Let’s be real: walls can be a bit… well, boring. You stare at them every day, and it’s like, “Ugh, do something, wall!” But fear not!
Wainscoting is here to save the day, turning your walls from bland to grand without having to hire a whole construction crew or declare bankruptcy.
If your walls need a little TLC, these 12 wainscoting ideas will have your home looking like it belongs in a fancy design magazine (and trust us, your friends will be jealous).
1. Classic Beadboard – The Timeless Wonder
Ah, beadboard—so simple, yet so sophisticated. This wainscoting is like the little black dress of wall decor: classic, stylish, and always on point.
Whether you go for a subtle white or a more daring navy, beadboard will have your walls looking like they just stepped out of a Martha Stewart photo shoot.
Bonus points if you manage to make it look like you actually know what you’re doing with a hammer.
2. Shiplap – For the Fixer-Upper Vibes
If you want your walls to scream “I’m on a reality TV show,” then shiplap is your go-to. This rustic, farmhouse-inspired trend is the perfect way to give your walls that charming, lived-in feel.
Whether you’re pretending to be Joanna Gaines or just want your house to look like it’s one DIY project away from becoming a Pinterest board, shiplap has got your back.
3. Raised Panels – The Fancy-Pants Option
Want to feel like royalty every time you walk into your room? Then get yourself some raised panel wainscoting.
This elegant style gives your walls an air of sophistication that says, “I’m important, but I’m also approachable, like a nice glass of Chardonnay.”
Use it in your dining room to make dinner parties feel extra fancy. (Hint: Even if you’re serving pizza, it’ll still feel like five-star cuisine.)
4. Horizontal Stripes – Wainscoting Goes Bold
Tired of being a wallflower? It’s time to let those walls show some personality with horizontal stripes. Adding wainscoting in alternating colors or wood tones creates a bold and stylish statement.
Think of it as the wall equivalent of a bold pair of shoes—something that says, “Yes, I’m daring, and I know how to use a paintbrush.”
5. Picture Frame Style – For Those Who Want to Frame the World
If you love the idea of your walls being extra but don’t want to overwhelm the space, the picture frame wainscoting style is for you.
Think of it like the art gallery of wall treatments—except instead of fancy paintings, you get to hang up all the pictures of your dog’s most regal poses. Perfect for adding a little extra flair without going overboard.
6. Modern Minimalist – Keep It Clean and Chic
Wainscoting doesn’t always have to mean intricate woodwork and heavy details. For a sleek, modern look, opt for minimalist wainscoting.
Go for a simple, clean design that adds texture and depth to the walls without stealing the show. It’s like your walls just got a makeover from a top-tier stylist, but without any of the drama.
7. Chevron Delight – The Zig-Zag of Fun
If you want your wainscoting to have a little more pizzazz, go for a chevron pattern. This dynamic design adds movement and excitement to any room.
Your walls will be like, “Move over, plain old walls, it’s time to zig and zag!” This style works best when paired with neutral colors or soft pastels, so your room doesn’t end up looking like an abstract painting.
8. Tall Wainscoting – The ‘Look Up at Me’ Option
For those who want to make their walls tall and mighty, go for some serious height with tall wainscoting. This style is a real statement-maker, like a pair of high heels that add a good few inches to your height.
Perfect for rooms with high ceilings that need a little grounding. You’ll be gazing at your newly regal walls with pride.
9. Wainscoting With Shelves – Storage Meets Style
Why settle for just a fancy wall when you can have a fancy wall with a place to store your stuff? Adding shelves to your wainscoting gives you the best of both worlds: sleek, stylish walls and extra storage.
It’s like a closet and a piece of art had a baby, and that baby is perfect.
10. Color Block Wainscoting – A Bold Statement
Who says wainscoting has to be just one color? Channel your inner artist and mix it up with color-blocked wainscoting.
Choose contrasting hues for the top and bottom parts of the wall to create a fresh, modern look. Your walls will be the Picasso of the room, and your friends will wonder if you secretly have a degree in interior design.
11. Wainscoting and Wallpaper – Double the Drama
What’s better than one stylish wall treatment? Two stylish wall treatments! Combine wainscoting with wallpaper to give your space some serious drama.
Whether you go for floral patterns or abstract designs, the combination of texture and print will elevate your room in ways you never thought possible.
It’s like your walls are wearing a snazzy suit—except it’s wallpaper, and it’s fabulous.
12. Mirrored Wainscoting – Reflecting the Good Life
If you really want to make your walls look expensive (and maybe give your house a whole new dimension), try mirrored wainscoting.
It’s the perfect way to add some glamour while also reflecting your new, fabulous self. Your guests won’t know what hit them when they walk into your room and see their reflection in your chic, mirrored walls.