Are you dreaming of adding a touch of rustic elegance or modern farmhouse charm to your home? A shiplap accent wall might be the perfect solution! We recently embarked on this transformative DIY journey in our living room, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. Join us as we share our incredible before and after pictures and dive deep into how this simple yet impactful design choice completely revolutionized our space.
Moving into a new house often means inheriting someone else’s style. While our new home was technically move-in ready, we envisioned a space that truly reflected our personality and taste. Within our first year, we tackled several ambitious projects, including a complete kitchen renovation and, perhaps most notably, this game-changing DIY shiplap accent wall. The transformation it brought to our living area was profound and inspiring. (Please note: This article contains affiliate links for products we love and recommend, originally published December 2018.)
Can Shiplap Be Used as an Accent Wall? Absolutely!
The short answer is a resounding yes! Shiplap is an absolutely fantastic choice for an accent wall, and our living room is living proof. It instantly creates a captivating focal point, adding texture, depth, and a distinctive character that draws the eye. In our home, it quickly became a “wow” feature that everyone admires. Just last week, we shared the details of our Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen Decor and renovation, and now, with the shiplap wall complete, our vision for a cohesive, stylish farmhouse aesthetic is truly taking shape.
The only remaining element on order for this room are our custom plantation shutters, which will grace the large windows to the left of the accent wall. Even without them, the impact of fresh paint and strategically placed shiplap is undeniable. This project alone has dramatically altered the room’s entire ambiance. Prepare to be amazed by the dramatic before and after photos!
From Drab to Fab: Our Living Room’s Evolution
Looking back at the “before” pictures still makes me cringe a little. The room felt dark, dated, and lacked the vibrant energy we craved. It was a sea of brown, creating an oppressive atmosphere that didn’t inspire joy or comfort. We knew we had to make a change to truly make this house our home.
But the “after” pictures? They bring an instant, genuine smile to my face every single time! It’s incredible what a difference brightening up a room can make. The space now feels open, airy, and infused with a sense of peace and happiness. It’s a room I genuinely love spending time in.
Beyond the shiplap, we also replaced our couches to better align with our new farmhouse aesthetic, bidding farewell to the overwhelming presence of brown. However, the most significant and impactful change undoubtedly came from the combination of fresh, bright white paint and the elegant shiplap panels. The dramatic shift from “brown, brown, everything brown” to a crisp, inviting white has been truly transformative.
A Glimpse Into the Process: Shiplap Installation Progress
To give you a better idea of the journey, here are a few candid cell phone photos capturing the progress as our shiplap accent wall began to take shape. These snapshots truly highlight the step-by-step evolution from a blank canvas to a textured masterpiece.
How to Install a Shiplap Accent Wall: Your Comprehensive DIY Guide
During this period, our home was a hub of activity. While our shiplap accent wall was being installed, our back patio was undergoing a complete replacement, and the entire kitchen was being renovated. Needless to say, there was a lot happening! For this particular living room wall, we opted to bring in professional help to ensure a flawless finish given the scale of our concurrent projects.
However, installing shiplap is absolutely a project you can tackle yourself! In fact, my husband, inspired by the incredible results and my newfound obsession, is now learning to install it himself for a few other walls I have in mind. If you’re considering a DIY approach, we’ve got you covered with a detailed guide to help you achieve professional-looking results.
Planning and Preparation are Key for Your Shiplap Project
- Choosing Your Shiplap: You’ll typically find MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) shiplap boards, which are cost-effective and easy to paint, or real wood shiplap for a more authentic, rustic feel. Consider the style you’re aiming for.
- Measure Accurately: Carefully measure the width and height of your accent wall. This will help you calculate how many boards you’ll need, accounting for any waste from cuts. It’s always a good idea to buy about 10-15% extra material.
- Wall Prep: Ensure your wall is clean, dry, and smooth. Fill any large holes or cracks, and give it a quick wipe down. Remove all existing trim, baseboards, and outlet covers.
- Safety First: Always wear safety glasses when cutting and operating power tools. Keep your workspace clear and well-lit.
Essential Tools and Materials for Shiplap Installation
Having the right tools makes all the difference in a DIY project. Here’s what you’ll need:
- MDF Shiplap boards: Readily available at most local hardware stores, offering a variety of styles and finishes.
- Pry Bar and Hammer: For removing existing trim and baseboards.
- Stud Finder: Absolutely crucial for locating wall studs, ensuring your shiplap is securely fastened.
- Chalk Line: To create straight, level reference lines on your wall.
- Level (4-foot and/or torpedo): Essential for ensuring each board is perfectly straight.
- Pencil: For marking cuts and stud locations.
- Tape Measure: For precise measurements of boards and wall sections.
- Speed Square: Helps ensure perfectly square cuts on your boards.
- Circular Saw or Miter Saw: For cutting shiplap boards to size. A miter saw is ideal for precise cross-cuts, while a circular saw works well for longer rips.
- Nailer with 16-gauge nails: A pneumatic or electric nailer will make installation quick and secure. 1.5-2 inch nails are typically sufficient.
- Spacers (nickels or shims): To ensure consistent gaps between shiplap boards for that classic look.
- Wood Filler and Caulk: For filling nail holes and sealing gaps for a professional finish.
- Paint and Primer: If you’re painting your shiplap after installation.
- Handheld vacuum:
- For easy cleanup – there will be a lot of dust and small particles to pick up throughout the process of hanging shiplap. Keep it close by!
- Look for models with a variety of attachments to clean behind furniture, under your TV stand, and then a floor attachment for larger areas.
- Consider a cordless vacuum for ultimate convenience; getting rid of cords makes DIY tasks so much smoother!
Step-by-Step Shiplap Installation Process
- Locate and Mark Studs: Use your stud finder to locate and mark all vertical studs on your wall. Draw a light pencil line from the ceiling to the floor at each stud location. These are where you’ll nail your boards for maximum stability.
- Install the First Board (Crucial!): Begin at the bottom of the wall. Using your level, ensure your first shiplap board is perfectly level. This step is critical; if your first board is off, all subsequent boards will be off. Nail it securely into the studs.
- Work Your Way Up: Place spacers (like nickels or specialized shims) on top of the first board before laying the second. This creates the signature gap between shiplap planks.
- Measure and Cut: For each subsequent board, measure the exact length needed and cut it using your circular or miter saw. Remember the old adage: “Measure twice, cut once.”
- Stagger Joints: To create a more natural and professional look, stagger the vertical joints of your shiplap boards. Avoid having all joints line up directly above each other.
- Nail Securely: Nail each board into the studs, typically at the top and bottom edge of the plank. The tongue and groove design of most shiplap will help hold them together.
- Work Around Obstacles: For outlets or light switches, carefully measure and cut openings in your shiplap boards using a jigsaw.
- Top Board: The very last board at the top might need to be ripped down lengthwise to fit. Measure precisely and cut with a circular saw.
- Finishing Touches: Once all boards are installed, use wood filler to cover all nail holes. Let it dry, then sand smooth. Apply caulk along the edges where the shiplap meets adjacent walls, ceiling, or existing trim for a seamless finish.
- Paint! If you’ve chosen paintable shiplap, now’s the time to prime and paint. Two coats of a good quality paint will give you a durable and beautiful finish.
Here is our completed white shiplap accent wall, a beacon of brightness and style in our refreshed living room!
I absolutely LOVE it! The crisp white against the texture of the shiplap creates such an inviting and visually interesting space.
Shiplap Accent Wall Living Room: The Full Aesthetic
The shiplap accent wall was a major component of our living room overhaul, but it wasn’t the only change. To amplify the bright, open, and airy feel, we painted all the other walls a complementary shade of white – a change that made an undeniably HUGE difference. We also updated our old, dark couches with lighter, more modern farmhouse-style seating, and incorporated a brand-new white farmhouse TV stand. These elements collectively worked to further brighten and harmonize the room’s aesthetic.
This entire transformation was a significant project, requiring careful planning and saving, but it was all part of our grand vision to truly make this house our dream home. I honestly knew the changes would look better, but I had absolutely NO idea just how dramatic and impactful the final result would be. The transformation has genuinely altered the way I feel in the space, bringing a sense of calm and happiness that was missing before.
Embracing the DIY Shiplap Accent Wall Lifestyle
As a food blogger, I naturally spend a significant amount of time in my kitchen. However, for most of us, the living room is a central hub – a place for relaxation, entertainment, and gathering with loved ones. If the rooms you spend the most time in don’t bring you joy and comfort, it’s absolutely worth considering a change. The investment in creating a space you love is priceless, and the return in daily happiness is immeasurable. It’s truly so worth it!
Even if a full shiplap installation feels daunting or beyond your current budget, remember that even the smallest changes can make a huge impact. Simply changing the paint color on your walls can work wonders. A fresh coat of a brighter, more inviting hue will instantly lift your spirits and bring a smile to your face. Start small, and let that spark inspire bigger projects over time.
Another beloved addition to our renovated living room is this custom sign, which you can see beautifully displayed below. It features my favorite quote of all time, and I’ve always dreamed of having it hung prominently in my home. We had Averie Lane create this sign for us, and they can craft a similar personalized piece for you with any quote you desire, in any size to perfectly fit your space.
- I provided Averie Lane with the exact measurements for the sign, my chosen quote, and even sent her pictures of my couch and clock. This allowed her to perfectly match the colors for the flowers and other design elements on the sign, ensuring it harmonized beautifully with our existing decor.
Shiplap Wall: Horizontal or Vertical Design Choices
While we chose a classic horizontal orientation for our living room shiplap, it’s worth noting that shiplap can also be installed vertically. Horizontal shiplap tends to make a room feel wider and can evoke a more traditional farmhouse or coastal aesthetic. Vertical shiplap, on the other hand, can make ceilings appear higher and offers a slightly more contemporary or cottage-style look. The choice largely depends on the architectural features of your room and the specific design vibe you’re aiming for. Both orientations add incredible texture and visual interest, proving shiplap’s versatility in modern interior design.
Beyond the Living Room: Versatile Shiplap Applications
Don’t limit your shiplap dreams to just the living room! This versatile wall treatment can enhance a multitude of spaces throughout your home. Imagine a cozy shiplap accent wall in a bedroom, adding warmth and serenity. In a bathroom, it can create a spa-like retreat or a charming cottage feel. Even a hallway or entryway can benefit from shiplap, providing an inviting texture that sets the tone for the rest of your home. Its ability to adapt to various styles—from rustic to coastal to minimalist—makes it a designer’s favorite for adding character without overwhelming a space. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle backdrop or a bold statement, shiplap offers endless possibilities for elevating your home’s interior.
Maintaining Your Beautiful Shiplap Accent Wall
Once your shiplap accent wall is beautifully installed and painted, caring for it is surprisingly simple. For painted shiplap, regular dusting with a soft cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment will keep it looking fresh. For any marks or scuffs, a damp cloth with a mild cleaner is usually sufficient. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the paint finish. Because shiplap adds texture, occasional deeper cleaning might be needed in the grooves, which is where your handheld vacuum with its specialized attachments can really shine. With minimal effort, your shiplap accent wall will remain a stunning focal point in your home for years to come.
Your Home, Your Sanctuary: Embrace the DIY Spirit
Our living room’s transformation with a DIY shiplap accent wall, combined with fresh paint and new furnishings, has been one of the most rewarding home projects we’ve undertaken. It reinforced our belief that creating a home you truly love, a space that reflects your personality and brings you joy, is an invaluable endeavor. Whether you decide to tackle a full shiplap installation yourself or start with smaller, impactful changes, embracing the DIY spirit can lead to incredibly fulfilling results.
We hope our journey inspires you to envision the possibilities within your own home. Don’t be afraid to dream big, get your hands dirty, and create spaces that genuinely make you happy. The satisfaction of stepping into a room you’ve personally transformed is an unparalleled feeling. Go ahead, make your house truly your home!