How to Create a Stunning Whitewashed Shiplap Accent Wall: The Ultimate DIY Guide

Imagine walking into a room that instantly feels both cozy and sophisticated, rustic yet modern. That’s the magic of a whitewashed shiplap accent wall! This timeless design element has been dominating my Pinterest feed lately, and for good reason. Today, I’m breaking down exactly how you can transform any room in your home with this gorgeous, texture-rich feature that adds instant character without overwhelming your space. The best part? You can totally DIY this project over a weekend!

Why Whitewashed Shiplap is Breaking the Internet

The stunning whitewashed shiplap panel that’s been making waves across Pinterest combines several design elements that make it absolutely irresistible to home decor enthusiasts:

• Timeless Aesthetic: Shiplap provides texture and dimension while the whitewashed finish keeps it light and versatile
• Perfect Neutral: The soft, muted white allows for easy pairing with virtually any color palette or design style
• Textural Interest: Unlike flat painted walls, the horizontal lines and visible wood grain create visual depth
• Versatility: Works in farmhouse, coastal, Scandinavian, and even modern minimalist spaces
• Warmth Factor: Despite being predominantly white, the visible wood texture adds unmistakable warmth to any room

This particular treatment has gone viral because it strikes the perfect balance between character and restraint. It’s a statement feature that doesn’t scream for attention—instead, it creates a sophisticated backdrop that elevates everything around it.

DIY Whitewashed Shiplap Wall: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Materials You’ll Need:

• Pine boards (1×6 or 1×8 depending on your preference)
• Tape measure and level
• Stud finder
• Nail gun with 2-inch finish nails
• Miter saw or circular saw
• White latex paint
• Water for diluting paint
• Large paintbrushes
• Clean rags
• Sandpaper (220-grit)
• Wood filler
• Painter’s tape

Step 1: Prepare Your Wall

Before installing any wood, make sure your wall is clean and free of obstructions. Remove any outlet covers and use a stud finder to locate and mark all the studs. This is crucial since you’ll want to nail your boards securely into the studs for maximum stability.

Step 2: Measure and Cut Your Boards

Measure the height and width of your wall to determine how many boards you’ll need. Remember to account for a 1/8″ gap between boards to create that authentic shiplap look. For a more rustic appearance, consider using boards of varying widths. Cut your first board to fit the width of your wall.

Step 3: Install Your First Row

Start at the bottom of the wall, making sure your first board is perfectly level. This is critical—if your first row isn’t level, the entire wall will be off! Secure the board to the wall with finish nails, ensuring you hit the studs. For corners and edges, apply a small amount of construction adhesive for extra security.

Step 4: Continue Installing Rows

Place a 1/8″ spacer (coins work great for this) between each row to maintain consistent spacing. Work your way up the wall, checking for level as you go. When you reach outlets or switches, carefully measure and cut out the necessary sections from your boards.

Step 5: Fill Nail Holes

Once all boards are installed, use wood filler to cover any nail holes. Let dry completely, then sand smooth with 220-grit sandpaper. Wipe away any dust with a tack cloth.

Step 6: Whitewash Your Shiplap

Here’s where the magic happens! Mix white latex paint with water in a 1:1 ratio for a true whitewash effect. The water thins the paint, allowing the natural wood grain to show through. Apply the mixture with a paintbrush, going with the grain. Work in small sections, and after applying the whitewash mixture, take a clean rag and wipe away excess paint before it dries. This creates that beautiful, subtle, weathered look.

For a more opaque finish, use less water in your mixture. For a more transparent look that shows more wood grain, add more water. You can always apply a second coat if you want more coverage.

Step 7: Seal and Finish

Once you’re happy with the whitewash effect and everything is completely dry, consider applying a clear water-based polyurethane sealer with a matte finish. This will protect your wall while maintaining its natural look.

Styling Your New Whitewashed Shiplap Wall

Now for the fun part—decorating! Your new whitewashed shiplap wall creates the perfect backdrop for various styling approaches:

• Minimalist: Let the wall texture be the star by keeping decor simple with just a few black-framed photographs or a single statement mirror
• Rustic Farmhouse: Add wooden floating shelves displaying vintage finds, terracotta pots, and woven baskets
• Coastal Casual: Style with blue glass accents, rope elements, and natural driftwood pieces
• Modern Contrast: Create dramatic tension with sleek, dark furniture pieces against your textured white backdrop

The beauty of whitewashed shiplap is its chameleon-like ability to complement almost any decor style. It provides texture and interest without dictating your color choices for the rest of the room.

Pro Tips for Shiplap Success

• For an aged look, lightly sand edges and corners after whitewashing
• Consider installing your shiplap vertically for a modern twist that makes ceilings appear higher
• Save money by using plywood ripped into planks instead of individual boards
• Extend your shiplap to the ceiling in small spaces for a cozy, enveloping effect
• Create a partial wall of shiplap as wainscoting for a subtle introduction of texture

Ready to Transform Your Space?

Whitewashed shiplap is more than just a trend—it’s a timeless design element that adds instant character and sophistication to any space. Whether you’re creating an accent wall in your living room, adding texture to your bedroom, or transforming your entryway, this DIY-friendly project delivers major impact for a relatively modest investment of time and materials.

If you try this project, we’d love to see your results! Tag us on Instagram or Pinterest @craftedbygrain with your before-and-after photos. Looking for more inspiring DIY home transformations? Visit craftedbygrain.com for our complete library of woodworking and home decor projects, or check out our curated Pinterest boards for endless rustic-modern inspiration.

Happy DIYing!