Want to take your living room, dining room, or den to the next level of elegance and style? A little wainscoting goes a long way! Here’s what you need to know about some different types of wainscoting.
What Is Wainscoting?
First things first, let’s talking about what wainscoting actually is! This decorative accent is actually a type of trim carpentry consisting of both moldings and panels that extend partway up a wall’s face. Once, it was used to protect walls, but nowadays it’s mostly decorative.
Typically, wainscoting is made from wood, plywood, fiberboard, and even plastic.
What Types of Wainscoting Are Most Popular?
Like most things in home design, wainscoting comes with options. Depending on the style of your home, and where you’ll be putting the trim, some styles of wainscoting may work better than others. Here’s a basic breakdown of some of the most popular types of wainscoting.
Raised panel
This traditional style gives homes an elegant, colonial look. In this type of wainscoting, the edges are beveled to give the panel a decorative raise. Though typically about 30 – 40 inches in height, raised panel wainscoting can be doubled to increase the height.
Flat panel
For a more modern look, flat paneling can add a simplistic elegance to any room. Typically, flat panels start with a clean baseboard, followed by the flat panels and vertical stiles, topped with a top rail and chair rail.
Beadboard
Often seen in more informal spaces like kitchens or bathrooms, beadboard consists of narrow vertical panels. Beadboard can be paired with other types of wainscoting, like flat paneling, for a more elegant and upscale look.
Overlay
These panels often look like raised panel wainscoting, but they can actually be much more elaborate. The way they’re constructed, with a wood overlay centered between rails and styles, overlays have more room for detailing.
Board and Batten
Board and batten paneling embraces a bold, simplistic Craftsman style. Consisting of flat panels and vertical battens, this wainscoting can be as high as six feet, and is often topped with a wider plate rail, instead of a chair rail, to allow for the storage of items or decorations.
Need More Clarification?
There are a lot of types of wainscoting out there (and even more types of finish carpentry). It can be hard to know what’s going to look best in your room or work for your style—which is why sometimes it pays to consult an expert! Interested in learning more or thinking about installing some finish carpentry in your home? Contact Raleigh Woodworks today, and let’s talk about how we can take your home to the next level.
