Ideas for Shiplap and Board & Batten Walls

Infuse your home with visual interest using shiplap and board & batten in a range of paint colors.

Drawing from ship-building techniques, shiplap siding and board and batten are striking decorative additions to a home. Choosing the right paint color and sheen will bring the signature aesthetic of shiplap and board & batten to life. We’ve got you covered with beautiful paint color combinations on walls, ceilings, cabinets and more.

An airy, open white-painted living room and kitchen with shiplap walls and vaulted ceiling, wood beams, blue and white decor, and far back blue walls.

1. Traditional Shiplap Walls and Ceilings: Classic & Charming

Seen in a variety of design styles, from farmhouse and cabins to more coastal styles, shiplap is a homeowner favorite.

Although traditional shiplap is white or off-white, modern shiplap can be painted a variety of colors. Often arranged in a vertical or horizontal pattern, the planks are set close together to create a look reminiscent of the interior hull of a ship. Ever popular for ceilings, shiplap helps to create architectural depth, even in neutral spaces.

When using traditional shiplap, look to soft white hues for balance. We like Cloud White 967, shown here, White Dove OC-17 or Swiss Coffee OC-45. Add a fun graphic rug or woven accents to nod to the seafaring beginnings of shiplap design.

A bathroom with pretty blue-painted shiplap walls, a white ceiling, a blonde wood double vanity with a marble top and black fixtures, and two mirrors.

2. Colorful Shiplap Accent Walls

Color-saturated shiplap creates an eye-catching look in any space.

If you prefer the look of neutral paint, but want to bring color into your home, opt for blue or gray hues like Yarmouth Blue HC-150 and Solitude AF-545. Here, shiplap in subtle blue Mineral Springs CC-848 enhances gentle lighting while creating a relaxing atmosphere throughout.

If you’re looking for deeper, more saturated colors, find inspiration with jewel tones. Want something a little lighter? Get inspired by our pale and pastel paint colors.

A cheery covered porch with a tan wall with blush undertones, blue shutters, gray stained ceiling, posts, railings and floor, palm leaves on a table, surrounded by greenery.

3. Go Outside with Exterior Shiplap Design Ideas

When choosing hues for your home’s exterior, think about combinations that speak to the space and its natural surroundings. Bring year-round boardwalk vibes with driftwood-inspired shiplap, or lean into country cabin design with dark green and brown hues.

In this beachy abode, Cement Gray 2112-60 ARBORCOAT^® Solid stain on the deck creates a harmonious look while also providing durability and protection. Papaya 957 walls and shutters in Jet Stream 814 present a gentle contrast, while the soft gray shiplap ceiling provides balance and architectural intrigue.

If you like the look of natural wood, opt for a Semi-Transparent ARBORCOAT^® stain. Some of our favorite stain colors for exterior shiplap include:

Inspired? Check out all of our ARBORCOAT^® stain colors.

A sunny bedroom with a yellow-painted wall and ceiling, white wainscoting and trim, yellow and white bedding, two reading lamps and side tables.

4. Creative Board and Batten Walls

Character-rich board and batten walls create energy within a space thanks to varying dimensions—boards usually measure 12" wide, while batten is 2-4", and layouts can be square or rectangular varieties.

In this sunny bedroom, traditional board and batten creates visual interest behind the bed. Atrium White OC-145 provides a clean base for warm Beacon Hill Damask HC-2 walls, creating a relaxing space with timeless appeal.

Other colors we love for board and batten include Crystalline AF-485, Cedar Key OC-16, and Conch Shell 052.

A bright, white-painted hallway with elegant board and batten walls, a piece of framed art, a table, tan striped rug, and dark wood floor.

5. Subtle Contrast with Board and Batten

Eye-catching board and batten, shiplap and wainscoting elevate even the most oft-overlooked spaces including hallways, mudrooms, and offices.

Layers of whites, off-whites, neutrals, and greige paints elegantly highlight architectural details and set off signature artwork. Here, Simply White OC-117 in different sheens on trim, walls and ceiling, transforms this hallway into a museum-quality space.

Other off-white and neutral colors we recommend for subtle color combinations include:

White Dove OC-17 and Wind’s Breath OC-24
Soft Chamois OC-13 and Hush AF-95
Thunder AF-685 and Vanilla Milkshake OC-59

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is board & batten?

A. Board and batten features wooden boards of differing lengths laid on top of one another, often installed vertically.

Q. What is shiplap?

A. Shiplap siding is a style of wall siding where wooden boards of the same width are laid tightly next to one another. Small gaps extend between the boards.

Q. How do you install a shiplap wall?

A. To install shiplap walls, position wooden boards of the same width tightly next to one another, leaving small gaps between the boards. Get more how-to advice for all of your DIY projects.

Q. How do you paint shiplap?

A. You would paint shiplap like you would any other wall. Take care to paint the gaps between boards to ensure a streamlined final look. Need ideas? Get color combinations for accent walls and interior trim.

Q. What’s the difference between board and batten and shiplap?