Wainscoting, also known as wainscot paneling, is a decorative technique that has been around for centuries.
It’s a style of paneling that not only adds warmth and detail to a room, but also has practical origins. In fact, it was originally developed to provide insulation and cover up dampness in cold stone walls.
Over time, wainscoting evolved into a fine art, with different styles and materials being used to create elegant and prestigious interiors.
But where did wainscoting come from? Let’s take a closer look at its history and origins.
Where Did Wainscoting Come From
The exact origin of the term “wainscoting” is debated, but it is believed to derive from the German word for “wall-board.” The wood used for wainscot paneling originally came from a specific oak tree known as “wainscoting oak.” Even after the type of wood commonly used for wainscot paneling changed, the term “wainscoting” stuck with the wall panels.
Wainscoting has been around since at least the 13th century, when Henry III imported wood from Norway to line rooms at Windsor Castle. At first, it was primarily used for practical purposes, but it was soon recognized as a decorative technique that added detail and warmth to a room.
Different styles of wainscoting emerged over time. In the 15th century, linen-fold panelling became popular, featuring decorated and embellished styles. Boiserie panelling, which is ornate and intricately carved, became favored in French interior design in the late 17th century. This type of panelling lined walls, doors, cupboards, and shelves and influenced the wainscoting style.
During the English Renaissance, wood panelling became simpler in design, marking a semblance to the wainscot style. In grand houses, applied pilasters appeared to provide an architrave that elegantly concealed the join between panels. Applied pilasters then became a common feature of classical Georgian interior architecture, punctuating walls to emphasize window positions and bring structure to a large space.
The Origins Of Wainscoting: From Practicality To Elegance
Wainscoting started out as a practical solution for insulation and dampness control in rooms. In the 17th century, it was used to keep harsh temperatures outside and hot air inside. Early English homeowners used it as a mask to cover up unwanted dampness in the lower part of the wall. With improper insulation, plumbing, and poor drainage, wainscoting became a necessity for private residences.
As time went on, wainscoting evolved from a practical solution to a decorative technique that added detail and warmth to a room. In fact, wainscoting is one of the world’s oldest forms of custom-made decor. Before built-ins and factory-grade wood, elegant moldings, paneling, chair rails, and the like were often carved out of marble. The more elegant and rare the wainscoting, the better.
Wainscoting originated in 16th century England from humble beginnings, but nowadays it is synonymous with higher-end homes, restored bungalows, and the casual elegance that every home desires. Once people caught on that the look of wainscoting could completely transform a room, they began wanting the panels to stretch even higher. The average height of full paneled wainscoting skyrocketed from 42 inches high to 72 inches high during the 1900s. A lot of homes built during this era have dining rooms with near floor-to-ceiling wainscoting.
Different styles of wainscoting emerged over time, from linen-fold panelling in the 15th century to boiserie panelling in French interior design in the late 17th century. During the English Renaissance, wood panelling became simpler in design, marking a semblance to the wainscot style. In grand houses, applied pilasters appeared to provide an architrave that elegantly concealed the join between panels.
Today, homeowners can choose between wooden raised panel, flat panel, and bead board wainscoting depending on their style preference. Raised panel wainscoting is perfect for colonial-style homes that prefer a traditional look. For modern or mission-style homes, recessed or flat panel wainscoting works best. Bead board is the choice for shabby chic decorators, cozy cottages, and cabins.
Early Wainscoting Materials And Techniques
Early wainscoting materials were primarily made of oak, which was known for its durability and resistance to decay. The oak trees used for wainscot paneling were slowly grown and knot-free, making them ideal for use as wall coverings. The application of wainscoting was commonly introduced in the 18th century, when it was used to protect walls and provide additional insulation. It also helped decrease the impact of rising damp that could occur in some types of walls.
Wainscoting was originally used in floor-to-ceiling applications, but was later more commonly applied to just the lower portion of walls. As the popularity of wainscoting increased, other types of timber became more common choices. In addition to oak, other woods such as pine, cherry, and maple were used for wainscot paneling.
One popular technique for creating wainscot paneling involved using tongue and groove molding. This method involved fitting the panels together so that they interlocked with one another, creating a seamless look. Another popular technique was using an intricate crown molding that required a lot of fitting, cutting, and measuring.
Wainscoting In Medieval Times: Castles And Great Halls
During medieval times, wainscoting was primarily used in castles and great halls as a practical solution to protect walls from damage and dampness. The wood paneling was made from oak, which was imported from Germany, Russia, and Holland. The lower portion of the wall was covered with the paneling, which served both a decorative and protective function.
In early English Renaissance mansions, oak paneling was installed to a height of 8 or 10 feet and hung with paintings or armor. This use of wainscoting added a sense of grandeur to the space and helped to insulate the room against the cold.
The French equivalent of wainscoting is boiserie, which is characterized by intricately carved low relief paneling that covers the wall up to the ceiling. Boiserie was popular in France during the 17th and 18th centuries and was often painted, gilded, or inlaid.
In medieval times, wainscoting was not just limited to castles and great halls. It was also used in churches and other religious buildings as a way to add warmth and decoration to the space. The wood paneling was often carved with intricate designs and patterns that reflected the religious themes of the building.
The Renaissance And Wainscoting’s Rise To Elegance
The Renaissance period marked a significant change in the design of wainscoting. Wood paneling became simpler in design, marking a semblance to the wainscot style. However, wainscoting was not limited to just practicality at this point. In grand houses, applied pilasters appeared to provide an architrave that elegantly concealed the join between panels. This elegant touch added structure to a large space and emphasized window positions.
The use of applied pilasters became a common feature of classical Georgian interior architecture. This punctuated walls and added a touch of elegance to the room. The Georgian era marked the rise of wainscoting as a symbol of elegance and prestige.
Wainscoting became more than just a practical solution for damp walls. It transformed into an element of prestige that homeowners desired. As people caught on to the transformative power of wainscoting, they began wanting the panels to stretch even higher. The average height of full paneled wainscoting skyrocketed from 42 inches high to 72 inches high during the 1900s.
Even today, wainscoting is synonymous with higher-end homes, restored bungalows, and the casual elegance that every home desires. The Renaissance period marked a significant shift in the design of wainscoting, transforming it from practicality to elegance and prestige.
Wainscoting In Modern Times: Materials And Styles Today
Today, wainscoting is no longer limited to just one type of wood or material. It can be found in a variety of materials such as MDF, PVC, and even wallpaper. The use of different materials has allowed for greater flexibility in design, making it easier to incorporate wainscoting into any room style.
One popular style of modern wainscoting is the raised panel. This style features a raised section in the center of each panel, giving it a more traditional and formal look. Raised panel wainscoting is often used in colonial-style homes or to add a touch of elegance to a dining room.
Flat panel wainscoting is another popular style that works well in modern and mission-style homes. It features a flat center panel with simple framing around the edges. This style offers a clean and simple look that is perfect for those who prefer a more minimalist approach.
Beadboard wainscoting is a popular choice for those who want a more casual or rustic look. This style features narrow vertical planks with grooves or beads between them. It’s often used in shabby chic decor or cozy cottages and cabins.
In addition to the different styles, modern wainscoting also offers a range of finishes and colors. While traditional wainscoting was often finished with an oil turpentine protective coating, today’s wainscoting is often painted in solid colors or stained to match existing decor.
DIY Wainscoting: How To Add This Classic Touch To Your Home
If you’re looking to add a touch of classic elegance to your home, wainscoting is a great option. Not only does it add visual interest to your walls, but it also provides protection and insulation. And the best part? You can easily install it yourself with a few simple steps.
First, decide on the type of wainscoting you want to install. Traditional stile-and-rail wainscoting involves building frames from square stock around a decorative panel, but this can be expensive and time-consuming. Instead, Tom Silva’s easy DIY wainscoting solution involves using base cap molding to create rectangular picture frames that attach to the wall with nails and glue. This adds architectural detail and texture to the wall without busting the budget.
To get started, outline the frame with a pen where you plan to mount the wainscoting. Then put wood glue at the back of the panel and glue it to the wall frame. Attach the panels and nail them with a space of 10 inches. The easiest way is to start from the corner by securing a panel with nails. Then accommodate the wall outlets and proceed installing other panels spaced from 18 to 28 inches apart. Continue until you reach your next corner. If you do not have room to place the panel in the second corner, simply cut it with a jigsaw or circular saw.
The base cap stock used for this DIY wainscoting solution adds architectural detail and texture to the wall without breaking the bank. It runs $1 to $2 per linear foot for primed pine and comes in a range of styles to complement moldings you already have.
In summary, wainscoting is a classic interior design feature that has been around for centuries. With a little DIY know-how, you can easily add it to your home for a touch of elegance and warmth.