If you’ve been looking for home decorating ideas, you’ve probably seen shiplap. It’s been a go-to wall style for years, especially in farmhouse homes and cozy spaces.
I remember when it started showing up everywhere, from living rooms to bathrooms and even ceilings.
But now, more and more people are asking, “Is shiplap out of style?” That’s a fair question.
Styles do change, and something that looked perfect a few years ago might feel a little dated today.
In this post, I’ll talk about what shiplap is, why it became so popular, and whether it still works in today’s homes.
Let’s look at other wall options, how to make shiplap look fresh, and what to do if it’s already part of your space.
What Is Shiplap?
Shiplap is a type of wall covering made from long wooden boards. These boards are usually placed side by side, with small gaps between them.
This creates lines that run across your wall, giving it a nice pattern and texture.
In the past, shiplap was used in barns and sheds to keep out the wind.
It wasn’t fancy, it was practical. But over time, people started using it inside homes to give rooms a cozy, farmhouse look.
You might have also heard of paneling or beadboard. These are similar but not the same.
Shiplap has flat boards and clean lines, which make it feel more modern. It’s often painted white but can be any color.
Why Shiplap Became So Popular?
Shiplap became a big deal when Joanna Gaines used it on the show Fixer Upper. After that, it was in magazines, blogs, Instagram posts, you name it.
So, why did everyone love it?
- Looks good: Shiplap adds texture without being too busy. It makes a wall more interesting.
- Easy to work with: Many DIYers found it simple enough to install on their own.
- Fits lots of styles: While it’s mostly known for the farmhouse look, it can also work in coastal, rustic, or even modern homes.
- Budget-friendly: Compared to other wall treatments, shiplap gives a big impact for a lower cost.
It became the go-to choice for accent walls, mudrooms, bathrooms, and even ceilings.
Is Shiplap Out of Style?
I’ve noticed that many homeowners are starting to wonder if shiplap still fits with today’s design styles. The answer depends on how it’s used, where it’s placed, and the overall look of the home.
1. Shiplap Is Evolving, Not Disappearing
Rather than fading away, shiplap is being used in more creative and intentional ways.
Designers are embracing new approaches, like vertical layouts, bold paint colors, or mixing it with modern elements.
These updates give shiplap a new life beyond the classic farmhouse style.
2. It Still Adds Character and Warmth
One reason shiplap has stayed relevant is its ability to bring texture and warmth to a space.
Whether you use it on a single accent wall, a cozy reading nook, or even the ceiling, shiplap creates visual interest without overwhelming the room.
3. Perfect for a Personalized Touch
Shiplap works best when it reflects your unique style.
It can feel coastal, rustic, modern, or even Scandinavian, depending on the color, direction, and decor you pair with it.
That flexibility is what keeps it from going out of style altogether.
4. Timeless When Used Thoughtfully
When used in the right way, shiplap doesn’t feel dated; it feels classic.
Instead of following a trend, you’re creating a space that feels balanced, inviting, and personal. That’s always in style.
Future of Shiplap
The future of shiplap isn’t about being the latest trend or showing up in every makeover video. It’s more about how we use it in thoughtful, personal ways that reflect how we live.
While it might not be the number one design feature anymore, I still see shiplap as a great way to add comfort, texture, and warmth to a room.
It has that timeless feel when used right, especially in cozy or welcoming spaces.
Today’s design trends favor long-lasting choices instead of quick, viral looks.
That means shiplap can absolutely still work; it just needs a little care and creativity to stay fresh.
Personally, I like the idea of using it in smaller spots, behind a bed, around a fireplace, or even on a hallway wall.
These little moments let the texture shine without overpowering the space.
I’ve also seen people try fun updates, like painting it deep navy or charcoal, installing it vertically, or leaving the wood raw for a natural vibe. It’s all about adapting it to fit your style.
So no, shiplap isn’t gone. It’s just finding a new rhythm, one that’s quieter, more personal, and a better fit for how we design our homes today.
How to Make Shiplap Feel Modern
If you still love shiplap (and many people do), you don’t have to give it up. There are simple ways to update it.
- Vertical shiplap: Instead of horizontal boards, try them going up and down. It feels taller and more modern.
- Use color: Try soft green, moody blue, or greige instead of white.
- Mix with modern touches: Clean furniture, gold hardware, or glass lighting make it feel fresh.
- Do just part of the wall: A shiplap half wall or just behind a bed can give texture without taking over.
- Leave it natural: Let the wood show! Natural tones are warm and popular right now.
Wallpaper vs. Shiplap
If you’re stuck choosing between shiplap and wallpaper, it helps to compare them side by side. Both can add style and interest to a room, but they work in different ways.
| Feature | Wallpaper | Shiplap |
|---|---|---|
| Look and Feel | Bold patterns and colors with lots of personality | Natural, soft texture with simple lines |
| Material | Paper or vinyl applied directly to the wall | Real wood or MDF boards with visible gaps |
| Best Use | Fun or eye-catching rooms like bathrooms, laundry rooms, or accent walls | Cozy, calm spaces like entryways, bedrooms, or ceilings |
| Style Impact | Attention-grabbing, artistic, and trendy | Subtle, timeless, adds warmth |
| Design Variety | Endless options—floral, modern, vintage, geometric, and more | Limited shapes, customizable with paint or layout direction |
| Installation | Often peel-and-stick or pasted; easier for quick changes | Requires tools and DIY skills or professional help |
| Maintenance | May peel or fade over time, depending on quality | Durable, easy to repaint or touch up |
| Cost Range | Budget to luxury—wide price range based on design and material | Moderate to high, depending on wood type and size of space |
| Personal Use Case | Ideal when you want color or a big design moment | Great when you want a calm, textured background |
| Can You Mix Both? | Yes—can balance bold patterns with natural shiplap texture | Yes—pairs well with wallpaper on a feature wall or ceiling |
Benefits of Shiplap
Even though shiplap isn’t the trendiest choice anymore, it still has some strong benefits that make it worth considering.
- Adds Texture: Shiplap gives your walls a soft texture that makes a room feel interesting, even if everything else is simple. It’s great for adding depth to plain walls.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you like bright white, warm beige, or bold navy blue, shiplap takes paint really well. You can always repaint it to match new decor.
- Budget-Friendly Wall Upgrade: Compared to tile or custom wall treatments, shiplap is affordable, especially if you’re handy and can install it yourself.
- Works in Many Rooms: From entryways to laundry rooms, shiplap fits just about anywhere. It adds charm without needing to change the whole room.
- Timeless Farmhouse Feel: If you like cozy, down-to-earth spaces, shiplap brings in that rustic, classic vibe without feeling heavy.
- Covers Imperfections: Do you have rough or uneven drywall? Shiplap can hide problem areas and give you a fresh, clean surface.
Mistakes That Make Shiplap Look Dated
So why do some people think shiplap looks out of style? It’s often because of how it’s used.
- Too much white: All-white shiplap in every room can feel cold or boring now.
- Overdoing it: Using shiplap in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, AND bathroom can feel like too much of a good thing.
- Mixing too many “farmhouse trends”: Pairing shiplap with sliding barn doors, mason jars, and rustic signs can make the space feel stuck in the past.
- Wrong for the house: If you live in a modern condo or a mid-century home, shiplap might not match the overall style.
- Cheap materials: Thin boards or poor paint jobs can make it look sloppy instead of stylish.
Conclusion
Shiplap might not be the hottest trend anymore, but it’s far from “out.” It’s more like your favorite pair of jeans. They’re not on every runway, but when they fit right, they’re perfect.
In the end, your home should feel like you. If you love shiplap, use it. Just think about how to update it or mix it with newer elements.
Trends are fun to watch, but style is personal. Make your space a place you love coming home to, shiplap or not.
What do you think? Do you still love shiplap? Have you updated yours recently? Leave a comment or send a photo, I’d love to see how you’re using it.
And if you’re looking for more ideas, check out my posts on wall treatments, cozy design tips, and modern farmhouse style. There’s something for every home and every style.