Shiplap vs Wallpaper: Which Wall Finish Wins for Your Home?

When you’re picking a wall finish, you’re not just choosing a look—you’re choosing a vibe, a maintenance plan, and a long-term commitment. Shiplap, a type of wooden wall paneling with overlapping boards, often made from pine or cedar. Also known as board and batten, it brings a rustic, clean-lined charm that’s become a staple in modern farmhouse and coastal interiors. On the other side, wallpaper, a decorative wall covering made from paper or vinyl, printed with patterns or textures. Also known as wall covering, it’s had a major comeback—not as the fussy, floral-heavy option from the ’80s, but as a bold, textured, and easy-to-install design tool. These two aren’t just alternatives—they’re different tools for different jobs.

Shiplap works best when you want structure, durability, and a natural feel. It hides imperfections in older walls, adds warmth to cold rooms, and holds up well in kitchens and bathrooms if sealed right. It’s not cheap to install, though—you’re paying for labor and material. Wallpaper, by contrast, is faster to put up, way more varied in design, and lets you go wild with color or texture without touching the wall structure. But it doesn’t handle moisture well unless it’s vinyl or peel-and-stick. And if you ever want to change it, peeling off old wallpaper can be a nightmare. Modern peel-and-stick options fix that, but they don’t last as long as traditional paste-down types.

Here’s what you’ll find in the collection below: real examples of both finishes in action. You’ll see how textured wallpaper is making a quiet comeback in 2025, not just as a feature wall but as a full-room statement. You’ll also read about why wallpaper lost ground in the past—cost, mess, and changing tastes—and how shiplap became the go-to for DIYers who wanted that ‘lived-in but polished’ look. Some posts dive into how these finishes interact with lighting, furniture, and even flooring. Others show you how to fix common problems: peeling edges, uneven seams, or mismatched board widths. Whether you’re redoing a bathroom, a living room, or just trying to make a dull wall pop, the right wall finish can change everything. No designer needed. Just the right choice for your space, your budget, and your daily life.