The Trending Board And Batten Living Room
As an interior designer, I always look for new and unique ways to spruce up living spaces. Recently, I stumbled upon the trendy board and batten living room design and I was immediately drawn to it. I decided to incorporate this design into my latest project, and it turned out to be a hit! In this article, I will share my experience with this design and give you a step by step guide, tips, pros and cons, and my personal review and suggestions.
What is Board And Batten Living Room?
Board and batten is a type of wall treatment that involves installing narrow wooden boards vertically on the walls and then covering the spaces between them with wider boards called battens. This design dates back to the colonial era when it was used as an exterior wall treatment to protect buildings from harsh weather conditions. However, in recent times, it has become a popular interior design trend, especially in the living room.
Step by Step Guide
Here is a simple step by step guide on how to create a board and batten living room:
- Choose the wall you want to install the board and batten treatment on and measure the height and width of the wall.
- Purchase the necessary materials, including wooden boards, battens, nails, saw, level, and measuring tape.
- Mark the height of the boards on the wall and use a level to ensure they are straight.
- Cut the boards to the desired length and nail them to the wall using a nail gun.
- Install the battens over the spaces between the boards, nailing them in place.
- Fill any nail holes with wood filler and sand them down.
- Paint or stain the boards and battens to match your desired color scheme.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas
Here are some tips and ideas to help you create the perfect board and batten living room:
- Choose a wall that is the focal point of your living room, such as the one behind your sofa or TV.
- Use contrasting colors for the boards and battens to create a dramatic effect.
- Install a shelf or ledge on top of the boards to display artwork or decorative items.
- Use wallpaper or a bold paint color on the wall above the boards to add interest.
- Install sconces or other lighting fixtures on the boards for a unique look.
- Add trim or molding to the top and bottom of the boards for a more finished look.
- Use different widths of boards and battens for a more textured look.
- Install board and batten on just one wall for a subtle, yet impactful design.
- Use reclaimed wood for a rustic or vintage feel.
- Combine board and batten with other wall treatments, such as shiplap or beadboard.
Pros and Cons
Like any design trend, board and batten living room has its pros and cons:
Pros:
- It adds interest and texture to an otherwise boring wall.
- It can be customized to fit any color scheme or design style.
- It is a relatively inexpensive way to update a living room.
- It can be installed by a DIY enthusiast with basic carpentry skills.
Cons:
- It can be time-consuming to install, especially for larger walls.
- It may not work well in small living rooms as it can make the space feel smaller.
- It can be difficult to clean and maintain, especially if it is painted.
- It may not be suitable for rental properties as it may require drilling into the walls.
My Personal Review and Suggestions
Overall, I am a big fan of the board and batten living room design. It adds character and interest to any living space and can be customized to fit any design style. However, I do recommend that you use caution when installing it in small living rooms as it can make the space feel cramped. Additionally, I suggest using a semi-gloss or high-gloss paint for easy cleaning and maintenance. Lastly, if you’re not comfortable with DIY projects, I recommend hiring a professional to install the board and batten treatment.
Question & Answer and FAQs
Q: How long does it take to install board and batten in a living room?
A: It depends on the size of the wall and your skill level. On average, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day to install board and batten in a living room.
Q: Can board and batten be installed on textured walls?
A: It is possible to install board and batten on textured walls, but it may require additional preparation and effort to get the boards and battens to lay flat.
Q: Can board and batten be removed without damaging the walls?
A: Yes, board and batten can be removed without damaging the walls if it is installed correctly using nails instead of glue or adhesive.
Q: What is the cost of installing board and batten in a living room?
A: The cost of installing board and batten in a living room varies depending on the size of the wall, the materials used, and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. On average, it can cost anywhere from $100 to $500.