Shiplap was everywhere - from farmhouse kitchens to Instagram-worthy living rooms. But by 2024, something shifted. You start seeing it less in new builds, less in design magazines, and more people asking: Is shiplap out of style in 2024? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It’s more about context, location, and what you’re trying to achieve.
Shiplap’s Rise and Fall - A Quick Recap
Shiplap didn’t start as a design trend. It was a practical wood siding used in barns and coastal homes for its tight fit and weather resistance. Then, around 2015, shows like Fixer Upper turned it into a design staple. Clean lines, neutral tones, and that rustic charm made it perfect for the farmhouse aesthetic everyone wanted.
By 2020, you couldn’t walk into a new home without seeing it. Walls, ceilings, even accent bars - shiplap was the go-to for texture without paint. But trends don’t last forever. By 2023, designers started pushing back. Too much shiplap felt repetitive. Too many homes looked like they came from the same catalog.
Why Shiplap Feels Overdone Now
Let’s be honest: shiplap became a shortcut. Contractors installed it because it was easy to nail up. Homeowners picked it because it looked “cozy” without much effort. But in 2024, people are tired of easy. They want intentionality.
Here’s what’s changed:
- Homeowners now prefer walls that tell a story, not just ones that look like a Pinterest board.
- Minimalist and Japandi styles are rising - smooth, flat surfaces are preferred over textured wood.
- Wallpaper has made a massive comeback. Textured, hand-painted, and custom murals now offer more personality than repeating 6-inch boards.
- Real wood is expensive. Many shiplap installations were actually MDF or vinyl pretending to be wood. That cheap look doesn’t hold up under scrutiny anymore.
A 2024 survey by the American Society of Interior Designers found that 68% of designers reported clients asking for “non-wood wall treatments” in new projects - up from 32% in 2020. That’s not a fluke. It’s a shift.
What’s Replacing Shiplap?
If shiplap isn’t the answer anymore, what is?
Wallpaper is the biggest winner. Not the floral patterns of your grandma’s house - modern, bold, and artisanal. Brands like Cole & Son, Graham & Brown, and Phillip Jeffries now offer textured papers with linen, grasscloth, and even metallic finishes. A single accent wall in a deep emerald grasscloth can feel richer and more expensive than a whole room of shiplap.
Plaster walls are another favorite. Troweled finishes in warm whites, soft grays, or even earthy terracottas give depth without texture that demands cleaning. They’re smooth, quiet, and feel luxurious.
Tile accents are popping up in living rooms and hallways. Ceramic tiles with subtle patterns or matte finishes add warmth and durability. They’re especially popular in entryways and behind fireplaces.
Painted wood paneling is still around - but it’s different. Instead of horizontal shiplap, designers are using vertical board-and-batten, or even geometric patterns in painted MDF. It’s structured, intentional, and doesn’t scream “2018.”
When Shiplap Still Works
Just because it’s less popular doesn’t mean it’s dead. There are still situations where shiplap makes perfect sense.
- Coastal homes: If you’re near the ocean, shiplap’s moisture resistance still holds up. Pair it with white trim and navy accents - it feels authentic, not trendy.
- Historic restorations: If you’re fixing up an old farmhouse or cottage, shiplap is historically accurate. Replacing it with wallpaper would feel wrong.
- Accent walls in basements or mudrooms: These are high-traffic areas. Shiplap is durable, easy to clean, and hides imperfections better than paint or paper.
- When paired with modern elements: A single shiplap wall behind a minimalist bed or a sleek kitchen island can work if everything else is clean and neutral.
The key is restraint. One wall. Not the whole house. And never with white paint that looks like a hospital wall. Stain it, whitewash it, or paint it a soft charcoal. Give it texture and soul.
Shiplap vs. Wallpaper: The Real Comparison
People are choosing wallpaper over shiplap - but why? Let’s break it down:
| Feature | Shiplap | Wallpaper |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (per sq. ft.) | $3-$8 (material only) | $2-$15 (high-end papers up to $30) |
| Installation Difficulty | Medium (requires nailing, cutting, sealing) | Easy to medium (paste-and-stick options available) |
| Texture & Depth | Flat, linear, repetitive | Rich, varied, tactile (linen, grasscloth, embossed) |
| Longevity | 20+ years if maintained | 10-15 years (high-quality papers) |
| Resale Value | Neutral, but overused | Can add unique appeal if well-chosen |
| Design Flexibility | Limited to wood tones and horizontal lines | Endless patterns, colors, textures, and scales |
Wallpaper wins on personality. Shiplap wins on durability. But in 2024, most people are willing to trade a little durability for a lot more character.
What Designers Are Saying
Interior designer Maya Lin from Portland told me: “I haven’t installed shiplap in a new project since early 2023. Clients come in asking for it, and I show them 5 wallpaper samples instead. They always pick the paper. It’s not about cost - it’s about feeling something when you walk into a room.”
That’s the real difference. Shiplap was functional beauty. Wallpaper is emotional design.
Should You Remove Your Shiplap?
If you love your shiplap walls, don’t tear them down. But if you’re bored of them, here are three low-cost ways to refresh them without demolition:
- Paint them a deeper tone. White shiplap feels dated. Try charcoal, sage, or even navy. The texture still adds warmth, but now it feels intentional.
- Apply a thin layer of textured paint. Use a sponge roller with a matte finish over the shiplap. It softens the lines and adds depth without covering the wood.
- Use removable wallpaper over it. Yes, you can. Clean the surface, apply a primer, and stick on a lightweight, peel-and-stick paper. It covers the grooves and gives you a whole new look.
You don’t need to rip out what you have. You just need to rethink it.
Final Verdict
Is shiplap out of style in 2024? Yes - as a default choice. No - as a thoughtful design element.
The trend isn’t dead. It’s just no longer the default. People are moving away from trends that feel mass-produced. They want walls that feel handmade, unique, and personal. Wallpaper, plaster, and custom paneling are winning because they offer that.
Shiplap still has its place - but only if it’s used with purpose, not just because it’s easy. If you’re thinking about a remodel, ask yourself: Do I want a wall that looks like a catalog, or one that looks like home?
Is shiplap still popular in 2024?
Shiplap is no longer a popular default choice in new designs. While it still appears in coastal homes, historic restorations, and as an accent wall, most designers and homeowners now prefer wallpaper, plaster, or custom paneling for their texture and personality.
What’s the best alternative to shiplap walls?
Wallpaper - especially textured options like grasscloth, linen, or embossed vinyl - is the top alternative. Plaster walls and painted vertical paneling are also strong contenders, offering depth and sophistication without the repetitive look of wood boards.
Can you paint over shiplap?
Yes, you can paint over shiplap. For best results, clean the surface, apply a primer designed for wood, and use a high-quality latex paint. Darker colors like charcoal or navy make shiplap feel modern and intentional instead of dated.
Does shiplap increase home value?
Shiplap doesn’t reliably increase home value. In fact, in many markets, it’s seen as outdated. Unique, high-quality finishes like custom wallpaper or plaster can add more value because they feel tailored and current.
Is shiplap hard to maintain?
Shiplap is relatively low-maintenance, but the gaps between boards collect dust and dirt. Cleaning requires a brush or vacuum attachment, and painted shiplap can chip over time if not sealed properly. Wallpaper is easier to wipe down and doesn’t have crevices.
Next Steps
If you’re considering a wall update in 2025, start by asking yourself: What feeling do I want this space to have?
- Warm and rustic? Try stained wood paneling with a matte finish.
- Calming and serene? Go for plaster in a warm white.
- Bold and expressive? Pick a hand-painted mural or textured wallpaper.
Don’t chase trends. Choose what feels true to your space - and your life.
