Invigorate Your Kitchen with White Shiplap Backsplash

If your kitchen is looking a little dull and dated, it may be time for an invigorating new look. One of the hottest trends right now is the rustic, homey charm of a white shiplap backsplash. Going with a white shiplap backsplash is an easy and affordable way to give your kitchen a cozy farmhouse feel that will energize the whole space.

With its clean, crisp white paint and overlapping boards that add lovely texture, a white shiplap backsplash can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. The subtle vintage vibe pairs perfectly with many popular kitchen styles, from modern to traditional to cottage. Let's explore the magic of white shiplap backsplashes and how you can use this fresh trend to breathe new life into your kitchen.

What is Shiplap?

Shiplap refers to wide, horizontal wooden boards that have a grooved edge to allow for overlapping installation. The boards are milled with a lip so they interlock snugly without exposing seams. Shiplap originated as an exterior siding material in the early 1900s, but today it is a popular choice for backsplashes and feature walls. The overlapping pattern creates beautiful texture and visual interest.

Using shiplap for a backsplash rather than siding takes advantage of its rustic, vintage appeal in a novel way. White shiplap has emerged as one of the top backsplash trends, especially for achieving a cozy farmhouse aesthetic. The light color allows it to blend in with many styles while adding warmth and charm.

Types of Shiplap

Genuine reclaimed wood shiplap offers an authentic, eco-friendly option. Varying board widths and signs of natural aging add to the rustic vibe. However, you can also achieve the look with faux shiplap using ceramic or vinyl tiles, peel-and-stick planks, or even wallpaper with a shiplap pattern printed on it. The grooved planks can be wide or narrow depending on the look you prefer.

No matter what material you choose, shiplap backsplashes provide texture that gives depth and visual interest to kitchen walls. The varied line widths and shadows created by the overlapping boards add lovely dimension.

Benefits of Shiplap Backsplash

Beyond just looking great, white shiplap backsplashes offer many advantages:

• Warm, vintage charm and character
• Natural texture provides visual interest
• Relatively affordable and easy DIY option
• Opportunity to accessorize with floating shelves, hooks, art

The rustic style works well with many color schemes and kitchen elements, fitting seamlessly into both contemporary and traditional spaces. The solid white color keeps things fresh and light. Clean-lined styles as well as lightly distressed, timeworn shiplap offer versatility.

Designing a White Shiplap Backsplash

Choosing Shiplap Materials

For an authentic reclaimed wood look, using actual salvaged barn boards or new poplar boards painted crisp white is a great option. Faux shiplap offers a budget-friendly alternative using materials like:

• Tile with shiplap edge pattern
• Plastic or PVC boards
• Peel-and-stick planks

Both distressed and clean-lined shiplap can work beautifully. Distressing adds character through minor nicks, scratches, and varying stain levels. But clean, bright white boards keep things light and contemporary.

Pairing with Cabinets and Counters

White shiplap backsplashes pair nicely with many cabinet and countertop choices. Butcher block, marble, concrete, or soapstone counters provide attractive contrast. For cabinets, options like bright white, dove gray, navy, black, or natural wood all complement without competing. Just avoid pairing shiplap with busy granite counters, as you want to keep the aesthetic light and airy.

Glass-front cabinet doors also allow the shiplap to shine as the focal point. Then integrate metal accents like stainless steel appliances, chrome fixtures, or a sleek hood vent to tie everything together.

Complementary Colors and Materials

While white shiplap is versatile, some particularly pleasing combinations include:

• Soft pastel palette - sky blue, sage green, creamy yellow
• Exposed brick wall or accent
• Open shelving for plants, dishes, cookbooks
• Stainless, black, or brass pendant lights

Crisp white provides a fresh background for pops of color in accessories or accent walls. The key is keeping things airy and light rather than too busy. Let the organic texture of the reclaimed wood be the star.

Installing a Shiplap Backsplash

One of the best aspects of a shiplap backsplash is that it can be a DIY project. With some basic skills, you can transform your kitchen yourself.

Preparing the Wall

Start by ensuring the surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Apply primer if needed, ideally in a light neutral color to complement the white shiplap. Use a level and plumb lines to mark reference points for orderly installation.

Hanging the Shiplap

Attach the first board in the corner and use finishing nails to secure subsequent boards. Leave a 1/8 inch gap between each board - using spacing shims ensures consistency. You can also apply adhesive between each plank for increased stability.

Work row by row until the wall is filled. For inside corners, rip boards to fit or use trim strips. Take care to properly stagger seams between rows.

Sealing and Finishing Touches

Once all boards are installed, apply two to three coats of a water-resistant polyurethane sealant. Matte or semi-gloss are ideal finishes. Add interest by lightly distressing boards or embellishing with floating shelves, cup hooks, or art between the plank seams.

Style Ideas and Inspiration

A white shiplap backsplash adapts well to many styles:

• Rustic Farmhouse: Butcher block counters, exposed beams, distressed wood
• Modern Scandinavian: White cabinets, brass accents, minimalism
• Industrial: Concrete floors, black pendant lights, metal stools
• Eclectic: Mix of modern, vintage and antique elements

Do you crave the warm, textural look of a live-edge wood backsplash but find reclaimed boards too pricey? White shiplap offers a budget-friendly alternative with plenty of cozy cottage character. By adding a touch of hand-hewn simplicity, a white shiplap backsplash can completely reinvigorate your kitchen.

If your kitchen has been looking worn out and nondescript, a white shiplap backsplash provides an easy upgrade that energizes the whole space. The rustic-chic shiplap planks introduce artisanal texture and vintage character at an affordable price point. With some DIY elbow grease, you can infuse your kitchen with the lively style and appeal of this fresh new trend.

A crisp white shiplap backsplash pairs beautifully with many color schemes and materials from marble counters to brick walls. Keep accessories light and airy to allow the tactile reclaimed wood to take center stage. Bringing a touch of the handmade into your kitchen reminds you to slow down and savor simple moments of grace. Doesn't that sound invigorating?