Shiplap is a kind of wooden board that’s often used for constructing sheds, barns, and other rustic buildings. Traditional shiplap has a rabbet (or groove) cut into the top and bottom, which allows the pieces to fit together snugly, forming a tight seal. This also gives shiplap its distinctive appearance, with subtle horizontal reveals between each piece.
These days shiplap is almost always shorthand for the visual style: long planks, usually painted white, mounted horizontally on the walls. The profile, and/or the gap between boards, will vary depending on what product you use, and how you install them. What do you need to know about shiplap before you install it?
a beautiful master bathroom with shiplap walls, ample natural light, and a free-standing soaking tub
a chic and elegant bathroom with mosaic tiles, black shiplap walls, a light stained vanity and wall candle lanterns
a chic farmhouse bedroom done with a black shiplap statement wall that adds drama and elegance to the space
a cozy farmhouse entryway done with white shiplap plus a brick floor is a very chic and budget-friendly idea
a farmhouse home office done with white shiplap on the walls, comfy blue furniture, printed Roman shades and lamps on the walls
a farmhouse home office with white shiplap on the accent wall and vintage furniture, a vintage chandelier and potted greenery
Most people think of shiplap installed horizontally in a room (which itself can help carry the eye around the space, making it feel larger). But installing the shiplap vertically helps emphasize the height of the room, making it feel larger; or, to really turn shiplap on its head, try installing it on the ceiling to draw the eye upwards.
a farmhouse living room with a black shiplap accent wall, a fireplace clad with faux stone, grey sofas, a black leather ottoman
a farmhouse neutral bedroom with shiplap walls, a neutral upholstered bed, a stained nightstand, a brass sconce and greenery
a farmhouse powder room with slate grey shiplap walls, a small stained vanity, a catchy curved mirror and a pendant lamp
a fresh farmhouse bathroom with off-white shiplap, a wooden vanity, decorative baskets and touches of white
a glam farmhouse bathroom done with white shiplap, mosaic tile floors and a crystal chandelier plus a framed mirror
Shiplap creates texture in such a clean, unfussy way, it can work just as well in a contemporary setting. Because it is handcrafted, it can add warmth to what might be a more austere modern setting. Or, conversely, because it has a very clean line, particularly when painted, it can be used to make a historical setting feel more contemporary.
a living room with a black shiplap accent wall, a farmhouse TV unit, a cool gallery wall with family pics
a lovely white farmhouse kitchen with shiplap walls and a hood clad with them, too, white shaker style cabinets and stained shelves
a lovely woodland bedroom with a green shiplap accent wall, wooden nightstands with lamps, a moose artwork and a bed with checked bedding
a modern dining space with black shiplap walls, a curved gold-colored bench, a round table, purple round stools
a moody bedroom with black shiplap walls, a bed with pretty bedding, a grey nightstand, a grey chair and greenery branches
The charm of shiplap comes from the visible gap between the boards. If you choose to paint yours, paint with care to be sure the paint doesn’t fill in the gaps.
a moody Scandinavian bedroom with black shiplap on the walls, a bed with dark bedding, a sconce and a black jug as a vase
a nautical breakfast nook with wishbone chairs, white shiplap walls and a round vintage dining table
a neutral entryway with shiplap and grey storage cabinets, plywood hooks and potted greenery, leather cushions
a peaceful Nordic bedroom with a pastel green shiplap wall, a grey bed with green bedding, a black nightstand
a pretty boho entryway with a black shiplap accent wall, a bench, printed pillows, hooks and a potted plant
a pretty entryway with white and black shiplap walls, a wooden bench, round hooks on the wall and a plant
a stylish contemporary home office with black vertical shiplap on the statement wall and light stained wooden furiture
If you install shiplap horizontally, be aware that the small gaps that give shiplap its charm are also perfect little spaces for dust to collect. Give your walls a once-over with a duster or cloth every once in a while to be sure they stay dust-free. These are all the most important points you need to know about shiplap, ready to get some for your home?
a stylish contemporary living room highlighted with black shiplap on the wall, neutral furniture accents it even more
a welcoming farmhouse bedroom with light blue shiplap, a metal bed and a basket for storage
a welcoming white boho living room with white shiplap walls, a white brick fireplace and touches of rattan
a white attic living room all done with white shiplap around and stained shiplap on the floor looks very cozy and airy
a white famrhouse kitchen clad with shiplap and shiplap cabinets, concrete countertops, a copper pendant lamp and a tall stool
an airy contemporary meets boho bathroom with white shiplap, a light stained vanity, potted greenery and a round mirror
an airy mudroom with dove grey shiplap walls, a large storage unit with cabinets and open shelving, elegant glass lamps
an aqua-colored shiplap entryway with a white storage unit, a gallery wall, blooms, a mirror in a gilded frame and a printed rug
an eclectic entryway with vertical navy shiplap plus a wooden beam to highlight it and catchy decor on the wall
an elegant black kitchen done with black shiplap on the wall for a statement and texture and sleek black plywood cabinets with touches of neutral stain