The living room is often considered the heart of a home, and it's important to make it a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. One way to add charm and character to your living room is by installing wainscoting on the walls. Wainscoting refers to decorative paneling that is typically installed on the lower half of a wall, and it can instantly elevate the look of any room. If you're looking to add some wainscoting to your living room, here are 10 ideas to inspire you.Living Room Wainscoting Wall Ideas
When it comes to wainscoting, there are endless design options to choose from. You can opt for a classic raised panel design for a traditional look, or go for a more modern look with flat panel wainscoting. You can also mix and match different types of paneling to create a unique design, such as combining beadboard and shaker panels. The key is to choose a design that complements the overall style of your living room.Wainscoting Wall Designs for Living Room
Installing wainscoting may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little bit of patience, it can be a DIY project. However, if you're not comfortable with DIY, it's best to hire a professional for the installation. They will have the expertise and experience to ensure that the wainscoting is installed correctly and looks seamless.Living Room Wainscoting Wall Installation
Choosing the right color for your wainscoting can make a big difference in the overall look of your living room. If you want a classic and timeless look, white is always a safe bet. It will also make your living room feel brighter and more spacious. For a more dramatic look, you can opt for a darker color such as navy blue or charcoal grey. It's important to consider the color of your walls and furniture when choosing the color of your wainscoting to ensure everything looks cohesive.Wainscoting Wall Colors for Living Room
Wainscoting panels come in a variety of materials, including wood, MDF, PVC, and even wallpaper. Wood panels are the most traditional and add a warm and natural feel to a room. MDF and PVC panels are more budget-friendly options and can be painted to achieve the desired look. Wallpaper panels are a great option for those on a tight budget or looking for a temporary wainscoting solution.Living Room Wainscoting Wall Panels
The standard height for wainscoting is around 36 inches, but it can vary depending on personal preference and the height of your walls. Some people prefer to have wainscoting that is two-thirds the height of their walls, while others like to go all the way up to the ceiling. It's important to consider the proportions of your living room and choose a height that looks balanced and visually appealing.Wainscoting Wall Height for Living Room
Wainscoting trim adds the finishing touch to the panels and helps create a seamless look. The most common types of trim used for wainscoting are baseboards, chair rails, and crown moldings. Baseboards are installed at the bottom of the wainscoting, chair rails are installed at the top, and crown moldings are installed at the top of the wall where it meets the ceiling. You can also add additional trim such as picture frame molding or decorative corners for a more intricate look.Living Room Wainscoting Wall Trim
Aside from the classic raised and flat panel designs, there are many other wainscoting styles to choose from. Beadboard wainscoting, with its narrow vertical panels, adds a charming and cottage-like feel to a room. Shaker wainscoting, with its clean and simple lines, is perfect for a modern and minimalist look. You can also opt for more intricate designs such as picture frame or box wainscoting for a more formal and elegant feel.Wainscoting Wall Styles for Living Room
Wainscoting molding refers to the decorative elements added to the panels and trim for a more refined look. This can include beading, grooves, or raised patterns on the panels, as well as decorative rosettes or finials on the trim. Adding molding can make a simple wainscoting design look more intricate and add a touch of luxury to your living room.Living Room Wainscoting Wall Molding
If you have a small living room, you may be hesitant to add wainscoting for fear of making the space feel even smaller. However, wainscoting can actually make a small living room feel more cozy and intimate. Opt for a lighter color and a simple design to avoid overwhelming the space. You can also choose to only install wainscoting on one wall to create a focal point and avoid making the room feel too busy. In conclusion, wainscoting is a versatile and timeless addition to any living room. By choosing the right design, color, height, and trim, you can create a unique and stylish wainscoting wall that will add character and charm to your living room for years to come. Whether you're going for a traditional or modern look, there's a wainscoting style that will suit your living room and elevate its overall aesthetic.Wainscoting Wall Ideas for Small Living Room