The art of wainscoting dates back centuries, but that doesn’t mean your home can’t benefit from a bit of updated wainscoting sophistication.

Perfect for sprucing up walls on the plainer side, as well as protecting them from undesired scuffing and overall wear & tear, the wainscoting models of today are designed to add some utilitarian elegance to your space.

Comprised of trim, chair rail, and molding detail, and running the horizontal length of your wall unit, wainscoting is ideal for entryways, stairs, and hallways, as well as dining rooms, bathrooms, and social areas.

With an endless assortment of millwork designs and wall covering finishes to choose from, there is truly no limit to the ways you can individualize and add value to your cherished abode. From simple panel molding (evident in its recessed frame piecework) to more elaborate shadow boxes (featuring painted or stained trim pieces topped with a chair rail and reinforced with a baseboard bottom), today’s wainscoting motifs are designed to act as your wall’s second skin, complimenting rather than deterring from your home’s overall aesthetic.

These wainscoting ideas and designs lend a warm but high-end appeal to your household’s rooms and corridors, adding value and an extra layer of protection to your home for years to come. With surprisingly easy installation options and twice as many styles to choose from, your house can be transformed into an estate in no time, and garner much-deserved use and admiration for years to come.

If you’re not a DIY expert or don’t have time to do your wainscoting project yourself, I’d recommend finding a professional on Thumbtack. They have loads of home remodelling contractors across the US, and you can compare their prices and reviews before contacting them. Check it out!

1. Bathroom Wainscoting Ideas

While it might seem strange to put this much work into the smallest room in most homes, bathroom wainscot projects are a great traditional touch and look amazing. Instead of common, run-of-the-mill tiling, wainscoting gives a far more luxurious touch to your washroom. Check out the following images to see how much of an impact well-planned wainscot makes in these small rooms.