Wainscoting is a form of wall panelling that extends partway up a wall, adding a decorative touch to any room. Traditionally seen in Renaissance palaces and mansions, this design feature has truly stuck around for centuries. Although the classic wainscoting look will never go out of style, there are also some modern twists you can put on this design feature to really make it your own.

Why not create your own twist on the classic with a dramatic two-tone look? Contrasting light and dark colors is a bold way to make your beautiful decorative wall panels really stand out.

Check out more ways to make a bright room with black walls here.

Typical wainscoting tends to extend only one-third or halfway up a wall, but if you raise your paneling higher it will draw the eye upwards and make your ceilings seem taller. Accent it with contrasting paint or wallpaper and your room will immediately feel a little bit grander.

Get inspired by these wallpaper ideas!

Keep it monochrome for a contemporary twist on the classic wainscoting look. Matching the tone of your wainscoting to the paint and fixtures of your room is a bold move, but it can look super chic.

You always want a room to be functional as well as beautiful, and wainscoting is a great way to conceal some extra storage space. Incorporate your wainscoting around built-in drawers and wardrobes for a neat and tidy space.

Traditional wainscoting is quite decorative in texture, but today it doesn’t have to be. You can stick to minimal forms for a more clean and modern aesthetic.

Not all wainscoting has to be painted, we love seeing exposed wooden forms that give a more rustic feel to a room. This type of wainscoting really suits a countryside farmhouse aesthetic.