Refined wood wall treatments like vertical slat paneling, fluted panels, and box molding are replacing traditional horizontal shiplap. Moving away from the 2010s farmhouse style, modern design favors warmer, high-end textures such as Venetian plaster, natural stone, statement wallpaper, and even draped fabric.
If you love the texture of shiplap but want to explore different styles, budget options, or easier installations, several alternatives can upgrade your space.
Broadly speaking, basic white shiplap is no longer the height of fashion, with designers shifting toward smoother, "old-world" finishes like limewash and textured plaster. However, shiplap can still feel stylish if used intentionally in smaller doses or updated with modern styling.
Shiplap is not completely out of style, but the overused 2010s "modern farmhouse" look is. Designers now recommend using it selectively in historical, coastal, or cabin homes, or updating it with vertical installations and moody paint colors rather than standard bright white horizontal planks.
The stark, ubiquitous "modern farmhouse" shiplap trend of the 2010s is widely considered dated. However, when used thoughtfully in historically appropriate homes (like coastal cottages, cabins, or farmhouses), it is a timeless architectural detail.
A home typically looks outdated when it features overdone, time-stamped trends from specific past decades, such as honey oak cabinetry, popcorn ceilings, or generic word art. Outdated homes also often suffer from poor lighting, worn-out flooring, and heavy window treatments that block natural light.
So, if you're deciding between sticking with shiplap or trying something new, tongue and groove boards, limewashed walls, and fluted panels are all worth exploring. Each one offers a unique look that can fit your space and your style better.
In 2026, the dominant wood style embraces organic warmth, moving away from cool greys and uniform finishes in favor of natural textures and earthy character.
Try Dark, Moody Colors
Stain the wood a dark tone for a cozy, stately look, or leave it pale and unfinished for a bright, Scandinavian-inspired style. You may even want to look into using more weathered finishes like stained, reclaimed barn wood for your shiplap walls.
A kitchen is typically considered outdated when it suffers from a combination of failing appliances, poor lighting, worn-out surfaces, and an isolating, disjointed layout. Trends evolve, and what was once fashionable can make the entire heart of the home feel less functional and visually unappealing.
As we look toward 2026, one thing becomes clear: interior design is shifting toward spaces that feel meaningful, rooted, and deeply connected to the way we live. These trends highlight a collective desire for warmth, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
Meanwhile, the least desired home styles appear to be shipping container homes and tiny homes, the study finds.
The Modern Cottage (or Soft Cottage) style is replacing the stark, high-contrast Modern Farmhouse look. While Modern Farmhouse is defined by bright white shiplap, stark black hardware, and heavy reclaimed wood, the Modern Cottage leans into softer, warmer, and highly personalized aesthetics prioritizing comfort and character.
"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.
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.
To get the shiplap look on a budget, skip expensive pre-cut boards. Instead, create a faux shiplap accent wall using 14one-fourth14-inch or underlayment plywood. Have your local hardware store rip the 4×8 sheets into 6- or 8-inch strips, then nail them to your wall using standard spacers.
What trend is replacing shiplap? Box moldings, raised wood paneling, and wallpaper are gaining traction as shiplap alternatives in modern society. That being said, there are plenty of ways to make your shiplapped walls look fresh.
Now, designers say it's making a return, with many of them seeing a surge of requests to incorporate wood paneling back into homes, or preserving spaces that prominently feature it.
Old wood paneling can be updated by painting it with a high-quality primer and acrylic paint, filling in the grooves for a smooth, modern wall look, or applying a whitewash technique to reduce the outdated, dark look. Other options include adding wallpaper, installing a chair rail to create wainscoting, or removing it entirely, with painting often being the most cost-effective solution.
Timeless wood colors are natural, organic hues that bridge the gap between warm and cool without relying on passing fads. The most classic choices are pale, natural wood and mid-tone browns. These choices highlight natural grain patterns and adapt easily to changing furniture and decor styles.
Beige, taupe, and "mushroom" neutrals are officially replacing the cool, sterile grays of the last decade. Designers are leaning into warm khakis, sandy beiges, creamy whites, and earthy tones that add a cozy, comforting energy to spaces.
Gray-toned hardwood and laminate. Wide plank farmhouse-style wood. Painted floorboards. Artificial or fake-looking wood.
Not at all. Beadboard has been in continuous use since the late 1800s and remains popular in cottage, coastal, and traditional interiors. It's timeless when used in the right context. If you want something that feels more contemporary, shiplap or modern wood plank walls might be a better fit.
Neither looks "better" overall; rather, the best choice depends on the height of your ceiling and your design style.
Neither is universally "better," as they serve different purposes: Tongue and Groove is stronger, seals tighter, and is ideal for ceilings and high-end finishes, while Shiplap is easier for DIYers to install and offers a more casual, rustic, or "modern farmhouse" aesthetic.