Feature walls have been popular for several decades now. However, what is popular for a feature wall has evolved over time. Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s, wallpaper made a great featured wall. (FYI: wallpaper is making a comeback). Then, during the late 90’s and early part of the new millennium, a painted feature wall was the in thing. But make way for the planked feature wall.
This is a trend that I predicted for the new year, and since plank walls was one of the 2016 trend predictions, I thought that an article focusing on just that topic was warranted.
Shiplap – Plank Walls
(Traditional Bedroom by Atlanta Architects & Building Designers W Dylan Gilliam)
Made popular by the hit home improvement show “The Fixer Upper,” shiplap is fast becoming the preferred method for getting wood on a wall. Here, this bedroom has been completely covered in shiplap. The owner did, however, choose to deviate from the traditional white typically seen on shiplap. This beautiful shade is from Restoration Hardware’s Shore paint collection.
(Eclectic Bathroom by Roswell Kitchen & Bath Remodelers Weidmann Remodeling)
Shiplap can look just as nice if used as wainscoting. This gives just a touch of the farmhouse look for this eclectic design.
Plank Walls, Room by Room
(Farmhouse Bedroom by Lafayette Interior Designers & Decorators LMK Interiors)
A bedroom is a great place to add a plank wall. When placed behind the bed, it creates a focal point for the room. This design displays a great combination of elegance and rustic.
(Rustic Kids by Birmingham Interior Designers & Decorators AMW Design Studio)
Plank walls also work well to bring pizazz to a bonus room. It creates a warm cozy sitting space that would have been a little bland with just a painted wall. This makes one just want to veg out on this couch.
(Beach Style Living Room by Corona Del Mar Interior Designers & Decorators Brooke Wagner Design)
If you have a sun room, consider adding a plank wall here. It goes well with the more weather resistant materials that are common to these spaces. But, it adds a bit of warmth to the room.
(Beach Style Entry by San Francisco Photographers Matthew Bolt Graphic Design)
Another great way to use a plank wall is to create a mud room. Planks can turn a simple bench into a finished furniture piece. Imagine how this space would look with just the bench pushed against a painted wall. By adding the planks, the space is given definition and purpose.
If you prefer to not have a mud bench, but you still want to have a feature at the entrance, a plank wall will fill your needs as well. This recessed area near the doorway is a good place for a feature wall.
(Contemporary Hall by Brooklyn Architects & Building Designers General Assembly)
Another great place for a feature wall is at the end of a hallway. It adds interest by being its own wall art.
(Beach Style Nursery by San Diego Interior Designers & Decorators Style On a Shoestring)
Not to be left out of the mix, consider plank walls for a nursery. Here, you will want to make sure that the planks are smooth and splinter free.
(Transitional Bedroom by Washington Architects & Building Designers Lawlor Architects)
Don’t have a headboard? Planks can handle that, too. By carrying the planks all the way to the ceiling, this bed has the illusion of a canopy. The rustic elements combined with the lace and pastels creates a romantic space.
Bathroom Plank Walls
(Farmhouse Bathroom by Grantham Design-Build Firms Yankee Barn Homes)
Since bathrooms seem to be the room that is trending the most for plank walls, I felt it prudent to offer several design selections for this room. These reclaimed planks have been given different stains to create this statement piece.
(Contemporary Bathroom by San Francisco Architects & Building Designers Quezada Architecture)
If you are concerned about having wood in the bathroom, but love the look, consider using board form concrete. That is how this bathroom got its look.
(Rustic Bathroom by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Chelsea Sachs Design)
Try vertical planks for a change of pace. In addition to being a little bit unique, vertical planks will lengthen the wall. Therefore, it will help to create the illusion of a higher ceiling. This is a plus if you have 8′ ceilings.
(Beach Style Bathroom by Gulf Shores Real Estate Agents Erin E. Kaiser, Kaiser Real Estate Sales, Inc)
If you don’t like the look of the rough and rustic style that comes from the reclaimed planks, consider a washed cedar wall. This beach style home did just that with these tongue and groove planks.
(Farmhouse Bathroom by Mill Valley Design-Build Firms KCS, Inc.)
If you don’t have a wall to add planks to, or you just don’t want to disassemble cabinetry and mirrors to get the look, consider wrapping planks along the lower half of the wall.
Minimalistist
After reviewing the above images, I realized that I had shown planked walls in just about every style – Traditional, Contemporary, Beach, Rustic, etc. However, I did not include anything for the minimalist style. So, just to demonstrate that wood can be used for any style, I have included these examples of a clean and classy version.
(Contemporary Bathroom by San Francisco Architects & Building Designers Mark Brand Architecture)
This bathroom looks very serene. With smooth planks in a mid range tone, this look can be achieved.
(Scandinavian Bedroom by Melbourne Photographers Urban Angles)
The feature wall in this bedroom reflects the elements of nature that can be viewed through the massive sliding door way. With a view like this, who needs decorations.
Final THoughts…
I hope that these plank walls have inspired you to create something great in your own home. Remember that wood in a bathroom needs to be properly sealed.
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