Beadboard Ideas

Beadboard is paneling with vertical grooves that divide the panel into strips about two inches wide, usually with a narrow “bead” between each strip. The style has been popular since the 19th century to cover portions of walls for protection.

Because of its long history, many people are familiar with the style. It can evoke fond memories of weekends at the cottage, and is often associated with casual living when it is painted white. However, beadboard can be used in more formal applications. Stained or painted in dark tones it can be used as wainscoting in almost any formal room equally well.

Beadboard Idea #1

Wainscoting with some creative thinking added to the basic idea. The wall could be covered with beadboard to eye level in some areas and topped with a plate rail. Beadboard can be combined with flat panels for a less casual look.

 

 

 

 

 

Beadboard Idea #2

Install beadboard below chair rail
to enhance and
finish the look of any room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beadboard Idea #3

Beadboard is great for
protecting walls from abusive
door knobs, active children,
and rowdy pets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Beadboard Idea #4

Compliment bathroom fixtures
and other furniture with a
matching beadboard installation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Historically beadboard has always been made of wood. This is still available, but it also comes in medium density fiberboard which is lighter and easy to work. Beadboard lends itself to use in many places that are subject to dampness, such as bathroom, kitchens and porches.

Porch ceilings are another traditional location for beadboard to be found. Most large Victorian homes with their expansive porches made use of the attractive panels. Such a use is still sensible. Porches are back in vogue in some areas, and beadboard can lend a sense of casual elegance to “outdoor rooms” such as conservatories, sunrooms, etc.

Quick and easy ideas with beadboard:

• Replace the cheap backing board on a bookcase with beadboard; beadboard doors for the lower shelves could even be added.
• Use a section of beadboard, surrounded by moulding as a headboard for a bed.
• Cover damaged bathroom walls and drawer fronts with beadboard.
• Echo the lines of beadboard in a room with stripes in upholstery or accent pieces.
• Add wainscoting to a hallway and mount the end panel horizontally to help the space seem wider.
• Cover the slanted areas of dormers or small odd ceilings with beaded paneling.
• Use it in a mud room to a height where pegs for jackets can be added to a wide top moulding.
   

Although traditionally casual, beadboard can be successfully used to enhance any of a number of styles. As with any architectural element use care to integrate the elements tastefully and choose colors that work within the space.