12 Shiplap Wall Design Ideas for Interior Walls

Shiplap is a traditional wall texture made from nailing wood planks in orderly rows. Originally designed to waterproof seacraft, shiplap paneling has grooves cut into its sides so that each piece connects tightly together.

Before the invention of sheetrock, shiplap was used to provide an even surface for applying wallpaper. Though it wasn’t originally intended to be seen, interior design experts discovered that exposed shiplap made a beautiful and unique wall treatment.

Made popular by “Fixer Upper” and other home decor shows, real and faux shiplap ideas are here to stay. Check out our favorite takes on this comfortable modern farmhouse accent wall idea.

1. Versatile Shiplap Accent Walls for Vintage Charm and Texture

Although older homes may have shiplap in an entire room, it’s most commonly used as an accent wall material today. You may also see shiplap panels as an accent on kitchen islands or cabinet fronts. It’s also found on fireplaces, built-in bookshelves, and hallways.

Double vanity with round mirrors and a white shiplap accent wall adds modern farmhouse charm to a shared bathroom space. — Source: @jennseung via Instagram

Vertical sage green shiplap wall creates a cozy, modern backdrop for this stylish dining room with natural wood and soft textures. — Source: @maryb_bohostyling via Instagram

Dark gray angled shiplap adds depth and drama to this cozy reading nook with a tufted chair and bold pendant lighting. — Source: @thesuiteshoppe via Instagram

Beloved for its ability to create definite shadow lines, a shiplap accent wall adds vintage charm to cottage, costal, and farmhouse dwellings. However, it’s a great way to add texture to any room, from the living room to the bathroom.

2. Enhancing Bathroom Space with Stylish Shiplap Wall Ideas

Shiplap is an excellent bathroom wall treatment. Not only does it add welcoming texture and style, its horizontal lines can make a small bathroom look bigger. Top a white shiplap wall with a round vanity mirror to soften the strong lines created by the wooden plank surface.

Bright white shiplap walls pair with dark gray cabinetry and gold accents for a fresh, modern farmhouse bathroom look. — Source: @bcmlondon via Instagram

Warm wood vanity and white shiplap walls create a cozy rustic bathroom vibe, complemented by black fixtures and soft lighting. — Source: @unicawallsnc via Instagram

Clean white shiplap walls and marble-look floors bring modern farmhouse charm to this small, stylish bathroom. — Source: @yonagohome via Instagram

Subway tiles look great in a bathroom featuring shiplap wall ideas. Either enjoy the continuity of subway tile and horizontal shiplap lines, or mix it up by installing a vertical shiplap wall instead.

3. Creative Shiplap Bedroom Design

The logical place for a bedroom shiplap accent wall is behind the bed, but you can add this architectural detail anywhere in the room. Horizontal shiplap and vertical shiplap work equally well in the bedroom, and many love the effect so much, they install shiplap on the ceiling as well.

Cozy bedroom features a white shiplap accent wall, black headboard, and modern farmhouse decor with layered black and white textures. — Source: @quinnlayneliving via Instagram

If an entire shiplap wall is too much for your personal aesthetic, shop for a shiplap headboard instead. It will provide just enough of that casual texture you love while freeing up your walls for other home decor accents.

4. Exploring Diagonal Shiplap: A Modern Twist on Classic Wall Design

Traditionally, a shiplap wall would be installed in a horizontal pattern. Now, it’s common to see vertical shiplap, chevron shiplap, and diagonal shiplap configurations. Diagonal wood shiplap is particularly attractive as an accent feature, such as on a kitchen island or a set of sliding barn doors.

Chevron-style diagonal shiplap above the fireplace adds texture and contrast to this bold, navy blue home office with a modern twist. — Source: @artisansignaturehomes via Instagram

Crisp white diagonal shiplap wall adds modern texture behind a wood media console in this cozy, minimalist living room. — Source: @claytoncorner via Instagram

Dark diagonal shiplap accent wall adds bold contrast and warmth to this cozy farmhouse bedroom with a sliding barn door. — Source: @irehabhomes via Instagram

Cozy entry nook features white diagonal shiplap, warm wood floors, and bold accent pillows for a modern rustic vibe. — Source: @vintagethreshold via Instagram

Some designers install shiplap in two patterns on one wall. For example, one half will feature vertical planks, while the other half has them set on the diagonal. This adds a modern twist to classic shiplap wall ideas and is a particularly great backdrop for Scandinavian decor.

5. Elevating Farmhouse Kitchen Vibes with White Shiplap Walls

A white shiplap wall is a must if your kitchen is decorated in farmhouse style. No other wall ideas can beat it for creating that particular country vibe. It’s the perfect background for floating shelves, wire baskets, chalkboard art and other key farmhouse design components.

Sleek white vertical shiplap walls bring subtle texture to this minimalist kitchen with matte black fixtures and clean cabinetry. — Source: @25thandbrick via Instagram

White horizontal shiplap walls brighten this cozy kitchen, paired with navy cabinets and warm butcher block countertops. — Source: @potter.linda via Instagram

Bold black shiplap on the kitchen island creates a striking contrast against white cabinets and glossy subway tile backsplash. — Source: @winchester_woodcrafts via Instagram

If you don’t want to go full farmhouse in the kitchen, a smaller shiplap wall idea will do. Shiplap accent wall ideas are great behind a bench in a mudroom area, or to define the boundaries of your breakfast nook.

6. Balancing Functionality and Style with Shiplap Office Wall Design

People tend to focus more on functionality than style when designing an office space. But there’s no reason for you to stare at a blank white wall while working all day—especially in a home office where you have liberty to decorate as you please.

White horizontal shiplap adds charm and brightness to this cozy home office with vintage touches and botanical wall art. — Source: @adorehousedecor via Instagram

Crisp white shiplap wall sets a clean backdrop for this home office, complete with rustic shelves, greenery, and a dual-monitor desk. — Source: @visionswithvic via Instagram

Define your desk area with shiplap and paint it a color that contrasts with the rest of the walls. Extend your horizontal shiplap wall paneling onto the ceiling for a unique design accent that will make a small office appear more spacious.

7. The Timeless Appeal of Southern Yellow Pine Shiplap

Back when shiplap was used as an interior wall foundation, southern yellow pine was the most popular material in Texas and the southeastern United States. Now pine is one of the most common shiplap woods across America.

Light pine shiplap walls bring warmth and a cozy cabin feel to this charming bedroom with botanical decor and iron bed frame. — Source: @plaids.and.poppies via Instagram

Natural vertical pine shiplap adds rustic texture to this room, balanced by modern pendant lights and a statement ceiling fan. — Source: @spundesign via Instagram

Warm pine shiplap wraps this cozy bathroom, paired with open shelves, patterned tile flooring, and modern smart toilet. — Source: @starryhollowranch via Instagram

Unpainted pine shiplap adds a pale, rustic flavor to any room. Pine wood shiplap must be sealed if used in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

8. Embracing the Beauty of Reclaimed Wood Shiplap

Reclaimed wood makes an excellent type of shiplap. Its natural variations and textures are beautiful as a wall covering in rustic or contemporary homes.

Reclaimed wood shiplap half-wall adds rustic charm to this modern bedroom with a cozy bed, monochrome rug, and gaming setup. — Source: @interior___addict via Instagram

Rustic reclaimed wood shiplap adds vintage charm to this cozy bathroom, complete with farmhouse decor and antique-inspired lighting. — Source: @oldeworldhomestead via Instagram

If you cannot get real shiplap from an old house, other types of reclaimed wood can be cut into shiplap planks. You can also achieve a faux reclaimed finish by staining planks different colors before installation.

9. Elevating Home Decor with Stained Wood Shiplap Accents

Staining is an excellent way to add various wood tones to your home decor. An accent wall with varied shiplap planks can help tie together your decor when you already have several wood tones in the same space.

Dark stained shiplap wall brings rustic warmth to this cozy kids' bedroom, personalized with bold letters and playful decor. — Source: @fullhousetohome via Instagram

Charcoal-stained shiplap wall adds bold, modern contrast to this minimalist bedroom, paired with warm leather accents and geometric lighting. — Source: @innovativeconcepts_const via Instagram

Rustic stained shiplap sets a cozy tone in this entryway nook, featuring a round mirror, wall sconce, and decorative console table. — Source: @mydiyhappyhour via Instagram

Dark stained shiplap wall adds cozy depth to this living room, featuring open wood shelves and a wall-mounted TV centerpiece. — Source: @tmhoriginal via Instagram

Warm honey-stained shiplap walls bring a natural, coastal feel to this airy bedroom with large windows and soft neutral bedding. — Source: @ufpedge via Instagram

Most ceiling surfaces are covered in some variation of white plaster. But covering your ceiling in stained wood shiplap is a great way to make a room feel warmer and cozier.

10. Transform Your Interiors with Shiplap Wainscoting

Sophisticated yet simple, wainscoting is decorative paneling installed along the lower half of a wall. Shiplap wainscoting is more casual than traditional types of wainscoting, but it’s still an excellent choice for a dining room, bathroom, or hallway.

Soft gray shiplap wainscoting brings charm and texture to this serene twin bedroom with cozy layered bedding and natural wood accents. — Source: @house_of_7feathers via Instagram

Bright white shiplap wainscoting adds texture and charm to this small bathroom, paired with soft wallpaper and marble accents. — Source: @manymustardseeds via Instagram

Moody gray shiplap wainscoting grounds this neutral bathroom, complemented by wood shelves, greenery, and a round mirror accent. — Source: @nextleveldesign_build via Instagram

Sleek dark taupe vertical shiplap wainscoting creates a modern, clean-lined entry accent paired with a neutral patterned rug. — Source: @twineindesign via Instagram

Because wainscoting is meant to protect walls from scuffs and dings, choose a durable type of shiplap wood. Add a decorative strip of molding along the top.

11. The Timeless Allure of White Shiplap in Interior Design

White is the first color that comes to mind when most people hear the word “shiplap.” White shiplap has now transcended the boundaries of farmhouse and cottage style and can be found in just about any traditional or contemporary interior.

Crisp white shiplap surrounds this cozy electric fireplace, accented by a rustic wood mantel and a vintage-style mirror. — Source: @davenportfarmhouse_ via Instagram

White shiplap wall adds a fresh, airy feel to this dining room, styled with natural textures, black accents, and greenery. — Source: @deep.roots.home via Instagram

Classic white shiplap adds cozy charm to this living room TV wall, paired with farmhouse decor and a tufted gray accent chair. — Source: @quinnlayneliving via Instagram

Soft white shiplap wraps this cozy fireplace nook, featuring a rustic wood mantel, antler decor, and serene neutral-toned seating. — Source: @sawteethcarpentry via Instagram

Bright white shiplap walls create a welcoming farmhouse entryway, complete with a mint blue door, rustic decor, and cozy textures. — Source: @shiplapshanty via Instagram

White paint is a classic finish for shiplap, but you don’t have to settle for a plain bright white. Cream, ivory, and barely-there grey are white-like paint choices that provide the same look but in a softer way.

12. Whitewash Shiplap: Blending Elegance and Natural Texture

Whitewash is an excellent choice for someone who loves the look of white shiplap but wants some of the natural wood grain to remain. It’s particularly lovely in a room that also has whitewashed exposed brick walls.

Whitewashed shiplap walls and ceiling give this cozy attic bunk room a rustic, airy feel perfect for relaxed group lounging. — Source: @emilygriffin_designer via Instagram

Whitewashed shiplap feature wall adds rustic texture to this cozy living room, paired with earthy tones and eclectic decor. — Source: @papas_pallets via Instagram

Traditional whitewash paint was made from a mixture of chalk and slaked lime, but now you can make an easier version by mixing one part white paint with three parts water. Whitewashed shiplap will need a sealer or glaze to protect the finish.

What is so special about shiplap?

Shiplap wall ideas have become so popular for several reasons. For starters, it’s an easy DIY wall decor option. A DIY shiplap wall is also affordable because it can be made with inexpensive or reclaimed wood. Finally, a shiplap accent wall adds a casual, rustic texture to any room and looks great whether you stain the wood or paint it.

Do you put shiplap over drywall?

Shiplap was used well before the invention of drywall, so in a new build or remodel, you can use it in place of sheetrock. However, if you simply want a shiplap board finish on an existing interior wall, you don’t have to remove the drywall first. Use an adhesive and nails to securely fasten each shiplap plank to the drywall.