Wainscoting

Frame and Panel panel wainscoting – the traditional wainscoting style – first became popular as a method of insulation. Although originally most suited to dining and living rooms in a colonial-style residence, installing frame and panel wainscoting adds grace and appeal to any room or home. This method of wainscoting has become a popular method for traditional Hamptons and Cape Cod American-styled homes.

This wainscoting wall style is easily distinguished from other styles; MDF or plywood sheets are placed on the full wall surface where the wainscoting is to appear (typically to chair rail height only), and square battens are used to create a shaker-style look on the wall, then a decorative inlay mould is placed into the inner recess, framing the centre of each panel.

Flat panel wainscoting is used to achieve a shaker-style appearance that is more casual and a little more modern than traditional raised panel wainscoting.

This style uses DAR boards that are flat (without bevelled edges or moulding) and, as a result, are often a leading choice when requiring wainscoting that is both cost-effective and quick to install.

Beadboard wainscoting first emerged in traditional Victorian and cottage-style homes. This style of wainscoting consists of gorgeously subtle, vertical grooves (or ‘beads’) milled into the wood. Beadboard is available in multiple styles and widths but is customarily made of thinner, individual lining boards positioned alongside one another.

More recently shiplap style boards have been used to create a cleaner more modern look, as well as the use of VJ Boards which saves time on installation and achieves the same look.

Raised panel wainscoting is where the inlay mould is fixed directly to the wall to create a multi ‘picture frame’ look across the wall. This is a relatively simple, cost-effective method that is excellent for interiors requiring subtle detailing without a heavy, traditional Hamptons or American style influence.

The inlay mould can be used with or without a chair rail, and different-sized ‘frames’ can be applied to the entire wall, providing flexibility when styling your interior.

Muddy boots, wet umbrellas, and scruffy backpacks are common features of a busy home’s entry. Unfortunately, these are also common causes of damaged walls. Wainscoting can be used in entryways to not only protect walls from damage but also to greet visitors and returning family members with a captivating welcome that sets the scene for a home’s interior.

The walls of stairs and hallways are often narrow, boring and prone to scuffs and marks, making them the ideal wall for wainscoting panels. When using wainscoting on stairs, the horizontal rails generally follow the slope of the staircase, while the stiles (vertical inlay moulds) or beadboards remain vertical. If you would like to make over your staircase check out this blog.

For centuries, living areas, kitchens, and dining room walls have been a popular choice for wainscoting panels. The frequency of use, constantly moving furniture and setting the scene for enjoying shared meals and family gatherings make wainscoting ideal for wall durability and protection, as well as the beautiful impact that it creates.

In bathrooms, wainscoting is used instead of tiling on walls that are not in direct contact with water. This allows you to add warmth and unify decor throughout your home. Wainscoting walls in bathrooms are significantly more cost-effective than tiling full height walls and is ideal for Hamptons, French Provincial and Victorian-era homes. It is common to apply Wainscoting around all the walls of a bathroom, including behind free-standing bathtubs.

If applying Wainscoting in your bathroom we recommend you only use Primed FJ pine not MDF as this is prone to swelling and moisture absorption which will damage the mouldings. Always install a good exhaust fan to vent excess moisture from the air.

Nothing enhances a wall like wainscoting. Wainscoting can be used to create a stunning, timeless feature wall in bedrooms, office spaces, dining rooms and living areas. Wainscoting feature walls provide character and charm and are immediately impactful in improving interior spaces.