3 Ideas to Elevate Your Home’s Wainscoting

You might know what wainscoting is without knowing what it’s called. Chances are you’ve seen this decorative interior design element in a home or hotel. It’s typically a wooden border or raised panel added to a wall. This simple and elevated touch is often subtle but is not to be underestimated, as it can have a big impact on a space. If you have this detail in your home but want to spruce it up, you’re in luck. We’re here to show you three ways wallpaper can take your wainscoting to to the next level.

1. Put up a scenic mural.

Because wainscoting takes up a portion of a wall, this leaves around half of the surface area to your creative free will. What about a mural? A stunning pastoral scene is an opportunity to invite an immersive element into your space. Picture an Italian countryside in the dining room or tranquil meadow against a mantel. The contrast between the plain wainscoting border and the detailed mural truly create something special as they complement each other. We recommend an illustrative mural from our Odyssey collection.

2. Add just a touch.

If you're new to wallpaper or any pattern in your space, installing it on a wall with wainscoting is an excellent opportunity to get your feet wet. Since wainscoting typically takes up about one-third to half of the wall's height, the wallpaper will only partially cover the surface versus a full floor-to-ceiling install. If you're unsure what style to go for, lean into more traditional patterns, which will pair nicely with this classic decor element. For something charming and timeless, we recommend our Avian Arbor design. (Or our Capuchin design for more fearless decorators).

3. Try something bold.

Wainscoting is associated with a more traditional aesthetic, but pairing it with something unexpected will give it a subversive twist. Adding a modern or colorful wallpaper will imbue your space with an eclectic and contemporary edge. So, if “more is more” is your mantra, we’ve got you covered. Our collaboration with Society of Wonderland is a maximalist’s paradise. The Misshapes pattern would be a fun and whimsical touch in any space, contrasting these traditional panels. Toiles can be another fun option and our collaboration with Sean Knibb might do the trick. Flowerboy Toile is a cool, California scene is a fresh twist on traditional toile.