Wainscoting is a timeless design element that adds character, texture, and architectural interest to any space. Traditionally used for practical purposes, such as protecting walls and insulating rooms, wainscoting has evolved into a versatile decorative feature that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of every room in your home. If you’re not sure what to do with wainscoting, we have some great ideas for you! Be sure to schedule an in-home consultation to learn more about how wainscoting can elevate your Los Angeles property!
Living Room: Classic Elegance
Raised panel wainscoting is an excellent choice for traditional and formal living rooms. This type of wainscoting features panels that protrude slightly from the wall, creating a three-dimensional effect. Opt for classic white or deep, rich hues like navy or charcoal for a sophisticated look. You can also pair wainscoting with crown molding for a cohesive look.
Another option is beadboard wainscoting, which consists of narrow vertical planks with a distinctive ridge between each plank. We recommend using this wainscoting on the lower third of the wall, topped with a chair rail. Beadboard wainscoting is ideal for rooms where you want to create a cozy, cottage-style atmosphere. Be sure to choose white or pastel shades to enhance the warm, inviting feel.
Dining Room: Refined Charm
Box frame wainscoting, also known as picture frame wainscoting, features a series of rectangular frames created with molding. You’ll want to align the frames with the dining room table and chairs for a harmonious look and feel. We also recommend choosing bold colors like deep green or burgundy to create a dramatic and sophisticated effect.
Dining rooms also look fabulous with shiplap wainscoting, which consists of horizontal wooden boards that overlap slightly. They look great when you’re striving for a rustic or farmhouse look. You can extend the shiplap to the ceiling for a more striking appearance, or you can use it to cover only a portion of the wall. We also recommend neutral tones like gray or beige.
Bathroom: Functional Beauty
Yes, wainscoting can even be installed in your bathroom to enhance its aesthetics! Tile wainscoting uses ceramic or porcelain tiles to add texture and protect against moisture. It’s suitable for modern and classic bathrooms, and you can add a decorative border at the top for a finished look. White or light-colored tiles can make a small bathroom feel more spacious, so stick to the colors if you’re working in a tighter space.
Board and batten wainscoting is another option for the bathroom, featuring wide boards with narrow strips (battens) covering the seams. It provides a clean, architectural look, especially when you opt for a crisp white or soothing blue color scheme. You can combine board and batten wainscoting with contrasting wall paint for a bold effect, while still keeping a spa-like ambience.
Bedroom: Cozy and Inviting
Tongue and groove wainscoting is a type of wainscoting that involves boards that fit together with a tongue and groove joint. It’s ideal for a rustic or coastal feel, especially when you choose soft, muted colors like sage green or sky blue. Many people use wainscoting behind the bed frame to create a statement headboard effect, while others prefer it for an accent wall.
Shadow box wainscoting is similar to box frame wainscoting, but with larger, more pronounced frames. It adds depth and sophistication to bedroom walls, and you can use it to coordinate the wainscoting color with your bedding and decor for a cohesive look. Neutral tones or even wallpaper within the frames can add an extra layer of detail.
Entryway and Hallways: First Impressions Matter
Don’t forget—wainscoting is not limited to interior rooms only. You can use it in entryways and hallways to welcome people into your home, making a great first impression. Vertical plank wainscoting uses vertical planks to add height and visual interest to narrow spaces. It works well in both traditional and contemporary settings, and you can even combine it with hooks and shelves to add a functional space for coats and backpacks. Bright whites or contrasting dark colors can make a bold statement as well.
Geometric wainscoting incorporates geometric patterns like chevron or herringbone designs. We recommend geometric wainscoting for accent walls or to create a focal point in hallways and entryways. It looks especially unique when you use contrasting colors.
Are you ready to add wainscoting to your Los Angeles home? Whether you prefer a classic, traditional look or a more modern contemporary style, there is a wainscoting option to suit your taste. Contact Kavin Construction to learn more about this design upgrade and how it can elevate your home.
