Are you looking to improve your house?
One way to do so without radically changing the overall layout is through wainscoting.
This refers to the process of adding decorative panels to the lower portion of the walls.
And if you need inspiration, check out our guide below for some clever wainscoting ideas.
But what makes wainscoting such a lasting home improvement idea?
Wainscoting comes in many styles.
you could go for a plain yet sleek pattern or get theraised wood panels.
But no matter the style, it will catch the attention of visitors.
On the other hand, hiring a contractor ensures that the panels are added as quickly as possible.
Having these panels not only adds a sense of elegance to your interiors but they also have practical benefits.
For one, wainscoting is an effective way to get rid of any damages on your wall.
Simply cover these areas up with panels and people wouldnt know the difference.
In fact, wainscoting is a preventive measure against scratches resulting from people and moving pieces of furniture around.
Second, it helps your home retain more heat a great feature to have during fall and winter.
In general, it is highly recommended for rooms that are regularly occupied.
1) Hallways
These areas would benefit a lot from wainscoting due to their high foot traffic.
Plus, these are likely narrow sections.
The added panels will prevent the walls from easily developing marks.
On a related note, the rails can follow the slope of the stairs in a horizontal manner.
These include wet backpacks, umbrellas, hats, and coats.
Shoes dirtied by mud and pollution could also affect the quality of your walls.
The installation of panels or beadboards will keep your walls free from significant damage.
Wainscoting Materials
There is a variety of materials to choose from for wainscoting.
This largely depends on your budget, but even the cheapest ones have benefits.
For one,plywood is an affordable optionthats also very easy to install.
However, its grooves leave a lot to be desired.
Both plastic and MDF wainscoting are good options for regular homeowners.
The former does not rot while still retaining the appearance of colored wood.
On the other hand, the latter does not suffer from warping, splitting, and knotting.
Lastly, solid wood takes time to install but its aesthetic appeal justifies it.
Install these and attach frames using some nails.
Color the chair rail and everything else with your chosen paint.
This gives off a singular look similar to the usual raised-panel style.
#1.
How to install wainscoting
Source
#2.
Bathrooms With Beadboard Wainscoting
#3.
Board and Batten Wainscoting Hallway
#4.
DIY Classic Wainscoting for entryway and hallway
#5.
DIY board and batten wainscoting
#6.
Board and batten stairwell
#7.
Custom Wainscoting
#8.
Cheap and Easy Board and Batten
#9.
Half Wall Bookcase
#10.
Half Wall Face Lift
#11.
Cheap Half Wall Decor
#12.
Transom Window Entryway
#13.
Newel Post on a Half Wall
#14.
Painting Wainscoting
#15.
DIY barn door wainscoting
#16.
Sprucing up the back entrance
#17.
DIY kitchen island makeover
#18-26.
More wainscoting ideas
#27.
Board and batten entryway with hooks