Move over painted accent walls, wainscoting is moving into homes everywhere! So what is wainscoting? Wainscoting originally was comprised of paneling boards and trim pieces used to cover walls for decorative or functional purposes, installed on the lower part of the wall.

Guest Cottage featured in TraditionalHome.com
Take a look at a few different decorative wainscoting wall treatments.
Wainscoting is not that much different now. However, today it’s mostly thought of as a decorative custom designed wall treatment that has no standard height. Still, it’s basically comprised of stock molding, MDF, wood trim pieces, and paneling boards.
Although there is no standard height, typically the trim work ends at chair rail height which is about 3′ from the floor or at “shoulder” height.

Charlotte Ronson and Nate Reuss’s Apartment featured in ArchitecturalDigest.com
The higher or “shoulder” height works nicely to add hooks as well as showcasing artwork.

Irish Blessing Entryway from Bless’er House DIY Southern Style
But sometimes the wainscot treatment runs full wall height from the floor to the ceiling too.

from HGTV.COM Stylish Kids’ Bunk Beds
Wainscoting is the perfect solution to those hard to decorate areas of the house such as hallways or bathrooms.

HGTV Urban Oasis Hallway, Paint Colors: Ceiling: Sherwin-Williams Krypton SW6247
But why is wainscoting trending? I think it’s because homeowners are seeking well-appointed homes now. They are more interested in a home with careful attention to detail as opposed to size. So wainscoting adds a level of detail to a home that is understated yet elegant. It’s a no-fuss approach to design creating a sense of history found in older homes.
So thanks for stopping in today, we hope you’ve left inspired ~ Nancy
be happy + be comfortable in your homeAnd while you’re here “see what’s new today” @ IntentionalDesigns.com home decor shop site!
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