3 DIY Faux Shiplap Wall Ideas on a Budget
If you’ve been dreaming about adding a little extra charm to your walls, faux shiplap is one of the easiest ways to get that custom look without blowing the budget. Whether you want something bright and fresh, bold and moody, or simple and timeless, shiplap works in just about any room.
I recently tackled three faux shiplap projects in my home — all done affordably with materials from Lowe’s. Here’s how they turned out and how you can recreate the look yourself.
1: Entryway Accent Wall
Nothing sets the tone for your home like a welcoming entryway. For this wall, I used a sheet of ¼-inch plywood and had Lowe’s cut it into 6-inch strips (so much easier than trying to do it all myself!). To frame the wall, I used thinner 4-inch side pieces.
For that authentic shiplap look, I spaced the boards using a nickel and then painted everything in Sherwin-Williams Pure White. The result? A crisp, bright accent wall that makes the whole space feel lighter and more open.
2: Moody Bathroom
Bathrooms are the perfect spot for a dramatic statement, so I decided to go bold. Again, I started with a sheet of plywood and had Lowe’s cut it into 4-inch strips this time. I used a dime to space out the boards, which gave me a slightly tighter line than the entryway.
Once everything was installed, I painted it Sherwin-Williams Urbane Bronze. The rich, moody color instantly elevated the space, making it feel cozy and modern all at once.
3: Kids’ Bathroom Wall
For the kids’ bath, I wanted something simple, fast, and budget-friendly. Instead of cutting plywood, I used a faux shiplap panel. After installing it, I gave it a coat of Sherwin-Williams Shell White.
This project took the least amount of time but still made a huge difference in the space — fresh, clean, and timeless.
Why Faux Shiplap Works
Beginner-Friendly: Especially if you have Lowe’s (or another hardware store) cut the strips for you.
Budget-Friendly: Plywood and panels cost far less than real shiplap.
Customizable: You can cut your strips as wide or narrow as you want.
Flexible Style: Works with farmhouse, modern rustic, organic modern, or even transitional looks.
Final Thoughts
All three of these faux shiplap walls were done on a small budget, yet they gave my home such a polished, designer feel. Whether you’re updating an entryway, bathroom, or even a bedroom, faux shiplap is a DIY project worth trying.
✨ Pin this post for later if you’re planning your own wall makeover, and follow along for more budget-friendly home inspo!
Tip: Install a Curved Shower Rod – Swapping out a standard rod for a curved one instantly makes the shower feel more spacious and comfortable, a win for both kids and adults.
This small project gave the bathroom a whole new feel. The layered shiplap and trim, paired with shaker pegs and a curved rod, make the space feel larger, more organized, and simply cheerful. It’s proof that even the smallest updates can create a big impact.
✨ Follow along for more DIY projects and home details over at @latticeandluxe!
