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Wainscoting is decorative paneling that covers the lower part of a wall, adding style and protection. Beadboard is a popular type of wainscoting characterized by long, vertical panels with raised beads—small indentations or ridges between the planks. It's commonly used on walls and ceilings to add depth and character. Both wainscoting and beadboard are versatile options that allow you to enhance your indoor and outdoor spaces. Beadboard panels lock together with a tongue-and-groove joint, while shiplap—a similar style—uses a square-shaped rabbet joint.

The top of the wainscoting should be set at one-third of the room’s height. So, for a standard room with nine-foot ceilings, the wainscoting should extend exactly three feet. This precise measurement creates a balanced, elegant look that enhances overall room proportions and delivers a classic design appearance.

Wainscoting can make a room look smaller if the room has low ceilings. The same rule applies with wainscoting as it does with painting any space: In order to make the room look larger and more open, paint it a light color like 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.

While wainscoting can technically be used in any room, you’ll typically want to reserve it for a more open space, like a foyer where you want to make a dynamic first impression or a bathroom with tall ceilings. Avoid using wainscoting in small spaces with low ceilings. Open concepts like a living room and kitchen combination also don’t work well with wainscoting because there isn’t a clean break point along the walls.

Wainscoting can increase home value because it offers a refined design element that boosts buyer interest. Its elegant finish and distinctive style enhance interior aesthetics and generate a positive market impression, therefore confidently increasing the property’s overall desirability and resale value.