Beadboard

I love, love, love beadboard. It's a classic look that goes with anything and never gets old. It comes white but that doesn't mean that it has to stay that way. You could paint it if you'd like but try to stay with lighter, neutral colors if you're placing it in formal areas. On the other hand, in bedrooms spice it up and paint it a bright color. It ornaments the wall and makes the space feel clean and sleak. It's been around since the early 19th century used by the Victorians in mostly less formal homes and spaces. You can install beadboard anywhere, that's the beauty of it, but it is commonly placed in foyers, hallways, and bathrooms. There are three ways you can install it: 1) Wainscoting - which is where 3/4 of the wall is paneled, 2) Dado (pronounces day-doe) - which is where only the lower portion of the wall is paneled and 3) depending on the room, sometimes full paneled walls look great too. You can buy the beadboard at any local home improvement store and install it yourself! It comes in a couple of different sizes which are based on where exactly you're putting it.

Here are a few beautiful applications of beadboard:

bathrooms - notice thinner sheets in the bathroom and thicker sheets in the hall

bedrooms or sitting areas - a little higher than 1/2 of the wall

dining rooms - full paneled

ceilings



hallways and stairwells



kitchens covering cabinets

kitchens covering walls

living rooms - full paneled

wainscoting beadboard - a small shelf has been added

children's room - good example of colored beadboard

dado beadboard - just above the chair line

To learn how to install beadboard click here.