If you are looking to add a rustic charm to your home then shiplap is worth looking into. Prior to its surge in popularity, it was commonly used outdoors as siding of sheds, garages and other structures. But, it has made its way inside the home adding texture to the walls of kitchens, bedrooms and more. It’s now a must-have for homeowners, who want to decorate their homes in a farmhouse style.
Shiplap, which is usually laid horizontally, acquired its name as its panels overlap, with grooved boards, fitting together tightly to form a weather-proof seal.
Shiplap is a natural material, well textured, and thus allows you to create a seamless line throughout a space. It is inherently informal and tends to make the most sense in cottage-inspired homes in need of the texture and the warmth of a natural material.
One of the great things about shiplap is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can include it in any room of the house. From an entire area to just a shiplap accent wall, it will give any room a farmhouse style almost instantly. Though I always prefer using the real thing but faux shiplap panels are now available in the markets, making the installation much easier.
A major perk of adding shiplap to your home is that it offers texture that drywall lacks. You can even use it in a modern contemporary décor by painting it with a high-gloss white paint. For that urban chic look, you can even blend shiplap with other materials like brick, stone and marble.
People love shiplap because it adds so much character to a room and creates a handcrafted feel. On the downside, shiplap walls may be a bit difficult to clean. The rabbeted joints in between the boards may collect dust and need cleaning more than a smooth wall.
(Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based interior decorator and landscape designer)
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