Shiplap bedroom wall ideas provide a fantastic opportunity to add subtle texture to your room.
Commonly found in coastal and farmhouse designs, shiplap walls serve as a versatile backdrop, complementing various interior styles from breezy beach house to a snug country retreat. Besides being a top choice for bedroom decor, shiplap can also creatively enhance visual space.
"Shiplap brings beauty and dimension to a room that flat walls simply can't achieve. Horizontally applied on slanted ceilings can make a room feel more spacious, while vertical applications can create a sense of height," says an experienced interior designer. Learn more.
If you're contemplating adding shiplap to your bedroom or seeking fresh decor ideas for existing shiplap walls, these chic examples and expert insights will spark your creativity.
Extremely adaptable, shiplap bedroom wall concepts act as a blank canvas for various decorating ideas paired with your color choices and overall styling approach.
For a rustic vibe, dark shiplap walls work wonders, while white paneling fits beautifully in coastal or Scandinavian themes. If you're after a farmhouse feel, classic colors like duck egg blue or soft sage green are excellent choices.
If your home features existing shiplap, preserving it can enhance its charm. For those who appreciate the look but lack the architectural feature, shiplap sheets can be purchased and installed with adhesive. For a quick solution, consider shiplap-inspired wallpaper.
1. Embrace Coastal Charm with White Shiplap Walls
White shiplap walls are an ideal choice for creating a coastal ambiance. Interior designer Allison Babcock believes that white-painted shiplap provides the perfect base for fresh, beachy designs.
"Shiplap offers a charming coastal aesthetic. The clean lines overlap at the joints, echoing traditional shipbuilding methods. It's simple yet always looks polished," she shares.
Combine with white furniture and accessories in ocean-inspired hues for that inviting beach house feel.
2. Soft Grey Paneling for a Calm Atmosphere
While white can feel stark, soft grey shiplap creates a warm backdrop in your bedroom. This farmhouse-style application adds gentle texture, perfect for a serene environment.
Pair with striped and ticking fabric bed linens for a lovely contrast against the shiplap's vertical lines, while soft yellows and neutrals complement the grey beautifully.
3. Brighten Up with a Colorful Feature Wall
For a fun take on traditional nautical design, swap white shiplap for vibrant teal. Add blue accents and a pop of pink for an unexpected twist.
By only extending the shiplap three-quarters up the wall and topping it with a shelf, you create a delightful display space for art or decorative pieces, while bold bed covers keep the look modern.
4. Make Narrow Rooms Feel Spacious with Horizontal Shiplap
Horizontal shiplap can widen the appearance of a small bedroom, while vertical boards draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of height.
Choose white shiplap to enhance the feeling of space, and introduce warm metallic accents and a plush headboard for a cozy yet luxurious touch.
5. Conceal Closets with Shiplap Doors
In compact bedrooms, shiplap can cleverly disguise closet doors, making the space feel larger and more organized.
With seamless designs and discreet handles, these tongue and groove doors blend beautifully when closed, yet easily slide open to reveal ample storage.
6. Introduce Texture in Dark Spaces with Shiplap
Dark shiplap can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere. However, flat colors may lack depth. Shiplap walls bring visual interest when illuminated, enhancing the ambiance.
In this example, dark navy shiplap beautifully contrasts with a warm wooden dressing table.
7. Design a Coastal Kid's Room
Using shiplap in a child's room can amplify the nautical theme while making a narrow space feel larger with horizontal lines.
Industrial-style lighting enhances the coastal vibe and provides functional illumination for each loft bed.
8. Vintage Vibes with Shiplap
For antique enthusiasts, shiplap walls create an ideal backdrop for showcasing vintage decor in a renovated Georgian cottage.
In her son's room, peg rails above the shiplap add smart storage, while striped bedding and vintage elements nod to coastal aesthetics.
9. Highlight Your Shiplap with Color
If you're adventurous with color, consider using a vibrant palette to draw attention to your shiplap.
In this space, a selection of new Morris & Co paints contrasts beautifully with historical beams, enhancing their rustic texture.
10. Showcase Architectural Features with Shiplap
If your bedroom features stunning ceiling beams, installing shiplap can draw attention upwards, enhancing these architectural elements while contrasting beautifully with antique furnishings.
Does shiplap make a bedroom look bigger or smaller?
Shiplap can cleverly create the illusion of more space. Horizontal boards can widen the appearance of the room, while vertical paneling draws the eye upward, enhancing height.
How can I modernize shiplap in my bedroom?
Shiplap is timeless but can be made modern by minimizing wall decor and selecting standout furniture pieces. Opting for bright whites, greys, or even black can infuse a contemporary feel.
Coordinating shiplap colors with door frames and trim or using color drenching can also enhance a modern look.
