Farmhouse style has proven it’s not just a passing phase, the warm textures, clean lines, and relaxed character it brings to a home feel timeless. And at the center of that aesthetic? Shiplap.
What Is Shiplap Wallpaper and Why Use It?
Shiplap has an interesting past. It began as a practical wall covering, not just a decorative feature. Like hardwood floors that were once covered by carpet, shiplap was eventually rediscovered for its style. Today, it’s a staple in farmhouse decor.
Shiplap wallpaper lets you achieve the classic horizontal plank look without any construction. It’s peel-and-stick, easy to remove, and available in many styles. This makes it perfect for renters, people on a budget, or anyone wanting a quick update. It adds a lot of style to living rooms with very little effort.
1. Classic White Horizontal Shiplap Wallpaper
Nothing says country style like a living room with white horizontal shiplap. Its bright finish and clean lines help a room feel larger and more open. This option is very versatile. You can use it as an accent wall behind a sofa, around a fireplace, or even on every wall in a smaller space.
Pair shiplap wallpaper with warm-coloured furniture made of natural materials like wood, linen, or cotton. To highlight the classic country style without making the room feel crowded, add vintage touches like woven baskets, ceramic vases, or wrought-iron fixtures.
The straight lines of shiplap help make small living rooms look bigger by drawing the eye outward. If your room has low ceilings, this style can also make the space feel taller and more dramatic.
2. Vertical Shiplap Wallpaper for Height and Drama
While horizontal shiplap is most common, vertical shiplap wallpaper gives your living room a fresh look. The vertical lines draw the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more spacious.
This approach works well in living rooms with low or standard ceilings to make them appear higher. It also gives the wall a clean, modern farmhouse look instead of a purely rustic feel.
For styling, stick with light colours like white, off-white, or pale grey to keep the space calm and airy. Add large pendant lights, tall mirrors, and slim furniture to enhance the vertical effect and complete the look.
3. Dark-Stained Shiplap Wallpaper for a Modern Farmhouse Edge
If you want your living room to feel bold and elegant but still have a country touch, try dark-stained shiplap wallpaper. Shades like deep charcoal, espresso, or aged walnut add depth and warmth to a feature wall while keeping the texture interesting.
Rather than covering every wall, which can feel overwhelming, use this style for an accent wall, behind the TV, or in a cosy reading corner. Balance the dark colour by pairing it with light-coloured furniture, such as white shelves, cream sofas, or natural-wood side tables. Warm metal details in brass or gold add a touch of elegance and keep the room from feeling too dark.
4. Shiplap Wallpaper as a Fireplace Surround Feature
Covering the wall around your fireplace with shiplap wallpaper instantly makes it the focal point of your living room. The horizontal lines frame the fireplace nicely and carry the country style through the space.
Pairing white shiplap wallpaper with a dark or grey fireplace creates a striking contrast that looks great. For a more polished, classic look, consider painting the edges of the shiplap.
To style this area, add decor after the shiplap wall is up. Place a large mirror or artwork above the mantel, and add candles or trailing plants on each side. This gives your living room a cosy, welcoming feel.
5. Shiplap wallpaper in two tones for a fun living room
Shiplap wallpaper doesn’t have to be a single colour. Two-tone designs, with one colour on the bottom half of the wall and another on top, add depth, personality, and a custom look without any construction.
This approach works well for shiplap wainscoting. Cover the bottom third or half of the wall with shiplap wallpaper in one colour, then use paint or a different wallpaper colour above it.
To style this look, choose colours that complement each other, such as warm white on the bottom and soft sage green on top, or pale grey below and darker charcoal above. Repeat one of these colours in your furniture or fabrics to tie the room together.
6. Shiplap wallpaper that looks like old wood for a rustic look
Reclaimed wood-style shiplap wallpaper is a great way to give your living room a true country feel. These designs copy the knots, grain, and worn edges of real wood, so the look feels authentic.
Real salvaged wood is expensive, needs professional installation, and takes careful planning. With wallpaper, you get all the rustic charm without the hassle.
To style this look, let the wood grain stand out. Use simple furniture like linen chairs, raw wood coffee tables, and woven rugs in natural colours. Avoid anything too modern or sleek, as it may clash with the rustic feel. Finish with table lamps or Edison bulbs for warm lighting.
7. Shiplap Wainscoting Wallpaper for a Touch of Class
You don’t have to cover an entire wall with shiplap. Shiplap wainscoting, which covers just the lower part of the wall up to chair-rail height, adds country style and texture without overwhelming the space.
This is one of the most stylish and practical ways to use shiplap wallpaper in a living room. Covering just the bottom half of the wall creates a natural break and adds architectural interest to plain walls.
To style this, paint the upper wall a soft colour that complements the wainscoting. Warm greige, muted blue, or dusty sage are all good choices. Add a thin trim or a painted line at the top edge for a neat finish. This looks like photographs, which is helpful if you’re getting ready to sell your home.
8. Framed shiplap wallpaper as large-scale wall art
If you rent or prefer not to cover a whole wall, try this creative idea: place shiplap wallpaper inside a large wooden frame and hang it as wall art. This gives you the farmhouse shiplap look without making a permanent change.
You can make it as large as a gallery piece or as small as something for a mantel or a styled corner. It’s a smart way to add style to your living room without a long-term commitment.
To style this, use a chunky recycled wood frame for a rustic touch. Add smaller framed art or plant drawings nearby to create a gallery wall that feels curated rather than overly themed.
Picking Out the Best Shiplap Wallpaper for Your Living Room
Before you buy, think about these things:
Consider the size of your room and ceiling height. Flat shiplap can make small rooms feel larger, while vertical shiplap adds height. Dark colours work best in bigger rooms or as accent walls, not on every wall.
Colour scheme, already think about your existing colour scheme. If you want your wallpaper to match your furniture or floors, choose white or off-white shiplap.
For wood tones or bright colours, compare samples to what you already have.
Flat, matte finishes give a classic farmhouse look, while finishes with a bit of shine or texture feel more modern.
Some peel-and-stick wallpapers even have three-dimensional embossing to make them look more realistic. ant flexibility, check that the wallpaper is fully removable and won’t damage your walls.
Read reviews about how easy it is to put up and take down before you buy.
Last Thoughts
Shiplap wallpaper can make any farmhouse living room feel more open and welcoming. There’s a style for every space, budget, and level of commitment. Pick classic white planks for a timeless look, dark-stained wood for a bold touch, or wainscoting for added elegance.
Questions People Ask Often
Is it possible to cover every wall in the living room with shiplap wallpaper?
Of course, full coverage looks best in bigger rooms or with lighter colours. If you want to keep a room from feeling too small, use it on just one accent wall.
Is shiplap wallpaper strong enough for a living room that gets heavy use?
Most peel-and-stick shiplap posters are designed for use on home walls and look great in living rooms. They shouldn’t be used in areas with a lot of moisture or on surfaces that are frequently used.
How can I make wallpaper that looks like shiplap?
Pick items with surfaces that mimic wood grain. Before you put it up, paint the wall behind it the same base colour. During placement, use a seam roller to remove bubbles and ensure the edges between panels are smooth.
Can shiplap wallpaper be used on textured walls?
Walls that are smooth or have a light pattern work best. Heavy textures on the walls, like orange peel or knockdown finishes, can make it hard for paint to stick and show seams. The results will be much better if you skim-coat or sand the wall first.
What kind of furniture looks best in a living room with shiplap?
Shiplap in a farmhouse setting looks great with a wide range of furniture, from rustic wood to coastal-style rattan to classic upholstered chairs to even more modern minimalist pieces. The important thing is to keep the colour scheme consistent.
