A cedar wall is one of those upgrades that instantly makes a room feel warmer, cozier, and more “done.” I’ve built a lot of them in my shop, and the mix of natural wood grain and that soft cedar vibe never stops being a showstopper.
Cedar Headboard Wall in the Bedroom
A cedar headboard wall behind the bed gives you that cozy cabin feeling without changing the whole room. I’ve done this with knotty cedar and kept the rest of the space light, and it always feels calm and layered.
Useful items to consider:
- Knotty Cedar Tongue and Groove Planks: Create that cozy cabin vibe instantly by installing these authentic looking cedar planks as your stunning feature wall.
- Woven Rattan Pendant Light Fixture: Enhance the natural warmth of your cedar wall with a textured, boho-style woven light fixture overhead.
- Modern Low Profile Platform Bed Frame: Keep the focus on your beautiful wood wall with a simple, minimalist wooden platform bed frame.
Classic Horizontal Cedar Plank Accent Wall
My go-to is a horizontal cedar plank wall because it’s simple, timeless, and makes a room feel wider. I’ve installed it behind sofas and dining tables, and the cedar tone does all the decorating work for you.
A few things you might like:
- Aromatic Cedar Plank Paneling Kits: Create a warm, inviting atmosphere effortlessly by installing these tongue-and-groove planks directly onto your existing wall surface.
- Pneumatic Brad Nailer Gun: Ensure a clean, secure installation without visible hammer marks by using a reliable nailer for your plank project.
- Clear Matte Wood Finish: Protect the natural beauty and rich color of your new cedar wall while maintaining a subtle, natural sheen.
Cedar Fireplace Feature Wall
Cladding the wall around a fireplace in cedar planking turns it into a real focal point instead of just “the wall with the fireplace.” I’ve paired cedar with a simple mantel, and the wood texture makes everything look more intentional.
A few relevant products:
- Tongue and Groove Cedar Planks: Create a warm, textured focal point by installing these interlocking wooden boards vertically behind your fireplace mantel.
- Large Woven Floor Basket: Add organic warmth and stylish storage next to your hearth with a spacious, textured basket for blankets.
- Floating Wood Mantel Shelf: Complete your fireplace renovation with a simple, solid floating shelf to display decor against the cedar backdrop.
Tongue-and-Groove Cedar for a Seamless Look
If you want clean lines, tongue-and-groove cedar is super forgiving and looks crisp when it’s up. I’ve used it in living rooms where I wanted a smooth, continuous cedar wall with fewer visible gaps.
You might like:
- Tongue and Groove Cedar Paneling Boards: Instantly add warmth and texture to your interiors by installing these classic cedar boards for a seamless finish.
- Brad Nailer Kit: Secure your cedar planks efficiently without splitting the wood; a reliable nailer makes installation faster and cleaner.
- Clear Wood Finish and Sealer: Protect your new cedar wall while enhancing its natural grain and color with a high-quality matte sealer.
Vertical Cedar Planks to Add Height
Running vertical cedar boards is my favorite trick for making low ceilings feel taller. I’ve done this in a small guest room, and the straight grain draws your eye up in the best way.
Possibly handy products:
- Tongue and Groove Cedar Planks: Instantly add warmth and height to your room by installing these classic, easy-to-fit natural wood boards.
- Clear Wood Matte Varnish: Protect your new cedar wall while maintaining its natural color without adding unwanted shine or gloss.
- Pin Nailer Kit: Secure your vertical planks seamlessly with this essential tool, designed to leave barely visible nail holes.
Board-and-Batten Cedar for Modern Farmhouse
Cedar board-and-batten gives you that farmhouse structure while still showing off real wood character. I built one in a hallway, and the shadow lines made it look way more custom than the effort suggested.
Products that could assist:
- Brad Nailer Kit: Secure cedar planks cleanly without damaging the wood grain to achieve a professional-looking, seamless wall installation.
- Wood Conditioner and Stain: Apply a clear or natural stain to protect the cedar while enhancing its warm, authentic wood tones.
- Moulding Chair Rail: Finish the top edge of your wainscoting neatly with a trim piece for a polished, custom appearance.
Half Wall Cedar Wainscoting With Painted Top
A cedar wainscoting half wall keeps the room from feeling too wood-heavy while still giving you warmth and texture. I’ve done cedar on the bottom with a soft painted color above, and it’s such an easy balance.
Possibly helpful picks:
- Knotty Pine or Cedar Tongue and Groove Planks: Instantly add rustic warmth to your lower walls with these easy-to-install wood planks for authentic texture.
- Sage Green Interior Paint: Create a calming contrast above your woodwork by applying a soft, nature-inspired sage green paint color.
- Wood Stain and Sealer: Protect your new wainscoting and enhance the natural grain with a quality golden oak or natural stain.
Dark-Stained Cedar for a Moody Statement
Deep, rich stained cedar looks so good in bedrooms, offices, or nurseries when you want cozy and dramatic. I’ve used a dark tone with warm lighting, and the cedar grain still shows through like velvet.
A few helpful options:
- Dark Walnut Wood Stain: Achieve that deep, rich tone on your cedar planks while ensuring the natural grain remains beautifully visible.
- Warm LED Wall Sconces: Install these fixtures to cast a cozy glow that highlights the texture and depth of your wood wall.
- Fluted Wood Wall Panels: Add architectural interest by incorporating textured, ribbed panels alongside flat planks for a sophisticated, modern contrast.
Cedar Herringbone Panel as a Framed Accent
If a full wall feels like too much, try a framed cedar herringbone panel like a giant piece of wall art. I’ve built one behind a console table, and it still reads as a cedar feature wall without taking over the room.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Reclaimed Wood Planks: Create your herringbone pattern with authentic texture by using these easy-to-install, peel-and-stick reclaimed wood planks.
- Matte Black Wood Frame Molding: Build a custom, defining border for your wood art piece using sleek, sturdy matte black molding.
- Clear Wood Varnish: Protect your cedar and enhance its natural tonal variations with a high-quality, non-yellowing clear coat finish.
Cedar Wall in the Bathroom Near the Tub
A cedar wall in the bathroom adds spa vibes fast, especially near a tub or vanity. I’ve used a good protective finish and made sure ventilation was solid, and the cedar warmth balanced all the tile and fixtures.
Explore these options:
- Wooden Slat Wall Paneling Kit: Recreate this serene vertical look easily by installing pre-made wood slat panels to instantly warm up your bathroom space.
- Clear Waterproof Wood Sealer: Protect your beautiful cedar investment from bathroom humidity and splashes with a high-quality, clear waterproof matte sealant.
- Freestanding Soaking Bathtub: Complete your spa sanctuary with a deep, modern soaking tub that perfectly contrasts against the natural wood tones.
Cedar Built-In Ledge Shelf Wall
Add a slim cedar picture ledge across your cedar wall for frames, small plants, or seasonal decor. I’ve built mine from offcuts, and it’s the easiest way to style a cedar accent wall without a cluttered gallery look.
Items that may come in handy:
- Floating Wood Picture Ledge: Instantly create display space on your wall for frames and decor without constructing shelves from scratch.
- Modern White Ceramic Vases: Style your new cedar shelves with simple, textured vases that contrast beautifully against warm wood tones.
- Small Potted Succulents: Bring life to your accent wall by adding low-maintenance greenery that fits perfectly on narrow ledges.
Cedar Peg Rail Wall for Pretty Storage
A cedar peg rail wall is both decor and function, especially in entryways, craft rooms, or mudrooms. I’ve made peg rails with tapered pegs, and hanging baskets against that cedar backdrop looks effortlessly rustic.
A few suggestions:
- Wall-Mounted Wooden Coat Rack: Organize your entryway instantly by mounting a sturdy wooden rail with hooks for coats and bags.
- Woven Straw Market Tote Bag: Recreate this rustic look by hanging natural woven bags that double as storage and beautiful wall decor.
- Matte Black Wall Hooks: Upgrade your own DIY cedar plank project with these durable, stylish hooks for holding heavier items.
Charred Cedar Wall for Bold Contrast
A lightly charred cedar wall brings serious drama and makes lighter furniture pop like crazy. I tried this on a small accent wall first, and sealing it well kept the burned texture looking rich instead of dusty.
Maybe worth checking out:
- Charred Wood Wall Paneling: Instantly add drama to your space with these pre-charred planks, saving you the effort of burning wood yourself.
- Polyurethane Wood Sealer: Protect your burnt timber finish and prevent charcoal residue transfers by applying a durable, clear matte sealant.
- Propane Torch Weeding Burner: Achieve that custom charred look on your own cedar boards using this heavy-duty torch for controlled burning.
Secret Door Hidden in a Cedar Plank Wall
My biggest crowd-pleaser is a hidden door that disappears into a continuous cedar plank wall—it feels like a little movie moment in your own house. I’ve built one with a clean push-latch setup, and matching the cedar grain direction is the trick that sells the illusion.
A few choices to try:
- Heavy-Duty Invisible Door Hinges: Create a seamless look with adjustable hidden hinges that help your cedar door blend perfectly into the wall.
- Push-to-Open Magnetic Door Catch: Eliminate visible handles by installing a strong push-latch system for that authentic secret passageway experience.
- Clear Matte Exterior Wood Sealer: Protect your cedar planks while maintaining their natural warmth and color with a high-quality matte finish sealer.
