Wainscoting Ideas with Faux Panels
If you’re hoping to update the look of your home without spending too much time or money, you might be surprised to learn that wainscoting with faux panels is one of the easiest DIY projects to accomplish. Learn everything you need to know about wainscoting with faux panels in our ultimate guide!
What Is Wainscoting?
Derived from a German word meaning “wall board,” wainscoting traditionally refers to oak wood paneling that covers part of a wall. It used to be installed for moisture control. Today, wainscoting is typically used for decorative purposes, helping to bring a more stately feel to any room in the home. The panels can help a large room feel more cozy or make a small room feel bigger. This dynamic option can also be used on your home’s exterior. Though wainscoting is typically made from wood paneling, you aren’t limited to that. Brick and stone can also be used to create unique designs in your home.
The Design Rules of Wainscoting
When installing wainscoting, there are several guidelines to consider to make sure that everything looks its best. Generally speaking, wainscoting is installed on the lower part of a wall. The rule of thumb is that the panels should be about one-third of the height between the floor and the ceiling (also known as the chair-rail level).
It’s also important to take into account the placement of windows on your outside walls. Let’s say, for example, you are installing wainscoting 32 inches above the finished floor, but your window sills are 31 inches above the floor. That one inch of difference would look odd, and would cause your eye to be drawn to the slight but obvious difference in height. In this case, it would make more sense to raise the height of the wainscoting. Breaking the one-third rule and creating taller panels will look like a design choice rather than an error.
If you’d like a more modern look, you can raise your wainscoting’s height to 24 inches below the ceiling of the room. Then, cover the remaining 2 feet with a punchy color of paint or vibrant wallpaper. When it comes to wainscoting, rules are sometimes made to be broken.
Your Design Style and Wainscoting
Does your home have a bohemian vibe or a formal flair? No matter what your aesthetic, you can find wainscoting to match. When designing your room, think about complementary textures and colors. Reclaimed wood panels are perfect for homes with farmhouse or rustic decor. If an industrial or modern look is your goal, brick panels can add a trendy touch to your living space. And a river rock wainscot is a fun way to bring the outdoors inside.
Once you have chosen your desired type of wainscoting, it’s easy to design the rest of the room to complement it. Wicker and macrame touches are great for both boho chic and farmhouse styles, and metallic accents fit perfectly within an industrial or modern living space. You can create a cohesive feel without the headache of complex renovations.
How to Install Wainscoting
With Barron Designs, you can install an entire room’s worth of wainscoting in as little as one weekend. Our panels are lightweight, and can be attached to walls with either screws or adhesive. You won’t have to worry about having specialized skills or equipment. Our panels can be cut with a saw, so you won’t even need to handle any complex cutting.
Once you’ve decided on the height and style of your wainscoting, all you have to do is install the panels against the existing sheetrock. For a unique touch, you can add a ledge along the top of the wainscoting. Not only will a ledge add visual interest, you can also use it as a place to add seasonal decorations or family photos and keepsakes. It’s as easy as that!
Once installed, your faux panels won’t fade, crack or require maintenance. And because they look indistinguishable from real wood, brick or stone, you’ll get the impressive look of the real thing without any of the expense or hassle! If you need help selecting the right fit for you, contact us at (800) 651-4223.
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