Holy Shiplap: How to Use These Popular Planks in Your Home

If you've ever watched an episode of Fixer Upper or are at all familiar with interior design -- an industry that generates nearly $10 billion in revenue every year -- you might be familiar with a type of natural paneling that's taken this sector by storm. Yes, we're talking about shiplap. It's one of the most desirable elements in any home makeover reveal and can seamlessly work with almost any aesthetic. But what exactly is this type of wood product? And how can you use it in your own home? Keep on reading to find out.

What is Shiplap, Anyway?

Shiplap is a special type of wood board that was traditionally used to build exterior structures, like barns and sheds. In other words, it was literally designed to be rustic. But more recently, it's made its way into home interiors and is coveted for its vintage charm. Typically, it's painted white. And most importantly, these wood panels are usually installed horizontally, rather than vertically. Those two factors may be what separates shiplap from the cringe worthy natural wood panels you might find in a home from the 1970s. In most cases, you won't find a home with shiplap built in (even if it's an older structure) -- but it's now become a trend to add it. It makes for a clean look that toes the line between historic and modern, making it an appealing choice for all kinds of homeowners.

 

How to Use Shiplap Planks in Your Home

Shiplap is extremely versatile and is universally attractive, which means that there are countless ways to incorporate it into your home design. It's even easier if you opt for stick on shiplap, which is easy to install while still providing an extremely high-quality end result. Here are a few ways you might consider using these peel and stick wood wall planks in your house:

• Bedroom: You can use adhesive shiplap to create a feature wall or even a headboard alternative in your master suite or guest room. Stay with traditional white for a bright and fresh feel or paint these planks to make a statement.

• Living Room: Get creative with your peel and stick wood wall planks and consider installing them on the ceiling, behind the fireplace mantle, or even on the fireplace facing itself. It's a great way to make the space feel more open and more comfortable all in one step.

• Kitchen or Dining Room: Shiplap looks impeccable in the kitchen as a backsplash alternative (take that, subway tile!). It can also make an excellent addition to your dining area, whether you're working with a breakfast nook or a formal dining room. It's a simple way to add texture and visual interest while staying relatively neutral.

• Small Spaces: These peel and stick wood wall planks really pack a punch in smaller spaces, like a mudroom, entryway, laundry room, stairwell, or behind built-in shelving units. If you're looking for a way to set your space apart, you can easily incorporate shiplap -- even when you don't have a lot of room to spare.

Now that your shiplap knowledge could easily rival that of Joanna Gaines, you're perfectly equipped to add these easy-to-install planks in the room of your choice. To learn more about our wood wall products, please contact us today.