Bedroom Shiplap Walls Bring Depth and Texture

Shiplap walls have become an incredibly popular design element in bedrooms of all styles. With their dimensional boards and visible seams, shiplap adds beautiful texture and visual interest to otherwise flat and boring walls. Installing shiplap can take a basic bedroom from blah to wow!

We'll also cover some inspiring design ideas to help you style your new shiplap walls.

Benefits of Using Shiplap Walls in Bedrooms

There are several excellent reasons to consider using shiplap walls in your bedroom design:

Adds Visual Interest and Dimension

The defining characteristic of shiplap is its dimensional, overlapping boards that create beautiful lines, texture, and depth on walls. Especially in bedrooms where wall space dominates, shiplap breaks up large flat surfaces for a more varied and interesting look.

The seams and slight gaps between shiplap boards also add appealing dimension. This makes the wall feel texturally richer.

Creates a Cozy, Rustic Feel

Shiplap has its origins as a practical construction method in barns and cottages. Today, the rustic vibe of antique, distressed shiplap makes it a popular choice for cozy farmhouse or cottage style bedrooms.

The imperfections of authentic salvaged boards with knots, nail holes and varying widths lend charm. But even newly milled shiplap has a warm, countryside character perfect for inviting bedrooms.

Lots of Design Flexibility

While shiplap has rustic roots, it has become widely popular as a versatile design element that works well in almost any bedroom style from traditional to modern. Both painted and natural wood shiplap can complement various color palettes and looks.

Shiplap also offers lots of flexibility in installation patterns. Running boards vertically or horizontally, using varied widths, or even custom cutting create distinct looks adapted to your personal taste.

Preparing the Bedroom for Installing Shiplap

Doing prep work is an essential first step to ensure a smooth shiplap installation. As with any wall project, your prep work directly impacts your final results.

Removing Old Wall Finishes

Start by removing any existing wallpaper or other finishes until you expose the bare wall surface. This allows the shiplap boards to adhere properly. Use a steamer or hot water for removing stubborn wallpaper adhesive residue.

Prepping and Leveling Wall Surface

Any high or low spots on the walls will show more prominently through installed shiplap. So carefully inspect and address any uneven areas using drywall joint compound as needed.

Also look for imperfections like holes, cracks or flaws in the existing wall and patch as needed with spackling. Sand over patches for a smooth finish. Thoroughly clean walls when done prepping.

DIY vs Hiring a Professional for Installation

One of the best aspects of shiplap walls is that they can absolutely be a DIY project. Many homeowners take on installation themselves as a fun weekend project to personalize their space.

However, there are benefits to hiring a handyman or professional installer. They have the specialized tools, experience doing precise measurements and cuts, as well as techniques for efficient installation.

Consider your skill level and tools on hand. Seek professional help for old homes where imperfect walls make installation trickier. But slight gaps or uneven boards simply add character!

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Shiplap

If doing it yourself, follow these steps for proper shiplap installation:

Measure Space and Calculate Materials

Carefully measure the wall space to calculate the square footage you'll need to cover. This allows you to purchase the required number of boards.

Factor about 10-15% extra for safety to allow for irregular walls or cutting mistakes. Also purchase necessary hardware like nails, wood glue, caulk and trim boards.

Cut Shiplap Boards to Size

Cut standard shiplap boards or sheets to your measured wall dimensions if needed. Use a circular saw, table saw or jigsaw with a fine-toothed blade suitable for clean cuts in wood.

Custom sizing lets you adjust for corners, outlets or finishing the run with full board widths instead of thin strips.

Attach Furring Strips to the Wall

Furring are thin vertical wooden strips anchored horizontally across the wall to provide attachment points. They account for any wall unevenness.

Use a level and chalk line to keep furring strips straight. Place screws into studs when possible for stability. Space strips 16-24 inches apart based on shiplap width.

Apply Adhesive and Nail Shiplap Boards

Run a zigzag bead of adhesive along furring strips, enough to securely hold each board but not too much squeeze out. Press boards into place and nail with finishing nails every 16 inches.

Work in a bricklay formation, staggeringjoints randomly. Use scrap pieces of wood to uniformly gap the boards.

Caulk Seams and Apply Finish Coat

Fill any cracks or gaps wider than 1/8th inch with paintable caulk for an imperceptible look. Apply your choice of stain, whitewash or paint finish over the installed shiplap.

Consider a matte sheen to subtly mute seams while still showing off the wood grain. Gloss accentuates unevenness in early American style boards.

Design Ideas and Inspiration for Styling Shiplap Bedrooms

From farmhouse to modern, shiplap adapts well to all bedroom aesthetics. Here are some gorgeous ways to work it into your design:

Farmhouse and Rustic Looks

Nothing beats authentic reclaimed boards with variable widths, textures and natural imperfections for a cozy, cottage feel. Whitewashing maintains the wood's organic variation.

Accent with wrought iron beds, carved wood furniture, lush bedding and vintage rugs for extra farmhouse charm. Rustic nightstands and exposed wood beams or rafters complement shiplap walls nicely.

Modern and Transitional Styles

For contemporary cool, opt for sleek evenly-milled painted shiplap boards. Crisp white or light washes keep things fresh and bright against dark trim and furnishings.

Layer in some metal, glass and leather pieces along with streamlined beds and storage. The rich, organic texture of shiplap contrasts beautifully with hard edges and materials.

While shiplap can run wall-to-wall, using it as an accent wall retains interest without overwhelming a small space. This focused application optimizes budget too.

Place the shiplap feature wall behind the bed or use it to frame out a decorative nook or niche. Contrast painted or stained shiplap with existing neutrals for added drama.

It's clear why shiplap is a popular wall treatment for bedrooms. Preparing your space and methodically working through the installation steps makes DIYing it very achievable. And you can adapt shiplap to work with practically any bedroom's existing elements or style. Your new focal wall will lend cozy texture and visual delight!