Make Your Home Instagram Worthy with Stylish Accent Walls

A Guide to Shiplap, Batten, Wainscoting, and More!

Hey there, home design enthusiasts. If you’re like us, you’re finding most of your design inspo on Instagram these days. If so, you’re seeing lots of beautiful wall treatments, or accent walls, created with custom mouldings. If you’re looking to add a touch of charm and character to your home, accent walls are a fantastic way to start. Whether you're going for a cozy farmhouse vibe or a sleek, modern look, there are plenty of wall treatments to choose from.

Let’s dive into some of the most popular styles you’ve probably seen all over Instagram—shiplap, batten, wainscoting, and more. Below you’ll find a guide to help you choose just the right style for your unique home and design style.

Shiplap: The Farmhouse Favorite

Ever noticed those lovely horizontal wooden boards lining the walls of a chic farmhouse? That’s shiplap! Originally used in barns and sheds, shiplap has become a beloved accent wall choice for its clean, simple lines and rustic appeal.

Why You’ll Love It: Shiplap adds texture and warmth, making any room feel more inviting. It’s perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or even bathrooms if you’re aiming for that cozy, farmhouse style.

Batten: Bold and Beautiful

Batten might sound fancy, but it’s simply narrow strips of wood that cover the seams between wider boards. When combined, this is known as board and batten, creating a striking, linear pattern on your walls.

Why You’ll Love It: Board and batten is incredibly versatile. It works beautifully in both traditional and modern spaces. It’s a great way to add architectural interest to your dining room or entryway.

Wainscoting: Classic Elegance

Wainscoting is a decorative wall treatment that covers the lower part of your wall, usually up to chair rail height. This timeless look can range from raised panels to bead board styles.

Why You’ll Love It: Wainscoting adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. It’s especially popular in dining rooms and hallways, offering both style and wall protection.

Beadboard: Coastal Charm

Imagine the quaint charm of a seaside cottage—bead board is your go-to. This paneling features narrow, vertical planks separated by a small ridge or “bead,” giving it that classic look.

Why You’ll Love It: Bead board is perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways. It adds a classic, charming look that fits right into coastal, cottage, and farmhouse styles.

Picture Rail Moulding: Artful and Practical

Picture rail moulding is a narrow strip installed high on your wall, just a few inches below the ceiling. It’s not just decorative—it’s functional too!

Why You’ll Love It: This moulding allows you to hang pictures and artwork without damaging your walls. It’s a wonderful touch for traditional and historic homes, adding both function and flair.

Crown Moulding: The Elegant Finisher

Crown moulding is the cherry on top of your wall design. Installed where the wall meets the ceiling, this decorative moulding can be simple or intricate, depending on your style.

Why You’ll Love It: Crown moulding adds a polished, finished look to any room. It enhances architectural detail and works well in both modern and classic interiors.

Chair Rail Moulding: Stylish and Practical

Chair rail moulding runs horizontally along your wall, about one-third of the way up from the floor. It’s not just for show—it helps protect your walls from chair backs.

Why You’ll Love It: This moulding is great for adding a touch of tradition to your home. It pairs beautifully with wainscoting or paneling below the rail, making your dining room or hallway look refined and elegant.

Bringing It All Together

Accent walls are a fantastic way to inject personality and style into your home. Whether you choose the rustic charm of shiplap, the bold lines of board and batten, or the classic elegance of wainscoting, you can’t go wrong. These wall treatments not only enhance the beauty of your home but also add value and uniqueness.

So, ready to get started on your accent wall project? Reach out to us today to learn more and schedule a home consultation.