Beadboard was traditionally used for wainscoting which is to panel the lower section of the walls with wood paneling which was either left naked for a more rustic feel or painted for that classic Nantucket look.  Nowadays, beadboard is one of the most popular decorative paneling materials but is not limited to just the living area of to walls.

The classic cottage which beadboard provokes lends itself well to a wide range of uses including using it in dark rooms that require a little lift.  It is also very accommodating for kitchens and bathrooms where it can be used as a wall cladding from floor to ceiling creating a holiday home feel.  If you are looking for something more sophisticated, then a three quarter height as in standard wainscoting is appropriate and for a far more relaxed look, halfway up the wall goes down extremely well.

If your intention is to leave the beadboard naked, then you will want to invest in a better quality of materials, but in the event that you are going to paint it, then you can opt for cheaper and cover up any blemished with paint.

You also don’t have to limit it to the walls as there are some great ideas for using beadboard around the home including using the material for headboards, for cabinets and closets as well as for bookcase, backsplashes and shelf fronts.