Transform Shiplap: 15 Stunning Trim Ideas for Your Walls

Are you considering adding a touch of rustic charm to your home? Shiplap walls have been a popular trend in recent years, and with good reason. They add a unique texture and warmth to any space. But once you've installed your shiplap, you might be wondering, "What now?" Here are some trim ideas for shiplap walls that can help you complete the look and make your space truly unique.

Before we dive into the trim ideas, let's briefly discuss why trimming your shiplap walls is a great idea. Trimming your shiplap not only adds a polished, finished look but also helps protect the edges of the boards from damage. It also allows you to incorporate additional design elements that can enhance the overall aesthetic of your room.

Trim Ideas for Shiplap Walls: The Basics

When it comes to trimming your shiplap walls, the first decision you'll need to make is what type of trim to use. The most common options are baseboards, crown molding, and chair rail.

Baseboards are typically installed at the bottom of your walls where they meet the floor. They can help protect your walls from scuffs and dirt, and they can also add a touch of elegance to your space. Crown molding, on the other hand, is installed at the top of your walls where they meet the ceiling. It can help soften the transition between the two surfaces and add a touch of drama to your room. Chair rail is installed about a third of the way up your wall and can help divide your space into two distinct areas.

Baseboards: A Classic Choice

Baseboards are a classic choice for trimming shiplap walls. They can help anchor your room and provide a clean, finished look. When choosing baseboards for your shiplap walls, consider the style of your home and the other trim work in your space. For a more rustic look, you might choose a baseboard with a more rugged, textured surface. For a more formal look, you might choose a baseboard with a smoother, more refined surface.

You can also get creative with your baseboards. Consider installing them at an angle to create a herringbone pattern, or use them to create a wainscoting effect by installing them partway up your wall.

Crown Molding: Adding Height and Drama

Crown molding can be a great way to add height and drama to your room. When installed on shiplap walls, it can help emphasize the texture and depth of the boards. Like baseboards, crown molding comes in a wide variety of styles, from simple and understated to ornate and elaborate.

When choosing crown molding for your shiplap walls, consider the scale of your room. In a smaller room, a simpler, more understated crown molding can help prevent the space from feeling overwhelmed. In a larger room, you might choose a more dramatic crown molding to help balance the scale of the space.

Advanced Trim Ideas for Shiplap Walls

Once you've got the basics down, there are plenty of advanced trim ideas for shiplap walls that can help you take your space to the next level.

For example, you might consider installing a picture rail. A picture rail is a narrow strip of trim that's installed about a third of the way up your wall. It provides a ledge where you can display artwork or other decorative items without having to hammer nails into your walls.

Wainscoting: Adding Depth and Texture

Wainscoting is a type of paneling that's typically installed on the lower portion of a wall. It can add depth and texture to your shiplap walls and help create a more formal, elegant look. When installing wainscoting on shiplap walls, you might consider using the shiplap boards as the base for your panels.

For example, you might install a single shiplap board as the top rail of your wainscoting, with panels below. Or you might use the shiplap boards as the vertical battens in your wainscoting, with panels installed between them.

Built-In Shelving and Cabinetry

Another advanced trim idea for shiplap walls is to incorporate built-in shelving and cabinetry. This can help maximize your storage space and add a custom, tailored look to your room.

For example, you might install a series of shelves along one of your shiplap walls to create a built-in bookcase. Or you might install a row of cabinets to create a built-in entertainment center. The possibilities are endless, and the result is a space that feels truly unique and personalized.

Remember, the key to successful trim work is to choose pieces that complement the style of your home and the other design elements in your space. Don't be afraid to get creative and have fun with it! After all, your shiplap walls are a blank canvas waiting for you to make your mark.