Make the most of original millwork or DIY a modern design.By Alyssa GautieriPublished: Sep 30, 2024
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Angela Newton Roy; Jenna Sue Design
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If you’re lucky, your old home may have original wainscoting, but you can also add decorative paneling to a newer property — by yourself, if you’re looking for a DIY project. Wainscoting, a type of millwork that’s typically applied to the lower half of a wall, adds architectural character and texture to a room. It’s popular in dining rooms, living rooms, bedroom setups, entryways and even powder rooms — the options are endless. Not sure where to begin? Browse these designer-approved wainscoting ideas that’ll leave you craving architectural charm.
There are a few main types of wainscoting: raised panel, flat panel, beadboard and wall panel, which is the least protective style, since it’s applied around existing drywall. The type you choose depends on the aesthetic you’re looking for — plus, you’ll want to consider your plan for the rest of the room. Wainscoting pairs beautifully with patterned wallpaper, a monochromic color scheme (hint: paint walls, trim and wainscoting the same hue) and neutral paint colors. While the general rule is to apply wainscoting one-third of the way up a wall, you can also extend it further or all the way.
Here, we’ve gathered our favorite wainscoting ideas and you’re sure find inspiration to steal, whether you prefer a timeless design or unique look.
Madeline Harper
1
Drenched in Color
Take note from ATX Interior Design and experiment with color drenching, which involving painting everything — wainscoting, walls and trim — the same hue. Here, a moody navy blue creates a cozy feel.
Photo by: Madeline Harper
The House That Lars Built
2
Geometric Pattern
Take an unexpected approach by building your own wainscoting with shapes. Blogger Brittany suggests painting the squares and circles before applying them to the wall.
See more at The House That Lars Built »
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Tessa Neustadt
3
Black Versus White
With patterned black wallpaper up top and crisp white wainscoting down below, this traditional dining room is full of contrast. A statement black-and-white chandelier completes the look.
See more at Style by Emily Henderson »
Designed by Diane Rath, The Rath Project. Photography by Erin Kestenbaum
4
Old Meets New
In this Connecticut colonial home, designer Diane Rath of The Rath Project paints vintage wainscoting and intricate moldings a glossy teal. An antique-inspired gold mirror and console table elevate the home’s architectural details.
Photo by: Erin Kestenbaum
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ANGELA NEWTON ROY
5
Paired With Wallpaper
Apply floral wallpaper above white wainscoting for a cheerful aesthetic. Take note from Jefferson Street Design and paint trim, moldings and the ceiling the same shade as the wainscoting.
Photo by: Angela Newton Roy
Bless’er House
6
White on White
Add charm to a simple staircase by applying picture frame wainscoting, which might require some measuring and math, but is well worth the effort.
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CHRIS LOVES JULIA
7
Rule of Thirds
In most cases, it’s recommended that wainscoting runs up one-third of the wall. In this moody bedroom, blue wainscoting is paired with a dark botanical wallpaper.
See more at Chris Loves Julia »
Molly Culver
8
Two-Tone Walls
The rule of thirds is only a suggestion — you can take wainscoting up the majority of the wall if you’d rather. Here, designer Meredith Owen pairs gray-blue wainscoting with off-white upper walls — the final look is sophisticated two-tone walls.
Photo by: Molly Culver
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Courtesy of Glidden
9
Dark and Moody
Pack style into a small powder room by painting panels a rich hue, like Purple Basil, Glidden’s 2025 color of the year. A patterned wallpaper above turns it into a striking jewel box.
Madeline Harper
10
Neutral Beadboard
Add interest to the entryway with classic beadboard. Take inspiration from Daley Home and paint it a warm gray and decorate the space with wicker furniture and gold accents.
Photo by: Madeline Harper
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Jenna Sue Design
11
Beautiful Blue
To brighten her laundry room, this blogger installs vertical shiplap in a wainscoting style and paints it slate blue, Sherwin-Williams’ Blustery Sky to be exact.
See more at Jenna Sue Design »
RELATED: 52 Laundry Room Ideas That Make the Most of a Small Space
CHRIS LOVES JULIA
12
Floor-to-Ceiling Design
Wainscoting on the entire wall fills a room with texture and dimension. Here, the walls and wood panels are painted Farrow & Ball’s Pigeon, a soft blue-gray.
See more at Chris Loves Julia »
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13
Double Duty
ELLIE LILLSTROM
Wainscoting, painted Behr’s Muted Sag, on the lower half of this cozy guest room doubles as shelving. The ledge serves as a perfect place to lean artwork and collectibles.
See more at Style by Emily Henderson »
Jill Weller
14
Light and Airy
Brighten up your dining space with sharp white wainscoting, painted to match the ceiling, molding and window trim. The walls above are painted a light gray for a subtle contrast.
Photo by: Jill Weller
RELATED: These Designers Transformed This California Home into an Airy and Open Oasis
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Molly Culver
15
Monochrome Moment
Coat every surface — walls, trim, molding — in a matching hue. Take inspiration from Shannon Eddings Interiors and try a calming green in a primary bathroom.
Photo by: Molly Culver
Bre Purposed
16
Complement With Warm Wood
Top your DIY wainscoting with a strip of wood that’s been stained dark walnut. It adds warmth to the space and doubles as a shelf — ideal for leaning books and artwork in this cozy nursery.
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Abigail Jackson
17
Pattern Play
From the checkerboard rug and upholstered dining chairs to the geometric wallpaper and picture frame wainscoting, this dining room is loaded with shapes and patterns. Interior designer Liz Goldberg paints molding, trim and wainscoting a glossy blue for added charm.
Photo by: Abigail Jackson
CHRIS LOVES JULIA
18
Calming Color Palette
Settle on a nature-inspired color palette — think shades of green and creamy beige. A leafy wallpaper ties the “greige” wainscoting to the plush green sofa.
See more at Chris Loves Julia »
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Raquel Langworthy
19
Match the Trim
Pastel blue walls and trim, paired with a white-and-gold patterned wallpaper, bring charm into this traditional dining room.
Photo by: Raquel Langworthy
Christine Holder Home
20
Textured Accent Wall
When used on only one wall, wainscoting acts as a chic accent wall. Here, the boards and batten extend six feet high on a nine-foot wall.
See more at Christene Holder Home »
RELATED: 5 Ways You’re Ruining Your Accent Wall, According to Designers
Associate Lifestyle Editor
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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