45 Stunning Ideas for Living Room Shiplap Walls

I know the struggle of staring at plain living room walls, wanting to add character but feeling stuck with limited options.

Like many homeowners, I spent hours browsing through design magazines and websites, searching for the right way to make my space stand out.

I’m excited to share a solution that transformed my living room into a cozy, eye-catching space: shiplap walls.

This classic design choice adds texture and warmth while working perfectly with any style, from farmhouse to modern.

In this guide, I’ll show you 45 ways to use shiplap in your living room.

You’ll find ideas for different colors, patterns, and layouts, plus tips on how to pair them with your existing furniture and decor.

Let’s create a space you’ll love spending time in.

Classic Shiplap Ideas

1. White Coastal Shiplap

Clean, bright white shiplap brings the breezy feel of seaside homes to your living room.

The horizontal lines create a sense of flow and space, while the crisp white finish reflects natural light beautifully. This classic look pairs wonderfully with natural textures and blue accents.

Styling Tip: Add woven baskets, rope details, and light linen curtains to enhance the coastal mood. Mix in shades of blue and sandy beige for a complete beach-inspired look.
Best Suited For: Homes that want a light, airy feel; rooms with good natural light; spaces where you want to create a relaxed, coastal atmosphere.

2. Matte White Farmhouse

The soft, matte finish on white shiplap creates a warm, welcoming feel without harsh reflection.

This finish helps hide small imperfections while creating a subtle look that works perfectly with rustic decor elements.

Styling Tip: Combine with black metal fixtures, weathered wood furniture, and cotton textiles. Keep decor simple with vintage finds and handmade items.
Best Suited For: Traditional homes wanting a cozy feel; spaces that need warmth without looking too rustic; rooms where you want to create a lived-in, comfortable atmosphere.

3. Beige Vertical Panels

Vertical shiplap in soft beige tones creates the illusion of higher ceilings, adding warmth to your living room.

This modern take on traditional paneling makes your space feel taller and more open, while the neutral shade provides a perfect backdrop for any decor style.

Styling Tip: Install wall sconces at varying heights to play up the vertical lines and create interesting light patterns in the evening
Best Suited For: Small living rooms with low ceilings or narrow spaces that need visual stretching

4. Two-Tone Contrast

Combining light and dark shiplap creates striking visual interest in your living room.

Using two different colors – like charcoal and cream – adds depth while defining separate areas within the same space.

Styling Tip: Use the darker tone on the TV wall or fireplace wall, keeping other walls lighter to balance the overall look
Best Suited For: Large living rooms that need visual separation or homes with open floor plans

5. Rustic Beams Combo

Pairing shiplap walls with exposed wooden beams creates a rich, layered look full of natural texture.

The contrast between smooth panels and rough beams adds visual complexity.

Styling Tip: Paint the shiplap in a soft white or cream to let the natural wood beams stand out as the star feature
Best Suited For: Homes with high ceilings or spaces where you want to create a strong architectural statement

Bold Color Shiplap

6. Nautical Blue Wall

Deep blue shiplap brings the calming essence of water into your living room.

This rich color choice and horizontal panels create a welcoming feel. The blue shade shifts beautifully throughout the day as natural light changes.

Styling Tip: Mix in brass hardware and natural rope elements, keeping furniture light-colored to stand out against the blue backdrop
Best Suited For: Homes seeking a seaside vibe without the typical all-white coastal look

7. Moody Green Accent

Forest or sage green shiplap creates a nature-inspired focal point that connects your indoor space with the outdoors.

This rich color choice adds depth while maintaining a serene atmosphere, making your living room feel like a peaceful retreat.

Styling Tip: Layer different shades of green through plants and textiles, adding warm wood tones to soften the overall look
Best Suited For: Spaces that lack natural views or rooms where you want to create a calm, grounded feeling

8. Modern Black Shiplap

Black shiplap offers a bold, contemporary update to traditional paneling.

This striking choice creates a stylish backdrop that makes artwork and furniture pop while adding visual weight to your living room.

Styling Tip: Balance the black walls with light-colored furniture and metallic accents to prevent the space from feeling too heavy
Best Suited For: Well-lit rooms or spaces where you want to create a dramatic, gallery-like atmosphere

9. Soft Sage Serenity

Soft sage shiplap brings the soothing qualities of nature indoors. This subtle green tone creates a gentle backdrop that pairs beautifully with light and dark furniture, while the paneling adds enough texture to keep the walls from feeling plain.

Styling Tip: Include white trim and natural linen curtains to highlight the wall’s gentle color, complementing with brass light fixtures
Best Suited For: Living rooms aiming for a subtle nature-inspired look without overwhelming the space

10. Warm Burgundy Wall

Rich burgundy shiplap creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere in your living room.

This deep red tone adds warmth while the linear patterns of the panels provide structure and sophistication to the space.

Styling Tip: Pair with cream-colored upholstery and gold accents to balance the deep tone, adding touches of black for definition
Best Suited For: Rooms that need warming up or spaces where you want to create an intimate gathering spot

Accent Wall Designs

11. TV Accent Shiplap

Frame your television with shiplap paneling to turn a basic entertainment center into an intentional design feature.

The organized lines of the panels create a clean, structured look that helps integrate technology into your living room’s overall design.

Styling Tip: Paint the panels in a darker shade than your other walls to create depth and minimize the TV’s visual impact
Best Suited For: Open-concept spaces or rooms where you want to give purpose to the TV wall

12. Fireplace Focal Wall

Using shiplap around your fireplace turns this natural gathering spot into a stunning centerpiece.

The panels add visual interest while maintaining clean lines that complement rather than compete with the fireplace design.

Styling Tip: Extend the panels to the ceiling to draw the eye up and make the room feel taller, keeping decor minimal
Best Suited For: Living rooms with fireplaces that need a refresh or spaces wanting to highlight architectural features

13. Contrasting Accent

Using shiplap in a contrasting color on one wall adds instant visual interest while making your living room more striking.

This targeted use of pattern and color creates focus without overpowering your space, letting the wall catch attention naturally.

Styling Tip: Select artwork with colors that pull from both your main walls and accent wall, using simple frames that don’t compete with the panels
Best Suited For: Living rooms needing a clear focal point or spaces that feel too uniform

14. Wainscoting Effect

Half-wall shiplap creates beautiful detail while keeping the upper walls simple.

This split approach brings character to your room while maintaining an open feel above, striking a perfect balance between decoration and simplicity.

Styling Tip: Paint the upper wall a lighter shade than the shiplap to create depth without stark contrast
Best Suited For: Homes wanting traditional charm with a modern twist or rooms that need visual grounding

15. Diagonal Shiplap Design

Angled shiplap installation breaks away from standard horizontal lines, creating movement and energy in your living room.

This unique pattern keeps eyes moving across the wall while maintaining the clean lines Shiplap is known for.

Styling Tip: Keep furniture arrangements simple and symmetrical to balance the active wall pattern
Best Suited For: Modern homes or spaces where you want to add subtle energy to the room

Natural and Neutral Tones

16. Natural Wood Panels

Untreated wood shiplap brings organic texture and warmth to your living room.

The genuine wood grain shows through, creating a connection to nature while adding rich visual interest to your walls.

Styling Tip: Mix in soft textiles and smooth surfaces to balance the rustic wood texture
Best Suited For: Spaces aiming for an organic feel or rooms needing natural warmth

17. Vintage Reclaimed Wood

Using old barn boards or aged wood for shiplap adds authentic character and history to your living room.

Each board tells a story through its marks and patina, creating walls full of genuine charm.

Styling Tip: Blend in newer pieces with clean lines to create an interesting mix of old and new
Best Suited For: Homes seeking real character or spaces where you want to include historical elements

18. Soft Gray Tones

Light gray shiplap brings subtle sophistication to your living room. The gentle color adds depth without heaviness, while the panels create visual interest through shadow play.

This neutral choice works as a perfect middle ground between stark white and bold dark walls.

Styling Tip: Add white trim and soft cream furnishings to create layers of light neutrals, incorporating different textures through pillows and throws
Best Suited For: Living rooms seeking understated refinement or spaces that need a neutral but interesting backdrop

19. Beachy Whitewash

A light whitewash finish lets the wood grain peek through, creating a soft, weathered look.

This finish gives walls a lived-in feel while maintaining brightness and adding subtle texture to your living room.

Styling Tip: Include natural fiber rugs and light cotton upholstery to complement the casual, relaxed wall treatment
Best Suited For: Casual living spaces or rooms where you want a light, lived-in atmosphere

20. Sand-Toned Panels

Warm beige shiplap creates a cozy, welcoming backdrop that’s more interesting than plain painted walls.

This neutral shade brings warmth while staying light enough to keep the room open and bright.

Styling Tip: Use varied shades of white and cream in your furnishings to create depth without introducing competing colors
Best Suited For: Living rooms needing warmth without darkness or spaces wanting a neutral but rich look

Modern Shiplap Styles

21. Sleek Thin Boards

Narrow shiplap boards create a more refined, contemporary look.

The tight spacing between panels adds subtle texture while maintaining a clean, modern appearance that works well in updated spaces.

Styling Tip: Keep decor minimal and geometric to complement the fine lines of the thin panels
Best Suited For: Contemporary homes or spaces wanting a more polished take on shiplap

22. Wide Modern Planks

Broad shiplap panels make a bold statement while keeping walls clean and simple.

The wider spacing creates stronger shadow lines and makes rooms feel larger through horizontal movement.

Styling Tip: Use large-scale art and substantial furniture pieces to match the scale of the wide panels
Best Suited For: Large living rooms or spaces where you want to make a strong but simple statement

23. Striped Shiplap Wall

Alternating painted stripes on shiplap panels create a unique pattern that catches the eye.

This creative approach uses the natural lines of shiplap boards to form a structured base for color variation, making your walls both textured and patterned.

Styling Tip: Choose two close shades of the same color for subtle stripes, using solid-colored furniture to let the wall pattern shine
Best Suited For: Living rooms seeking a creative twist or spaces that need a subtle pattern element

24. Mid-Century Touch

Combining clean-lined shiplap with 1950s-inspired decor creates an interesting blend of textures and eras.

The simple paneling serves as a structured backdrop for classic mid-century shapes and colors.

Styling Tip: Paint shiplap in a warm white to complement wooden furniture pieces and add pops of muted orange or olive green
Best Suited For: Spaces mixing traditional and retro elements or rooms wanting historical charm with modern appeal

25. Navy Metallic Combo

Deep navy shiplap paired with metallic fixtures creates a sleek, rich look.

This combination adds depth while maintaining a polished appearance, perfect for evening entertaining.

Styling Tip: Mix in copper and brass elements through lighting and small accessories, keeping main furniture pieces light
Best Suited For: Living rooms aiming for evening charm or spaces seeking a luxurious feel

Textured Shiplap Designs

26. Weathered Industrial

Raw or lightly finished shiplap combines with metal elements to create a workshop-inspired feel.

This style brings together natural wood textures with industrial touches for a lived-in, functional look.

Styling Tip: Add iron pipe shelving and raw metal light fixtures, keeping wood tones varied but natural
Best Suited For: Urban spaces or rooms wanting to blend natural and industrial elements

27. Faux Brick Texture

Installing shiplap over brick-patterned panels creates an interesting layered look.

This combination adds multiple levels of texture while maintaining the clean lines of traditional wall paneling.

Styling Tip: Leave some brick visible in select areas to create depth, using neutral colors to keep the look cohesive
Best Suited For: Spaces needing extra visual interest or rooms where you want to create textural depth

28. Exposed Nail Details

Highlighting the nail placement in shiplap installation creates an honest, handcrafted appearance.

The visible fasteners add tiny points of interest across the wall while showing off the authentic construction method.

Styling Tip: Choose black or aged bronze nail heads for contrast against light panels, spacing them consistently for a planned look
Best Suited For: Living rooms wanting raw construction details or spaces that celebrate handmade elements

29. Distressed Charm

Gently worn shiplap with small marks and scratches creates a naturally aged appearance.

These subtle imperfections tell a story and add genuine character to your living room walls.

Styling Tip: Blend in vintage wall decor and time-worn leather pieces to complement the aged wall texture
Best Suited For: Homes seeking authentic old-world feel or spaces where perfection isn’t the goal

30. Polished Panel Style

A high-shine finish on shiplap panels creates bright, light-reflecting walls that make your room feel more open.

This finish brings a fresh take to traditional wood paneling while maintaining clean lines.

Styling Tip: Use matte finish decor to balance the shine, adding textured fabrics to create contrast
Best Suited For: Modern living spaces or rooms that need more light reflection

Ceiling and Wall Combos

31. Cohesive Ceiling Look

Extending shiplap from walls to ceiling creates a wrapped, complete feel in your living room.

This all-around application makes the space feel purposeful and well-planned while adding extra visual interest overhead.

Styling Tip: Install panels in the same direction on walls and ceiling for flow, using simple lighting that doesn’t compete
Best Suited For: Rooms wanting a cozy, enclosed feeling or spaces needing overhead interest

32. Mixed Directions

Combining horizontal and vertical shiplap creates zones within your living room without using separate walls.

This creative installation method defines spaces while keeping an open feel.

Styling Tip: Use furniture placement to emphasize the directional changes, keeping color consistent across all panels
Best Suited For: Open floor plans or rooms needing subtle space division

33. Coffered Elegance

Combining shiplap with coffered ceiling details creates layered visual interest from floor to ceiling.

The structured panels work with the ceiling’s grid pattern to add depth while keeping the look clean and organized.

Styling Tip: Paint both elements in varying shades of the same color to create subtle depth without looking busy
Best Suited For: Traditional living rooms or spaces with high ceilings needing definition

34. Shiplap with Beadboard Ceiling

Combining wall shiplap with a beadboard ceiling creates a rich blend of patterns that complement each other naturally.

The difference in texture between the wider shiplap lines and tighter beadboard pattern adds visual interest while staying in the same design family.

Styling Tip: Paint both surfaces in similar light tones but use different sheens – matte on walls and satin on ceiling – to create subtle contrast through light reflection
Best Suited For: Living rooms wanting cottage-style charm or spaces where you want to add interest overhead without competing with wall patterns

Mixed Materials

35. Stone Contrast

Pairing shiplap with stone features, like a fireplace or accent wall, creates an interesting mix of smooth and rough textures.

This combination brings natural elements together in a balanced way.

Styling Tip: Choose stone colors that complement rather than match your shiplap, leaving space between features
Best Suited For: Living rooms with existing stone elements or spaces wanting to mix textures

36. Brick & Wood Mix

Using shiplap alongside exposed brick creates a perfect blend of industrial and cozy elements.

The smooth wood panels balance the rough brick texture while adding warmth to the space.

Styling Tip: Keep furnishings simple to let the wall textures be the main focus, using solid fabrics in neutral tones
Best Suited For: Urban spaces or rooms with existing brick features

37. Wallpaper Combo

Adding wallpaper between shiplap sections creates interesting breaks in the paneling. This mixture brings pattern and texture together in measured doses.

Styling Tip: Select simple patterns that don’t fight with the linear nature of the shiplap, using complementary colors
Best Suited For: Spaces wanting subtle pattern or rooms needing visual breaks

38. Shiplap with Shelves

Installing floating shelves on shiplap walls creates useful storage that looks built-in. The shelving works with the wall pattern to make a cohesive design feature.

Styling Tip: Space shelves to align with panel joints, keeping displayed items in a color scheme that matches your room
Best Suited For: Living rooms needing storage or spaces where you want to display collections

Layered Decor Ideas

39. Gallery Backdrop

Using shiplap as a base for artwork creates a textured canvas that enhances your photo or art collection.

The subtle lines of the panels add interest without competing with the displayed pieces, making each frame stand out more effectively.

Styling Tip: Paint the panels in a soft, neutral shade and space art pieces with the panel lines in mind to create organized groupings
Best Suited For: Living rooms with art collections or spaces where you want to create an organized display wall

40. Mirror Statement

Large mirrors mounted on shiplap walls double the visual impact of your paneling while making the room feel more spacious.

The reflection captures the texture of opposing walls, creating depth and expanding the perceived size of your space.

Styling Tip: Position mirrors to reflect natural light and greenery, using simple frames that complement the wall pattern
Best Suited For: Small living rooms or spaces needing more light and openness

41. Bold Furniture Accent

Placing bright or deeply colored furniture against shiplap creates striking visual interest.

The structured wall panels provide a perfect backdrop for statement pieces, letting them become clear focal points.

Styling Tip: Choose one or two bold furniture pieces in solid colors, keeping other elements neutral to balance the look
Best Suited For: Living rooms with statement furniture or spaces wanting to highlight specific pieces

42. Chandelier Backdrop

Hanging a statement light fixture against shiplap walls creates a stunning focal point.

The linear panels frame the lighting while adding texture that catches and plays with the light throughout the day.

Styling Tip: Center the fixture on a full panel section, ensuring the scale matches your wall height and room size
Best Suited For: Living rooms with high ceilings or spaces where you want to create a strong central focus

43. Boho Decor Pairing

Mixing shiplap with natural fibers, plants, and woven decor creates a fresh blend of structure and free-flowing style.

The clean lines of the panels balance perfectly with loose, organic boho elements, letting each style shine.

Styling Tip: Layer macramé wall hangings over panels, adding scattered plants at different heights, using neutral shiplap as your base
Best Suited For: Living rooms wanting to blend order with natural elements or spaces seeking a casual, collected feel

Unique Layouts

44. Chevron Shiplap

Installing shiplap boards in a V-pattern creates movement and interest beyond traditional horizontal lines.

This angled approach adds energy to your walls while maintaining the clean look of classic wood paneling.

Styling Tip: Paint all panels the same color to let the pattern speak through shadows and texture rather than color contrast
Best Suited For: Living rooms needing visual movement or spaces where you want to create direction without color

45. Hidden Storage Panels

Creating concealed storage behind shiplap sections turns your walls into functional space-savers.

These hidden compartments blend seamlessly with the rest of your paneling while offering smart storage solutions.

Styling Tip: Install touch-latch hardware for clean lines, marking panel openings subtly with small wooden knots or grain patterns
Best Suited For: Small living rooms needing extra storage or spaces where you want to hide media equipment

Conclusion

After exploring these 45 shiplap styles, I’ve learned that wall paneling isn’t just about adding texture – it’s about creating a space that feels like home.

Each style, from basic white to hidden storage solutions, offers unique ways to transform your living room.

What matters most is picking a style that matches your needs. Whether you want to make your room feel bigger, add warmth, or create smart storage, there’s a shiplap design waiting for you.

Ready to start your wall makeover? Begin by choosing your favorite style from this list, then measure your space and gather color samples.

Not sure which direction to take? Try starting with classic white shiplap – it’s simple, timeless, and easy to update later.

Share your shiplap project photos in the comments below!