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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.