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Have you ever walked into a beautifully decorated home and noticed a special wall treatment that achieves both character and elegance. Often this is wainscoting, an unfamiliar term that has a rich history and a practical purpose. Below we delve into what wainscoting actually is, its origins, the different styles, and how it can transform your home.
Wainscoting is the decorative panelling often applied to the lower parts of a wall (typically the bottom third or half). It is not restricted to one material, instead it can be made from an array, such as wood, MDF, PVC or even tiles. The panels can also be stained, painted, or just left in their natural state – it all comes down to what look you want.
Today, wainscoting is commonly used for adding texture, visual interest and aesthetic to a room. However, it was originally used as a form of insulation in many colder homes. The wooden panels add an extra layer of protection against the cold and damp, which was especially useful back in the day when there was no modern insulation.
Did you know wainscoting has been around for centuries? Its origins date back to 16th-century Europe! The term itself comes from the Dutch word “wainscot,” referring to high-quality oak boards. Imported to England, these boards were then used in wealthy homes to cover walls for their durability and decorative appeal.
Over time, wainscoting began to gain popularity in other parts of Europe and eventually made its way to the United States. There, wainscoting gained great popularity in formal dining and living rooms, quickly spreading to most other parts of the house, soon becoming associated with refined taste and elegance. Despite the methods and materials of wainscoting evolving, the basic concept of it still remains the same: to enhance the appearance of walls and add a stylish element to the interior spaces.
Wainscoting can come in many styles, each having a different look and feel. Here are some of the most popular:
1. Raised Panel:
This is the most traditional and formal style, featuring panels raised above the stiles and rails to create a three-dimensional effect. You most likely find this style in grand, formal rooms like dining areas and libraries. The room is given a depth and luxury feel thanks to the raised panels.
2. Flat Panel (or Recessed Panel):
Differing from raised panel wainscoting, flat panel wainscoting, as you can probably infer, has panels set into the wall, flush against the stiles and rails. This style is more simple and understated, often making it a popular choice in contemporary homes. You can often see it in kitchen spaces, bathrooms and casual living areas where homeowners desire a clean, modern aesthetic.
3. Beadboard:
This type of wainscoting is made from narrow, vertical planks with a distinct ridge or “bead,” between each plank. This style is most commonly seen in cottages or farmhouses as it can create a cosy, rustic charm to the space. Bearboard can be a versatile option as it can work well in almost any space, even on ceilings.
4. Board and Batten:
Featuring wide boards spaced out with narrow strips (battens) that cover the seams between them, board and batten wainscoting has an architectural feel. By adding a sense of structure to any room, it is a great option for adding height and drama to the space, which is a feature making it popular in hallways and entryways.
5. Shiplap Wainscoting:
Consisting of horizontal planks with a slight gap between them, shiplap wainscoting has a rustic and distinct look that adds texture and warmth to any room. Despite it traditionally being used on the exterior of buildings, it has become increasingly popular for interiors, particularly in modern farmhouses and coastal-styled homes.
Wainscoting is so much more than a decorative feature; it can completely change the feel and appearance of almost any room. Here are some of the ways you can use wainscoting to transform your space:
1. Adds Character and Charm:
Instantly adding character and charm, wainscoting can make walls look more interesting and refined. Whether you prefer modern or traditional styles, maybe even a range of both, there is sure to be a wainscoting style that can fit your home.
2. Creates Visual Interest:
The textures and patterns of wainscoting draw the eye in and add a visual interest to a room. This becomes particularly beneficial in large open spaces where your walls can feel bare. By using wainscoting you can break up the spaces and create a balanced, cohesive look to areas of your home.
3. Protects Walls:
Wainscoting is not just for the aesthetics; it also has a more practical side. It can prevent scuffs, marks and other damage from reaching the wall, particularly in areas where there is lots of movement, such as entryways, stairways and hallways. This makes it ideal for those of you with children or pets.
4. Improves Proportions:
Ever thought the proportions of a room were slightly off? Wainscoting can help improve these appearances by visually dividing the wall space. In rooms with higher ceilings it can lower the focus from above, making the room feel cosier. On the other hand, in smaller rooms it can make the room feel taller and add depth.
5. Versatile Design Element:
The great thing about wainscoting, is that it can be customised to suit your personal tastes and the architecture of your home. From its height, materials and finishes, the choice is yours. You could paint it in bold colours for a modern twist or opt to keep in the natural wood tones to attain a classic, timeless look.
Considering adding wainscoting to your home? Then there are a few things you might want to keep in mind. First, think about the style of your home and what is the exact look you want to achieve. Although wainscoting can complement almost all design styles, it is key to choose the right one for your unique space. Considering the room’s function can also be beneficial – for example, wainscoting could be perfect for a cosy bathroom, while raised panels could add that touch of elegance you desire for a space.
Wainscoting is a timeless design that has evolved from its rich history and practical beginnings to now becoming a fashionable feature in homes of all sizes and styles. Whether you’re looking to protect your walls, make your space visually interesting, add a bit of flair or a touch of elegance, wainscoting could be the answer you’ve been looking for. With so many styles to choose from, there is no limit to what you can achieve with this classical wall treatment.
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