Wainscot Just a Minute
When you walk into a room and everything just feels right but you can’t quite put your finger on why... just take a closer look. The thoughtful emphasis put into a space that makes the room come together so effortlessly IS the magic. A painted wainscot has just that effect. It’s a bold — or subtle — dose of color introduced into a space at a certain height without overwhelming the room. And it's a unique way to unify an open floor plan. You can even paint your trim in the matching color. The sky is the limit! You’ll have everyone wondering what that special magic touch is in your home that makes it feel so cohesive and effortless. Tell them to pull up a chair and keep on guessing!
Project Trend Highlight
See how Bong Bain reimagines this trend »
Trend Characteristics
Unifying, Subtle, Rhythmic, Classic with a Modern Twist
Project: Moody Powder Room
To create a wainscot with a modern twist, Bong Bain, from Wild Hearts Home, uses a few MDF boards, FrogTape and a bold paint color which results in a subtle yet unique upgrade to her bathroom.
View Project »Designer Tips
- Your wainscot height can be whatever height you’d like it to be. Traditionally it is around 36 in. but you can take that up to 60 in. or as low as 24 in. – your wall, your call.
- An easy way to tie in the colors of your freshly painted wainscot is to pull a color from an inspiration piece in the room. A color from a throw pillow, a piece of art or from a wall covering. After all, it’s only paint and can easily be changed out when your design style changes.
- Adding a wainscot or a chair rail does not necessarily require a professional to install it. Simply tape a line across the wall at your desired height. Then, use a laser measure to make sure the line is level around the entire room. You can also add wainscot to one wall as an accent, like behind your bed.