Wainscoting is a beautiful architectural feature that adds timeless character and dimension to any wall or space. It complements a wide range of interior design styles, from classic to modern. If you’re thinking about adding wainscoting to your home, keep reading — I’ll share some of the best ideas and guidelines to help you choose the style that best fits your home and overall design aesthetic.
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Does Wainscotting Increase Home Value?
As a designer, I truly believe that wainscoting can increase a home’s value — and I can back that up with experience from one of my own projects.
A few years ago, a client hired me to redecorate her home with the goal of preparing it for resale. The house was lovely, but it lacked character and visual interest. I recommended adding wainscoting throughout to elevate the space and give it that extra “wow” factor. In the dining room, we even introduced a charming British wallpaper (the homeowner’s wife was from England), which added a touch of personality and flair.
By the end of the renovation, the home was picture-perfect and ready for the market.
A few weeks later, my client called just to thank me. She said that during the sale, buyers were dazzled — and the couple who ultimately purchased the home not only offered above asking, but also wrote a handwritten letter expressing how much they loved the decor and all the special touches.
She credited me for the incredible result.
So, was it me or the wainscoting? Well — maybe a little bit of both. But there’s no doubt that thoughtful design choices, like adding wainscoting, can make a home more appealing and significantly increase its perceived value.
The 10 Best Wainscotting Ideas
I’ve already shared one wainscoting idea — adding wallpaper above or within your wainscoting, like I did in my client’s dining room. Now, let me give you ten more inspiring ideas to consider for your own home.
1. Board and Batten and Shiplap
Photo Credit: ComfyInspo
Integrating board and batten or ship lap can add depth and dimension to your wainscoting while creating a luxurious feel. I especially love this look when it’s painted, as it gives the wall more visual interest and allows the paint to play with the nooks and crannies, enhancing the overall sense of dimension.
2. Half Wainscotting
Photo Credit: Doowrt
Maybe you don’t want to commit to fully wainscoted walls, or perhaps your style leans a bit more minimal. A half-wainscoted look can still add plenty of interest while creating a beautiful juxtaposition between the plain wall and the panelled section. It’s a timeless, classic approach that works in almost any space.
3. Colorful Wainscotting
Photo Credit: Doowrt
Now here’s where you can have some fun with your wainscoting! I love the look of this soft baby blue — it adds an unexpected pop of color and a touch of boldness. Wainscoting is often seen as a traditional feature, but when you paint it in a fun or vibrant shade, it instantly feels fresh and contemporary.
4. Classic Wainscotting
Photo Credit: Plumbingreads
A classic-style wainscoting definitely deserves a spot on the list. It’s rich, traditional, and instantly creates a space that feels perfect for a cigar, a good book, or a game on TV — whatever your vibe may be. It carries a distinctly masculine presence, and I personally love that. You really can’t go wrong with the classics — traditional wainscoting will always be a timeless winner.
5. Vertical Tongue and Groove
Photo Credit: Plumbingreads
Vertical Tongue and Groove is a panelling method made from interlocking boards that connect with a tongue (ridge) and groove (slot). It’s primarily a construction technique, but when used as wainscoting, it creates a timeless look with beautiful depth and texture on the wall.
6. Picture Frame Molding Wainscotting
Photo Credit: Doowrt
Picture frame molding is a classic and elegant type of wainscoting that adds instant appeal to any space. It’s actually one of my favourite styles — there’s something so sleek and refined about it, yet it still delivers a subtle punch of character.
7. Statement Wall
Photo Credit: EdwardGeorgeLondon
Creating a statement wall with wainscoting is a contemporary and fresh approach — and it might be one of my favourite ways to use it. It’s unexpected and instantly adds character to a space. Consider making one wall the focal point with wainscoting to create that perfect touch of interest and style.
8. Geometric Wainscotting
Photo Credit: Toolzview
You can get creative with your wainscoting design and take a more modern approach, like the example here. These days, almost anything you can imagine can be brought to life. Wainscoting gives you plenty of room to play and explore different ideas — it’s a great way to add personality and a fresh twist to a classic feature.
9. Rustic French Country
Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy
This rustic farmhouse style of wainscoting is really doing it for me — it’s rich, warm, and gives off that effortlessly sexy French country vibe (or is that just me?). This style is perfect for country homes or older houses with character. It’s such a lovely, timeless approach that adds charm and depth to any space.
10. Photo Ledge
Photo Credit: The Lettered Cottage
I love the idea of incorporating a photo ledge into wainscoting. It’s an amazing way to introduce new decor elements into a space in a very intentional and thoughtful way. This style works beautifully in cottage-style homes or in any space that aims to add layers of texture and personality through decor.
What Type Of Wainscotting Is Right For Your Home?
The type of wainscoting that’s right for your home is the one that best suits your personal style. You should also consider the character of your home. Is it older, full of charm? Then a more traditional style of wainscoting might be perfect. If your home is newer and has a more minimal feel, a contemporary design could be the ideal choice.
You can never go wrong with adding character to your walls. After all, walls are blank canvases that deserve some visual interest. I encourage you to explore different wainscoting options and find the style that speaks to you.
And if you’re still unsure, I’m here to answer all your interior design questions and help you bring your vision to life.
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