How To Do Modern Wainscoting

Are you looking to add some modern flair to your home decor?

Wainscoting is a great way to do just that! This classic architectural feature has been around for centuries, but with a few modern twists, it can be transformed into a stylish and contemporary design element.

In this article, we’ll show you how to create modern wainscoting that will elevate the look of any room in your home. From pre-finished molding to using wallpaper, we’ll cover all the tips and tricks you need to know to achieve a sleek and sophisticated look.

So, let’s get started!

One of the easiest ways to achieve modern wainscoting is by using pre-finished molding. This method is quick and easy, making it perfect for a DIY project. Start by installing chair rail molding, then use base cap molding to create the picture frame shapes of the wainscoting pattern. Once everything is installed, paint it all to match for a cohesive and polished look.

Another way to incorporate modern elements into your wainscoting is by pairing it with wallpaper. Solid color wainscoting can act as an anchor for even the most wildly patterned wallpaper ideas. The millwork of the wainscoting can also act as a frame, highlighting or contrasting existing colors from the print itself. For example, a shaker panel wainscot can balance out oversized floral wallpaper in a chic dining room.

If you want to make your space feel taller than it is, use wainscoting that comes one-quarter to one-third of the way up the wall. This will make the rest of the wall appear taller. Adding vertical molding can also continue the illusion of height.

To emphasize the architectural details of your wainscoting, consider applying color only to certain areas. For example, in a modern sitting room, black paint was only applied to the indentations in the recessed paneling and along the perimeter of the door and ceiling to set them apart. This creates a wonderfully eccentric black-and-white theme that spills over onto the floor with a black Art Deco-style chair and striped rug.

When selecting materials for your wainscoting project, consider using MDF sheets instead of wood. MDF has an incredibly smooth finish that is perfect for achieving a modern look. Plus, it’s far cheaper than wood! Cut individual slats at 3/4″ wide and space them approximately 3/8″ apart on the wall for a sleek and contemporary look.

Understanding Modern Wainscoting

Modern wainscoting is a versatile design element that can add texture and charm to any interior. While traditional wainscoting was used to protect walls from scrapes and scuffs, modern wainscoting can also trick the eye into making a room appear taller or act as a dramatic statement piece.

One way to achieve modern wainscoting is by using pre-finished molding. This method is quick and easy, making it perfect for a DIY project. Chair rail molding can be installed first, followed by base cap molding to create the picture frame shapes of the wainscoting pattern. Once everything is installed, paint it all to match for a cohesive and polished look.

Another way to incorporate modern elements into wainscoting is by pairing it with wallpaper. Solid color wainscoting can act as an anchor for even the most wildly patterned wallpaper ideas. The millwork of the wainscoting can also act as a frame, highlighting or contrasting existing colors from the print itself.

Wainscoting can also be used to make a space feel taller than it is. Using wainscoting that comes one-quarter to one-third of the way up the wall will make the rest of the wall appear taller. Adding vertical molding can also continue the illusion of height.

To emphasize the architectural details of your wainscoting, consider applying color only to certain areas. This creates a wonderfully eccentric theme that spills over onto other design elements in the room.

Finally, when selecting materials for your wainscoting project, consider using MDF sheets instead of wood. MDF has an incredibly smooth finish that is perfect for achieving a modern look. Plus, it’s far cheaper than wood! Cut individual slats at 3/4″ wide and space them approximately 3/8″ apart on the wall for a sleek and contemporary look.

Choosing The Right Materials

Choosing the right materials for your wainscoting project can be a daunting task, as there are many options available in terms of style and budget. Traditional wooden options such as hardwood are durable and provide a classic look, but they can be quite expensive. Beadboard, another popular style, uses thick wood panels to create its iconic appearance but can also come at a higher price point. Paneling styles are typically less expensive than solid wood options, but the quality and density of the wood used during installation can drastically affect the project’s price tag.

For homeowners on a budget, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is a cheaper alternative to hardwood that also comes in water-resistant varieties. This can be particularly beneficial for those wishing to install wainscoting in areas that frequently encounter water, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Traditional hardwood is susceptible to water damage, while MDF and its plastic alternative, PVC, can protect the underlying wall more effectively.

When selecting materials for your wainscoting project, it’s important to consider the finish you want to achieve. MDF sheets have an incredibly smooth finish that is perfect for achieving a modern look. They are also far cheaper than wood! Cut individual slats at 3/4″ wide and space them approximately 3/8″ apart on the wall for a sleek and contemporary look.

Before painting or staining your wainscoting, it’s important to prime it first to ensure that the paint lasts longer. Consult a professional before starting your project to determine which materials will work best for your specific needs and desired aesthetic. Ultimately, selecting the right materials for your wainscoting project will depend on your budget, personal preferences, and the overall look you want to achieve in your space.

Measuring And Planning Your Design

Before you start your modern wainscoting project, it’s important to measure and plan your design. Start by sketching a scale drawing of each wall in the room, showing all doors, windows, electrical outlets and switches, air vents, radiators, and other features. Make sure to include the baseboard and door and window casings on the drawing.

Next, decide on the height of your wainscoting. Traditionally, wainscoting is between 30 in. and 42 in. tall. You can locate the chair rail one-third to two-fifths of the way up the wall using a molding that is 1 1/2 in. to 2 1/2 in. wide.

Once you’ve determined the height of the chair rail, draw the rails and end stiles. The rails should be between one-third and two-thirds the width of the baseboard. Make sure to draw an end stile next to the side casings of each window and each door.

The final step is to add the intermediate stiles that create the frames for the panels. Paneling will be most pleasing if you establish a regular module that repeats as it wraps around the room. Sometimes this is easier to accomplish with wide, horizontal panels. Other times, narrow vertical panels look best.

When sizing panels, aim to create rectangles with a 3:5 ratio. Begin in the center of the wall or in the center between two windows or doors, and work toward the corners. The space left over at the end of the section probably won’t be a typical panel width. Once you have a panel module, take that width to the other walls and chase it around the room.

Remember that it’s better to work through these issues on paper than in wood. Whether you place stiles in the corners depends on the circumstances of each room, but be consistent. Generally, it is best to use stiles on each side of all outside corners.

By measuring and planning your design beforehand, you’ll be able to achieve a cohesive and polished look for your modern wainscoting project.

Installing Pre-Finished Molding

If you want to use pre-finished molding for your wainscoting project, it’s important to choose the right type of molding. Look for chair rail molding and base cap molding that are pre-finished and ready to install. Make sure they are the right size and style for your desired pattern.

To start the installation process, measure the height of your wall and mark where you want the chair rail molding to go. Use a level to ensure that the molding is straight, and then use a brad nailer to secure it in place. Repeat this process for the base cap molding, making sure it lines up with the chair rail molding and creating the desired picture frame shapes.

Once all of the molding is installed, fill any nail holes with wood filler and sand them smooth. Then, paint or stain the molding to match your desired color scheme. This will give your wainscoting a polished and cohesive look.

When installing pre-finished molding, it’s important to take your time and ensure that everything is level and straight. Use a measuring tape and level for accuracy, and make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create beautiful modern wainscoting using pre-finished molding.

Creating A Custom Wainscoting Design

If you want to create a truly unique wainscoting design, consider customizing the size and shape of your moldings. This can be done by using a combination of different types of molding, such as base cap and crown molding, to create a layered effect. You can also experiment with the spacing between slats to create a more intricate pattern.

When designing your custom wainscoting, keep in mind the overall aesthetic of the room. For example, if you want to create a modern look, opt for clean lines and minimal embellishments. On the other hand, if you want a more traditional look, consider using more ornate moldings and details.

Another way to customize your wainscoting is by incorporating different materials. For example, you can use metal or glass inserts to add texture and visual interest. You can also experiment with different finishes, such as matte or glossy, to create a unique look.

When it comes to color, consider using contrasting shades to make your wainscoting stand out. For example, if your walls are painted a light color, consider using a dark or bold hue for your wainscoting. Alternatively, you can use the same color for both the walls and wainscoting to create a cohesive look.

Using Wallpaper For A Modern Twist

If you’re looking to add a modern twist to your wainscoting, wallpaper can be an excellent choice. Wallpaper is a versatile design element that can add texture, color, and pattern to your space. It can also be used to create a unique and artistic statement in your home.

One way to use wallpaper with wainscoting is to pair it with solid color wainscoting. This approach allows the wallpaper to stand out and become the focal point of the room. The wainscoting acts as a frame for the wallpaper, highlighting its colors and patterns. For example, a bold floral print can be balanced out by a simple shaker panel wainscot in a dining room.

Another way to use wallpaper with wainscoting is to apply it to the top half of the wall. This approach expands the look of the wainscoting and unifies the whole space. A lovely floral wallpaper that pulls in colors from other accessories in your room is a great way to achieve this effect.

If you want to make your space feel taller, consider using wainscoting that comes one-quarter to one-third of the way up the wall and pairing it with vertical molding. This will make the rest of the wall appear taller, creating an illusion of height.

In conclusion, using wallpaper with wainscoting is an excellent way to achieve a modern twist on this classic design element. Whether you choose a bold pattern or a subtle texture, wallpaper can add depth and interest to your space while highlighting the beauty of your wainscoting.