is especially popular for living rooms and dining rooms. This is because these rooms serve as focal points for social gatherings and relaxation.
9. Raised Panel Wainscoting
Use raised panel wainscoting to add a sense of depth to your walls. It features panels slightly protruding from the surface. These panels are often framed with molding for a sophisticated look. Such wainscoting is usually used in formal settings like home office, library or entryways.
10. Pair with Classic Elements
Wainscoting pairs beautifully with classic decor elements like statues, antique mirrors, chandeliers or a grand staircase. Incorporate such elements into the space for a luxurious look. Additionally, consider placing wainscoting alongside arched doorways.
Bathroom Wainscoting Ideas
Wainscoting is not limited to living rooms or bedrooms. They are popularly used in powder rooms and bathrooms. These bathroom wainscoting ideas can elevate the look of both small and large bathrooms:
1. PVC Wainscoting
Install PVC wainscoting in the bathroom. They are resistant to water and mold. PVC wainscoting is also easy to clean. They are ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms and other areas where there is exposure to moisture. They do not warp, roll or swell even after long periods of exposure to moisture or humidity. They can also serve the purpose of a backsplash protection layer while improving the aesthetics of your bathroom.
2. Pair Wallpaper with Wainscoting
Include an appealing wallpaper on the upper half of the bathroom wall. A floral or scenic wallpaper can give a fresh look. If you prefer industrial décor, opt for brick-patterned wallpaper. You can also choose from wallpapers with several other patterns, such as abstract, vines, wood, damask, stones and stripes.
3. Experiment with Contrasting Colors
Use two different colors on the bathroom wall and wainscoting. For instance, paint the wall white and wainscoting navy blue. It will give your bathroom a luxurious look. However, using different colors can visually divide the wall in half. This can make a small bathroom appear even smaller. In such a case, paint the wall and wainscoting in the same color.
4. Use Neutral Shades
If you prefer a minimal bathroom décor, paint the wainscoting in neutral shades like beige, grey or different shades of white. Place potted vines on shelves and indoor plants on the bathroom floor to create a spa-like ambiance. Keep the plant pots in woven baskets to add texture.