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Wainscoting is decorative paneling that covers the lower part of a wall for style and protection. Beadboard is a type of wainscoting made of long vertical planks with small raised beads between each board. You’ll see it on walls and ceilings when homeowners want added depth and charm. Both options work indoors or outdoors; beadboard pieces lock together with tongue-and-groove joints, while similar styles, such as shiplap, rely on a square rabbet joint.

The best rule of thumb for wainscoting is to stop the panels at about one-third of the wall height. In a room with a nine-foot ceiling, that’s roughly three feet up. Sticking to this ratio keeps the room balanced, lets plenty of wall color show above the trim, and delivers a polished, timeless look.

Wainscoting can make a room look smaller if the room has low ceilings. The same rule applies to wainscoting as it does to painting any space: to make the room look larger and more open, paint it a light color, such as white or cream. Since beadboard incorporates vertical lines in the paneling, this style of wainscoting is ideal for those wanting to make a room appear larger than it is.

Technically, you can panel any room, but wainscoting shines in open areas, such as a foyer or a tall-ceilinged bathroom. Skip it in small rooms with low ceilings—panels can make tight spaces feel boxed in. Open-concept layouts without clear stopping points along the walls are also tricky, as the trim requires a distinct beginning and end.

Removing existing wall panels before installing wainscoting involves distinct demolition efforts. The cost to hire a professional for demo work is $1.50 per square foot. If the underlying drywall requires replacement after panel removal, an additional fee of $1.60 to $2.35 per square foot is incurred. Completing these tasks properly ensures a sturdy foundation and a flawless finish.