10 Shiplap Accent Wall Ideas for Living Rooms: Creative and Cozy Shiplap Designs to Transform Your Space

Over the past decade as an interior designer, I've seen shiplap walls evolve from a farmhouse-only feature into a staple of modern, coastal, and even industrial interiors. Right now, textured statement walls are trending, and shiplap accent walls make a living room feel layered and intentional. I’ve always believed that small changes spark big creativity — your living room wall is the perfect place to prove it. In this piece, I’ll share 10 shiplap accent wall ideas for living rooms, mixing my own project stories with expert data.

1. Classic White Horizontal Shiplap

My Take: I once used creamy white horizontal shiplap in a compact city apartment; the space instantly felt airy and expansive.

Pros: It brightens up the room, creates clean lines, and fits various styles from coastal to Scandinavian. According to Houzz trend reports, white shiplap remains one of the top 3 wall treatments in living rooms.

Cons: Requires frequent dusting; in low-light rooms, pure white can sometimes seem stark.

Tip: Pair it with soft-toned sofas to balance brightness.

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2. Rustic Reclaimed Wood Shiplap

My Take: In a lakeside cabin, I used salvaged barn wood, and the subtle imperfections told a story.

Pros: Adds natural warmth, unique character, and is eco-friendly. Long-tail searches around “rustic shiplap wall in living room” continue to grow year over year.

Cons: Can be pricey depending on source; color variations require careful décor matching.

Consider integrating wood accents with soft textiles for a cohesive rustic-modern vibe.

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3. Bold Painted Shiplap Wall

My Take: For a loft project, I painted shiplap in deep navy, turning it into the focal point of the room.

Pros: Provided rich contrast, modern flair, and defined the seating area. Works well in large and small living rooms alike.

Cons: Darker colors can make a small room feel enclosed if lighting isn’t sufficient.

Tip: Use eggshell finish to subtly reflect light without overwhelming gloss.

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4. Vertical Shiplap for Height

My Take: I recommended vertical shiplap in a client’s low-ceilinged living room to draw the eye upward — it worked instantly.

Pros: Creates illusion of higher ceilings, a clever trick for compact spaces. According to Architectural Digest, vertical installations are surging in contemporary design.

Cons: Slightly trickier to install correctly; seam lines must be precise.

Cost note: Professional installation may add 10–15% to your budget.

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5. Two-Tone Shiplap Design

My Take: In a modern farmhouse remodel, I combined natural wood on the bottom and white above — the balance was striking.

Pros: Offers visual interest and allows you to experiment with color blocking. Can help coordinate mismatched furniture styles.

Cons: Risk of looking too busy if colors clash.

Tip: Stick to a neutral + warm wood combo for versatility.

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6. Shiplap Around the Fireplace

My Take: Installing shiplap around a brick fireplace gave it an instant facelift while preserving charm.

Pros: Creates a strong focal point and can tie together mantel décor with wall style. Works with both electric and gas fireplaces.

Cons: Needs careful attention to heat-safe installation; not all materials are fireplace-rated.

For an open-concept home, pairing fireplace shiplap with coordinated kitchen finishes unifies the space.

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7. Chevron or Herringbone Shiplap Pattern

My Take: Once, I ran shiplap planks in a herringbone layout for a feature wall behind a media unit — guests couldn’t stop staring.

Pros: Adds dynamic movement and high-end appeal; ideal if you want the wall to be the art.

Cons: Labor-intensive, higher installation costs, and more waste from angled cuts.

Tip: Limit bold patterns to one wall to avoid visual overload.

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8. Natural Light Wood Shiplap

My Take: Scandinavian-style pale wood shiplap instantly made a north-facing living room feel warmer.

Pros: Complements minimalist furniture and brings in organic texture. Appeals to the “Japandi” trend.

Cons: Can fade with strong sunlight; may need UV-protective finish.

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9. Shiplap with Integrated Shelving

My Take: A custom build I did featured floating shelves recessed into shiplap — perfect for books and décor.

Pros: Saves space, doubles as storage and display. Excellent for small apartments where every inch matters.

Cons: Permanent layout may limit future furniture arrangements.

Combining integrated shelving with a shiplap feature ensures both form and function.

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10. Shiplap Accent with Hidden Door

My Take: In a creative twist, I designed a shiplap wall that concealed a sliding door to a home office — visitors never guessed it was there.

Pros: Adds intrigue, maintains wall continuity, and is a conversation starter.

Cons: Custom carpentry increases costs; not ideal if you frequently need quick access.

Tip: Use continuous plank lines for best camouflage effect.

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Conclusion

A shiplap accent wall in your living room isn’t about restricting your style — it’s about forcing you to get smarter with design choices. Whether you lean classic, rustic, or bold, there’s a texture and layout to match your personality. As Better Homes & Gardens notes, tactile wall finishes have staying power. Which shiplap idea would you most like to try in your own space?

FAQ

1. What is the best color for a shiplap accent wall in a living room?

White remains timeless, but darker shades like navy or charcoal are on trend for creating contrast.

2. Can you install shiplap over drywall?

Yes, shiplap can be installed over drywall using nails or construction adhesive, provided the wall is level.

3. Is shiplap expensive?

Costs vary from $2 to $7 per square foot for materials, with reclaimed wood often priced higher.

4. Which direction should shiplap run?

Horizontal for a wider feel, vertical to create height. Patterns like chevron add visual drama.

5. Can shiplap work in a modern living room?

Absolutely — pairing it with minimal furniture and sleek lighting modernizes its look.

6. Do I need to seal or paint shiplap?

Sealing is recommended for wood longevity. Painted shiplap offers more style flexibility.

7. How do I clean a shiplap wall?

Use a soft cloth and mild soap solution. Avoid abrasive materials that may scratch the finish (HGTV).

8. Can shiplap be combined with other wall treatments?

Yes, you can mix with wallpaper, stone, or tile for layered textures, depending on your design vision.