If you’re a fan of HGTV, then you probably already know what shiplap is and how to use it. However, for those of you who don’t watch HGTV, shiplap is probably a term you haven’t heard much of in your life. Knowing what it is and how to use it could make your future renovation much easier. So what is shiplap? And why is it beloved by everyone on Fixer Upper?
What is Shiplap?
So you know shiplap is a building material, but what is it specifically? Shiplap is a type of wooden board with special grooves, so pieces fit together like a puzzle. These grooves form a tight seal, making the material sturdy. They also leave a little spacing between each plank for some added decorative flair. This material is often used for building barns, sheds, and cabins. It’s perfect for a rustic look but can be used for just about any vibe.
Ways to Use Shiplap
Shiplap is extremely versatile, and there are several ways to decorate with it. The woody look of shiplap creates a comforting feeling and makes homes look a bit more rustic. However, a simple paint job, say to a white or a muted blue can give homes an extremely modern look. The right color can look slick and clean, and you can even utilize certain colors in certain rooms for a more layered effect in your home.
Another helpful tip is to determine whether your shiplap will be lined vertically or horizontally. Horizontal shiplap will make rooms look a lot bigger than they are. In contrast, vertical shiplap will make rooms look taller. Similarly, the thickness of the material will also transform how rooms will look in your home. Thinner planks will add a more textured, busy look, while thicker cuts will be more in line with the rustic feel this material is generally associated with.
Decorative Ideas for Shiplap
Shiplap is an extremely versatile material and has a ton of uses. Some of the best uses for this amazing material include:
Bathroom Ideas for Shiplap
First and foremost, if you want to use shiplap in your bathroom, it must be treated for moisture. Otherwise, the wood could become moldy and damaged. That said, once treated, this wonderful material can enhance your bathroom. You can use the natural color of shiplap to give your bathroom an extremely comfortable feel, or you can paint it white to brighten the space. Place the shiplap horizontally to make your bathroom feel a lot bigger.
Shiplap Ideas for Bedrooms
The potential of shiplap in the bedroom goes beyond just normal uses. The headboard of your bed can be made of shiplap, it can be used on just the lower halves of your wall for some added personality, or you can have a darker accent wall that will turn your room into a conversation piece. These simple tweaks are a great way to make your room a little more unique.
Living Room and Kitchen Shiplap Ideas
One popular way people have been using shiplap is as a covering for their fireplace. This classy look is the perfect centerpiece for a communal space and will be a major conversation piece during your next social event. This is only one of many ways to use shiplap to enhance your living room.
Another incredibly popular way to spruce up your living room or kitchen is wall-to-ceiling shiplap. People do this in different ways, having walls one color and the ceiling another, or just having all your shiplap be a bright warm woody color. Just make sure your beams are the same size. Otherwise, the room could have a mismatched look, which will not be a big hit at parties.
If wall and ceiling shiplap doesn’t work for you, using it as an accent piece is a great way to spruce up a room. If you have shelving against a wall, some colorful shiplap is the perfect pop of pizzazz to add to the space. Even bookshelves with no back can be enhanced this way and is a great way to utilize shiplap without covering your walls with it. For your kitchen, adding some shiplap behind your stove or storage spaces has the same effect.
Shiplap in Hallway Ideas
Hallways are notoriously hard to decorate. No one wants a boring aspect of their home, but it’s also difficult to add decor without making the hallway look too busy. But don’t worry. Shiplap is here to help. Shiplap is unique looking, without being ostentatious, and can brighten or darken your hallway depending on what kind of vibe you’re going for. If you make it horizontal, the hallway will look extra long, which is cool if you want to hang some art or family photos for a little museum effect. If you make it vertical, you can make your hallway seem much shorter, which is good if you want to get people out of there quicker.
Shiplap Doors
Shiplap is used on many barns; a fun ode to this is installing a shiplap barn door. Sliding doors look amazing in any home, especially if they’re on rollers hanging off the door frame. Making them out of shiplap is a cheeky little nod to the history of the material and is a great way to start a conversation with guests.
Ways to Experiment With Shiplap
Now that we’ve covered the basics of shiplap, it’s time to have a little fun with it. There’s more than one way to play when it comes to this material, and some of our favorite tips include:
Get Creative with Patterns
We have already discussed the benefits of placing shiplap vertically and horizontally, but you can play around with patterns all you want. Many people have fun with various diagonal patterns. Chevron patterns, too, can add to a wall or backdrop. There are many fun ideas your contractor or Pinterest can encourage you to try. These ideas will make your home incredibly unique and comfortable.
Have Several Textures and Patterns
Earlier, we suggested having your walls and ceiling match in size if you want a floor-to-ceiling design. We still encourage you to have the same size beams, but mixing and matching designs and colors is a great way to add fun aesthetics to your home. A Chevron accent wall or backdrop with a second design on the walls can be a cool contrast and impress any guest who pops over to your home. Additionally, it just lets you know that your home is something special.
Have a More Rustic Space
We love shiplap, but it’s not for everyone, and many people don’t want it to cover their homes. That said, if you want a special room with a specific feel, shiplap is a great way to set this space apart from the rest of your home. Some of the best rooms to use this in are the basement, if it’s finished, or a study/library. Shiplap’s rustic feel is perfect for these areas because it will make them feel homey and classy. They look great in libraries, especially when they are accented with fun decors like a globe full of brandy or some lovely plants. This also leaves you room to decorate the rest of your home any way you want to.
Have a Fun Outdoor Space
If shiplap isn’t right for your house, try it out on a shed, porch, garage, or smokehouse. These outdoor spaces will look amazing with a shiplap wall and hammer home that these are spaces where work happens. This is one of the many ways shiplap was originally used, so you’ll even score points for being traditional in your usage.
Maintaining Shiplap
Shiplap is a great material, but just like everything else, it does need to be maintained, especially in a bathroom. Shiplap should receive sealing to avoid warping and mold. It’s also recommended to dust your walls at least once a month to avoid accumulations from the gaps between the panels. If all of this maintenance sounds like too much, it might be better to seal the gaps of your panels or even go with faux shiplap. Most faux shiplap is made of materials that won’t be water damaged easily, but they can be scratched or damaged more easily than the regular kind.
As you can probably tell, we love shiplap. The possibilities are endless with this glorious material, whether you use it in your home or your outdoor sheds and workspaces. It can look rustic or modern, classy or homey, and there are many ways to play with the patterns of it. Shiplap isn’t for everyone, but it is extremely versatile and durable. This is why everyone on HGTV is obsessed with it. When you start to experiment with it, you’ll be obsessed too. See what shiplap can do for you.
