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.
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