Wainscoting is wooden panels and trim along the lower part of the wall or cover the whole wall. Today it’s widely used as a decor feature in many interiors and it fits many decor styles.
There are three main types of wainscoting: beadboard, shadow boxes and panel molding. Beadboard is the most basic type and consists of simple wooden panels with vertically routered lines and a baseboard beneath. Shadow boxes feature molding, which creates a series of frames on the face of the wall adding dimension and eye-catchiness. Panel molding features rails and raised panels are used to create classic recessed boxes along the lower part of the wall. let’s take a look at the pros and cons to consider installing wainscots or not.
Pros
Wainscoting can change the whole look of the room and add interest to the space. Some materials are paintable or stainable, so they can be modified to match the desired decor. Wainscoting combined with upholstery can make for a soft and warm ambience. Your walls won’t be boring with such panels!
Wood is a natural insulator and wood wall panels offer good thermal and acoustic insulation. If you somehow damage the panels, it’s very easy to sand them down and reseal.
Wainscoting conceal flaws and uneven walls and unsightly features like cables and exposed wiring.
a cozy nursery with an accent wall in dark green and with white wainscoting
a gorgeous cozy bedroom with creamy wainscoting on the walls to add a refined touch
a modern living room looks more stylish and chic with white wainscoting on the wall
a moody masculine space done with dark printed wallpaper and dark-stained wainscoting
a neutral bedroom is made catchy with a large upholstered headboard and off-white wainscoting
a refined vintage space with light grey wainscoting for a sophisticated feel
a vintage farmhouse entryway with white wainscoting on the walls and a round window
a vintage-inspired bedroom with white walls and black wainscoting
light green wainscoting plus delicate floral wallpaper for a farmhouse bathroom
off-white wainscoting is ideal to cover the walls – it_s neutral and still adds interest to the space
simple dark green wainscoting and white walls for a vintage-inspired bedroom
tall black wainscoting and grey printed wallpaper to create a stylish retro bathroom look
wainscoting is a great way to avoid a boring feeling if you have white walls
white wainscoting in this all-white space adds interest and chic
Cons
Changes in temperature and humidity can cause the panels to expand or contract, affecting the installation and durability. Wood loses natural moisture in dry internal conditions. Apply special products to ensure that the moisture is resupplied regularly.
Wainscots aren’t waterproof and on contact with water, they can show rot. Once rot sets in, the panel should be sanded down or totally replaced depending on the extent of damage. To avoid that, use special waterproof finishes or order wainscots of water-resistant materials.
a black bathroom is spruced up with white wainscoting and a marble tile floor
a chic dining room with graphite grey walls and creamy wainscoting plus echoing chairs
a chic powder room done with moody realistic floral wallpaper and black wainscoting
a white ceiling and wainscoting contrast a dark door, foor and furniture
black wainscoting makes thepink bathtub stand out and makes the space elegant
black wainscoting used as a headboard and to divide the bedroom and the closet
bold floral print wallpaper and aqua wainscoting for a bright and vivacious look
bring a sophisticated feel to your space with black wainscoting like this
flora and fauna blue wallpaper and matching wainscoting to create a trendy and bold look
graphite grey wainscoting creates a moody ambience and colorful furniture spruces it up
grey wainscoting and molding on the ceiling create a refined space