Beadboard Entryway Wall
Beadboard (a type of wainscoting) definitely made it's debut in the 80s but I think it's here to stay! In 2020 it's showing up in pale, coastal neutrals and deep, moody colors to make a timeless statement no matter what your style is. What's better than a timeless way to make your entryway more functional?? Doing it yourself and for less than $50!! This was a quick afternoon project that requires minimal materials (especially if you get the wood cut at your hardware store).
Here's what my boring front door "entryway" looked like before this project! It's not much of an entryway but I knew this little wall had potential and with a new pup at home, I wanted to created a space for his leash, our raincoats, and other necessities that we're now quickly grabbing as we head out the door.
There are only a few essentials for this projects! The white sheet you see in the background here is the beadboard. Yes, it comes by the sheet (and is likely made of MDF)! The piece of wood across the top is a 1x4 pine (this is a good size if you're adding hooks to the wall). You may also want a piece of trim for the bottom, depending if your beadboard is sitting on top of a baseboard. Mine sits on top of a radiator so I used a 1x2 to create a more finished look. You'll want the wood filler and caulk shown here to fill seams and nail holes after your beadboard and trim goes up.
Use a finish nailer to attach bottom trim piece (1x2) and beadboard to the wall after cutting them to size (it can be hard to cut the sheet of beadboard at home depending on your tools so getting it cut at the store is a good idea if you can measure ahead). You could also use screws or liquid nails to attach these pieces to the wall, depending what tools you have available.
Before attaching your top piece (1x4), make sure it is level (don't assume the top cut of the beadboard is perfect). It's okay if there's a small gap between the top of the beadboard and the this trim piece, you can fill that with caulking.
Use the materials shown in the second photo to fill the seams and nail holes. Caulking is for the places where wood meets wood and wood filler is for nail holes. Lightly sand over the wood filler once it's dried!
I bought four hooks from Lowe's and screwed them into the top trim piece to make this space more functional. If you're just looking to create an accent wall, call it a day after you paint! You could also add a 1x2 (or 1x3 or 1x4) to your top trim piece to create a small shelf!
Comments
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It appears your project is very nice although it would have been nice to see a photo from the same distance as the original photo.
Just for clarification purposes, because I believe there is value in maintaining the history of design, beadboard first originated in England about 400 years ago. It was used in the US starting around the 1840’s, I believe. It is not a newer product. Also beadboard is not a type of wainscoting unless it’s used in that manner. Beadboard defines a type of board and method for installing. It was traditionally tongue and groove now usually panels with a bead between the grooves. Wainscoting is a description of how paneling is used. It refers to paneling or wood attached to the bottom half of a wall. So beadboard can be wainscoting if it is used as such (like you did) but wainscoting isn’t necessarily made out of beadboard.
just thought that should be cleared up…
Again, nice job!
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i bet that was a pretty home! I’d love to tour some of the old southern homes. The architectural detail is amazing. Even in the smaller “less expensive” homes one can see pride in the craftsmanship.
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I have basically have the same setup in my house. The front door and closet door face other, and I have been looking for a simple solution to give it some interest. Your project is perfect, and I look forward to trying it! I, too, would have loved to see a picture from more of a distance to get the full effect. :-)
Frequently asked questions
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Does the front door open on the coat hooks? Can you open the door fully?