Horizontal shiplap gained popularity in the last eight years (specifically 2013 when Joanna Gaines first used it on Fixer Upper.) I spied shiplap being applied vertically shortly after that and it has gained momentum ever since. Although I do like the look of horizontal shiplap, I must say that it is vertical shiplap that I absolutely adore. Some describe shiplap as rustic, farmhouse, vintage or modern. I say it is timeless and classic and can work in any space. Vertical shiplap can make a small room seem larger. It’s easy to install and inexpensive and I think after seeing the inspiration below, you just may be inspired to install it in your own space. Or contact me to help you with that! 🙂
To all the naysayers thinking shiplap is a DIY look, have a look at the above space designed by Kate Marker. Her work is beyond beautiful and she uses some sort of panelling or shiplap in many of her projects. This project uses shiplap in a bathroom as shown above but also in the mudroom, on the end gables of kitchen cabinetry and behind shelves in a bookcase/cabinet. You can really have fun with the colour you choose to paint it.
Vanessa Francis Design
Shiplap is an architectural element that adds dimension to a space. I used this 7 1/4″ shiplap from Metrie in my own tiny laundry room. I wanted the walls to have interest and I was debating between some sort of wall treatment like shiplap or wallpaper. Shiplap installed verically won out and painting it a greyed down pink was a last minute decision. I think it was the right call but the good news is that I can always just paint it another colour to completely change the look. Or I may add wallpaper above for more interest, hmmm.
What is shiplap? The name comes from the overlapping horizontal wood boards once used on ships centuries ago to create a water tight seal. These boards have notches or rabbets that fit together tightly with the next board leaving a slight gap in between each. Shiplap was then used on the exterior of outbuildings (pre plywood) like sheds and barns to keep out the wind and rain. It was then brought onto interior walls (pre drywall) as a backing for wallpaper and other wall treatments. Today, shiplap is more decorative than functional and is used on interior walls as a beautiful detail adding character and texture.
Shiplap is very similar in appearance to tongue and groove panelling and you would be hard pressed to tell the difference. The latter creates a v-groove when two boards are fitted together. Beadboard, however, has a slightly different look with the widths of the boards being smaller (2-3″) and is usually available in sheets. Shiplap boards come in various widths ranging from 4″ to 8″+. For the purposes of this blog post, I am including images that could be either shiplap, tongue and groove or beadboard installed vertically.
The above two images are of a bathroom for Amber’s daughter and it couldn’t be any more charming. The stone floor, marble, gold and panelling add a variety of textures which create a very luxe feel.
This is actually tongue and groove paneling as indicated in Emily’s blog post. The navy painted boards add so much character to this bathroom especially paired with the patterned tiles.
Shiplap becomes an interesting backsplash in this beautiful kitchen. I think you would need to use a paint and sealant that would make clean up easy.
Syd and Shea McGee used vertical shiplap in a number of areas in their own home like their laundry room (opening image) and their mudroom shown above. I love how they continued it onto the ceiling. Much more interesting than plain drywall, right?
I love the idea of shiplap applied at the back of a bookcase. It adds interest and is a low cost investment for a high end look.
Such an easy and beautiful way to transform a space. Are you on the vertical shiplap train?
Stay well,
{If you need design help on a project, whether it be a 2 hour consultation only or from concept to completion, please email me at decorhappy@gmail.com. Would love to hear from you!)
Beverly Ward
March 24, 2021Hi Vanessa,
So glad to receive your email about shiplap. I must mention that your fans do not hear from you often enough. I know the pandemic has altered the methods we interact with each other, however, can you please keep us informed on your current and/or upcoming projects.
All the best,
Beverly
Vanessa
April 5, 2021Hi Beverly,
Ahh thank you. I am currently updating my website and with that I will be sending out regular emails to those that have signed up for it. So stay tuned.
Vanessa xo
Paula Moreshead
March 24, 2021Hi! I didn’t know that there was something called vertical shiplap. I thought that vertical tongue and groove or bead board were the ways to add vertical interest and character. Maybe it escaped my notice since I’m soooo over the whole horizontal shiplap trend and steered away from anything called shiplap. I have loved tongue and groove on walls and ceilings since I first saw it used at the homes of my uncles and aunts in their farmhouses. back in the days before drywall. My husband and I recently used it for our kitchen backsplash which is working just great, painted, of course. And, then we repeated it on our master bathroom walls. At my age, you know if you’ve loved something that long, you probably always will! Enjoyed your post:)
Vanessa
April 5, 2021Hi Paula,
It can be hard to spot the difference between vertical shiplap and tongue and groove at first glance, bead board does look a little different. Thanks for your comment and I think it is a look that has lasting power.
Vanessa xo
Karen
March 24, 2021Love all of it. Esp your bathroom. Such a pretty head lady, too.
Vanessa
April 5, 2021Thank you. xo