22 Board and Batten Wall Ideas: An Easy Way To Upgrade Any Room
Sometimes not even paint or shiplap can fix a blank and boring wall, so ....
Welcome to the world of board and batten accent walls - the perfect mix of texture, charm and personality!
Board and batten walls have become a popular choice for homeowners wanting to add modern architectural interest without breaking the bank.
This simple wall treatment can be done in an endless variety of unique layouts, colors, and finishes to help you elevate your space in a fun and extra special way that adds a ton of character. You can even change up the traditional vertical pattern or if you're feeling really daring, put it on the ceiling!
Ready to get inspired? These modern board and batten wall ideas will take the style of your home to the next level.
In This Article
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What Is Board-And-Batten Siding?
Board and batten siding is a wall paneling technique that uses narrow wooden strips (called "battens") to cover the seams between wide boards for a layered effect.
Back in the day, batten and board was used for exterior structures like barns and garden sheds because it was inexpensive, easy to assemble, and kept out rain and cold.
Today it's a sought after look in modern and high-end home exteriors due to its trendy, versatile, and interesting style.
Just look at the clean vertical lines of this gorgeous board and batten exterior by Craftivity Designs - a perfect example of rustic meets modern.
Board And Batten Interior Walls
Come along and tour these rooms for amazing board and batten wall ideas; I think you'll agree that board and batten can work beautifully inside your home too!
Board and batten entryway
Kate from House Mix created this gorgeous and practical board and batten half wall with hooks for jackets and backpacks - a perfect DIY weekend project (Kate says it took her about 7 hours working alone).
Jessica Sara Morris added peg hooks and placed a picture ledge atop her painted blush board and batten entry wall, instantly brightening what she describes as a "small, dark rental."
At Thrifty Decor Chick, Sarah transformed a blank staircase wall by adding board and batten wall treatment and picture ledges - the perfect accent to give the living room character without taking over the space.
Board and batten fireplace
Built in shelves and cabinets flank a fireplace in this classic and cool interior by Bria Hammel Interiors featured in Decor Pad. The clean lines of the board and batten TV wall from mantel to ceiling adds the perfect touch.
Board and batten office
Raise your hand if you want to work in the gorgeous home office. The serene sage green board and batten accent wall definitely is a show stealer. Designed by Easton Lane Design.
Installing board and batten around windows takes careful planning and measuring; Sarah Rice Design shows how to create symmetry that feels both practical and designer-level.
Board and batten bedroom wall
Banish the blahs with these board and batten accent wall ideas that suit any budget and style. Although white board and batten is often the color of choice, try:
- Dark board and batten with picture ledge behind the bed as a faux headboard
- Bold accent colors like rich black or dark navy for personality
- Serene neutrals for a quiet retreat
Pairing board and batten with bold floral wallpaper in a girl's bedroom adds cozy texture and layered charm that works in both adult and kid's rooms.
Small spaces, big impact.
Board and Board Materials: For the exterior, look for durable water and rot resistant wood such as cedar, cypress, redwood and fir. You can also use vinyl, steel, or fiber cement.
Board and batten interior materials can be pretty much any type of wood or MDF.
Board and batten hallway
Hana's Happy Home took a plain blank slate hallway and made it pop with a beautiful green board and batten accent wall (painted SW Pewter Green). Her easy DIY board and batten wall tutorial proves that even narrow spaces can shine with the right wall treatment.
Board and batten bathroom
Small bathrooms benefit from texture, and board and batten walls deliver!
Sweet Beast used gray vertical batten and board for a sleek, modern vibe, while Home With Krissy paired a white board and batten half wall with wallpaper. Both choices helped transform the rooms with minimal effort and expense.
Amy at Delineate Your Dwelling loves how easily board and batten can be modernized by painting it a fresh bold color and extending the wall higher than the typical chair rail height.
Board and batten vs wainscoting: Sometimes they mean the same thing. Most often, wainscoting is a wood material wall treatment featuring panels, railings and mouldings in decorative patterns. It’s used in the interior only.
Board and batten can be on the exterior too and features rectangular wood pieces joined by thin strips called “battens”.
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Creative Board And Batten Designs
Most people go vertical but that's just the beginning. Try:
- Horizontal board and batten for a modern feel
- Mixed directions to create geometric patterns
- Herringbone or diagonal designs for unique statement walls
- Ceiling applications for a coastal or cottage look
(Be sure to check out the DIY board and batten tutorial for that amazing "crazy" diagonal bedroom wall at Polished Habitat!)
Herringbone board and batten in a child's room creates a stunning focal point for only $40 in lumber.
Moody blue paint comes together with board and batten offset rectangles for a modern, stylish nursery.
The simplicity of this white board and batten ceiling at Life on Virginia Street adds a coastal vibe and a sense of tranquil stability to the bedroom.
And while this accent board and batten wall isn't technically board and batten, the linear design created by Remington Avenue uses MDF slats to create a visually appealing, one-of-a-kind dining room.
Why Homeowners Love Board And Batten
Beyond the visual appeal, board and batten walls:
- Hide imperfections in old drywall
- Add instant architectural character
- Work with any home decor style - modern, rustic or traditional
- Are budget-friendly and beginner-friendly
Costs vary depending whether you install it yourself or go with a pro installation. Either way, they're a high impact update for minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
I hope this inspires you for your own home! If you’re feeling inspired but unsure which direction fits your taste, check out my post on How to Find Your Decorating Style. It’ll help you define your personal style so every project (board and batten included!) feels like you.
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