What is Board and Batten?
What is board and batten? Let me tell you what I’ve learned before updating our entryway wall!
Board and batten is a type of wall treatment or siding style that involves placing wide vertical boards (the “boards”) with narrow strips of wood (the “battens”) over the seams where the boards meet.
This creates a clean, textured, and visually appealing design. Traditionally used on the exteriors of barns and homes, board and batten has become increasingly popular in modern interior design for accent walls, adding a farmhouse, rustic, or even contemporary feel to a space.
How Board and Batten Works
- Boards: Wide wooden planks or panels are attached to a wall, often placed vertically but occasionally horizontally depending on the look you want.
- Battens: Thin, narrow strips are placed over the seams between the boards to cover gaps and add dimension.
The result is a grid-like pattern or vertical lines that give the wall a sense of depth and character.
Where You’ll See Board and Batten
- Exterior Siding: It’s a classic design choice for farmhouse and cottage-style homes, as well as modern builds looking for clean lines with a traditional touch.
- Interior Accent Walls: Board and batten is widely used in living rooms, bedrooms, entryways, and dining rooms to add texture and visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Why Is It Popular?
Board and batten is a versatile, affordable way to transform plain walls. It works well in both modern and traditional spaces, making it a popular choice for DIY projects and home renovations.
Whether painted white for a crisp, clean look or finished with bold colors for a statement wall, board and batten adds timeless charm and elegance to any home.
What style is board and batten?
Board and batten is a versatile design element that spans multiple styles, but it is most commonly associated with farmhouse, rustic, and traditional aesthetics.
Its clean lines and textured look also make it a popular choice for modern, coastal, and even contemporary spaces when used creatively.
View some board and batten wall inspiration designs.
Styles Associated with Board and Batten
Farmhouse Style
Board and batten is a staple of modern farmhouse and classic farmhouse design. Its roots come from barns and rural homes, where it was traditionally used as exterior siding. Painted in whites or neutrals, it delivers the clean, simple, and cozy vibe that farmhouse interiors are known for.
Rustic Style
In rustic design, board and batten retains its natural, unfinished wood look, highlighting its connection to nature and raw materials. It works beautifully in cabins, cottages, or spaces that embrace warm, earthy tones.
Traditional Style
Board and batten is often seen in traditional interiors as a timeless wall treatment. When paired with wainscoting, crown molding, or neutral tones, it adds sophistication and character to spaces like dining rooms, entryways, or libraries.
Coastal Style
In coastal-inspired homes, board and batten is often painted light blues, soft grays, or crisp whites to evoke a relaxed beachside feel. The vertical lines also give walls a clean, breezy look that works well in coastal cottages and modern beach houses.
Modern and Contemporary Style
In modern or contemporary spaces, board and batten can be simplified with sharper, thinner battens and bold, dark paint colors like black or navy. This gives it a sleek, geometric look that adds depth without feeling overly rustic.
Transitional Style
Transitional design combines modern and traditional elements, and board and batten fits perfectly here. It adds visual interest to walls while maintaining a clean and minimal aesthetic.
Why Is Board and Batten So Adaptable?
Board and batten works in so many styles because of its clean lines and simple design. Whether you want it to look rustic, elegant, or modern, it can be customized with:
- Paint Colors: Whites, neutrals, dark hues, or bold statement shades.
- Materials: Natural wood, MDF, or painted panels.
- Placement: Full walls, half walls (wainscoting), or even ceilings.
Its timeless appeal allows it to blend seamlessly into different styles while adding texture and architectural interest to both interiors and exteriors.
Are you thinking about creating a board and batten wall in your house? Be sure to check out our diy entryway wall!
Cheers,
Katie
