Painted Shiplap Walls: 5 Inspiring Ideas: Small-space shiplap solutions from a senior interior designer with decades of hands-on kitchen and bath remodels

I still laugh about the client who wanted her bathroom shiplap painted like a barcode — every other board a different color — and then asked if it would hide steam stains. That disaster-turned-lesson taught me that painted shiplap walls can be playful or pure calm, but only when planned well. If you’re rethinking a tiny bath or a narrow hallway, I often start by mocking up sightlines and proportions using room layout inspiration to avoid surprised faces later.

1. Horizontal wide boards to widen narrow rooms

When a hallway or galley feels tight, I recommend painting shiplap horizontally with slightly wider boards in a pale, warm white. The horizontal lines visually stretch the space and reflect light; the downside is that joints become more obvious, so you’ll want neat installation or a filler that matches the paint.

Budget hint: wider boards cut down the perceived busyness, so you can skip expensive trim. I once widened a long corridor for under $300 in materials and a few evenings of careful caulking.

2. Two-tone shiplap for visual interest without clutter

I love using a darker hue on the lower third and a soft neutral above — painted shiplap walls become a built-in wainscot alternative. It adds depth and hides scuffs where kids or pets rub against the wall, but be mindful: high-contrast colors show every nick, so choose durable paint finishes for the lower section.

Practical tip: use satin or eggshell on the lower part for scrub-ability and flat or matte above to soak up glare from fixtures.

save pin

3. Integrate shelves and niches into the shiplap

Shiplap can feel too uniform if left untouched; cutting a recessed shelf or floating ledge into the wall breaks the rhythm and creates storage. This is perfect for compact bathrooms or mudrooms, but it does mean extra carpentry and waterproofing if it’s near sinks or showers.

If you’re thinking about an upgraded layout for a kitchen or pantry, pairing shiplap with open shelving lets you experiment with textures and keeps items within reach — I tested this approach during a kitchen refresh and it saved us cabinetry costs while adding personality. Check out some open-plan kitchen ideas that helped my client visualize the flow.

save pin

4. Subtle grain and whitewash for a coastal calm

Whitewashing painted shiplap preserves wood character while keeping the space airy — great for cottages, bathrooms, or small bedrooms. The downside is that whitewash shows dirt less than pure white paint but needs reapplication over time if you want that faded look maintained.

Pro tip from experience: use a diluted latex in layers and wipe frequently to control the level of grain showing; it’s forgiving and inexpensive to touch up later.

save pin

5. Bold accent wall with moody color and metal hardware

For a tiny dining nook or powder room, a single wall of deep navy or charcoal painted shiplap makes a statement without overwhelming the whole home. Paired with brass sconces or black matte hooks, it looks luxe — just know that darker colors shrink perceived space, so balance with good lighting.

If you want to preview dramatic options, I often mock up a few variations so clients can visualize the result; the best moment is when they see a painted wall transform a room and decide they can be bolder than they thought. If you prefer digital mockups, try to visualize in 3D before committing paint and fixtures.

save pin

FAQ

Q1: Are painted shiplap walls suitable for bathrooms?

Yes — painted shiplap can work well in bathrooms if you use moisture-resistant paint and seal joints properly. Avoid raw wood near showers and consider a semi-gloss or satin finish for easier cleaning.

Q2: What paint finish is best for shiplap?

Satin or eggshell often strikes the best balance — they’re wipeable but not glossy, which keeps the texture of shiplap attractive. Use semi-gloss in high-moisture or high-touch areas for durability.

Q3: How do I prep old shiplap before painting?

Clean thoroughly, fill gaps or nail holes, sand lightly for adhesion, and prime if the wood was previously stained or raw. Good prep saves touch-ups down the line.

Q4: Can shiplap be painted dark colors?

Absolutely — dark-painted shiplap can look dramatic and modern, but it will visually contract the room, so balance with light ceilings or mirrors and intentional lighting schemes.

Q5: Is painted shiplap high maintenance?

Not necessarily — painted shiplap hides imperfections if you choose the right color and finish, but joints and corners might need periodic caulk touch-ups and scuff repairs over time.

Q6: Will paint hide wood gaps and uneven boards?

Paint helps, but it won't erase large gaps or warped boards. For best results, repair or replace problematic boards before painting, or embrace a rustic look and highlight the texture intentionally.

Q7: How eco-friendly are modern paints for shiplap?

Many modern interior paints are low-VOC and low-odor; according to the U.S. EPA, choosing products labeled low-VOC reduces indoor air pollutants (see EPA guidance at https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds). Always ventilate during application.

Q8: Can I combine shiplap with tile or plaster?

Yes — shiplap pairs well with tile backsplashes and plaster walls for textural contrast. Just plan transitions carefully and use appropriate moisture barriers where needed to protect both surfaces.

save pin