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9 Ideas for Shiplap Walls

By Family Handyman

Updated on Feb. 07, 2025

It's no surprise that designers have gotten truly creative in how to use shiplap walls effectively. Here are some of the most beautiful examples we've found to help inspire your own updates.

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Shiplap is a type of wooden board often used in interior design, especially for walls. The boards are traditionally fitted together with grooves that help them interlock, creating a neat, tight seam. It’s most commonly seen in rustic or farmhouse-style homes, where its clean, linear look adds texture and warmth.

Shiplap was originally used on ships to keep them watertight, which is where it got its name. These days, though, it’s more about aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re adding it to your walls, ceiling, or even as an accent piece, shiplap brings a timeless, cozy vibe to any space.

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Chimney Shiplap

If you have a brick or stone fireplace, consider paneling your interior chimney with shiplap wall boards. And just remember to follow proper fire safety regulations.

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Perfect Farmhouse Kitchen

The farmhouse is a classic example for a shiplap wall, and nowhere do they shine more than in the kitchen. And if you want a charming country kitchen that’s a pleasure to use, install shiplap walls (although you may also want to make room for backsplashes).

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Shiplap Guest Bedroom

If you want to create a cozy bedroom for guests but just don’t have that much room, use shiplap on the walls. And it can help even small spaces look fresh and inviting, especially if you keep everything in the room light and monochromatic.

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Shiplap and Rustic Wood Accents

Another growing trend is to use traditional painted shiplap walls but leave other nearby wood—such as beams, rafters and flooring—unpainted and rustic. The combination of the two types of wood is particularly inviting.

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Friendly Bathroom Shiplap

When properly installed, shiplap boards are watertight and can be used in bathrooms. The paneling also keeps bathrooms from looking too cold and austere.

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Shiplap Doors

Want an especially unique door? Try vertical shiplap! It contrasts with the typical horizontal shiplap board and helps an otherwise standard door really stand out. And shiplap works especially well on interior “barn door” styles.

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Shiplap and Stone

For more modern styles, combine a shiplap wall with stone or faux stone. Brick, marble and concrete also look great with shiplap, especially if you want to break up large sections of stone with warm paneling.

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Diagonal Shiplap Wall

Diagonal shiplap paneling is the perfect way to make a wall stand out. And if you think standard horizontal shiplap is too boring, experiment with different angles on your walls (especially around stairways, fireplaces and other high-profile areas).

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Shiplap Headboard

Would you prefer to start small? A shiplap headboard is an easy project that can add a lot of rustic warmth to your bedroom. And complete that project and you’ll be ready for more shiplap projects in the future.