Shiplap Dining Room Wall Ideas For Your Home

Shiplap has become quite popular in recent years, once relegated to the exterior of barn walls, this rough-sawn 1” pine, (or equally inexpensive wood) this board is now the darling of interior designers and home-owners alike. Shiplap can be easily installed over drywall for a simple update or in lieu of drywall for those who are building or doing a major remodel.

One of the reasons that shiplap has become so popular is because it is surprisingly versatile. From industrial and modern to more traditional and even French country, paneling can help anchor your look. It can be painted or stained, and while we see it installed horizontally more often than not, installing it vertically adds interest and offers a unique and beautiful spin on this classic material. Providing an attractive alternative from traditional wainscoting, these shiplap dining room ideas can create visual interest and help you bring your own personal touch to your design.

Shiplap Design Tips

Create a single focal point – Choose a wall that draws the most attention as the one you use for this paneling. Vertical panels draw the eye upward which is useful to make the ceiling s feel larger. Horizontal panels can make the space feel wider.

Decide on your style –  Are you going for a more farmhouse style? If so go for horizontal orientation for your panels. Vertical can be used for a more contemporary ambiance.

Get the wall color right – Using neutral tones like white, lighter grays, beige and light blues can help brighten the space. Natural wood is used to provide a rustic feel. Use bold or darker shades to make a dramatic effect. Dark hues like navy, charcoal and black can look stunning, just be careful not to overdo it or the room could feel too dark.

Try mixing and matching materials – Consider pairing these panels with other materials and textures for stylish results. For instance wood walls with brick can mix up the texture and add depth to the room’s design. Complement the materials with finishes in wood or metal in the lighting fixtures, chairs, table, cabinetry and shelving.

Complement with furniture and decor – choose furnishings that match the style of your paneling. Bring in textiles like table runners, placements and curtains to further emphasize a specific style. For instance fabrics like linen or cotton can be great in a rustic or casual style room. Don’t forget to balance color tones between the walls and the furniture for a cohesive look.

Pay attention to the dimensions –  When selecting the size of you boards, remember that wider planks will make the room feel cozier when used in a large floor plan. On the other hand, use narrower boards in smaller spaces to maintain balance and keep things in proportion.

This beautiful shiplap dining room has a coastal design with light hardwood flooring, wicker backed chairs and jute woven wood shades.

In a more modern setting, a wide shiplap, painted bright white or a pearly, neutral grey creates a stunning backdrop for blonde Norwegian or teak Mid-Century furnishings.

Anchor the look with dark wood flooring, a modern brightly colored rug, and simply framed photography on the walls. To add an industrial edge, swap out your standard ceiling light for a raw light fixture containing rubbed metals, glass, and exposed bulbs. Trade the streamlined chairs out for chairs made with custom-made leather seats and tubular steal frames. The mixture of textures creates a warm, lived in look that invites people to sit down and stay awhile.

A wood shiplap ceiling can really give your dining room a classy coastal or cottage style that you’ll love.

For a more traditional look, consider installing shiplap on your ceiling and keeping the walls a standard drywall texture. Accent this look with upholstered dining chairs like the Hayes Tufted Dining Chair from Pottery Barn, a simple, scaled chandelier, and round dining table. If you don’t want to shiplap the ceiling, this look can be just as stunning with ship lapped walls. If you want a more coastal traditional look, use natural woven rattan, such as the Kubu Dining Chair from Pier 1 and a reclaimed teak table. Use a worn Indian rug woven in pale blues, greens, and creams and airy linen draperies.

Flip your shiplap vertically, paint it creamy almond or earthy light mushroom. Add a simple, thin-lined black iron chandelier, an antique wood table, and the beautiful Bluffton Side Chairs from Wayfair and you have the base for a variety of looks depending on how you accessorize.

For a French Countryside feel, bring in vases of fresh flowers, raw silk draperies the same color as the wall, and simple antique sideboard or buffet. Of course installing a dining room with French doors is a sure way to bring in elegance and plenty of natural light to brighten things up.

If you want a sophisticated American country look, go for a woven cotton rug in a simple geometric pattern, such as the Bonnie Grey by Dash&Albert to anchor your table. Repaint an old pie safe or hutch with a soft milk paint, frame your artwork with natural wood frames and white matting. A simple cotton subtly colored drapery with plenty volume so they billow nicely when the windows are open is a must for any country décor.

For those of us who are more eclectic or want a global look, a shiplap kitchen wall is perfect. Try painting it a dark, moody color. Black Flame works great, whether you are using the shiplap as an accent wall or on all 4 walls, Black Flame will create a sophisticated but not stuffy feel. And the texture that the boards adds will create visual interest. Because this color is as versatile as the shiplap, you can pair it with whatever you like.

A beat-up pub table and dramatic velvet-upholstered wingback chairs, a sleek modern dark wood table with clear acrylic chairs, or anything in between can work here. Bring in your favorite Persian rug and put a cozy armchair in the corner right next to a bookshelf full of vintage cookbooks for a marvelous meal-planning spot. Keep your draperies simple, a solid color or maybe a lattice design in a monochromatic scheme suspended from a brushed-bronze rod. The Geometric Gold and Silver leaf lantern from shades of Light is perfect for any transitional style with it’s blend of classical design and modern finishes.

If you live in an apartment or rental and can’t just shiplap until your heart is content, don’t worry, there is a solution for you. Removable shiplap wallpaper is a thing! This wallpaper is great for those who move frequently or aren’t allowed to permanently alter their walls. This wallpaper is available online and from most large hardware chains.

Shiplap has been immortalized on design shows and is the darling of rustic and country interiors. But shiplap doesn’t stop at country, it is a versatile, inexpensive way to add texture and interest to just about any style décor.