Vertical or Horizontal: The Great Shiplap Debate
When it comes to installing shiplap, one of the first questions homeowners and designers alike face is: should shiplap be vertical or horizontal? The answer, as with many design choices, depends on the look you're aiming for and the space you're working with. Let's explore both orientations to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Shiplap
Before diving into the orientation debate, it's essential to understand what shiplap is. Shiplap is a type of wooden board characterized by grooves cut into the edges that allow each board to overlap the next, creating a seamless, continuous surface. It's often associated with farmhouse and modern rustic styles but can be used in various design schemes.
Horizontal Shiplap: The Classic Choice
Horizontal shiplap is the classic, traditional approach. It's often used in farmhouse-style homes and cabins, evoking a sense of rustic charm and coziness. Here's why horizontal shiplap might be the right choice for your space:
- Width emphasis: Horizontal shiplap emphasizes the width of a room, making it an excellent choice for narrow spaces as it can create the illusion of a wider room.
- Farmhouse aesthetic: If you're aiming for a farmhouse or rustic modern look, horizontal shiplap is the way to go.
- Easy installation: Horizontal shiplap is typically easier to install as it follows the standard way walls are built.
Vertical Shiplap: A Modern Twist
Vertical shiplap is a modern twist on the classic look, often used in contemporary and industrial-style homes. Here's why vertical shiplap might be the right choice for your space:
- Height emphasis: Vertical shiplap emphasizes the height of a room, drawing the eye upward and making ceilings feel higher. It's an excellent choice for low-ceilinged rooms.
- Modern aesthetic: If you're aiming for a contemporary or industrial look, vertical shiplap can add a sleek, modern touch.
- Feature wall: Vertical shiplap can create a striking feature wall, drawing attention to a specific area of the room.
Mixing Orientations: A Bold Choice
For a bold, unique look, consider mixing horizontal and vertical shiplap orientations. This can create a striking visual effect and add depth to your space. For example, you might use horizontal shiplap on the walls and vertical shiplap on the ceiling for a dynamic, eye-catching look.
Which Orientation is Right for You?
The best way to decide whether shiplap should be vertical or horizontal is to consider the overall aesthetic you're aiming for and the specific dimensions of the room. Here's a quick guide:
| Room Width | Room Height | Recommended Orientation |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow | Any | Horizontal |
| Wide | Low | Vertical |
| Any | High | Vertical |
| Any | Any | Mix (for a bold look) |
Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to design. The most important thing is to choose the orientation that speaks to you and enhances the look and feel of your space.
More Details
19.02.2025 ... On the other hand, vertical shiplap draws the eye upward, enhancing the illusion of height and bringing a sleek, modern touch to your space. No ...
22.12.2020 ... Vertical shiplap is more unique than horizontal shiplap. It's not used as often, so if you want to add an additional wow-factor to your shiplap, vertical is ...
19.01.2026 ... Why You Should Install Vertical Shiplap ... Vertical shiplap is timeless, so it will never go out of style or look dated. But here's another ...
15.10.2020 ... While vertical shiplap can make a room appear larger, horizontal shiplap can widen the look of a room, like in this powder room. Although it's a ...
12.04.2024 ... I'll walk you step by step on how to install shiplap paneling, planking, whatever you wanna call it! Whether installing vertically ...
03.04.2020 ... I think I like horizontal because it's against the direction that the floor boards are running, creating more interest to me. But vertical isn't bad either.
17.05.2024 ... You usually see it run horizontally but I think vertically would look best in a modern home. Horizontally reads farmhouse to me. 2y · 1 like.
09.09.2020 ... Shiplap is commonly installed horizontally, but it can also be installed vertically or in a unique pattern.
21.01.2025 ... Vertical installation can add height to a room, while horizontal placement emphasizes width. For a small space, vertical panels can create ...
06.02.2024 ... Yes, shiplap is horizontal and she is adding crown. However, you will still see the angled difference between the last line of the shiplap and ...
28.03.2021 ... Vertical tends to look more contemporary. Also, do you want the space to look taller? Then vertical. If you want it to look longer, then install ...
09.11.2023 ... Vertical shiplap will draw the eye upward to make a smaller space feel taller and airier, while horizontal shiplap can help make a narrow space ...
Horizontal shiplap tends to feel more rustic and traditional. Vertical shiplap will lead your eye up and create the illusion of a higher ceiling and is a great ...
01.02.2025 ... Horizontal or Vertical Shiplap? ... Shiplap orientation will change the overall look of your room. Shiplap is commonly installed horizontally, but ...
04.08.2023 ... Installing vertically (as I did on my fireplace) tends to look more traditional and polished, whereas horizontal installation leans more rustic ...
22.12.2021 ... With both vertical and horizontal shiplap, the overlapping edges create small gaps for a distinct grooved appearance. Vertical shiplap ...
Vertical shiplap can elevate a space with elegance and perceived height, while horizontal shiplap offers a traditional, comforting appeal that broadens the ...
24.09.2017 ... My house is an old (c.1850) house and parts of the shiplap are vertical and parts of it are horizontal. Proportionately there is more of it that is horizontal.
08.01.2025 ... Unlike traditional horizontal shiplap, vertical installations exude a contemporary vibe, making them a go-to choice for minimalist and modern ...
21.04.2026 ... Martha St Claire The shelves will be horizontal. You absolutely want vertical shiplap. It will also make the wall look bigger than it actually ...
