Is Shiplap Still In Style? Here’s the Answer for 2025
If you were looking to add any sort of architectural interest to your home in the last 15 years, whether it was an accent wall, a wrap for your kitchen island, or a way to jazz up a powder room, shiplap was probably the default answer. Shiplap walls have truly been everywhere since Joanna Gaines first hard-launched them into the world on Fixer Upper, and to be honest, they’ve become somewhat of a cliche since. Every builder grade home now has a shiplap accent wall somewhere, and even those who don’t really follow home decor know the word ‘shiplap’ and likely who made it famous. But does that mean you should totally avoid shiplap in your home if it’s still a look you love? Not necessarily. Let me explain.
Like a lot of the details in the farmhouse decorating craze, shiplap has roots as an authentic architectural element, and it was around for centuries before it was thrust into the spotlight on HGTV. Shiplap was a building technique that added an extra layer of insulation and structure between the interior and exterior walls of a house. It was usually covered up by plaster or, later, sheetrock. Eventually, homeowners (and Joanna Gaines) discovered the charm of exposing shiplap walls, and a trend was born.
In that way, shiplap is like subway tile or unlacquered brass cabinet hardware: it’s been trendier than usual over the last 10+ years, but at it’s core, it’s a classic material, and it will never really be “out of style,” This is especially the case if it was originally in your home, i.e. If your home was actually built with shiplap walls in the 1800s, exposing them will never be out of style.
At the same time, given how popular it’s been, shiplap has started to feel bit unoriginal and cliche, sort of like the default way to add interest to a room …. especially in certain instances. These are:
All-white shiplap.
All white painted shiplap was pretty much installed in every new construction home built between 2013-2021. Take a quick gander on Redfin for proof. Pair this with the amount of times we all saw it on Instagram and on HGTV, and it’s no wonder it’s starting to seem a little less cutting edge and trendy than it might have ten years ago.
Shiplap accent walls.
It’s not necessarily shiplap accent walls that are going out of style, but accent walls in general. After showing up as a quick way to revamp a room about 10 years ago, the design powers that be have realized the look a little unfinished.
Plus, the maximalist aesthetic is replacing minimalism and midcentury styles, and when more is more, an accent wall doesn’t quite cut it. If you don’t want your shiplap wall to look like low-budget farmhouse decor, go for floor-to-ceiling, all four walls shiplap. It’ll make a much bigger impact and feel more current.
How to do shiplap in 2025
Now, there are still instances where shiplap can look stylish and unexpected, and really add to a room. Mostly, by adding some color to it, or really going all-in on the shiplap trend.
Colored shiplap
The easiest way to update shiplap walls is to paint them in a color that feels of the moment. Very pale shades of taupe or beige can be just enough contrast to make the look feel more authentic and unique. Prefer moody hues? Try colors like olive green, steely blue, or even burgundy or deep purple.
Vertical Shiplap
Sometimes, to make a trend relevant again, all you need to do is turn it on its side. If you love shiplap, why not try a wall-paneling look instead? It feels more classic and suits the English Country design style that’s happening right now.
Original shiplap
If you live in a historic home with original shiplap, it’ll never be out of style! In this case, it’s an architectural detail worth celebrating.
Allover shiplap
Instead of an accent wall, take the shiplap all the way around the room.
3/4 wall shiplap
Another way to use shiplap so it looks fresh? Install vertical shiplap 3/4 of the way up the wall, then paint it in a color that’s not white, and add a coordinating wallpaper to the top 1/4 of the wall.
Is shiplap timeless or trendy?
As I mentioned earlier, because shiplap is an authentic building material, it will never truly be out of style so long as it’s part of the original architecture of a home. It also won’t feel out of style in certain home, like a coastal beach house, where the clapboard look has been synonymous with the style for centuries, or in an actual farmhouse.
At the same time, it’s definitely a trendy look when it’s added to new construction in order to give it some character, or when it’s done as an accent wall in a master bedroom, for example. Modifying the way shiplap is presented, with a fresh paint color, or taking an accent wall all around the room, will make it feel fresh.
