Box moldings and raised wood paneling are gaining popularity as alternatives to shiplap. They bring a modern and sophisticated touch to any space, giving shiplap a run for its money.
Faux-brick paneling may be a great shiplap alternative for you. It is better for renters as it is easy to install (just peel and stick) and easy to take down without damaging the wall underneath.
Refined, clean-lined designs are replacing shiplap walls, barn doors, and rustic accents. More vibrant and colorful spaces are replacing the gray-on-gray trend. Warmer tones like beige, taupe, and jewel tones are starting to emerge, moving away from the cool, monochromatic palettes that have dominated in recent years.
So back to the long answer -- yes, overall, shiplap will be done a lot less this year and is no longer ``trending''. It will continue to be used in coastal or period style homes when appropriate.
Interior designer, Lindye Galloway, predicts what will be the next trendy wall covering as popular as shiplap: geometric wood. See how this element can be used in different spaces throughout your home.
If you're looking for an eco-friendly shiplap alternative that exudes history and richness, then reclaimed wood planks are a great solution. Reclaimed wood is not only environmentally friendly, but it also brings a unique and earthy feel to any space.
In the realm of design, trends are always shifting. But shiplap is a timeless addition. That being said, there are a few shiplap alternatives that have gained some traction.
Expect to see more indoor plants, living green walls, natural materials like stone and wood and large windows to maximize natural light and reduce the barrier between the interior and exterior."
Shiplap is Not Waterproof or Moisture Resistant
The wood planks are usually sealed with paint or stain, but this doesn't fully protect against water. If you need water-resistant material for an area prone to high humidity or dampness, consider using vinyl planks or other moisture-resistant shiplap.
Consisting of vertical panels of wood with seams covered by a thin, raised strip, board and batten is a traditional type of wood paneling that has never really fallen out of fashion.
Shiplap is still very much in style. But what designers are seeing is we are moving away from using it to add a rustic farmhouse style to a room and instead keeping it sleek and simple to suit more modern spaces.
He suggests taking your existing shiplap in a moodier direction. Darker, muddier colors will help your shiplap feel more updated. If you're not ready to commit to a whole new paint color in your home, Devlin says that styling the surrounding space with updated materials can make a world of difference.
So, what exactly is shiplap? It's rough sawn pine wood boards, often used in barns or historic homes for insulation. Others argue that it's used on old house exteriors for framing, just beneath the siding or in the construction of barns, sheds, and outbuildings.
Comparing Performance
Whilst both tongue and groove or shiplap provide decent protection from the elements, it is often said that the former performs slightly better under extreme weather conditions. The tightness of their joint system ensures there are fewer leakages of air and rainwater compared to other sidings.
Shiplap isn't just for the Modern Farmhouse design
“It's a detail that works pretty well transitionally, so you can use it in a lot of different style homes,” said Alison Sall, an interior designer in Holland, Mich. “You've got to look at everything around it and see how it will fit.”
It's no secret that Chip and Joanna Gaines are fans of designing with shiplap, a rough-sawn pine paneling often used in barns and historic homes. Get shiplap ideas from some of the most spectacular ways the 'Fixer Upper' stars have used this versatile material.
Vertical Shiplap
Can make a room appear larger–vertical lines will help give the illusion that your ceilings are higher than they actually are. Considered more of a vintage look, vertical shiplap can work well with rustic, period elements.
Interior design ideas in 2025 will be all about combining style with functionality, sustainability, and wellness. Whether you're drawn to the minimalist coziness of Japandi, the rich textures of natural stone, or the bold statement of maximalism, there's a trend to suit every taste.
Accent ceilings
'In 2025 designers are set to embrace the ceiling as a "fifth wall," where elements like hand-painted murals, sculptural ceiling roses, and deep cornices can elevate the entire room's aesthetic. ' 'This trend also aligns with the growing focus on personalization in design,' she continues.
Timeless interiors tend to resist the trends and focus on an understated, yet sophisticated, style. Don't rush to purchase furniture, especially big-ticket items, or cover walls in the 'colour of the year'. Instead, add these trendy colours and materials in accent pieces like tableware, lamps, cushions and bedding.
She says shiplap requests “have definitely cooled off” in the last year. “We've even had clients eliminate it at the last minute, worried it was too trendy,” Conte adds. Designers who participated in Apartment Therapy's 2024 design trend prediction survey agreed, saying this is the year to say goodbye to shiplap.
"The overly rustic farmhouse aesthetic, including shiplap and barn-style doors, is giving way to modern rustic or transitional styles with more refined details," according to Calhoun. However, this doesn't means those with farmhouse finishes are stuck with this look.
Get 'Em Glossy
"I've painted shiplap high gloss before, and that gives it a very contemporary look, but you still get the shiplap texture, which is key," says Arnold. His tip for an über modern look: Cover an entire room in shiplap, and paint it in high-gloss white.