The Different Types of Wall Paneling | Wainscoting, Beadboard, Shiplap & More
Shiplap Wall | LS Interiors
Wall paneling is one of the easiest ways to heighten your walls and create openness in any space throughout your home. It can add the perfect amount of character, dimension, a splash of color, and visual interest to your walls. I personally have favorite styles by room depending on whether you are looking to create an inviting entry, dimension to a bathroom, or add character to a living room. There are so many options when working with wall paneling - the options are endless!
It is also one of those projects you don’t need to hire out. If you are more the DIY type, give it a shot! You can easily install wall paneling on any wall surface or ceiling. Many panels are available in pre-cut, ready-to-install, and pre-attachable configurations. Just be sure to check whether your walls/ceilings are level…got to love these old Minneapolis homes :)
What are the different types of wall paneling?
Board & Batten | Board & batten is a type of paneling where thin strips of wood molding—or “battens”—are placed over the seams of panel boards.
Shiplap | Shiplap is a type of wood paneling with a rabbet (groove) cut at the top and bottom of each board so that they overlap to form a tight seal.
Tongue & Groove | Tongue & groove is a style of joining two wood panels together. One side of the wood paneling has a projection called a “tongue” and the other side has a open slit called a “groove.” Now the name makes sense, right? This interlocks the panels, so they fit perfectly together, which allows for a fairly easy installation process.
Beadboard | Beadboard is wood paneling with vertical grooves and ridges between the planks of wood.
Raised Paneling | Raised paneling features a slightly raised or higher center panel than their surrounding wood, giving an elevated and more dimensional look.
Wainscoting | Wainscoting is a decorative and functional system of wood panels, chair railing (framing), and moulding.
Tongue & Groove Wall | Studio McGee
Wainscoting | Jennifer Maune
Beadboard | Cynthia Harper Living
Raised Paneling Wall | Home Bunch
My top wall panel favorites
Thanks to my love for older homes, one of my top favorite wall panel types is wainscoting. It adds a sense of timelessness in some of the older homes that I frequently visit throughout my career. When most people hear of wainscoting, they think of the original chair rail moulding. However, many people are taking finish details in their own hands and adding vertical paneling underneath the chair rail to “refresh the look".”
Another classic in the state of Minnesota is beadboard. Now I know we are talking about wall paneling, but many times I often see this style on a ceiling. The added detail gives a room so much more character and is one of my favorites when I step into a sunroom or patio.
The major player in the wall paneling world these day though, that is a true fan favorite, is board and batten. Personally I prefer when board and batten is leveraged vertically, and generally ends similar to a chair rail detail, but slightly taller. I don’t often lean towards full wall board and batten when it is applied as an accent wall or detailed out in squares. Simplistic lines are always my favorite when dealing with wall detailing.
Last but not least, my ABSOLUTE favorite is raised paneling. I believe it adds a level of elegance to every room it is applied to, and can be used across architectural styles. Amber Lewis Design uses this technique in many of her California designer homes, as well as Studio McGee, and I of course see them in the early 1900’s homes I tour across the Twin Cities. I have dreamt of adding this style to my living room walls, and hope one day I will get around to it!
Interior wall paneling design ideas By room
Board & Batten Paneling | Entryway Design by Marlie Design Co.
shop the look:
Beadboard Paneling | Laundry Room Design by Studio McGee
shop the look:
Tongue & Groove Paneling | Bathroom Design by Blushing Bungalow
shop the look:
Wainscoting Paneling | Living Room Design by Room for Tuesday
SHOP THE look:
which wall paneling is the most affordable?
When it comes to financing any project, cost is always going to come down to the size of room, material types, labor, and more. Many wall paneling techniques can be DIY’d while others take a bit more patience.
Generally speaking though, shiplap is going to be the least expensive followed by. tongue and groove. Wainscoting falls more towards the middle of the pack when comparing pricing, and more detailed techniques such as raised paneling and skinnier panels such as beadboard will bring up the rear with a higher price point.
Board & batten - $2,00 - $6.00 per sq ft
Shiplap - $2.50-$7.00 per sq ft
Tongue & groove - $4.00 - $8.00 per sq ft
Wainscoting - $5.50 per sq ft
Beadboard - $7.00-$20.00 per sq ft
Raised Paneling - $10.00-$30.00 per sq ft
Benefits of adding wall paneling?
If paneling is done right, it can make a room feel slightly larger and oftentimes more cozy. Vertical lines will draw someone’s eyes up and help elongate a wall. In addition, by adding contrasting elements to your walls which bring more of a natural detail to life, it can help make a house feel like a home.
When thinking about the correlation of wall paneling and the resale of a home, I would think through two things. First, if you think a space in your house is lacking character or charm, by adding inexpensive wall paneling, it could help attract a larger buyer audience to preview your home. Wall paneling doesn’t necessarily increase your property value, but by driving additional foot traffic through a home with elevated visual aesthetics, you will end up walking away with a higher resale value.
My second tip - don’t go overboard. Similar to wallpaper, you don’t need to add it to every room. By applying it to 1-4 rooms on walls and/or the ceiling, you’ll be able to leverage it in strategic ways to play to your benefit, without overdoing things. After all, design is all about balance.
All the best!
Jen
Investor // Landlord and DIYer // Realtor // Business Consultant // Globe Trotter // Converting Vegan.
