Best Shiplap Trim Ideas By Style & Space
Have you ever stared at your shiplap walls and thought, “Something’s missing”? That finishing touch you’re looking for might just be the right trim.
Trim is like the frame around a beautiful picture – it completes the look and makes everything feel polished and intentional.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about shiplap trim. You’ll learn what trim actually does, how to handle tricky corners, and get ideas for every room in your house.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have the know-how to choose the perfect trim for your style and space, plus some handy tips to make your DIY project go smoothly.
Let’s get those walls looking amazing!
What is Shiplap Trim and Why It Matters
Shiplap trim adds the perfect finishing touch to your wooden wall panels. These small but important pieces make a big difference in how clean and complete your home looks.
Let’s learn about what these trims do and where you can use them.
Purpose of Trim with Shiplap
Trim serves as the perfect solution for hiding the gaps where shiplap boards meet walls, ceilings, or floors. Without trim, these meeting points can look unfinished and rough. The trim covers these seams neatly, giving your room a clean, put-together look.
Beyond just hiding edges, trim adds character to your space. It frames your shiplap walls like artwork, making the entire room feel more thoughtful and complete. The right trim can turn simple shiplap from nice to amazing by adding depth and visual interest to your walls.
Trim also helps protect the edges of your shiplap from bumps and scrapes that happen in daily life. This makes your walls last longer and stay looking fresh.
Where It’s Commonly Used
You’ll find shiplap trim in many spots around the home.
- Baseboards are the most common place, running along the bottom of your walls where they meet the floor. They hide that seam while adding a finished look to the room.
- Crown molding sits at the top where walls meet the ceiling, adding a smooth transition between these surfaces. This type of trim can make ceilings appear higher and rooms feel more grand.
- Window and door casings frame these openings, hiding the gap between the wall and window or door frame. They add structure and style while finishing these areas neatly.
- Corner trim pieces cover the spots where two shiplap walls meet at an angle. Without these pieces, corners can look awkward or have visible gaps.
Shiplap trim also works well in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where walls need extra protection from moisture and daily wear.
Popular Shiplap Trim Ideas Based on Styles
Finding the right trim style can make your shiplap walls truly shine. Each style brings its own feel to your space. Check out these ideas to match your home’s personality.
Farmhouse Style Trim
Farmhouse style feels like home for a reason – it’s warm and welcoming. For this look, go with thicker trim around doors and windows, and don’t skip the crown molding at the ceiling.
Many homeowners love the classic white-on-white look – white shiplap with white trim creates a clean but cozy feel. The slight shadow lines between boards add just enough detail.
For extra charm, use rustic corner pieces that look a bit weathered or hand-crafted. These small touches make your space feel lived-in and loved, not like a showroom.
Modern Farmhouse Look
Want something fresh but still homey? Modern farmhouse might be your style. Try wide, flat trim pieces with your white shiplap for a look that’s current but not cold.
Keep your corners clean with simple joints and minimal fuss. The beauty is in the simplicity – you get the warmth of farmhouse style without the fussiness.
Modern Trim Ideas
Modern style is all about clean, simple lines. Choose a trim that’s flat and sleek, without fancy details or curves.
Minimalist casing around windows and doors keeps the focus on the overall shape of your room rather than the trim itself.
Some modern looks skip trim altogether! Instead, they use special edge techniques like mitered corners or shadow gaps for a super clean look. Your walls will have that “less is more” vibe that makes modern spaces feel so calm.
Rustic and Cottage-Style Trim
For a space that feels like a cozy retreat, let the natural beauty of wood shine through. Choose a trim that shows off wood grain patterns and knots.
Reclaimed wood gives your trim character that new materials just can’t match. Each mark tells a story. Inside corners can become features with decorative corner blocks that add a touch of craftsmanship.
Don’t worry about perfect edges – rough-sawn trim or visible seams add to the charm. Chunky, substantial trim boards in natural finishes complete the look, making your home feel like a hideaway in the woods.
High-Contrast Design
Want something with more drama? Try dark shiplap walls with bright white trim. The contrast makes your walls pop and gives your room serious style points.
This works great for accent walls, too. Paint or stain your shiplap in a bold color, then frame it with contrasting trim. It’s like putting a picture frame around your favorite wall.
Best Trim Ideas by Room
Every room in your home deserves special attention when it comes to shiplap trim. The right trim can make each space feel just right for its purpose.
Here are some ideas to try in different rooms of your house.
Living Room
Your living room is where you relax and spend time with family, so the trim should feel warm and inviting. Consider adding thicker trim around a shiplap accent wall to draw attention to it.
For media walls, use trim to create built-in looks around your TV or shelving. This makes the electronics look like they belong there. Your living room will feel put-together but still comfy and casual.
Bedroom
In your bedroom, look upwards: ceiling trim paired with a shiplap accent wall can transform your space into a completely new space. This combo frames your room beautifully and adds interest overhead.
The trim creates a gentle boundary between walls and ceiling, making your bedroom feel extra special. Pick colors that help you relax for the best results.
Bathroom
Bathrooms need special care because of all that moisture. Choose trim made from PVC, vinyl, or specially treated wood that won’t warp or grow mold.
Marine-grade finishes on your trim will keep it looking good for years. Make sure to seal all edges well, especially where the trim meets the shower or sink areas. Your bathroom will stay fresh and clean-looking.
Kitchen
In kitchens, trim can make your cabinets or open shelving look uique. Try adding trim where your shiplap meets cabinets for a custom, built-in feel.
Use trim to finish the edges of open shelving or to create a frame around your backsplash. These small details make your kitchen feel thoughtful and well-designed.
Exterior
Outside trim needs to stand up to the weather! Choose materials like fiber cement, cellular PVC, or pressure-treated wood for long-lasting results.
Focus on corners, soffits, and where siding meets windows and doors. These spots need extra protection. Good exterior trim not only looks nice but also keeps water out of your walls.
Finishing Inside and Outside Corners
Those tricky corners can transform your shiplap project. Let’s look at how to handle both inside and outside corners for a clean, professional finish that will make your walls look amazing.
Inside Corner Trim
We’ve all been there, you cut your shiplap and it doesn’t meet perfectly in that inside corner. Don’t worry. Inside corner trim is here to save the day. It hides those small gaps where two walls meet and turns a potential eyesore into a stylish detail.
You have several options to choose from. Square trim pieces give you a clean, sharp look. Simple 1x boards create a more substantial border that frames your walls nicely. For a completely smooth look, caulk fills those gaps and can be painted to match your walls.
The best part? These fixes are simple enough for a weekend project. Your corners will look intentional rather than like a DIY mishap.
Outside Corner Trim
When your shiplap wall turns a corner and continues into another space, outside corner trim becomes your new best option. Without it, those exposed edges might chip or look unfinished over time.
You can buy pre-assembled corner pieces that slip right over your shiplap edges. These are super easy to install and give you a perfect corner every time. Or create your own by cutting two pieces of trim at matching angles and joining them.
Before you start, double-check your corner angles; not all corners are perfect 90 degrees. Measure twice, cut once, and your outside corners will look sharp and professional for years to come.
Shiplap Edge Finishing Techniques
Let’s talk about how to finish those edges on your shiplap walls. The way you handle the edges can make or break your whole look.
Here are three simple methods you can try at home:
1. Caulking for Seamless Look
Want your shiplap to blend in at the edges? Caulk is one of your best options. It fills those inside corners and tiny gaps with ease. Just squeeze it in, smooth it out, and paint over it when dry.
Your walls will look clean and smooth, like they’re all one piece. This works really well if you want that clean, simple look in your space.
2. Using Trim Boards for Added Style
Trim boards give your walls some extra pop. They create shadows and depth that make your shiplap stand out. You can paint them the same color as your walls or go bold with a contrast.
These work great when you want your shiplap wall to be the star of the room. Your guests will notice the extra care you took with those finished edges.
3. Quarter Round and Molding
Quarter round is perfect for those tricky spots where your shiplap meets the floor or ceiling. It’s small but makes a big difference.
For a fancier touch at the top, crown molding frames your room beautifully. If you prefer clean lines, flat trim boards keep things looking fresh and modern.
These little details will make your space feel finished and well-planned.
DIY Installation Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
Ready to tackle your shiplap trim project? These handy tips will help you avoid common mistakes and get professional-looking results.
Should Trim Go Over or Under Shiplap?
For most projects, install trim after your shiplap is up. This lets the trim cover any rough edges or cuts in your shiplap boards.
For baseboards and crown molding, place them over the shiplap. For window and door casings, you have options, but it usually looks cleaner and hides more gaps.
Leveling Tips and Corner Gaps
Use a level for every piece of trim! Even small errors will be obvious when the paint dries.
For those tricky corners, cut pieces slightly long (about 1/16 inch) and then trim them down for a tight fit. This helps close gaps that might show up later.
Pre-fit everything before you nail anything down. Your walls aren’t perfectly square, and this step saves big headaches.
Caulking and Paint Advice
Caulk only where the trim meets walls or other trim, not in the grooves between shiplap boards. Let the caulk dry completely before painting. Rush this step, and you’ll get cracks later.
Paint trim before installation for easier work, then touch up after. This trick saves tons of time and gives you cleaner lines.
Wrapping Up
Now that we’ve discussed the ins and outs of shiplap trim, you’re ready to take on your own project. We’ve covered everything from basic edge finishing to style-specific ideas for every room in your home.
Remember, the right trim isn’t just a small detail; it’s what takes your shiplap from good to great. It frames your hard work and protects those edges for years to come.
Don’t be afraid to try something new or mix different trim styles to create a look that feels uniquely yours.
I hope this guide has given you plenty of ideas and practical tips to make your shiplap walls truly shine. Trust your eye, take your time with those corners, and enjoy the process.
