The debate over vertical vs horizontal shiplap is a hot topic among home designers and décor enthusiasts. Both styles can create a striking visual impact and elevate your space’s aesthetic. However, each comes with its own set of pros and cons, making it essential for homeowners to weigh their options carefully.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between vertical and horizontal shiplap and share expert tips to help you choose the best fit for your home.
Pros and Cons of Vertical Shiplap
Before starting our discussion of horizontal vs vertical shiplap, let’s analyze their pros and cons!
Pros of Vertical Shiplap
- Increased Ceiling Height
Vertical shiplap draws the eye upward, creating a feeling of taller and more open space. It's ideal for rooms with low ceilings and smaller rooms, such as bathrooms or smaller living rooms.
- Contemporary Aesthetic
The clean vertical lines boast a contemporary aesthetic. It's suitable to combine with minimalist or Scandinavian interiors, adding a sense of sophistication. It gives off an upscale, tailored feel and elevates the overall aesthetic of your home.
- Reduced Room Length
If you have a long and narrow room, a vertical shiplap can make the space more proportionate, enhancing the whole room's look. It will make your room feel more cohesive and avoid the feeling of overwhelming or unbalanced.
Cons of Vertical Shiplap
- Difficult to Install
Vertical shiplap requires a slightly more complicated installation process, such as measuring, cutting, and fitting. Plus, extra framing support is needed to ensure the boards stay in place. All of these steps are time-consuming and may not be suitable for inexperienced DIY.
- Visual Complexity
Inappropriate application of vertical shiplap in smaller spaces may clutter the room and create a feeling of overwhelming. The effect can be "too much" in a room full of furniture. The option works best in simple design where the bold lines can stand out without competing for attention with other elements in the room.
Pros and Cons of Horizontal Shiplap
Pros of Horizontal Shiplap
- Wider Room Dimensions
Horizontal shiplap can erase the feeling of being narrow or cramped in your room. These lines naturally draw the eye across the space, creating a more expansive and comfortable atmosphere. Its sense of openness and balance benefits narrow areas, such as bathrooms or hallways.
- Traditional Elegance
The timeless and rustic charm of horizontal shiplap is undeniable. It's especially suitable for cottage, farmhouse, or coastal style, bringing a nostalgic countryside feel to your space. Its classic and rustic vibe brings warmth, adds character, and creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The sense of traditional aesthetics suits any space, including the living room, bedroom, and kitchen.
- Ease of Installation
In the competition of vertical vs horizontal shiplap, the horizontal one is easier to install compared to its counterpart. It usually requires less measuring, cutting, and framing. The installation process is simpler and more intuitive, making it ideal for DIY enthusiasts. You can save time and cost by installing it yourself.
Cons of Horizontal Shiplap
- Commonality
Horizontal shiplap is more common, which is an advantage and disadvantage. Though it's often used in modern design settings, its widespread popularity might not suit those looking for standout and unique elements to decorate the space. With that said, if you want to make a bold statement or create a more distinctive interior, you should consider something else besides horizontal shiplap.
- Shorter Space
Despite the expanding width that horizontal lines offer, they can make the space look shorter. While emphasizing the wall length, they visually lower the ceiling and make the room feel more confined at the same time. Using horizontal shiplap in a room with lower ceilings can make the space even more compressed.
Vertical vs Horizontal Shiplap: How to Choose?
We've done the comparison of shiplap vertical vs horizontal, now let's discuss factors to consider before choosing:
- Room's dimensions
It's the first and foremost thing to consider to ensure the shiplap complements your space.
If you have a room with a low ceiling, a vertical type is a better choice. It will make the wall look higher, creating a height illusion that turns a small, cramped room into a taller, more open space.
On the other hand, horizontal shiplap tends to widen the room visually. It gives the space a sense of width and balance. Your room will look wider and more inviting.
- Favorite style
Secondly, your style preference guides your choice.
If you prefer a traditional and homey vibe, horizontal shiplap will satisfy you. It works well with rustic, coastal, or farmhouse-inspired designs. This option creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, especially in kitchens and living rooms.
Meanwhile, vertical shiplap is more associated with modern or contemporary design. It offers sleek lines, dynamic texture, a clean look, and a modern and fresh feel to the space.
- Ease of purchase
The shiplap market is diverse, with many options of types, materials, textures, and colors. Though horizontal shiplap is more common, vertical shiplap is also available. Find a trustworthy supplier offering various options, such as WoodyWalls, to ensure you can find the option you need.
Explore WoodyWalls for Shiplap Solutions
Our vertical vs. horizontal shiplap discussion comes down to the look and feel you want for your space—there’s no right or wrong choice.
Horizontal shiplap creates a sense of width, making narrow rooms feel more spacious while adding warmth and a cozy, rustic charm. 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 matter what option you choose, it's crucial to choose high-quality products. WoodyWalls is a reliable supplier offering top-notch shiplap wall panels to transform your space. Contact us right now for more details!