When comparing wainscoting vs. beadboard, the confusion usually comes from how the terms are used. Wainscoting describes where wall paneling is installed (typically on the lower portion of a wall), while beadboard describes a specific panel style defined by narrow vertical grooves. Because beadboard is often used as a type of wainscoting, the two are frequently mistaken for the same thing.
Understanding the difference helps homeowners choose the right wall treatment based on style, durability, and room function. This guide explains how wainscoting and beadboard differ, when they overlap, and how they compare to other common wood paneling options.
Wainscoting refers to any decorative wall paneling installed on the lower portion of a wall, typically for durability, insulation, and visual interest.
Beadboard is a specific style of wall paneling defined by narrow vertical grooves (or “beads”) between boards.
Beadboard is commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, and cottages
The term wainscoting actually refers to a style of paneling rather than a specific material. Typically made of wood, it’s paneling that covers the lower third or half of a wall in a room to help prevent damage, to cover up damage, aid with soundproofing, or simply as a decorative addition.
In addition to wood wainscoting, tile and vinyl options are available. Wainscoting itself is commonly built using beadboard, with a strip of chair rail on top to create a cap.
Now on to beadboard. This is made up of narrow pieces of wood planks aligned vertically on the wall. A ridge or indentation lies between each strip — this is the “bead.”
Generally, beadboard ranges in height from 30-54 inches. It can be purchased in panels as long as 8 linear feet to speed up the installation process.
You can find beadboard wainscoting most commonly in dining rooms as it can help protect the lower half of walls against damage from things like bumps from chairs. As a basic rule of thumb, the beadboard should take up about one-third of the wall’s complete height.
In addition to wainscoting and beadboard, homeowners may encounter several other wood paneling styles commonly used in interior wall design.
Based on a kind of exterior home siding, shiplap panels are long strips that overlap each other horizontally. Just like with siding, the upper strip goes slightly over the top of the one below it. The effect is a rustic sort of look that can work well in traditional farmhouse-style homes or as an accent wall in more contemporary styles.
This decorative type of wood paneling is characterized by repeating square or rectangular panels with molding applied to them, resembling empty picture frames. The panels typically have deep bevels between them and are capped by horizontal rails.
These are most commonly found in more formal, ornate rooms and can lend an air of sophistication to a space. The raised elements add both a decorative touch as well as more dimensionality to a room. These can be used as part of a wainscoting feature.
Popular in stately homes more than 100 years ago, board and batten creates a distinctive geometric wood paneling style. The battens are vertical molding boards generally 4 to 6 inches wide. They’re placed on the boards –or wide planks of wood on the wall — and spaced evenly apart to create the appearance of slightly sunken squares or rectangles. Apart from adding visual interest, the battens also serve to cover the seams between the boards.