wainscoting

Wainscoting is a style of interior wall paneling that covers the lower portion of a wall. Traditionally it serves to protect plaster or drywall from scuffs and damage in high-traffic areas, and it also provides a decorative transition between the wall and floor. Wainscoting is typically capped with a chair rail, paired with a baseboard and vertical stiles that frame panels.

Common forms include raised-panel wainscoting, flat or fielded panel wainscoting, beadboard, board-and-batten, and shiplap. Historically popular in 17th- to 19th-century Europe and North America, wainscoting has remained a versatile architectural detail, adaptable to various styles from colonial to contemporary.

Materials vary by location and budget. Traditional wainscoting uses solid wood such as pine, oak, or maple; modern versions may use medium-density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, or vinyl. Panels are cut to fit the wall, and installed over the studs with nails or adhesive, often with furring strips behind to create a flat mounting surface. Finishes range from natural stain to paint.

Height and proportion influence its effect: standard practice places the top rail around 30 to 36 inches above the floor, with total panel height commonly 32 to 42 inches, though many designs extend higher. Wainscoting can add warmth, hide wall imperfections, and increase perceived value, but it can be more costly and space-consuming than flat drywall. It is used in homes, offices, and public interiors, and can be updated with easy-to-replace panels or paint.