15 Unexpected Shiplap Ideas

The design trend that's infiltrated most of our homes (thanks to a certain couple we happen to love) remains a classic element. However, that doesn't mean we can't mix it up a bit with these surprising ways to use shiplap.

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August 08, 2019

By: Chelsey Bowen

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Photo By: Photo by Sarah Dorio; Design by: CLOTH & KIND; Builder: Athens Building Company

Photo By: Robert Peterson; Rustic White Photography

Photo By: Rennai Hoefer

Photo By: Rachel Whyte

Photo By: Jennifer Boomer/Verbatim Photo Agency

Photo By: Jennifer Boomer/Getty Images

Photo By: Dan Piassick

Photo By: Garett Buell

Delightful Niches

Small nooks are a favorite place to flex a little design prowess. Instead of a flat finish, shiplap is used under the stairs. In addition to the built-in cubby hole, an antique cabinet provides extra storage. The distressed green is the ideal earthy pop against the mostly white palette.

From: CLOTH & KIND

A Simple Juxtaposition

For this modern-meets-farmhouse powder room, shiplap is laid in a horizontal and vertical grid pattern. Wide black planks separate each panel and create a striking contrast that adds to the overall contemporary feel.

From: Tiffany Brooks

Timeless at Its Best

This family-friendly and entertaining-ready kitchen uses all the classics to its advantage. Clean white Shaker cabinets are topped in honed black granite countertops, never-goes-out-of-style subway tile flows from counter to ceiling and the piece de résistance is the marble-clad island. For a playful touch of farmhouse chic though, the range hood is covered in shiplap.

From: Lexi Grace Design

Petite Spaces Maximized

No wasted space here. An awkward nook is turned into a functional and oh-so-stylish storage spot. Floating shelves are installed in front of the shiplap wall, and an antique tray is placed underneath to house wet and muddy boots.

Take a Step

Set on a diagonal, shiplap boards take these stair risers from typical to noteworthy. The pointed design draws your eye to the stairs and creates a cool graphic effect, while the tread keeps the original hardwood to add warmth to the lovely-in-white palette.

Turn It Around

For a fun twist on typical shiplap, lay the boards vertical rather than horizontal. The glossy black wall acts as a chic setting to the welcoming dining room and is topped with a ledge to display lively houseplants and beautiful pieces of pottery.

Making the Most

Hidden underneath the drywall was the original shiplap — score! Unusual architectural details present an unforeseen opportunity to showcase a beloved design element. Here, the overhang near the stairs now adds to the overall room's design rather than sticking out like a sore thumb.

Rustic and Warm

The reclaimed boards make for a casual yet compelling focal wall in this small home office, but the unexpected moment is the continuation of the boards onto the sliding barn-door-style shutter. Accents of black metal add definition and contrast throughout the space.

Retreat-Worthy Bedroom

Not only for walls, shiplap makes for an utterly charming headboard. The soft blue-gray furnishing pairs with white pin-tucked bedding and a block-printed pillow for a cottage bedroom that perfectly mixes cozy and serene.

Overhead Details

Shiplap and rustic wood beams combine for this soaring pitched ceiling. Muted floral curtains surround the canopy bed, which evokes an entirely romantic atmosphere. A wall of windows floods the space with natural light and are the backdrop to a completely cushy sitting area.

From: M. Barnes & Co.

A View Above

Another shiplap and rustic beam combo make its way to the ceiling but in a wholly different style. Outlined by the reclaimed wood, the shiplap cathedral ceiling adds a grand Old-World charm to the bright and airy bedroom. A heavy wood bedframe helps to ground the space, as well as mimics the beam overhead.

From: Vernich Interiors

A Study in Red

Not only does this shiplap trade its traditional white hue for a bold red, but it is also found on the kitchen island rather than the walls. Soft gray countertops balance the more dramatic hue.

The Perfect Backdrop

Even a small portion of shiplap adds texture and interest to your room. Here, a section of the home's original shiplap is left exposed above the traditional white brick fireplace. A window frame, magnolia wreath and distressed candlesticks are layered in front to create an eye-catching vignette.

Stretching It Out

The shiplap-adorned hutch adds ample storage and organization to this petite dining room. The oversized piece of furniture blends into the walls since they feature the same treatment, helping to visually expand the space.

Bordered in Shiplap

Move over, cabinets, shiplap is here to make a statement. The grooved boards surround the gas stove in this soft gray kitchen. Textured tiles stay true to the white tone of the shiplap but add much-needed dimension.