This room is the definition of posh minimalism, and we are loving it. Notice how the vertical shiplap makes this living room look contemporary, while the floating cabinets add a unique focal point. The surfaces available for decoration are limited, and that is purposeful, so the attention is drawn towards the shiplap at the front of the room. Keep it simple and keep it classy.
Is Shiplap Outdated, or Is It Being Reinvented?
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Published: October 6, 2023
Updated: November 13, 2023
Not many years ago, shiplap was dominating the world of interior design. A feature that had never been used before was suddenly adding texture and flair to our most drab spaces. Similar to wood paneling in the 70s, thin wood panels were painted white and hung horizontally to enhance the bright, open floorplans of our homes. In most cases, this motif was included in the farmhouse or modern farmhouse aesthetic.
As we move away from farmhouse décor into a contemporary sphere, the question has been posed whether or not shiplap is outdated. Our dedicated readers and contributors have had quite a bit to say on the subject, and the overall consensus is that it is not out, but changes should be made. Some helpful suggestions for our community of home décor devotees include choosing a vertical layout to make a room feel modern, in addition to many other fabulous observations and suggestions. With these opinions in mind, let’s dive into these incredible suggestions and get modernizing!
02 of Selecting Deep Color Tones
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Home enthusiast Catherine believes that “adding color, especially deep color, is all the rage now, and I love it!” Mixing light woods with such a bold color choice can make dark paint seem much less intimidating, especially when you include white accents where possible. Frankly, I think this space is gorgeous, creative, and modern.
03 of Choose a Smaller Size
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In place of wide paneling with deep grooves, homeowner Jen suggests, “Go vertical and choose a smaller size.” You can see how the shiplap only exists on one wall in this family room. An intentional design choice, accenting the back wall of a room with texture draws the eye to the furthest point in the room, making it seem bigger.
04 of Paneling a Wet Room
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Wet rooms, spaces designated for both a shower and bathtub, are growing in popularity. Instead of selecting a costly tile to install and replace, a simple white paneling with woodsy built-ins works well in a modern bathroom. Make sure you select a high gloss paint to minimize damage from moisture.
05 of Optimizing a Small Bathroom
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In a small interior space like this bathroom, doing a black shiplap wall can instantly make the room feel confined. If you love this look, modernize your space by including black shiplap as wainscoting built around the sink, tub, and shower and contrast it with bright white walls. This will ensure the space still feels open and bright, but also exciting and current while still achieving that black and white theme you love.
06 of Designing a Wide Plank Accent Wall
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While this may possibly be a contradictory opinion, wide plank shiplap can be equally enticing as narrow panels. In a large home with high ceilings, wide wood planks accentuate the grandeur of a room or, in this case, multiple rooms. Using a soft wood floor with coordinating doors makes the deep blue wall pop, and the shiplap that much more fabulous.
07 of Updating a Class Modern Farmhouse
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The modern farmhouse vibe is going strong in this living room, but with design inspiration that is slightly more stylish. A gray beadboard wall only extends halfway up the wall, and delicate brown tones have been incorporated along with the cool color palette. The DIY wall adds beauty, character, and depth to a drab, open wall.
08 of Accentuating a Cozy Nook
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The built-in nooks surrounding a flagstone fireplace are elevated by vertical shiplap paneling in a very soft off-white. The thin vertical lines add dimension and texture to the minimalistic decorative theme centered on soft beige and brown. A look like this is simple, classic, and sophisticated.
09 of Opt For Beadboard Wainscoting
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This petite office in a cottage-style home faultlessly displays the effectiveness of beadboard wainscoting. Interior design critic Heidi agrees with the popular sentiment that paneling “adds dimension and charm, so you don’t need to over decorate.” The decor is limited to the striped Roman shades on the winow and the contemporary office items on the desk.
10 of Elevating a Chimney
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- schenkliving
True to classic coastal farmhouse style, this living room displays the horizontal shiplap’s traditional and ever-popular flair. To not overdo it, the shiplap was selected to lay across the fireplace chimney only as a purposeful accent and in a shade of white that blends perfectly with the white walls and vaulted ceiling. One reader Angie, says shiplap isn’t out at all, especially not in a coastal home.
11 of Colorful, Vertical, and Thin, Oh My!
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This kid’s bedroom is the epitome of all recommendations given by our dedicated readers. The wall is richly colored, the paneling is displayed vertically, and the wood planks are narrow with a focus on clean lines. We can all agree that this space is refreshing and calming, solidifying the notion that shiplap is not outdated. In fact, it is more present and integrated than ever.
