Wainscoting is common wall decor in many traditional homes. However, it can so easily be used homes of any style if you're willing to be a little eclectic.
Installing your own wainscoting can certainly feel like a daunting task but if you're patient and have a week (or few) to dedicate to it — you'll be wiping your brow and cracking a cold one in no time.
There are several ways to achieve the wainscoting look — many simply paint the bottom portion of their wall white and install the chair rails and picture frames. However, Centsational Girl wanted the "obvious contrast" of a smooth service and opted for $12 white panels from Lowes that were cut for free!
The step by step instructions are extremely helpful and can be found at Centsational Girl.
Images: Centsational Girl
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I prefer before and after pictures that show the same view.
If you want to see before and after of the same view, just click on the link and see them!
http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/07/wainscoting-recap-and-reveal/
This is a great project, and in general I love her, but what the heck is a "flat panel"?? It's all she'll say about the panels she used to mount her picture frames on. Does she mean MDF??
Hey Jess, great question, there's a link in the post that mentions the panels are 4 x 8 dry erase boards found at Lowes that we secured to the wall with adhesive, then primed and painted - at only 1/8 inch thick, they can be placed right on top of existing baseboard. I did a similar board and batten project using the same panels here:
http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/03/board-and-batten-complete/
Happy home improvement
:)
Kate
Wow, what a difference! Looks awesome!
With the traditional look of the wainscoting that window looks really out of place. It needs to be trimmed out to balance it with the rest of the room.
All in all though- beautiful job.
I am a big fan of Kate's blog. She is so creative.
"smooth surface" not "smooth service," right?
"Smooth service" - "smooth surface" and not some reference to customer care at Lowe's?
I agree that the windows looks out of place now. They should be trimmed as well. We have huge "Jefferson" step-through windows and I've been on the fence about wainscoting in our rooms due to them. No comments on using dry erase board.
i love her. i dont know how she does it. amazing.