The Shiplap Guide | RentHop

If you’re an HGTV fan, you probably already know what shiplap is and how to use it. However, for those of you who don’t watch HGTV, shiplap is probably a term you haven’t heard much about in your life. Knowing what it is and how to use it could make your future renovations much easier. So what is shiplap? And why is he loved by all over Upper fixator?

What is Shiplap?

So you know that felt is a building material, but what exactly is it? Shiplap is a type of wooden board with special grooves, so the pieces fit together like a puzzle. These grooves form a tight seal, which makes the material sturdy. They also leave a little space between each plank for an extra decorative touch. This material is often used for the construction of barns, sheds and cabins. It’s perfect for a rustic look but can be used for just about any ambiance.

Ways to use Shiplap

Shiplap is extremely versatile and there are many ways to decorate it. The woodsy look of felt creates a comforting feel and makes homes look a bit more rustic. However, a simple paint job, say a muted white or blue, can make homes look extremely modern. The right color can look smooth and clean, and you can even use certain colors in certain rooms for a more layered effect in your home.

Another useful tip is to determine whether your rabbet will be aligned vertically or horizontally. The horizontal overlap will make the rooms much larger than they are. In contrast, vertical strapping will make the pieces taller. Likewise, the thickness of the material will also transform the appearance of rooms in your home. Thinner planks will add a more textured and busy look, while thicker cuts will be more in line with the rustic feel this material is commonly associated with.

Decorative Ideas for Shiplap

Shiplap is an extremely versatile material and has a ton of uses. Some of the best uses for this amazing material include:

Bathroom Ideas for Shiplap

First and foremost, if you want to use felt in your bathroom, it must be treated against moisture. Otherwise, the wood could mold and deteriorate. That said, once treated, this wonderful material can enhance your bathroom. You can use the natural color of felt to give your bathroom an extremely cozy feel, or you can paint it white to brighten up the space. Place the felt horizontally to make your bathroom appear much larger.

Shiplap Ideas for Bedrooms

The potential of burlap in the bedroom goes beyond normal uses. Your bed’s headboard can be made of burlap, it can be used just on the lower halves of your wall to add personality, or you can have a darker accent wall that will turn your room into a show stopper. conversation. These simple tweaks are a great way to make your piece a little more unique.

Living Room and Kitchen Shiplap Ideas

One of the most popular ways to use felt is to cover their fireplace. This elegant look is the perfect centerpiece for a common space and will be a major conversation starter at your next social event. This is just one of many ways to use felt to enhance your living room.

Another incredibly popular way to spruce up your living room or kitchen is wall-to-ceiling strapping. People do this in different ways, by having the walls one color and the ceiling another, or just having your whole shiplap a warm, bright woodsy color. Just make sure your beams are the same size. Otherwise, the piece might have a mismatched look, which won’t be a big hit at parties.

If wall and ceiling strapping isn’t working for you, using it as an accent piece is a great way to spruce up a room. If you have shelves against a wall, colored planks are the perfect touch of pizzazz to add to the space. Even backless shelves can be upgraded this way and it’s a great way to use felt without covering your walls with it. For your kitchen, adding shiplap boards behind your stove or storage spaces has the same effect.

Shiplap in the Hallway Ideas

Hallways are notoriously difficult to decorate. No one wants a boring look in their home, but it’s also hard to add decor without making the hallway look too busy. But do not worry. Shiplap is here to help. Shiplap looks unique, without being ostentatious, and can lighten or darken your hallway depending on the type of vibe you’re going for. Doing it horizontally will make the hallway look really long, which is cool if you want to hang art or family photos for a little museum effect. If you do it vertically, you can make your hallway much shorter, which is great if you want to get people out faster.

Rebated doors

Shiplap is used on many barns; a fun ode to this is to install a rebated barn door. Sliding doors look great in any home, especially if they are on rollers hanging from the door frame. Crafting them out of burlap is a cheeky little nod to the material’s history and is a great way to start a conversation with guests.

Ways to experiment with Shiplap

Now that we’ve covered the basics of shiplap, it’s time to have some fun with it. There’s more than one way to play with this hardware, and some of our favorite tips include:

Get creative with patterns

We’ve already discussed the benefits of placing the felt vertically and horizontally, but you can play around with the patterns as much as you like. Many people have fun with various diagonal patterns. Chevron patterns can also be added to a wall or backdrop. There are lots of fun ideas your contractor or Pinterest can encourage you to try. These ideas will make your home incredibly unique and cozy.

Have multiple textures and patterns

Earlier, we suggested matching the size of your walls and ceiling if you want a floor-to-ceiling design. We always encourage you to have beams the same size, but mixing and matching patterns and colors is a great way to add a fun aesthetic to your home. A herringbone wall or backdrop with a second pattern on the walls can create a nice contrast and impress any guest who visits your home. Plus, it just lets you know that your home is something special.

Have a more rustic space

We love felt, but it’s not for everyone, and a lot of people don’t want it covering their house. That said, if you want a special room with a specific feel, strapping is a great way to set that space apart from the rest of your home. Some of the best rooms to use are the basement, if it’s finished, or an office/library. The rustic feel of Shiplap is perfect for these areas, as it will make them feel welcoming and stylish. They look great on bookcases, especially when accented with fun decor like a globe full of brandy or pretty plants. It also leaves you room to decorate the rest of your home as you wish.

Have a fun outdoor space

If strapping isn’t right for your home, try it on a shed, porch, garage, or smoking room. These outdoor spaces will look great with a shiplapped wall and a hammer home that these are spaces where work happens. This is one of the many ways shiplap was originally used, so you’ll even score points for being traditional in your use.

Maintain Shiplap

Shiplap is a great material, but like everything else, it needs maintenance, especially in a bathroom. Shiplap should be sealed to prevent warping and mildew. It is also recommended that you dust your walls at least once a month to prevent buildup from the gaps between panels. If all this upkeep seems like too much, it might be best to seal the gaps in your panels or even opt for a faux felt. Most faux straps are made of materials that won’t be easily damaged by water, but they can be scratched or damaged more easily than the regular type.

As you can probably tell, we love shiplap. The possibilities are endless with this glorious material, whether you use it in your home or your outdoor sheds and work spaces. It can look rustic or modern, chic or homey, and there are lots of ways to play with its patterns. Shiplap isn’t for everyone, but it’s extremely versatile and durable. That’s why everyone on HGTV is obsessed with it. When you start experiencing it, you will also be obsessed. See what Shiplap can do for you.