Wainscoting is a unique way to add a decorative touch to your bedroom while protecting the wall beneath. If you’re in search of inspiration and some new ideas to give your bedroom a refresh, installing wainscoting is a smart way to add texture and a dramatic touch to this space.

No matter what size or style of bedroom you have, this wall paneling lends an elegant update to this part of your home. Read on for a list of the most incredible bedroom wainscoting ideas that will bring your bedroom a gorgeous and sophisticated upgrade.

Install Gray Wainscoting on White Walls

In this wainscoting bedroom photo, the homeowner chose to add gray against the stark white walls. Not only does gray add a modern effect, but it creates an attractive two-toned look in the room.

A pair of white floating nightstands add a bold pop against the gray and serve as convenient bedside storage. Wainscoting in this subtle, contemporary color keeps the space versatile, so you can add any furniture, artwork, and bedding you choose as your tastes change.

Photographed by Jonas Berg for Stadshem

Paint Wainscoting in Playful Colors

Instead of taller wainscoting, this bedroom has a shorter style that’s painted in a deep plum or burgundy color. This bold hue looks fabulous against the much lighter pink bedroom walls on the top portion, but they both play nicely against each other.

Note how the adjoining room is painted in a rich teal color which gives the entire space a fun flush of color. This example proves that you don’t need to paint everything the same color to create a gorgeous space.

styled and photographed by Therese Jahnson for Historiska Hem

Add Wainscoting to Just One Wall

In this bedroom, there’s only wainscoting on the wall behind the bed. This helps to make the bed the focal point of the room and creates clean lines in the rest of the space.

If your bedroom is small, choosing to install wainscoting on one wall works well if you don’t have enough space for more. The crown molding, ceiling, and window frame are also featured in white to give this bedroom a cohesive, seamless look.

via Alvhem

Think outside of the Box with DIY Wainscoting Ideas

Rather than adding traditional wainscoting, the designer chose to add unique shapes that give the bedroom some fun architectural details. A pair of raised panels above the bed lends added texture and visual depth to this master bedroom.

The unusual design brings this beautiful bedroom a custom look that most people won’t have. This option adds lots of personality to help the bedroom stand apart from other rooms in the home.

via Alvhem

Frame the Wall with Board and Batten Wainscoting

The term board and batten wall refers to using strips of wood applied to walls to create a specific texture or shape. In this bedroom, two large sections of board and batten above the bed create a sleek, modern touch.

The homeowner chose to paint everything except for the ceiling and crown molding in a beautiful sage green hue. A large window, comfortable bed linens, and matching curtains create a space that’s perfect for sleeping and relaxing.

Styled by Emma Fisher, photographed by Frederik Karlsson for Alvhem

Use Wainscotting to Create a Cozy Corner

Adding wainscoting just behind the bed creates a comfortable, inviting corner that invites you to lie down and slumber. Rather than adding floor-to-ceiling wainscoting, the designer opted to install it on one part of the wall that extends just above the bed.

Painting everything the same color gives a sense of tranquility and calm. The minimal decor exudes a calming look that reduces clutter. Minimalist bedrooms like this are perfect if you’re looking for wainscoting ideas that aren’t too overpowering.

Styled by Linnéa H. Manaberi and Emma Fischer, photographed by Henrik Linden for Alvhem

Make Accessories the Star of the Show

In this bedroom, the white wainscoting matches the walls, but it’s the decor and accessories that stand out. A pair of black table lamps on each side of the bed create balance and contrast. Note how there is just one small mirror framed in black on the wall, and the rest of the space is left blank.

The black bed, pillows, and dark-colored bedding also contribute to the dramatic contrast in the spice. Finally, everything pops against the light wood floor which gives the room a sense of synergy.

via  Historiska Hem

Wainscoting Ideas: Use this Wall Covering in Small Spaces

Wainscoting can add a dramatic visual impact in a small bedroom. Here, the homeowner chose to add some wood paneling against the opposite wall directly behind the bed, making the space feel warm and cozy.

This design proves you don’t just have to install wainscoting in larger bedrooms. The raised texture makes this petite space feel elegant and sophisticated, while the large window and sheer curtains allow the natural light to filter in.

Styled by Emma Fisher and Annica Clarmell, photographed by Anders Bergstedt for Alvhem

Pair Wainscoting with Funky Wallpaper

Botanical wallpaper covers the entire wall here, except for the wainscotting around the bottom edge. Using wallpaper instead of painting the whole wall the same color gives this bedroom a bold and funky aesthetic.

On the wall opposite the bed, the same wainscoting pattern is found from the floor to the ceiling. You can add this design to the bedroom closet doors for a congruent look, or simply make an opposing wall completely of wainscoting to match the lower section of the other walls for even more contrast.

via Entrance Makleri, the home belongs to Sara Margaretah

Try Two Different Wainscoting Styles

Not all wainscoting has to be on one section of the wall, nor does it need to be in the same style. In this bedroom, the design features two different looks on the lower portion and above the bed on the wall.

Adding two different patterns and styles creates a sleek, modern look that gives more texture to the upper portion above the bed. A white shag rug under the bed brings warmth to the space and flowy sheer curtains tie it all together.

Styled by Bon Interior, photographed by Walti for Bjurfors

Go Bold with a Dramatic Paint Color

A rich, dark gray color on the walls, molding, and closet doors gives this contemporary bedroom an inviting aura. Sleek black and gold door hardware adds a playful, modern pop and natural textiles bring it a boost of bohemian chic-infused calmness.

Since this home has an open floor plan, the same gray color is carried into the living and dining room. Choosing this rich paint color makes the entire house feel warm yet modern for an awe-inspiring aesthetic.

via Alvhem

Mix and Match Different Styles for an Eclectic Space

The simple wainscoting in this bedroom adds a distinct touch while the combination of different elements brings it an eclectic feel. A sleek, modern pendant light fixture above the bed goes beautifully with the light wood floors, and the large window makes the space feel homey.

Using a luscious green paint color adds an earthy effect to this cozy room. The classic white tufted bed, white metal side tables, and rattan storage furniture all work together beautifully without becoming too haphazard.

via Alicia Edelman

Install Wainscoting to Create a Feature Wall

In this small bedroom, a pair of cabinets flank both sides of the bed for storage, and the raised wainscoting on the recessed wall brings the room a touch of bold texture. Instead of bedside furniture, the designer opted to install two wall sconces above the bed for some extra light.

Simple touches like the deep velvet pillowcases and wall hooks add even more style and functionality to this space. However, the wainscoting remains the star of the show and adds a fabulous focal point.

Interior design and styling by Design Therapy photographed by Elisabeth Daly for Innerstadsspecialisten.

Combine Colors and Materials

A luscious blue velvet bedspread pops against the light gray wall color and wainscoting in this bedroom. Mixing and matching different colors and materials is an easy way to make any bedroom look unique.

Adding beautiful curtains to windows brings another layer of dimension to this bedroom. The geometric patterned rug, lots of pillows, and small decor items in varying colors also give the space a fun yet relaxing feel.

via Alvhem

Install Unique Wainscoting for Dramatic Effect

This bedroom features intricately patterned crown molding, and the wainscoting features a similar style to echo the same pattern. A picture ledge provides a convenient place to display decor and other items.

Rather than choosing more traditional wainscoting, the designer opted for something a bit bolder. The raised sections of wainscoting also give the space a custom, one-of-a-kind touch.

via Alvhem

Add Wainscoting to the Ceiling

This bedroom has a grand feel the moment you walk in thanks to the dramatic designs. Raised, detailed wainscotting on the ceiling brings it a uniquely high-end touch.

Instead of painting the lower one-third of the wainscotting white, the homeowner opted for a muted gray and different shades of gray on the door and lower trim. When blended with dark wood floors and furniture, everything works together to give the room a luxurious look.

Styled by JosefssonLjung, photographed by Anders Bergstedt for Entrance Makleri

Play with Pastels

While most people choose colors like white, tan, or gray for wainscoting, this homeowner opted for a pretty pastel pink. Choosing this hue brings the bedroom a cheerful touch that works well for kids and adults alike.

This design proves that you don’t have to stick with traditional colors for your walls and wainscoting. Here, the light pink lends the space a lighthearted, playful touch.

via Stadshem

Try Beadboard for a Rustic Space

Beadboard uses vertical panels that add warmth to any space. In this room, it gives the entire space a cozy, rustic feel.

The option to use classic brown wood beadboard makes this particular bedroom feel warm and inviting. However, light coming in from the large window helps to keep it from looking too dark.

via Alvhem

Frame a Room with Wainscoting

Cabinets around the bed add tons of storage to this room, but the wainscoting on the opposite wall frames it nicely. Using the same paint color for the wainscoting and cabinets makes everything look cohesive.

The dark green wall color adds a strong contrast that gives the room a fun, earthy touch. Putting the bed against the wall under the cabinets creates a comfy nook for sleeping.

Styled by Lindholm, photographed by Boukari for Historiska Hem

Keep it Subtle with a Light Wood Floor

The wainscoting in this room is simple and classic, keeping it from being overpowering. You can easily add color by simply painting this portion a different hue.

Since this bedroom doubles as a home office, it’s important not to go overboard with extra decor. The wainscoting here brings a nice touch without making it the central focus of the room.

Styled by Åsa Copparstad, photographed by Fredric Boukari for Historiska Hem

Combine Contrasting Colors

The unique color of this beadboard makes this bedroom a lively modern space. Combining a lighter, contrasting color like the salmon walls adds a funky element to the room.

Using similar colors for the bedding and curtains ties everything together beautifully here. You can easily change things up if you ever want to update your bedroom by choosing a new pair of colors.

Styled by JosefssonLjung, photographed by Alen Cordic for Nya Kvadrat