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How to Use Beadboard Wallpaper

January 19, 2014 By Rhoda 668 Comments

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Way back in 2009, I discovered this wonderful beadboard wallpaper (can’t believe it’s been 5 years now!)  and I’ve been using it and writing about it on my blog since then.  I’ve share several tutorials about it over the years and still love it.  When people come into my house, I show them the beadboard wallpaper and of course, they want to pet it and see how it feels.  Their mouths drop open as they realize that yes, it’s PAPER!  But, it looks so real.  I love how easy it is to use. You don’t have to remove existing baseboards, just install right on top.  The best way to make it all look the most real is to add chunky molding on top of it and I’ve done this in several ways.  My most favorite way of adding the molding is the way we did it in my current house.

I’ll show you several of the rooms I’ve used it in up to now and then show off my rooms in this house that use beadboard wallpaper.  My favorite brand is out of England, called Graham Brown and almost 3 years ago, I asked them if I could sell it for them and they said yes! I’ve sent them lots of business over the last couple of years and I make a small commission off my sales.  My blog gets lots of traffic from beadboard wallpaper.

Now keep this in mind:  It is paper and will tear and dent under rough circumstances, so be aware of that when you are thinking about where to use it.  It’s still paper and subject to damage if there are rowdy kids or animals around.  Under normal circumstances in my house, I haven’t had any problem with dinging it, but it can happen. Just wanted to mention that too!

beadboard wallpaper

When you find something that works, you just have to spread the word and that’s what I’ve been doing since 2009.  My very first project with this fun paper was my old kitchen in Birmingham.  The ends of my kitchen and bathroom cabinets were just plain white, so I added beadboard wallpaper to them along with molding trim and loved the result. You can read that entire tutorial on the kitchen cabinets.

Beadboard-wallpaper

Next, I moved on to using it on one wall in a guestbath in that old house and it added some fun architectural interest to the otherwise plain wall. You can see that project here.  I used a standard chairrail molding on that first space.

Beadboard collage

Lastly, I moved on to the masterbath in that old Birmingham house, which if you’ve been reading my blog awhile, it was navy blue and white and the beadboard wallpaper really took the water closet up a notch in that space.  You can see from the collage below the incredible transformation the wallpaper and chairrail had in the room.  Start at that first little pic in the top right corner and follow it down and over to see the After project.  You can see that entire post here too.  It was beadboard wallpaper and simple moldings added, then all painted semi-gloss white like the trim.

Remember, you have to paint it and that’s what really makes it look real and it’s a LOT of bang for the buck!

IMG_5738

When I moved back here and took on some projects at my parents house, we added beadboard wallpaper to both of their bathrooms.  It’s all the same process:  Cut, paste, add molding and paint.  Simple, yet SO effective for adding much needed architectural detail. 

Many of you have been buying this great stuff from my Southern Hospitality online shop over the past 2 1/2 years and I thank you for that!

I still love the stuff and continue to talk about it and tell all my friends about it.  As of 1/31/17, I decided to discontinue my beadboard wallpaper shop. Thanks for supporting it for 5 years! 

vanity area

I wanted to take the time to show up close and personal how I’ve used it in my current house.  This 1979 home needed some architectural details for sure, lots of plain walls.  So, I added it to the nook in my master bedroom, to define that space and make it look better and it really does!  I opted to take it up about 2/3 the wall and added chunky 1×6 pine boards on top, all painted out glossy white to match my trim.  We also ripped a small 1” board for the very top that accents the chunky board and makes a little ledge.

beadboard wallpaper

This is my favorite way so far that I’ve used to trim out this wallpaper. I love the chunky boards and the little ledge on top.

beadboard wallpaper 2

It wraps around my little vanity area and makes it feel special.  We also added a 1” board to the outside wall where it meets the other walls in the bedroom, just to define and stop the wallpaper at the corners.

molding on top of beadboard

Here you can see the close up of the boards and how we added them. These were put up with my nailgun and all painted semi-gloss white trim paint. Don’t forget to caulk any seams on the molding.

1x6 molding

Beadboard with trim boards on top.

guest bath

In my guestbath, I opted to just do one wall to add interest in here and it really does do the trick.  Adding that chunky 1×6 board and adding 3 satin nickel hooks makes this bathroom functional and pretty.

master bath

It’s hard to take pics in my master bath without it all blowing out from the lights, but I also added it behind this cabinet to the floor and cut around the vanity. Then, once this vintage cabinet was in place, I cut those chunky boards once again to fit on either side. It really anchors this old piece and works well in here.

tv cabinet

This is a dresser I found at an antique mall that I repurposed for my entertainment center in my bedroom a few years ago.  Adding beadboard wallpaper to the door really makes this piece look a little more special.

door inset with beadboard

Simple and easy to install inside a door or drawer for added interest.  Paint it all out and you’re done!

So, I hope this got you inspired to maybe try some of this around your house. I can’t speak highly enough of this wonderful beadboard wallpaper.  Wish I had a few more spots to use it!

Graham Brown Beadboard wallpaper

In the meantime, I had a return from my shop of 3 rolls of wallpaper (changed her mind on it due to time constraints) and I had her send them to me at my house, so I’m holding 3 rolls and would love the chance for 3 of you to try it out too.

All you have to do is tell me where YOU would like to try this fun beadboard wallpaper?  What room in your house needs a little architectural detail?  One roll will go pretty far, like it will do a small powder room or one wall in a bathroom, so one roll really does do a lot.

Leave a comment and follow the Rafflecopter widget for more entries and I’ll choose 3 winners at the end of the giveaway and you will each receive ONE ROLL! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Filed Under: Decorating Ideas, Giveaway, Projects and How-To 668 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Fran says

    July 12, 2014 at 12:38 pm

    Does anyone know where I can buy or order a roll. I live in Frankfort, Illinois.

    Reply
  2. Pat says

    August 3, 2014 at 2:04 am

    I would like to use it on my ceiling board. Our rented apartment is a bit old and the ceiling board has stains from leakages, I don’t know if beadboards would hold on ceiling board but I’m sure it would come out nice. I would also like to use it on an old cabinet and on the front door.

    Reply
  3. lauren says

    February 9, 2015 at 5:29 am

    Hi!
    I have used Bead board in my kitchen but i have seen little imperfection in it so can you tell me that how can I avoid this imperfection

    Reply
  4. Sandy Sohn says

    April 4, 2015 at 6:44 pm

    I am going to use this wall paper on our basement drop ceiling tiles. Framing out the grid with vinyl covers. I cannot wait to see the end results.

    Reply
  5. Debi Plocar says

    April 18, 2015 at 12:04 am

    Hi I just found your website were can I get this wallpaper? I was going to put up the real thing But just don’t have the tools. the wallpaper I could do. Thanks Debi

    Reply
    • Rhoda says

      April 18, 2015 at 1:17 pm

      Hi, Debi, thank you for stopping by! I sell the beadboard wallpaper in an own line shop, direct from Graham Brown. Just got word from them that it’s on back order for about 3 more weeks, but you can order here:
      http://southernhospitality.mybigcommerce.com

  6. Jenny says

    June 12, 2015 at 11:26 pm

    Would love to use this in my bathroom!

    Reply
  7. michelle says

    July 9, 2015 at 6:50 am

    love the pictures I live in a 50’s home, 735 sq feet , the bathroom is tiny very tiny, I love the bead board wall paper , this will have to go in there to make a statement, thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  8. Chrystal Gregory says

    August 15, 2015 at 3:36 pm

    I have horribly plain cabinets in an 1850’s farmhouse kitchen. I would love to use the wallpaper to add some interest to the cabinets! Great ideas on here.

    Reply
  9. Janice Sperle says

    June 9, 2016 at 11:12 pm

    I would love to use in my laundry room! Love what you’ve done in your home! Looks beautiful!

    Reply
  10. Kathy says

    June 10, 2016 at 3:58 am

    I would love to try this in my small bathroom

    Reply
  11. Nicole says

    June 10, 2016 at 6:38 am

    My boyfriend and I just purchased a house about 2 months ago, it’s a real fixer upper! We’ve made good progress, I’ve always wanted to do beadboard in our tiny bathroom though!

    Reply
  12. Juli Harpole says

    June 10, 2016 at 9:54 am

    I have an old sleigh need with panels all painted Tiffany blue. That paper would be lovely as insets in the panels and painted to match.

    Reply
  13. Amy Olds says

    August 14, 2016 at 12:35 am

    I would love to do this as a backsplash area in my manufactured homes kitchen! and possibly on the wall in my master bathroom and trim it out in chunky trim and then hang 2 mirrors on it over my double vanity! manufactured homes don’t have much if any architectural details and I so miss this since we moved from our old home that was full of character!

    Reply
  14. Michelle says

    January 2, 2017 at 3:47 pm

    I would use this in my small bathroom (powder room). It would be perfect there! I have used beadboard wallpaper from Lowe’s on an office desk before so am intrigued if your product works better! 🙂

    Reply
    • Rhoda says

      January 2, 2017 at 4:15 pm

      HI, Michelle, I’ve seen the Lowes product too and it’s not that much different. This one might be slightly thicker though.

  15. Julie Ulm says

    March 23, 2017 at 9:36 pm

    I would like to bead board mirrored closet doors.

    Reply
  16. Michele says

    March 1, 2018 at 1:14 am

    Hello!
    I’m sure I’m Years late on your giveaway of the beadboard. (Story of my life) However, I still felt obligated to comment on your blog. LOVE LOVE YOUR BLOG YOUR SENSE OF STYLE n your ease in your writhing. I haven’t gotten bored or looked further. I’m newish to Pinterest and the whole DIY world. . I quite smoking Feb 6 2017 my Dr recommended focusing on a hobby to help me conquer my smoking habits n urges. Well I don’t have any hobbies. My daughter has amazing talent in anything dealing with Art. I’m all thumbs but I’m not giving up on finding my creative side. Which lead me to wanting to paint anything especially wood. I love the smell of wood n sanding releases so much stress for me. Which lead me to updating not just me but the world I live In. Like me everything is older rundown n in the need of love and attention
    It’s been over a year that I have not smoke n my dedication on learning “how to do’s” is still passionately alive. I LOVE the look n the comfort feeling beadboard gives to me at least. I have always wanted to add beadboard in my home but being a single mom of 3 kids one disabled money is major issue for me. I’m excited to find out there is beadboard wallpaper. Who knew!!! I guess everyone, I’m a tad behind the trends. But that’s ok bc now I know and I’ll be saving my pennies to purchase a roll somewhere Down the line. Hopefully by then my DIY projects I will be proud of n post a few them thanking you for my inspiration! Take care!!!

    Reply
    • Rhoda says

      March 1, 2018 at 8:30 am

      HI, Michele, oh wow, thanks for stopping by and I’m so happy for you to find your new found creative side. Enjoy it all and I hope you get that beadboard wallpaper. Lowes also carries a version, just so you know.

  17. Melissa Leslie says

    September 2, 2019 at 9:36 pm

    I’m remodeling my mother’s 1980’s house and love the beadboard look. I would use the wallpaper on the kitchen island and ends of cabinets. Also, would love to cover up the pink and blue grasscloth wallpaper in living room. Thank you!

    Reply
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Thanks for stopping by! I'm Rhoda, from Atlanta, GA and I love decorating and DIY projects. Decorating a home doesn't have to cost a fortune and I've spent years thrifting at antiques markets and yard sales, finding those treasures that make a home unique. I'm here to inspire and encourage other women to find their own inner creativity. Won't you join me?

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