I never thought a simple weekend project could completely transform my bedroom until I installed shiplap behind my bed.
After a particularly rough breakup, I desperately needed a change in my space that wouldn’t break the bank.
My sister suggested shiplap, and I rolled my eyes, thinking it was just another passing trend, and boy, was I wrong!
That single wall of horizontal wooden panels instantly elevated my bedroom from bland to magazine-worthy.
The texture, the depth, the character it added – I was honestly shocked.
Now whenever friends come over, they immediately ask about my gorgeous accent wall.
It’s become my favorite conversation starter and the best therapy-through-DIY decision I’ve ever made.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
1. Classic Horizontal White Shiplap for Timeless Appeal
White horizontal shiplap behind your bed creates a clean, coastal vibe that never goes out of style.
The simplicity of white shiplap allows it to blend with virtually any décor style you already have.
When installing horizontal white shiplap, you’ll want to use a level to ensure each board sits perfectly straight for that professional finish.
The bright white boards reflect light around your room, making even the smallest bedrooms feel more spacious and airy.
Painting the shiplap a crisp white helps highlight the distinctive shadow lines between each board, which is what gives shiplap its characteristic texture.
You can achieve different looks with white shiplap depending on the type of white you choose – warm whites create a cozier atmosphere while bright whites feel more modern.
For best results, you should paint your shiplap before installation, then touch up afterward to cover nail holes and seams.
White horizontal shiplap pairs beautifully with navy blue accents, creating a nautical feel that’s perfect for a relaxing bedroom retreat.
The horizontal orientation of the boards can make your room appear wider, which is particularly beneficial in smaller bedrooms.
Unlike a plain painted wall, white shiplap provides texture and dimension without overwhelming your décor or competing with your bedding choices.
If you’re concerned about your room feeling too stark, you can soften the look with plenty of textiles on your bed – think plush duvets, multiple pillows, and cozy throws.
The gaps between shiplap boards create subtle shadow lines that add visual interest even in an all-white color scheme.
Over time, white shiplap develops a lovely patina that only enhances its character – it ages beautifully unlike many other wall treatments.
Maintenance is simple – just dust regularly and touch up with paint as needed to keep it looking fresh for years.
2. Painted Accent Shiplap for Bold Personality
Choosing a bold color for your shiplap accent wall instantly creates a focal point that showcases your personality.
Navy blue shiplap exudes sophistication while providing a striking backdrop for brass or gold bed frames and lighting fixtures.
Forest green painted shiplap brings the outdoors inside, creating a serene natural atmosphere that promotes restful sleep.
Dramatic black shiplap makes a modern statement while making your colorful bedding and artwork pop dramatically against the dark background.
The texture of shiplap prevents dark colors from feeling flat or overwhelming, as the grooves between boards catch light and add dimension.
You’ll find that painted shiplap offers more depth than a simple painted wall because of the subtle shadows created between each board.
Consider painting your shiplap in a matte finish to minimize glare and enhance the cozy, sophisticated feel of your bedroom retreat.
When selecting a paint color, test samples on a few boards first to see how the color interacts with your lighting throughout the day.
Bold-colored shiplap looks stunning when paired with simple, neutral bedding that allows the wall to remain the star of the show.
For maximum impact, extend the colored shiplap from floor to ceiling, creating a dramatic backdrop that frames your bed perfectly.
If you’re hesitant about committing to a bold color, remember that shiplap is relatively easy to repaint compared to textured drywall.
Rich jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, or ruby create a luxurious boudoir feeling when applied to shiplap behind a bed.
The linear texture of shiplap helps tame very bold colors, making them more livable than they might be on a flat wall.
For a cohesive look, pull accent colors from your shiplap wall into your bedding with decorative pillows or throws.
3. Reclaimed Wood Shiplap for Rustic Charm
Using authentic reclaimed wood for your shiplap wall infuses your bedroom with history and character impossible to replicate with new materials.
Each board tells its own story through nail holes, color variations, and the natural weathering that only comes with time.
Reclaimed barn wood shiplap brings warmth and texture to your bedroom, creating a cozy retreat that feels miles away from the sterile sameness of modern construction.
The imperfections in reclaimed wood—knots, splits, and variations in color—become beautiful features rather than flaws when installed as a statement wall.
You’ll find that reclaimed wood shiplap naturally complements other natural elements like leather, wool, and plants, creating a harmonious, earthy bedroom environment.
Unlike new wood that can sometimes feel too perfect or uniform, reclaimed shiplap offers an authenticity that instantly makes your bedroom feel established and timeless.
When sourcing reclaimed wood, look for local salvage yards, demolition sites, or specialized reclaimed wood dealers to find unique pieces with local history.
Before installation, make sure to thoroughly clean and treat reclaimed wood to eliminate any pests and ensure it’s safe to bring into your home.
The varied patina of reclaimed wood creates a natural color palette that can inspire the rest of your bedroom décor choices.
You should seal reclaimed wood shiplap with a clear coat to prevent further deterioration while preserving its authentic aged appearance.
For an especially striking look, mix boards of different widths to enhance the rustic, unplanned aesthetic that makes reclaimed wood so appealing.
Reclaimed wood shiplap pairs beautifully with industrial elements like metal bed frames, exposed bulb lighting, and raw concrete accents.
The thermal properties of wood can actually help insulate your bedroom wall, potentially improving energy efficiency while adding style.
One of the greatest benefits of choosing reclaimed wood is the sustainability factor—you’re giving new life to materials that might otherwise end up in landfills.
4. Vertical Shiplap for Height and Drama
Installing shiplap vertically instead of horizontally completely transforms its effect, drawing the eye upward and making your ceilings appear higher.
Vertical shiplap creates a more formal, sophisticated look compared to the casual, coastal feel of horizontal installation.
The upward lines of vertical shiplap can make smaller bedrooms feel significantly taller and more spacious.
You’ll notice that vertical shiplap resembles traditional board and batten in some ways, but with the distinctive shadow lines that make shiplap unique.
For maximum height enhancement, paint your vertical shiplap the same color as your ceiling to blur the boundary between wall and ceiling.
Vertical installation works particularly well in bedrooms with low ceilings where creating an illusion of height is desirable.
The visual movement created by vertical boards leads your eye naturally from floor to ceiling, creating a sense of architectural interest even in plain box rooms.
You might consider extending vertical shiplap partway up the wall (wainscoting style) for a more traditional look that still preserves the height-enhancing properties.
When installing vertical shiplap, you’ll need to locate and mark your wall studs differently than with horizontal installation, as your boards will cross multiple studs.
The vertical orientation creates different shadow patterns throughout the day as light moves across your room, adding subtle visual interest.
Vertical shiplap behind your bed frames the headboard beautifully, creating a built-in focal point that anchors your bedroom design.
For a contemporary twist, try installing extra-wide vertical shiplap boards to create a bold, modern statement that still maintains the texture of traditional shiplap.
You can highlight the vertical lines by choosing contrasting paint colors for the grooves between boards, though this technique requires precision and patience.
Consider combining vertical shiplap with a canopy bed to emphasize the upward visual movement and create a truly dramatic bedroom centerpiece.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
5. Two-Tone Shiplap for Designer Style
Two-tone shiplap combines the best of both worlds—texture and color—for a custom designer look that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.
Try painting the bottom half of your shiplap wall in a deeper shade and the top half in a lighter version of the same color for a subtle, sophisticated effect.
Creating a horizontal color divide about two-thirds up the wall helps generate a cocoon-like feeling around your bed, promoting restful sleep.
You might experiment with painting just the grooves between shiplap boards in a contrasting color for an unexpected detail that catches the eye.
Two-tone treatments work especially well when you coordinate one of the colors with your bedding for a thoughtfully designed, cohesive look.
For a bold statement, consider a dramatic dark color on the bottom with crisp white on top, creating a modern take on traditional wainscoting.
The textured surface of shiplap makes color transitions more interesting than they would be on a flat wall, as the grooves create natural breaking points.
You can achieve a gradient effect by subtly shifting through three or more increasingly lighter shades of the same color from bottom to top.
When planning a two-tone shiplap wall, use painter’s tape to mark your dividing line and ensure a crisp, professional-looking transition between colors.
Two-tone shiplap allows you to incorporate trendy darker colors in a way that doesn’t overwhelm your bedroom space.
For a truly custom look, consider using metallic paint for one of your shiplap sections, creating a glamorous backdrop that catches the light beautifully.
The dimensional quality of shiplap means that even subtle color differences between top and bottom sections will be enhanced by the natural shadows.
You might consider extending the lower color to adjacent walls while keeping the upper color limited to the shiplap accent wall for a cohesive yet focused design.
Two-tone approaches let you update your look more easily over time—you can repaint just half the wall for a refreshed appearance without a complete overhaul.
6. Whitewashed Shiplap for Subtle Texture
Whitewashing shiplap creates a delicate, ethereal look that lets the natural wood grain show through while brightening your bedroom space.
Unlike solid paint, whitewash allows the character and texture of the wood to remain visible, creating depth that flat painted surfaces simply can’t match.
You can control the opacity of your whitewash by adjusting the ratio of paint to water, allowing for a customized look that ranges from barely-there to more solid coverage.
Whitewashed shiplap works beautifully in farmhouse, coastal, and Scandinavian-inspired bedrooms where light, natural materials take center stage.
The subtle color variations in whitewashed wood create a soft, organic backdrop that makes colorful bedding and accessories stand out beautifully.
Unlike painted shiplap that can sometimes feel stark, whitewashed boards offer warmth and character while still maintaining a light, airy feel.
For the best results, you should apply whitewash to raw, unfinished wood rather than trying to whitewash over previously painted surfaces.
You’ll find that whitewashed shiplap develops a beautiful patina over time, aging gracefully and becoming even more charming as years pass.
The technique works particularly well with pine or oak shiplap, as these woods have pronounced grain patterns that show beautifully through the whitewash.
When whitewashing, work in small sections and wipe excess wash away promptly to achieve a consistent, natural-looking finish across all boards.
You might consider whitewashing your shiplap in a barely-pink or blue-tinged white for a subtle color effect that still maintains the light, bright benefits of white.
Whitewashed shiplap pairs perfectly with natural linens, jute rugs, and other organic materials for a cohesive, nature-inspired bedroom retreat.
The soft, diffused look of whitewashed wood creates a peaceful atmosphere conducive to rest and relaxation—exactly what you want in a bedroom.
For maintenance, simply dust regularly and touch up any significant marks with a small amount of your original whitewash mixture.
7. Narrow vs. Wide Plank Shiplap Options
The width of your shiplap boards dramatically affects the overall look and feel of your bedroom accent wall.
Narrow shiplap boards (2-4 inches wide) create a more detailed, busy pattern that adds significant texture and visual interest to your wall.
Wide planks (6-12 inches) offer a more modern, streamlined look while still providing the characteristic shadow lines of traditional shiplap.
You’ll find that narrow boards make a smaller bedroom feel more intricate and detailed, while wider boards can help a small space feel less cluttered.
For a truly custom look, consider mixing different width boards in a random or planned pattern across your accent wall.
Narrow shiplap tends to read as more traditional or cottage-like, while extra-wide boards have a distinctly contemporary feel.
The width you choose should complement your overall design aesthetic—narrow for farmhouse or coastal styles, wider for modern or minimalist bedrooms.
When using narrow boards, the increased number of shadow lines creates more texture, making even simple white shiplap more visually interesting.
Wide plank shiplap allows more of each board’s natural wood grain and character to show, making it an excellent choice for stained or whitewashed finishes.
You should consider your ceiling height when selecting board width—very narrow boards can make a low ceiling feel even lower, while wider boards can help visually expand the space.
The installation cost may differ between narrow and wide planks, as narrow boards generally require more material and labor to cover the same area.
Wide planks make a bold statement with fewer seams, creating a cleaner backdrop that won’t compete with elaborate bedding or artwork.
Some homeowners opt for narrow shiplap on the lower portion of the wall and wider planks above for a unique, custom look that adds architectural interest.
Whatever width you choose, ensure consistency throughout your accent wall for the most professional, intentional-looking result.
8. Diagonal Shiplap for Unexpected Flair
Installing shiplap at a diagonal angle creates immediate visual interest and sets your bedroom apart from standard horizontal or vertical applications.
The diagonal lines draw the eye both upward and outward, making your bedroom appear both taller and wider simultaneously.
You’ll find that diagonal shiplap creates a dynamic energy in your bedroom, with lines that actively move the eye around the space rather than settling in one direction.
This unexpected installation pattern transforms basic shiplap from familiar to fascinating, even when using simple white painted boards.
Diagonal shiplap pairs particularly well with minimalist furniture, as the angular wall pattern provides plenty of visual interest without requiring elaborate décor.
The installation is admittedly more challenging than standard horizontal or vertical applications, requiring more precise cuts and creating more waste.
For maximum impact, consider painting diagonal shiplap in a bold color that highlights the unusual installation pattern.
You might experiment with creating a herringbone or chevron pattern with your shiplap for an even more distinctive and luxurious look.
The diagonal installation naturally draws attention, making it perfect for an accent wall behind your bed that serves as the room’s focal point.
When planning diagonal shiplap, decide whether you want the boards running from lower left to upper right or lower right to upper left—each creates a slightly different energy in the room.
You’ll need to carefully calculate board lengths and angles for a diagonal installation, so precise measurement and planning are essential.
Diagonal shiplap tends to make a more dramatic statement than traditional installations, so you might want to keep other elements in your bedroom relatively simple.
The unique angle creates interesting shadow patterns throughout the day as natural light moves across your room.
For a truly one-of-a-kind look, consider alternating the direction of diagonal boards to create geometric sections across your accent wall.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
9. Shiplap with Integrated Shelving or Niches
Incorporating built-in shelving or display niches into your shiplap wall creates both beauty and function behind your bed.
Custom-cut openings in your shiplap wall can house bedside lighting, eliminating the need for nightstands in smaller bedrooms.
You might consider a central niche sized perfectly for artwork, creating a framed focal point that draws attention to a special piece.
Small floating shelves mounted over shiplap provide perfect spots for books, small plants, or a glass of water, bringing convenience within arm’s reach of your bed.
For a luxurious touch, install LED strip lighting inside niches or behind shelves to create a soft, ambient glow that highlights both the shiplap texture and your displayed items.
Built-in storage niches can eliminate clutter in smaller bedrooms while maintaining the clean, architectural look of your shiplap accent wall.
When planning integrated features, consider the depth carefully—too shallow and they won’t be functional, too deep and they’ll protrude awkwardly into your sleeping space.
You’ll want to plan these features before installing your shiplap, as retrofitting shelves or niches into an existing wall is significantly more complicated.
The contrast between the linear shiplap and geometric openings creates architectural interest that elevates your entire bedroom design.
Consider painting the inside of niches in a contrasting color to your shiplap for an unexpected pop that highlights your displayed objects.
For a cohesive look, carry the shiplap pattern into the back of open shelving units, creating continuity across the entire wall installation.
Asymmetrical shelf arrangements can create a modern, artistic look while still providing practical storage or display space.
You might consider incorporating a larger central shelf that can accommodate a small collection of books or decorative objects that showcase your personality.
The combination of textured shiplap with functional elements transforms a simple accent wall into a custom architectural feature that looks professionally designed.
10. Ceiling-to-Floor Shiplap for Immersive Texture
Extending your shiplap from floor to ceiling creates an immersive, wraparound texture that transforms your entire bedroom environment.
Full-wall shiplap treatments eliminate the need to decide where to start and stop the material, creating a seamless, intentional look.
You’ll find that floor-to-ceiling shiplap creates a cozy cocoon effect that’s particularly welcoming in a bedroom setting.
The continuous texture draws the eye upward, making your ceiling appear higher while adding architectural interest to otherwise plain walls.
Unlike partial wall treatments, ceiling-to-floor shiplap makes a definitive design statement that anchors your entire bedroom aesthetic.
When using natural or stained wood shiplap floor-to-ceiling, the effect can resemble a modern cabin or lodge, bringing warmth and character to urban apartments or suburban homes alike.
Full-wall treatments allow you to eliminate baseboards and crown molding if desired, creating a more contemporary, streamlined look.
You might consider installing shiplap on all bedroom walls for a completely immersive experience, or limit it to the bed wall and perhaps one additional accent wall.
Floor-to-ceiling installations create a perfect backdrop for minimalist bedroom furniture, allowing the wall texture itself to be the primary design element.
The continuous visual flow of ceiling-to-floor shiplap can actually make smaller bedrooms feel more cohesive and intentionally designed.
For maximum impact, consider carrying the same shiplap treatment onto the ceiling above your bed, creating a fully enveloped sleeping space.
Full-wall shiplap requires more material and labor than partial treatments, but the dramatic result often justifies the additional investment.
You’ll want to carefully plan around windows, doors, and electrical outlets when installing floor-to-ceiling shiplap to ensure clean, professional-looking integration.
The all-over texture creates a sophisticated backdrop that elevates even the simplest bedroom furniture to statement status.
11. Combining Shiplap with Other Wall Treatments
Mixing shiplap with other wall treatments creates dimension and visual hierarchy that takes your bedroom design to the next level.
Try pairing shiplap with wallpaper by installing the wooden panels on the lower half of your wall and bold pattern above, creating a modern take on traditional wainscoting.
You might consider framing a section of shiplap with applied molding for a paneled effect that adds architectural interest and formality.
Combining matte shiplap with a glossy painted section creates an interesting textural contrast while maintaining color cohesion.
For a truly unique look, install shiplap on the lower two-thirds of your wall with a textured plaster finish above, blending rustic and refined elements.
Using shiplap to create a picture-frame effect around a central section of contrasting material adds unexpected sophistication to your bedroom walls.
You’ll find that pairing natural wood shiplap with concrete or brick creates an appealing tension between warm and cool materials.
When combining wall treatments, use a chair rail, thin metal strip, or other transitional element to create a clean, intentional break between materials.
Consider how light interacts with different textures—shiplap creates linear shadows while materials like grasscloth diffuse light in a completely different way.
For a subtle approach, try using the same color across different textures, allowing the visual interest to come from the contrast between shiplap and your secondary material.
You might experiment with using shiplap in recessed sections of the wall while keeping protruding sections in a different treatment for architectural depth.
Combining dark shiplap with lighter surrounding walls creates a frame-like effect that highlights your bed as the room’s focal point.
When mixing materials, establish a clear hierarchy—decide which treatment is the star and which plays a supporting role to avoid visual competition.
The interplay between different textures adds sophistication that signals intentional design rather than a simple DIY project.
12. Colored Grout Lines for Modern Edge
Highlighting the gaps between shiplap boards with colored grout or paint creates a striking, modern interpretation of this classic wall treatment.
The technique draws attention to the linear pattern of shiplap, emphasizing its distinctive grid-like appearance.
You might choose a bold contrasting color for maximum impact or a subtle tone for a more sophisticated, nuanced look.
Black grout lines against white shiplap create a graphic, high-contrast effect that feels both modern and timeless.
For an unexpected twist, consider using metallic paint in the grout lines to catch light and add a glamorous element to your bedroom.
Colored grout lines work particularly well with wider shiplap boards, as the thicker gaps provide more space for the contrasting color to make an impact.
You’ll want to use painter’s tape to protect the faces of your shiplap boards when applying color to the grout lines for clean, professional-looking results.
This technique allows you to introduce an accent color without overwhelming your bedroom space, perfect for picking up tones from your bedding or artwork.
When using colored grout lines, keep the rest of your bedroom relatively simple to allow this detailed feature to shine.
You might consider using a color that changes appearance in different lighting conditions, creating a wall that subtly transforms throughout the day.
The precision of colored lines creates a custom, handcrafted look that elevates basic shiplap to an artistic installation.
This approach works beautifully in contemporary, industrial, or eclectic bedroom designs where unexpected details are celebrated.
For a cohesive look, echo the grout line color in small accessories scattered throughout your bedroom—think picture frames, lamp bases, or decorative objects.
The fine detail of colored grout lines invites closer inspection, creating a wall treatment that reveals its full character only upon careful observation.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
13. Sustainable Shiplap Alternatives for Eco-Conscious Design
If traditional wood shiplap doesn’t align with your environmental values, numerous sustainable alternatives offer the same aesthetic with a smaller ecological footprint.
Reclaimed plastic shiplap made from recycled materials provides the classic look while diverting waste from landfills.
You might consider bamboo shiplap, which grows incredibly quickly compared to traditional lumber and creates a beautiful, unique grain pattern.
Cork shiplap offers excellent acoustic properties, helping dampen sound in your bedroom while providing the texture and linear pattern you love.
For a truly eco-friendly option, look into agricultural waste composite shiplap made from compressed rice hulls or wheat straw—materials that would otherwise be discarded.
You’ll find that many sustainable alternatives are actually more dimensionally stable than traditional wood, reducing the risk of warping or splitting over time.
Some manufacturers offer shiplap-style panels made from recycled wood fiber combined with non-toxic binders, creating a product that looks like solid wood but uses fewer virgin resources.
Consider MDF shiplap with FSC certification, ensuring the wood composite comes from responsibly managed forests.
Many sustainable shiplap alternatives come pre-finished, eliminating the need for additional paints or sealants that can off-gas VOCs into your bedroom.
You might explore shiplap made from rapidly renewable materials like eucalyptus, which reaches harvest maturity in just 14-16 years compared to decades for traditional hardwoods.
Some innovative companies now offer carbon-negative shiplap alternatives that sequester more carbon in production than they release.
When researching sustainable options, ask about the entire lifecycle of the product, including manufacturing processes and end-of-life recyclability.
Locally sourced shiplap alternatives reduce transportation emissions while supporting regional economies, adding another layer of sustainability to your bedroom project.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing your beautiful bedroom feature aligns with your environmental values adds an intangible but meaningful benefit to sustainable shiplap alternatives.
