Are you thinking about giving your living room a fresh new look? A shiplap TV wall might be just what you need. Shiplap adds a clean, stylish touch to any space and is a great way to make your TV area stand out. Whether you like the farmhouse vibe, a cozy cottage feel, or a more modern look, shiplap can fit right in.
It’s easy to work with, and it makes your wall feel more finished and pulled together. In this blog, I’ll share some helpful ideas and tips to help you plan the perfect shiplap TV wall.
I’ll discuss different styles, design tricks, and things to consider before you start. If you’re ready to turn your TV wall into a beautiful focal point, you’re in the right place.
Let’s get started with some inspiring ideas!
Understanding Shiplap and Its Benefits in TV Wall Design
Shiplap is a type of wooden board that’s often used to add texture and charm to walls. It has a simple, clean look with horizontal or vertical lines that give your space a cozy, finished feel. People love using it in living rooms, especially behind the TV, to create a nice focal point without being too flashy.
Benefits of using shiplap on a TV wall:
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Adds texture: It makes your wall more interesting without needing extra decorations.
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Creates a cozy vibe: Shiplap gives your room a warm, homey feel.
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Works with many styles: Whether your home is modern, rustic, or somewhere in between, shiplap fits right in.
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Hides cords easily: It can help cover up TV wires for a cleaner look.
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Makes your TV area stand out: The wall becomes a stylish backdrop.
Shiplap is an easy way to level up your living room.
Design Considerations for Shiplap TV Walls
Before you start putting up shiplap behind your TV, consider a few design details. These choices can help your wall look great and match the rest of your space.
Horizontal or vertical? Most people go with horizontal shiplap, which makes the room feel wider. Vertical shiplap can make the wall look taller and works well in smaller rooms.
What color should you choose? White is a classic pick—it’s clean and goes with everything. But don’t be afraid to try gray, black, or even natural wood tones if you want something different.
What’s the vibe of your room? Think about the style of your home. Is it farmhouse, modern, or beachy? Pick a shiplap finish that matches your look.
Taking time to plan your design will make your wall feel just right.
Popular Shiplap TV Wall Design Ideas
Shiplap walls have become a beloved feature in home design, offering a blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. When used as a backdrop for your TV, shiplap can transform your living space into a cozy and stylish retreat.
1. Classic White Shiplap with Mounted TV
A timeless choice, white shiplap creates a clean and bright backdrop for your television. Mounting the TV directly onto the shiplap wall enhances the room’s aesthetic by providing a seamless and uncluttered look. This design works well in various interior styles, from farmhouse to coastal themes.
2. Dark Shiplap for a Bold Statement
For a more dramatic effect, consider painting your shiplap wall in dark hues like charcoal or navy. A dark shiplap accent wall adds depth and sophistication to the room, making the TV blend more naturally into the background. This approach is particularly effective in creating a cozy, moody atmosphere.
3. Shiplap Wall with Integrated Shelving
Combining shiplap with built-in shelves around your TV offers both functionality and style. The shelves provide space for decorative items, books, or media equipment, while the shiplap adds texture and interest to the wall. This design creates a cohesive and organized look, perfect for family rooms.
4. Vertical Shiplap for Added Height
While horizontal shiplap is common, installing it vertically can make your ceilings appear higher and add a unique twist to the design. A vertical shiplap TV wall draws the eye upward, enhancing the sense of space and making the room feel more open.
5. Shiplap Fireplace Wall with TV Above
Integrating a shiplap wall with a fireplace and mounting the TV above creates a stunning focal point in the living room. The combination of warm, rustic shiplap and the cozy ambiance of a fireplace makes for an inviting gathering space. Ensure proper heat clearance and consider installing a mantel to protect the TV.
6. Two-Tone Shiplap Design
For a contemporary look, experiment with a two-tone shiplap wall. Painting the upper and lower halves of the wall in contrasting colors, such as white and gray, adds visual interest and modern flair. Positioning the TV at the intersection of the two colors can further highlight this design feature.
7. Shiplap with Reclaimed Wood Accents
Incorporating reclaimed wood into your shiplap TV wall adds character and sustainability to your design. The natural, weathered texture of reclaimed wood brings warmth and a sense of history to the space, complementing both rustic and industrial aesthetics.
8. Floating Media Console on Shiplap Wall
Pairing a shiplap wall with a floating media console creates a sleek and modern entertainment area. The floating console provides storage without taking up floor space, maintaining a clean and uncluttered look. This design is ideal for minimalist interiors seeking a touch of texture.
9. Shiplap Nook for TV
If you have a recessed area or nook in your living room, consider lining it with shiplap to create a dedicated space for your TV. This approach adds depth and architectural interest, making the TV area feel intentional and integrated into the room’s design.
10. Chevron or Herringbone Pattern Shiplap
Instead of the usual straight lines, try laying your shiplap in a chevron or herringbone pattern. It adds a custom, eye-catching look behind your TV. This design brings a modern twist to the traditional style and adds movement to the wall without needing extra decor.
11. Mixed Material Shiplap Wall
Combine shiplap with other materials like stone, brick, or metal for a unique mixed-material wall. For example, you could use shiplap on the top half and faux brick on the bottom, or place metal shelves over a shiplap wall for an industrial touch.
12. Stained Wood Shiplap for a Natural Look
Instead of painting your shiplap, consider using a wood stain. A warm brown or rich walnut tone gives a cozy, natural vibe that works great in cabin-style or earthy homes. It makes the TV wall feel grounded and welcoming. Stained wood also adds depth and texture, making your wall feel more unique and full of character.
13. Curved or Arched Shiplap Detail
If you really want something different, create an arched or curved feature within your shiplap wall. For example, frame the TV in a gentle arch using vertical shiplap. It’s subtle but adds a soft, custom feel to the design. This unique shape draws the eye and adds an unexpected architectural touch to the space.
14. Shiplap Paneling with LED Backlighting
Install LED strip lights behind your mounted TV or around the edges of the shiplap wall. It adds a soft glow that makes your wall feel more modern and gives the room a cozy vibe, especially at night. This is a great mix of classic style and high-tech comfort.
15. Framed Shiplap Panel
Instead of covering the whole wall, just install a section of shiplap behind the TV and frame it like a piece of art. You can use trim or molding to give it a finished look. This works especially well in smaller spaces or if you just want a hint of texture.
16. Diagonal Shiplap TV Wall
Try installing your shiplap diagonally across the wall. It’s a bold look that adds a fun twist and feels modern without being too loud. A diagonal design can also help draw the eye toward your TV as the main feature. It’s a great way to break away from the usual straight lines and give your space more personality.
Incorporating shiplap into your TV wall design offers endless possibilities to enhance the beauty and functionality of your living space. Whether you prefer a classic white backdrop or a bold, dark accent wall, shiplap provides a versatile canvas to express your style.
Style Inspirations for Shiplap TV Walls
Shiplap can match almost any home style, from cozy and rustic to sleek and modern. It all comes down to how you use color, layout, and the decor around it.
1. Modern Farmhouse Shiplap TV Wall
The modern farmhouse look is one of the most popular styles for shiplap walls. Use crisp white shiplap with a matte or satin finish. Pair it with a wooden mantel, black TV frame, and cozy textures like a knit throw or wicker baskets. Add floating shelves with greenery or lanterns to complete the relaxed, homey vibe.
2. Coastal Style Shiplap TV Wall
Light colors and breezy textures define the coastal look. Try soft blue, seafoam green, or whitewashed shiplap as the backdrop for your TV. Pair it with natural elements like rattan furniture, driftwood decor, or light linen curtains. A coastal shiplap TV wall brings a calm, beachy feeling—even if you’re miles from the ocean.
3. Industrial Shiplap TV Wall
For an edgy twist, use dark or weathered shiplap paired with metal elements. A deep charcoal or black-painted shiplap wall looks amazing with a wall-mounted TV and exposed pipe shelving. Add some Edison bulb lighting and a leather sofa to create that raw, industrial vibe that still feels warm and stylish.
4. Rustic Cabin Shiplap TV Wall
If you love the outdoorsy feel of a cabin, go with natural wood shiplap—either stained or left raw. Knotty pine or cedar works well. Decorate around your TV with antler decor, vintage signs, or plaid pillows. A rustic shiplap TV wall brings warmth and texture to any living space.
5. Minimalist Shiplap TV Wall
The minimalist style focuses on clean lines and fewer decorations. A smooth white or light gray shiplap TV wall fits right in. Mount your TV flush against the wall and skip heavy furniture or clutter. Use simple decor, like a low media bench and a couple of plants, to keep the space calm and open.
6. Scandinavian Shiplap TV Wall
Scandinavian style is all about light, simplicity, and function. Use white or light-toned shiplap to keep the space bright. Pair your TV wall with sleek furniture, neutral textiles, and black or wood accents. A Scandinavian shiplap TV wall feels calm, clean, and super cozy—perfect for relaxing with a movie.
7. Transitional Style Shiplap TV Wall
This style blends classic and modern features. Use white or light gray shiplap with a mix of traditional furniture and clean lines. Add crown molding around the top of the wall or a decorative mantel beneath the TV. A transitional shiplap TV wall is great if you like timeless looks that still feel current.
8. Eclectic Shiplap TV Wall
If you like mixing different styles, colors, and textures, go for an eclectic shiplap TV wall. Use painted shiplap—maybe even a bold color like navy or forest green—and combine it with quirky decor, bold artwork, and a mix of old and new furniture. Your TV wall becomes a fun, personal statement piece.
Shiplap is more than just a wall treatment—it’s a design tool that fits with any style. With the right touches, your shiplap TV wall can help your room feel exactly the way you want it to.
Installation and Maintenance Tips for Shiplap TV Walls
Adding a shiplap TV wall is a great DIY project, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure it turns out great—and stays looking that way.
- Use quality materials: Start with good-quality boards that are straight and smooth. Cheap or warped boards can make your wall look uneven.
- Check your wall first: Make sure your wall is clean and dry before starting. If the surface is bumpy or uneven, you might need to fix it so the shiplap lays flat.
- Paint or stain before installing: It’s much easier to paint or stain the boards before putting them on the wall. You can always touch them up afterward, but pre-finishing saves time and mess.
- Leave a small gap: Shiplap expands and contracts with temperature changes. Leave a tiny space (called a nickel gap) between boards so they don’t press against each other over time.
- Hide wires safely: If you’re hiding TV cables behind the wall, make sure to do it safely and follow your local codes. Use special cable kits made for in-wall use.
- Match your wall anchors: When mounting a TV on a shiplap wall, use the correct anchors or attach the mount directly to the studs behind the boards. Shiplap alone won’t support the weight.
- Dust regularly: The grooves between shiplap boards can collect dust, so wipe them gently now and then with a microfiber cloth.
A little care during and after installation will keep your shiplap TV wall looking sharp for years to come!
Conclusion
A shiplap TV wall is a simple way to bring charm and style into your living room. Whether you like a modern, rustic, or beachy look, shiplap can help your space feel more cozy and put together.
It makes your TV area stand out without needing a lot of extra decorations. With so many styles, colors, and layouts to choose from, there’s a shiplap idea out there for every home. You can go bold with dark tones, keep it light and airy with white, or mix it with shelves and other features.
The best part? You can install it yourself with a little time and the right tools. Once it’s up, it’s easy to take care of, too. So, if you’re ready to upgrade your living room and create a fun focal point, a shiplap TV wall is a great place to start.
You’ll love the cozy vibe it adds!