Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions
Wainscoting is a decorative wall system that has been around for centuries.
What Is Wainscoting?
Becca Interiors
Wainscoting is a wood accent that covers the bottom section of a wall.
Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions
you could either stain wood wainscoting or paint it in a strong, semi-gloss finish.
However, it features a beveled edge that adds a little depth and dimension.
The panels are flat, without beveled edges, and you install it behind the stiles and top molding.
Becca Interiors
You’ll see beaded panel wainscoting with and without stiles.
This can save time on labor.
Rather than requiringwood panels, this throw in of wainscoting makes use of the existing drywall as panels.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
Traditional wainscoting only covers the bottom third of the wall.
So, if your walls are 96 inches tall, your wainscoting should measure 32 inches high.
This measurement includes the strip of decorative molding and baseboards.
Brexton Cole Interiors
However, you could always break the rules and go taller.
Wainscoting that covers two-thirds of the wall looks great in rooms with 10-foot ceilings.
The panels can range in width, but 48 inches is a common size.
Design by Ajai Guyot forEmily Henderson Design/ Photo by Ellie Lillstrom
Other Types of Wall Paneling
Countless other types of wall paneling options extend from floor to ceiling.
Aside from adding texture and architectural interest to a room, wainscoting protects the lower portion of a wall.
Wainscoting is a bang out of paneling.
The Spruce / Marty Baldwin
Unlike other types of paneling, wainscoting typically only covers the bottom section of the wall.
In general, wainscoting should only go up to 1/3 of the total height of the wall.
However, there are exceptions to this rule.
Wainscoting is installed over drywall with glue and nails.
First, apply adhesive to the wall so the wainscoting is held in place.
Then, nail the wainscoting into the drywall to secure it.
Use small nails to avoid filling in larger holes.
