Cozy Whitewashed Shiplap Wall Panels for Modern Living Spaces
Minimalist Magic: How to Create a Serene Living Space with Whitewashed Shiplap
There’s something undeniably calming about walking into a room adorned with soft neutrals and natural textures. That Pinterest-worthy aesthetic that makes you instantly feel at peace isn’t just beautiful—it’s a lifestyle choice that more homeowners are embracing. Today, we’re diving into one of our most-saved pins: the whitewashed shiplap accent wall that’s been capturing hearts across our Pinterest community.
Why This Minimalist Trend Is Taking Over Pinterest
Our trending whitewashed shiplap pin has resonated with thousands for good reason. The soft, muted palette creates an instant sense of calm while the natural wood texture adds warmth and character—a perfect balance that’s hard to achieve with paint alone. But what exactly makes this aesthetic so share-worthy?
- Soothing Neutrals: The gentle, understated color palette speaks to our collective desire for peaceful spaces in an otherwise chaotic world.
- Textural Interest: Unlike flat painted walls, the subtle wood grain showing through the whitewash adds dimension without overwhelming the senses.
- Versatility: This style effortlessly complements both modern and traditional décor elements.
- Timelessness: While definitely trending, whitewashed wood has historical roots that give it staying power beyond typical design fads.
- Photogenic Quality: These spaces simply photograph beautifully, making them inherently shareable on visual platforms.
DIY Whitewashed Shiplap Wall: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Creating your own whitewashed shiplap accent wall is more accessible than you might think. Here’s how to bring this Pinterest-worthy look into your own space:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Pine or cedar boards (1×6 or 1×8 recommended)
- Circular saw or miter saw
- Nail gun with 1½-inch finish nails
- Stud finder
- Level
- Spacers (nickels work perfectly)
- White latex paint
- Water for diluting
- Brushes and rags
- Sandpaper (220 grit)
- Wood filler
The Whitewashing Process:
- Prepare Your Space: Remove furniture, outlet covers, and tape off areas you want to protect.
- Measure and Cut: Measure your wall and cut your boards accordingly, staggering the seams for a more natural look.
- Find Your Studs: Mark all stud locations to ensure secure attachment.
- Start From the Bottom: Begin installing at the bottom of your wall, using a level to ensure straight placement. Use spacers between boards to create that characteristic shiplap gap.
- Sand the Boards: Before whitewashing, lightly sand each board to open the grain, which will help the whitewash effect.
- Mix Your Whitewash: Combine white latex paint with water at a 2:1 ratio (adjust based on how transparent you want the finish).
- Apply the Whitewash: Using a brush, apply the mixture with the grain, then immediately wipe with a clean rag to achieve the desired effect. Work in small sections.
- Build Layers: For more coverage, allow to dry and apply additional light coats until you reach your desired opacity.
- Seal if Desired: A matte clear coat can protect your finish in high-traffic areas.
Pro tip: Test your whitewash mixture on scrap pieces first to perfect your technique and desired look before committing to your wall.
Styling Your Whitewashed Shiplap Space
The beauty of whitewashed shiplap is its incredible versatility. Here are some of our favorite ways to style around this feature wall:
- Minimalist Approach: Let the wall be the star by keeping furniture simple and low-profile. Natural linen upholstery and glass or light wood accents maintain the airy feel.
- Rustic Warmth: Incorporate handcrafted wooden furniture pieces, like a live edge coffee table or hand-carved wooden bowls.
- Scandinavian Influence: Add sheepskin throws, neutral geometric patterns, and sleek, functional furniture.
- Boho Touches: Macramé wall hangings, abundant indoor plants, and natural fiber rugs complement the organic texture of the whitewashed wood.
- Farmhouse Charm: Vintage accessories, galvanized metal accents, and custom wood signs add character while maintaining the serene palette.
Why Whitewashed Shiplap Works in Any Space
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, whitewashed shiplap offers practical benefits that explain its enduring popularity:
- It visually expands small spaces while adding architectural interest
- The textured surface hides imperfections better than flat paint
- It creates a natural focal point without bold colors
- The wood provides natural sound dampening qualities
- It adds value to your home with relatively minimal investment
Whether you’re transforming a living room, bedroom, or even a bathroom, whitewashed shiplap creates an instant sense of intentional design that feels both curated and effortless.
Your Turn to Create Calm
Ready to transform your space with this Pinterest-favorite look? We’d love to see your whitewashed shiplap projects! Tag us @craftedbygrain in your before-and-after photos or share them using #CraftedCalmSpaces. For more minimalist wood decor inspiration that brings natural elements into your home, follow our dedicated Pinterest board Natural Wood Home Aesthetics.
Looking for more ways to bring handcrafted wooden elements into your space? Explore our complete collection of DIY wood decor tutorials at craftedbygrain.com, where we believe in creating homes that feel as good as they look.
What space in your home would benefit from the calming influence of whitewashed shiplap? Let us know in the comments below!
