Why Wainscoting Is Still Popular

Wainscoting was initially intended to help insulate walls from moisture, but it is now primarily used for decoration.

27/05/2022

 

 

 

Wainscoting is one of the finest investments you can make to give your modern house a well-built and structured look. Wainscoting was initially intended to help insulate walls from moisture, but it is now primarily used for decoration.

Wainscoting was a popular feature in old manors and estates as part of the tailor-made millwork that was popular at the time. Styles have evolved over time, with some of them being discussed in this blog article. First, let's look at what wainscoting is, the purpose and advantages of wainscoting in-depth, as well as the types of materials used.

 

What Is Wainscoting?

Wainscoting is a decorative board and panel combination that normally extends halfway up the wall. Wainscoting was employed by the Dutch in the 1300s to safeguard the bottom half of their plastered walls from markings and scratches by riding boots, and chairs among other things.

It is now utilized as a barrier on our walls to guard them against terrible stains caused by muddy shoes, unclean fingerprints that can be difficult to remove, and other similar scuffs that are unavoidable in tight places like corridors and stairways.

Wainscot paneling may be used for a number of functions, including wall protection and home décor. Wainscot paneling is essentially a design decision that may bring much-needed elegance and richness to your home in today's environment. Ultimately, it is up to you and your design choices on how and where you install it.

 

Benefits of Wainscoting

 

1. It improves the look of a room

Wainscoting is an excellent way to improve and elevate the decor of a room. It does not occupy any available floor space. It also doesn't take up important wall space since it rests on the lowest section of a wall.

 

2. Wainscoting is flexible

This wall trim is not only gorgeous and stylish, but it is also functional. It is offered in any design or repeating pattern, so it may fit into almost any design style. While historically built of wood panels, wainscoting is now available in a range of materials. You can also adjust the height of your wall feature to achieve the desired aesthetic. Visit Doors Plus to explore their selection and let them assist you to improve the look of your house.

 

3. It can be included in any room

Wainscoting may be used in every space since it is so adaptable and comes in a variety of materials. This kind of wall trim is common in home offices, living rooms, dining rooms, and other rooms, but it may also be seen in bathrooms, kitchens, and other unexpected places.

Ceramic tile may be utilized to create moisture and humidity-resistant wainscoting in a bathroom. This wall trim could also be used along stair walls or in an entryway to provide architectural interest to places that generally lack it or are disregarded.

 

Types of Materials Used in Wainscoting

A range of materials are used to create modern wainscoting patterns and styles. Medium-density fiberboard, often known as pressed wood, is a cost-effective solution for contractors. It is important to note that the material you choose is heavily influenced by the budget you have set aside for your project.

Popular wainscoting materials include metal, molded drywall, and PVC plastic, all of which may be utilized to add intriguing textures and aesthetic features to your gorgeous contemporary home.

To add flair and the main focus to all of your home's rooms, consider beadboard and recessed flat panels paired with various forms of rail and molding. PVC panels are an excellent choice since they are far more durable and need far less care than other materials. These do not absorb liquids and can withstand color changes. Furthermore, they are insect and mold-resistant, and also surprisingly simple to install. They are available in a range of designs and colors to complement your home's décor.

If you prefer a rustic farmhouse style, try beadboard wainscoting, which is made of a sequence of plywood planks. You may also go for a shiplap appearance, which is a horizontal design constructed of interlocking boards. When you don't like the look of the plain white shiplap, then you may paint it to change the appearance of a dull space and add the much-needed bold color.

 

Custom Home Wainscoting Ideas

Since this form of wall trim is so adaptable, there are several ways to incorporate it into your house. Here are some options for wainscoting in your custom home:

 

1. Experiment with height

Whereas this style of trim is often around chair-rail height, you can experiment with taller or lower panels for a unique effect. A whole wall of wainscoting can occasionally work, but it looks old, especially if the wall is covered with brown wood. If you want to go for a 70s throwback look, that may work. However, it does not function well with other styles.

You may go higher up the wall if you like. Taking it higher to 5 feet or more may create an impression and give more security, while still providing a few feet for the wallpaper or accent paint color. For an unusual aesthetic, go a bit lower beyond chair-rail height.

 

2. Combination of wainscoting and accent wallpaper

It is usual to paint both the walls and the wainscoting panels. However, you may get a distinct design by combining this trim with an accent wallpaper. Wallpapers can make a space stand out or provide unique detail to an often-overlooked section, based on the entirety of your design.

 

3. Place it in unusual places

Wainscoting is an excellent technique to make a room stand out. It may give an intriguing design element to a powder room, hallways, stairway walls, or an entryway. It might be a subtle upgrade or a main point for the area, depending on the design you pick.

 

4. Add some color

This type of wall trim is often cream or white in color. This works well in many circumstances, but it may also appear more official at times. If that's not your style, you may add color and a less formal ambiance by applying an accent color to your wainscoting panels.

 

Endnote

Before you invest in wainscoting, consider how you want your home to appear and feel. Wainscoting is a flexible trim that may be used in the design of your custom house. With so many variations, you're sure to discover the ideal match for the appearance and feel you desire. Working with a unique home builder, particularly one that offers an in-house build/design process, can ensure that you receive the home you desire.

 

 

 

 

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