The question "is shiplap going out" has likely crossed your mind if you’ve followed interior design trends over the past decade. Once the darling of farmhouse renovations and Etsy-inspired living rooms, the once-ubiquitous wood paneling now seems to be taking a backseat in many of the most stylish magazine spreads.
The Peak of Shiplap Popularity
To understand the current trajectory, it is essential to look back at the meteoric rise of shiplap. Emerging prominently around the mid-2010s, it was championed by home renovation television shows and influencers who praised its ability to add texture, warmth, and a rustic charm to any space. It transitioned from a humble construction material—used to clad the exterior of ships and barns—into a coveted design feature for accent walls, kitchen backsplashes, and built-in shelving.
Why the Trend is Cooling
Trends in interior design are cyclical, and shiplap is no exception. The primary reason for its decline in mainstream popularity is over-saturation. For several years, it was nearly impossible to open a home design blog or scroll through social media without seeing yet another pristine white shiplap installation. This visual fatigue, coupled with the association with overly staged "Instagram homes," has led designers and homeowners to seek fresher, more original expressions.
The Shift Toward Authenticity
Modern design philosophies are moving away from replicating a "look" and toward embracing genuine character. Consequently, homeowners are opting for more authentic materials like exposed brick, natural stone, and raw wood beams. These elements offer depth and history that mass-produced shiplap panels often lack, allowing for a more personalized and lived-in aesthetic that moves beyond the trend.
Material and Maintenance Challenges
Another factor contributing to the waning interest in shiplap is the practical reality of its installation. Properly installing real wood shiplap is a time-consuming and expensive process involving significant labor. Furthermore, wood is prone to warping, cracking, and water damage, which can turn a beautiful feature wall into a maintenance headache. The rise of high-quality, low-maintenance alternatives like composite woods and luxury vinyl plank has provided easier solutions for those wanting the aesthetic without the drawbacks.
Designers Pivot to New Textures
Interior professionals are currently exploring a diverse palette of textures and finishes. Natural materials such as clay plaster, sculptural tilework, and graphic black mirrors are gaining traction. In the realm of wall treatments, venetian plaster and subtly patterned wallpapers offer the visual interest of shiplap without the distinct, linear grid that has become synonymous with the trend. This shift allows for greater creativity and a more artisanal result.
The Enduring Legacy
Despite the conversation around decline, it is inaccurate to say shiplap is entirely "out." Rather, it is evolving. We are seeing a move away from the stark, all-white, high-gloss finishes toward more nuanced applications. You are now more likely to encounter shiplap stained in deep, moody hues like navy blue or charcoal grey, or used sparingly as an accent rather than the dominant feature. It is becoming a tool in a designer’s toolkit rather than a default solution.
The Verdict: Cyclical, Not Obsolete
So, is shiplap going out? The answer is a nuanced yes and no. As a dominant, mainstream trend dictating the color of kitchens and the layout of living rooms, its peak influence has certainly subsided. However, as a design element, it is unlikely to disappear entirely. It will continue to exist, not as the defining style of an era, but as one option among many for adding dimension and warmth, appreciated for its classic geometry when applied with intention and restraint.
