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Put a Bead On It

Most people get introduced to textured wall paneling by beadboard, which is the term for the traditional type of wainscoting you see pictured here. Vertical lines draw the eye up, the horizontal chair rail protects your walls and you’re free to paint, hang art or otherwise decorate the wall space above. It’s also great for hiding a multitude of imperfect wall texture issues or adding traditional structure to an otherwise ho-hum room. Here are our complete how-to instructions for installing beadboard wainscotting.

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Batten Down

Board and batten is like the little black dress of wall-dressing: It never goes out of style, and looks good with just about anything, from a leather Chesterfield sofa and club chairs to an angular Danish mid-century set.

This photo shows a board-and-batten exterior wall, but the concept for an interior wall is the same, wide boards covered at the seams by narrow (usually 2-inch) wood pieces called battens. Create a beautiful paneled wall over a weekend for less than $100.