When it comes to adding character and interest to your walls, there are plenty of options beyond just painting them a new color. How about some wall treatment ideas? In my opinion, the fastest way to bring interest to a boring room is to add a wall treatment!
If you’re going after a rich feeling room full of depth start with the walls. Sure, paint colors and decor are the heart of designing a room, but think of the foundation for character as the architecture.
If your home is like mine, you have none. Which is precisely my point! If you weren’t build with it, you’ll have to add it! You can easily take a builder grade bore of a room and elevate it with some inexpensive tools, lumbar and a little imagination.
In this blog post, we’ll explore my favorite wall treatments in action and how they can add style and texture to your walls.
Some other favorite ways to add more interesting architecture to a boring space:
Board and Batten
Board and batten is a classic wall treatment that involves applying narrow boards spaced evenly across a wall. The result is a textured, panel-like effect that can add dimension and interest to any room. Board and batten can be applied up to chair rail level or over an entire wall.
What I love about board and batten is how versatile I can be. You can use this wall treatment idea in any space from a hallway with a picture ledge or extend it all the way up the wall for a dramatic accent wall behind a bed like Elisha did in her bedroom over on Our Asthetic Abode.
Our Aesthetic Abode Instagram
I used it on our primary bedroom for a subtle neutral look, but with so much texture than just plain white/taupe walls could offer!
Picture Frame Molding
Picture frame molding is another popular wall treatment that involves creating a series of rectangular or square frames on your walls. This technique can create a classic, elegant look that is perfect for again, literally any space that you want a touch of sophistication.
It’s easy to keep this particular wall treatment idea within budget. You have some flex room to augment the cost. Omitting a chair rail or making the boxes bigger as opposed to adding additional narrow boxes will help keep the cost of materials down. You can also do long single rectangles instead of a larger box over a smaller box like I did in our guest room makeover.
In contrast, if you want even more interest and texture you can add molding inside of molding and extend a chair rail around the room (like in the moody photo example.)
Like board and batten, you can paint it in any color. But even keeping these wall treatments neutral just add so much dimension. Check out Mrs. Ashley French’s frame molded hallway. Now picture for a second just bland white walls… big difference, huh?
I also love how the tall picture frames draw the eyes upward and make any space look much more grand.
Mrs. Ashley French Website
Etsy even has pre-cut molding kits to make the job that much easier if you don’t have the tools required. Genius idea if you’re looking for convenience.
Bead Board
Another favorite wall treatment idea is bead board. Bead board is a type of paneling that features thin, vertical strips that are separated by a groove, or “bead.” This type of wall treatment is often used in bathrooms and kitchens, but it can work well in any room where you want to add some texture and interest. Personally, I say all rooms for traditional use of wall treatment ideas are out the window!
I’m personally loving bead board in bathrooms and hallways with a peg attached.
This may be one of the most beginners friendly options because bead board is available in pre-made panels that can be easily installed with adhesive or nails.
Francois et Moi Instagram
You can even get ultra creative, like Chris Loves Julia did by bead boarding the ceiling AND adding picture frame molding to the walls. The options are endless when it comes to wall AND CEILING treatment ideas.
Chris Loves Julia Instagram
Vertical Shiplap
We all know shiplap, especially if you’re a Chip and Joanna fan. However, in my humble opinion I’m so over it in it’s traditional horizontal farmhouse look. I know I may make some people mad saying this, but farmhouse is on its way out people. At least for my house it is. So as I just poo-pooed on shiplap why would I include it in this post? Well my friends… if you just take that farmhouse tradition and turn it 90 degrees, you have a totally different, cottagey look which is LOVE!
The way Marynn over at Wild Flower Home Blog use it in this bedroom is perfection. So much texture happening, all starting with the interest of the walls.
Wild Flower Home Blog Website
Slat Walls
Slat walls are a more modern take on the traditional board and batten technique. Instead of using wider boards and narrow battens, slat walls feature narrow slats that are spaced evenly apart. This creates a sleek, contemporary look that can work well in minimalist or industrial-style spaces. Slat walls can be painted any color, or left unpainted for a natural wood look.
My friend Austin from Styled by Austin added a dark and moody slat accent wall in his bedroom and I’ve been drooling over it ever since he posted it. And peep those glossy black Shangri-La night stands that he so perfectly refinished.
Styled by Austin Website
In conclusion, there are many different wall treatment options available to add texture, character, and interest to your space. Board and batten, picture frame molding, bead board, shiplap and slat walls are just a few of the options to consider. Each of these techniques can be adapted to fit your personal style and budget, and can help transform any room into a more visually interesting and inviting space.
Remember friends, a pretty space starts with its bones. If you don’t have character in those natural bones don’t hesitate to add some, starting with walls.
Girl Behind the Blog
I’m Jess, the creator of Oak & Grain. A mid-west girl at heart who now resides in Raleigh, NC. I love finding old things and giving them new purpose by way of refinishing or incorporating unexpected, overlooked thrift store finds in the modern home. I work full-time in medicine and I love dipping into my creative side and in the process, keeping my sanity. Follow me on Instagram and YouTube to see more behind the scenes action.
One response to “Wall Treatment Ideas: Intriguing Rooms Start with Interesting Walls”
[…] that can add a dose of elegance to any room. I talk about this type of treatment over in my post on “Wall Treatment Ideas” and thought I’d take a stab at it for our guest bedroom refresh! If you dip those luxurious […]