Gorgeous Shiplap Accent Wall Ideas for the Home
Accent walls are all the rage in interior design partly because shiplap is nearly universal and coordinates with all home decor styles. One popular way to incorporate shiplap into your home is the use of shiplap for accent walls. In this blog post, we will explore a bit of history behind shiplap, discuss how to select the best wall, discuss accent wall design considerations, and like I always do I will show you some of my favorite shiplap design ideas you can use in creating your very own stunning design.

History Behind Shiplap
Shiplap has its roots in traditional woodworking and construction techniques. Originally used for building wooden ships, this versatile technique has found its way into modern interior design. Shiplap consists of horizontally aligned wood boards with grooves on the edges, allowing the pieces to fit together snugly.
How to Select an Accent Wall in Your Home
Before discussing the specifics of shiplap accent walls, it’s crucial to understand how to select the right area to accent. Here are a few things that I have learned after doing numerous accent walls in my own home design.
Focal Point
Choose a wall that naturally draws attention or serves as a focal point in the room. This could be a fireplace wall, a wall behind a bed, or one that features a unique architectural element in your home.
Size and Proportion
Select a wall that is proportionate to the size of the room. A smaller room may benefit from a large accent wall that appears to expand the space, while a small wall in a large room might not have the design impact you look for in an accent wall.
Lighting
Assess the natural and artificial lighting sources already in the room. Accent walls tend to attract lots of attention, so ensure proper lighting is used to highlight the wall and halps create the look you are aiming for.
Accent Wall Design Considerations
When planning for an accent wall in your home, keep the following design considerations in mind to maximize the impact and ensure your wall has the desired impact.
Color Scheme
Consider the existing colors in the room and choose a complementary or contrasting color for the accent wall. This helps create a visually pleasing space. Some of my favorite colors to use on a shiplap wall are Benjamin Moore Paper White and Benjamin Moore Gray Owl.
Texture and Material
Decide on the texture and material that aligns with your overall design vision. Shiplap, with its clean lines and natural wood texture, can add warmth and depth to any space.
Scale and Pattern
Determine the scale and pattern of the accent wall. Shiplap offers various installation options, such as horizontal or vertical alignment, which can create vastly different visual effects. I think I prefer the traditional horizontal shiplap but vertical shiplap is definitely growing in popularity as well.
Furniture and Decor
Visualize how the accent wall will interact with the existing furniture and decor in the room. Nobody wants to buy all new furniture to go with their newly designed accent wall. Select an accent wall design that coordinates and enhances your existing furniture pieces.
Shiplap for Accent Walls
Yes, shiplap absolutely can be used for an accent wall. Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse style or a more modern aesthetic, shiplap can be a versatile choice for creating a unique accent wall.
Is Shiplap Still in Style?
Shiplap has been a design staple for many years so its natural to wonder is shiplap still in style? Like any trend, its popularity has fluctuated. However, it’s safe to say that shiplap is still in style and continues to be a popular choice in interior design.
Let’s explore why shiplap remains relevant and how it has evolved in recent years. Here are the reasons I think shiplap will continue and will likely always be on trend.
Timeless Appeal
One of the reasons shiplap has stood the test of time is its timeless appeal. The clean lines, horizontal orientation, and distinct grooves of shiplap create a classic and versatile look that can complement any design style. Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse aesthetic, a coastal vibe, or a modern and minimalist approach, shiplap can adapt and enhance any space.
Versatility in Finishes
While the traditional shiplap is made of natural wood, shiplap is now available in a range of materials, including engineered wood and even PVC or MDF panels. This versatility in finishes allows for more customization and adaptability to different design preferences and budgets. Whether you choose to leave the shiplap in its natural wood tone, paint it in a bold color, or opt for a whitewashed or distressed look, you can create a unique and personalized statement with shiplap.
Texture
Shiplap is valued for its ability to add texture and visual interest to walls. The horizontal lines and grooves create depth and dimension, making a room feel more dynamic. Which can help break up monotonous walls and provide a focal point that draws the eye.
Adaptability
Shiplap is not limited to any specific room; it can be used in practically any space throughout a home. From living rooms and bedrooms to kitchens, bathrooms, and even entryways, shiplap can truly transform any space.
DIY-Friendly Installation
Another reason for the continuing popularity of shiplap is its DIY-friendly installation. With the right tools and tutorials, homeowners can take on shiplap projects themselves. Pre-cut shiplap panels and tongue-and-groove designs make installation more accessible, even for those with limited DIY experience. The DIY aspect of shiplap has certainly contributed to the rise of shiplap.
Shiplap Accent Wall Ideas
Chevron Pattern
Add a touch of modern flair to your home with a chevron accent wall. This pattern is the perfect way to add visual interest and texture to a space without overdoing it. Use white or light-colored paint to keep the look clean and airy, or go bold with contrasting colors for a more dramatic and unique look.
High Ceiling
Create a stunning focal point in your living room by covering an entire wall with shiplap. This look is especially effective in high ceiling rooms, as it adds height to otherwise plain walls. The white tone of the shiplap coupled with the fireplace add warmth and coziness to this home’s living room.
Rustic Shiplap Accent Wall
Go rustic with a shiplap accent wall finished with natural wood tones. This look is perfect for those who want to evoke the feeling of being in a cozy cabin in the woods. Choose accenting shades of brown, tan, and beige to create an inviting atmosphere. The light-colored furniture ties it all together, creating an atmosphere that feels like home. I think if this were my home I would consider painting the space and distressing the paint a bit. It would be a great way to add additional color to this space.
Gray Shiplap
A gray shiplap accent wall is a great way to create an atmosphere of relaxation and sophistication in a bedroom. The neutral gray tones in this bedroom help bring out the warmth of the wood furniture and tie in with the other elements of the room. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can choose to paint your shiplap in a light or dark shade of gray.
Shiplap – Gap
Somehow the gaps in between this horizontal shiplap wall give it an entirely different feel to it than shiplap without the gap. It gives off more of a coastal/ beach vibe. I do know that some people will add caulking in-between the shiplap planks. If you are going for a coastal design maybe skip that step while creating your own shiplap design. As you can imagine I absolutely love this design. This is probably my favorite design of all reviewed here, I am a sucker of anything that gives off coastal or beachy vibes.
Shiplap – No Gap

Similar to the design above except this design does not have visible gaps. This design brings me to mind more of a farmhouse style. So if that’s your style this design might be best for you. To achieve this look you can either install your planks close together or you can caulk the gap and paint over the caulking.
Black Shiplap Wall
This entryway with shiplap painted in black is an elegant and modern way to add a bold and unique touch to your home. The black shiplap is contrasted with the light-colored furniture, creating a bold and eye-catching statement. This look pairs well with both traditional and modern design styles while still maintaining that classic appeal shiplap is known and loved for.
Navy Blue Shiplap Accent Wall
The navy blue shiplap bedroom wall is a beautiful way to add color and texture to the space. The dark hue complements the neutral furniture while still allowing for bold pops of color via accessories, like pillows or artwork. This look works particularly well with more traditional or coastal design styles, as it helps to create an inviting and warm atmosphere.
Shiplap Bathroom Ideas
Shiplap can be used in bathrooms to create a timeless look. Whether you’re looking for a modern or traditional aesthetic, shiplap can help you achieve the desired effect. Try using natural wood tones for an earthy feel or opt for white-painted shiplap for a more contemporary look. If your bathroom is small, try covering only one wall with shiplap to draw the eye towards that area and not overpower the small space.
Shiplap Ceiling
Who says that an accent wall has to be an actual wall? Shiplap is a great way to add interest to ceilings. This look can be achieved with either horizontal or vertical boards, depending on the look you’re going for. Try using white-painted shiplap for a classic feel or opt for natural wood tones if you want to evoke the feeling of being in a cozy cabin. A shiplap ceiling is an unexpected way to add additional style and design to a space.
Shiplap Accent Wall Wrapup
These examples of a shiplap done well should give you plenty of inspiration and ideas for your next home design project. There are so many ways that shiplap can be used to add texture, style, charm and interest to any room. Whether you’re looking for a traditional or modern farmhouse shiplap look, shiplap is sure to be the perfect accent wall material for your home.
Love this. What color green is that with the horizontal shiplap in the bedroom?
A white shiplap wall creates a clean, airy feel and acts as a perfect backdrop for colorful decor or bold furniture. For a dramatic look, consider painting the shiplap in darker shades like navy, charcoal, or even black—this can create a stunning focal point in living rooms or bedrooms. Horizontal shiplap elongates walls, making spaces feel more expansive, while vertical shiplap can add a sense of height and draw the eye upward.
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