Use 6-inch shiplap for smaller rooms, ceilings, or vertical applications to create a classic, textured look. Choose 8-inch shiplap for large rooms, high ceilings, or feature walls to make a bolder statement with fewer seams and faster installation.
1x6 shiplap boards are the most commonly used width of shiplap. Smaller than the 1x8 inch width, this 6-inch shiplap size provides the most classic, versatile look. For best optimization of the nickel gap reveal, use in small to medium sized rooms.
Widens the Room
Horizontal shiplap has an optical illusion effect just like vertical shiplap does. It can make a room look wider than it is. So, if you want to make a room look or feel larger than it is, horizontal is the way to go.
Shiplap walls are still going strong in 2026, but with a fresh, more refined twist. No longer just farmhouse staples, shiplap accents now span modern, coastal, rustic, and minimalist living rooms—adding texture without overwhelming the space.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Shiplap Cladding
A big complaint from those with shiplap in their homes is that it is a magnet for dust. Dust will settle in the gaps and grooves and can make the space look dirty. 2. If not installed correctly, shiplap can warp or rot.
You'll still find the charm and detail of shiplap panels, but with options like tongue and groove wood wall planks, fluted paneling, and limewashed walls, there's a lot more to explore.
As others have suggested, design elements can be in or out of style when they are applied to homes without a signature style. But it will never go out of style for homes where it actually belongs in. A cottage with shiplap is in keeping with the style of the house, so will never go out of style.
Mid-Tones. We've talked about darker and lighter woodgrain trends 2026, but the hottest wood tone this year lands right in the middle. Not too dark and not too light, not too warm and not too cool, the mid-tone woods like ash, beech, walnut, and oak are winners in every design.
“The Old World looks with things like textured walls with golden tones, drapery that has an orange undertone, and all-brown furniture have got to go,” she says, suggesting reupholstering furniture and a new coat of paint to start.
If you have a room with a low ceiling, a vertical type is a better choice. It will make the wall look higher, creating a height illusion that turns a small, cramped room into a taller, more open space. On the other hand, horizontal shiplap tends to widen the room visually.
Yes, a 3 m ceiling height, which is about 9.8 ft, is considered high. It creates a bright, open, and upscale feel and is commonly associated with luxury homes, modern apartments, and high-end developments.
While almost all shiplap is milled to sit flush at the joint, a very popular method when installing shiplap on walls and even ceilings is to manually gap the boards, leaving what is referred to as a nickel gap. It is a very popular look with shiplap.
What is the standard size of shiplap? The common size for shiplap typically ranges from 6 to 8 inches, but it can vary based on design preferences and room proportions.
The Best Places to Use Shiplap in Your Home
If you're working on a tight budget, drywall is the winner in terms of affordability. Basic drywall sheets typically cost between $0.30 to $0.60 per square foot for the material alone, whereas shiplap costs range from $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot.
The Hardwood Floor Color That Never Goes Out of Style: Natural to Medium Brown. Natural to medium brown hardwood floors have been popular for generations, and for good reason. This color range showcases the authentic character of the wood without overpowering the space.
In 2026, homeowners are increasingly drawn to spaces that tell a story, and this trend celebrates the layers of history a home can hold. Think inset cabinetry paired with contemporary lighting, rich wood tones set against crisp walls, or classic door profiles reimagined with modern hardware and finishes.
Beige is a warmer alternative to gray, making it a great choice for designers who want to create a more cozy and welcoming space.
"The great alternative to shiplap will be mineral plaster finishes applied by hand — limewash plasters and troweled textures. It gives depth and character to the surface and reads more than just decor." And Kropovinsky believes there's a good reason why this trend will replace shiplap in 2026.
Cons
A neutral color palette for your base pieces is the way to go if you want to get that upscale look in your home. Beige tones, hues of white, and grey should be the colors of choice for your furniture, curtains, drapes, and other home accessories.
2026 wall design is all about depth, grain, and a sense of visual storytelling, and wood is the perfect material for achieving that. That's what makes solid wood paneling such a stellar choice for accent walls or even as full paneling throughout interior spaces.
Conicella suggests that traditional white or cream shiplap may make your rooms feel outdated. For a more modern edge, you should consider going in a moodier direction with darker, earthier tones. If you're hesitant to repaint the entire space, then Devlin advises updating the room's materials instead.
It's officially time to break up with the farmhouse staple.
As designers look ahead to 2026, they're seeing lots of elegant and charm-filled wall treatments. "They are taking a sophisticated turn from the shiplap days," says interior designer Kelley Kolettis.