Thinking about adding shiplap to your bedroom but worried it’ll look too farmhouse? Modern shiplap is different. It’s cleaner, more refined, and works beautifully in contemporary spaces when done right.
This article shares bedroom-specific shiplap ideas that feel current and stylish. You’ll find which wall to choose, what colors keep it modern, and how to style it without going rustic. We cover both DIY options and what to expect if you hire help, plus the mistakes that make shiplap look outdated.
These designs come from actual modern bedrooms where shiplap works. We’re showing you what’s been tested in real spaces, not just pretty pictures.
If you’re going for minimalist, industrial, or contemporary cozy, you’ll find inspiration that fits your vision. Let’s make your bedroom walls interesting without the country clichés.
11 Shiplap Accent Wall Bedroom Ideas
I’m sharing eleven shiplap designs that change ordinary bedrooms into eye-catching retreats. Each option brings its own character and style to your space.
Classic White Shiplap
Install floor-to-ceiling white shiplap for a clean, modern farmhouse look. This timeless choice brightens your room and creates the ideal backdrop for any décor style.
Pair your white shiplap with warm bedding in cream, beige, or soft gray tones. Add natural wood furniture and neutral accessories to keep the space feeling balanced and inviting rather than stark.
Gray Shiplap Accent Wall
Choose gray shiplap for a subtle contrast and a modern aesthetic. This versatile shade works with almost every color scheme you already own.
Install horizontal planks behind your bed, then style with matching gray bedding and metallic accents. Gold or brass fixtures pop beautifully against gray, while silver creates a cooler, more contemporary vibe.
Black or Dark Shiplap Wall
Create a bold, moody focal point with black or charcoal shiplap. You can cover the full wall for maximum drama or just a partial section for flexibility.
Balance the dark wall with white bedding and plenty of lighting. Add plants, light wood furniture, or brass accents to prevent the space from feeling too heavy or cave-like.
Sage Green Shiplap
Paint your shiplap in nature-inspired sage green for instant calm. This soothing color makes your bedroom feel like a peaceful retreat.
Position the shiplap wall behind your bed so it naturally highlights your sleeping area. Style with white linens, natural wood nightstands, and botanical prints to enhance the organic, restful atmosphere.
Natural Wood Shiplap
Leave your shiplap unstained or use a clear finish to showcase natural wood grain. This rustic approach adds warmth and authentic character to your bedroom.
This option works ideally in cabin-style or Scandinavian-inspired spaces. Pair it with cozy textiles, simple furniture, and minimal décor to let the wood’s natural beauty shine through.
Vertical Shiplap
Install your planks vertically instead of horizontally to make ceilings look higher. This simple orientation change creates the illusion of more vertical space.
Vertical shiplap works especially well in small bedrooms or rooms with low ceilings. The eye travels upward along the lines, making your entire room feel taller and more spacious than it actually is.
Horizontal Wide-Plank Shiplap
Use wider planks installed horizontally to make your room feel more spacious. The fewer lines create a calmer, less busy visual effect.
Paint your wide planks in soft tones like cream, light gray, or warm white. This creates a cozy modern rustic vibe that feels current rather than overly farmhouse or country.
Partial or Half Wall Shiplap
Cover just the lower portion of your wall with shiplap as a headboard alternative. This approach saves money and creates interesting layering opportunities.
Stop your shiplap at 40-50 inches high, then add wallpaper, paint, or framed artwork above. This combination adds depth and visual interest without covering your entire wall in wood.
Shiplap on Slanted or Vaulted Walls
Install shiplap on angled walls in attic or loft bedrooms for architectural interest. The planks follow your ceiling’s natural angles beautifully.
Paint your angled shiplap white to brighten the space, or stain it dark for dramatic effect. This treatment turns awkward slanted walls into your room’s best feature instead of a design challenge.
Shiplap Ceilings
Move shiplap from your walls to your ceiling for an unexpected statement. Ceiling shiplap enhances room height and reflects light throughout the space.
Pair your shiplap ceiling with exposed beams or pendant lighting for a layered design. Paint it white or light gray to maximize brightness, or use natural wood for warmth and character.
Layered Shiplap with Décor
Combine your shiplap wall with artwork, mirrors, or built-in shelving. This layered approach creates depth without overwhelming your bedroom.
Hang large artwork off-center on your shiplap, add floating shelves, or lean a full-length mirror against the wall. These additions break up the horizontal lines and add personality to the textured backdrop.
Tips for Styling Your Shiplap Accent Wall
I’ve styled dozens of shiplap walls, and the secret isn’t the boards themselves. It’s everything you put around them.
- Pair With Simple Furniture: Choose wooden bed frames, vintage dressers, or minimalist nightstands that complement the texture. Shiplap already makes a statement, so your furniture shouldn’t compete for attention.
- Add Soft Textures: Layer in woven baskets, cozy throw pillows, and textured area rugs. These soft elements balance the hard lines of the planks and make your bedroom feel warm instead of stark.
- Coordinate Your Colors: Match your bedding and artwork to your shiplap tone, or go bold with contrasting colors. Either way, create intentional color relationships that tie the whole room together visually.
- Layer Your Lighting: Use natural light from windows plus wall sconces or pendant lights to highlight the shiplap’s texture. Shadows and light play across the grooves, adding depth and dimension throughout the day.
- Prep and Finish Properly: Clean your walls thoroughly before installing planks, decide on horizontal or vertical orientation, then seal with paint or stain. Proper prep work ensures your shiplap looks professional and lasts for years.
Conclusion
A shiplap accent wall bedroom design brings warmth, texture, and timeless charm to your personal space. If you prefer classic white planks, rich stained wood, or a pop of color, shiplap offers numerous ways to create the cozy, stylish sanctuary you’ve been dreaming of.
The best part? This look is more accessible than you might think. With options ranging from traditional wood installation to peel-and-stick panels, there’s a solution that fits your skill level and budget.
Now you’re ready to change your bedroom into a space that feels both modern and inviting. Choose your style, plan your layout, and enjoy the process of making it your own. Have you already tried a shiplap accent wall bedroom project? We’d love to hear about your experience. Drop a comment below and inspire others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a shiplap accent wall in a bedroom?
A shiplap accent wall features horizontal wooden boards with small gaps between them, creating texture and visual interest. This farmhouse-style element adds warmth and character to bedrooms, serving as a focal point typically behind the bed or on a feature wall.
How much does a shiplap accent wall cost for a bedroom?
Real wood shiplap costs $2-$7 per square foot, while MDF or plywood alternatives range from $0.50-$3 per square foot. For an average bedroom wall (120 square feet), expect $60-$840 for materials. Professional installation adds $1-$3 per square foot if needed.
Can I install shiplap over existing bedroom walls?
Yes, shiplap can be installed directly over drywall using construction adhesive and nails. Ensure walls are clean, dry, and level. This method is quicker than removing drywall and provides extra insulation. Real or faux shiplap panels work equally well for overlay installation.
What color shiplap works best in modern bedrooms?
White and light gray shiplap create an airy, spacious feel ideal for modern bedrooms. Natural wood tones add warmth, while black or navy shiplap provides dramatic contrast. Painted shiplap in soft neutrals like beige, sage, or greige complements contemporary design styles beautifully.
How do I style a bedroom with a shiplap accent wall?
Keep furniture simple and let the shiplap shine. Add metal or wooden bed frames, layered bedding in neutral tones, and minimal wall decor. Incorporate modern lighting fixtures, plants, and textured elements like woven baskets to balance the rustic shiplap with contemporary aesthetics.
