A shiplap backsplash is one of my favorite ways to warm up a kitchen without losing that clean, modern feel. I’ve built a bunch of these in my workshop, and the right layout and finish can make wood feel surprisingly practical behind the counter.
Shiplap Backsplash With Hidden Under-Shelf Lighting
When I tuck warm under-shelf lighting over a shiplap backsplash, the grooves catch the light and the whole wall glows. I’ve done this with open shelves, and it makes nighttime snack runs feel weirdly cozy in the kitchen.
These products might help:
- Warm White LED Strip Light Kit: Add a soft, ambient glow to your backsplash by installing these simple, dimmable light strips underneath your cabinetry.
- Peel and Stick Faux Wood Shiplap: Recreate this textured look easily without heavy construction using lightweight, self-adhesive wood panels designed for wall applications.
- Modern Ceramic Coffee Mug Set: Complete your cozy kitchen aesthetic with textured, modern mugs perfect for enjoying warm beverages on your new countertop.
Classic White Horizontal Shiplap
When I paint a white shiplap backsplash in my own projects, it instantly brightens the whole kitchen and plays so nicely with almost any countertop. I always finish it with a durable clear coat so you can wipe splatters without babying it.
A few choices to try:
- Peel and Stick Wall Planks: Instantly brighten your kitchen walls with easy-to-install planks that mimic the classic shiplap look without major renovation.
- Water-Based Polyurethane Sealant: Protect your newly painted backsplash from cooking splatters and moisture using this durable, wipeable clear protective finish.
- Wooden Serving Board: Add warmth and contrast to your white backsplash with a beautiful wood serving board, perfect for styling counters.
Crisp Vertical Shiplap for Height
Anytime a kitchen feels a little squat, I go with vertical shiplap—it visually lifts the wall and makes the space feel taller. I’ve learned the hard way to level the first board like your life depends on it, because everything follows that line.
Useful items to consider:
- Vertical Shiplap Paneling Kit: Create a seamless backdrop instantly with ready-made paneling that visually elongates your walls and enhances kitchen height.
- Digital Laser Level Tool: Ensure your first board is perfectly straight to guarantee professional results and avoid crooked lines during installation.
- Wooden Serving Board with Handle: Style your new backsplash with a warm, natural wood accent that contrasts beautifully against crisp white vertical lines.
Natural Wood Shiplap With Matte Seal
A natural wood shiplap backsplash brings that cozy, lived-in warmth, and I love letting the grain be the “pattern” instead of adding busy decor. I typically use a low-sheen water-resistant finish so it still looks like wood, not plastic.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Clear Matte Wood Sealant: Protect your wood backsplash from moisture and splashes while maintaining that natural, non-glossy finish you love.
- Natural Wood Cutting Board: Add functional warmth to your countertops that complements a wood backsplash with rich, natural grain patterns.
- Decorative Dried Pampas Grass: Soften your kitchen’s lines and add texture with a natural bouquet that echoes organic wood tones.
Full-Wall Shiplap Behind Open Shelves
I’ve installed shiplap backsplash panels all the way up to the ceiling behind open shelving, and it turns the whole wall into a feature instead of just a strip above the counter. My favorite trick is matching shelf wood tones to the shiplap so it looks intentional, not random.
May just do the trick:
- Natural Wood Plank Shiplap: Transform your kitchen wall by installing these authentic wooden planks vertically for a seamless, designer-inspired backdrop.
- Floating Wood Wall Shelves: Display your ceramics beautifully with sturdy floating shelves that can be stained to match your new shiplap.
- Ceramic Tableware Set: Style your new open shelving with an artisanal stoneware set in muted, earthy tones for natural elegance.
Shiplap Only Under Upper Cabinets
When you want the look without the commitment, I keep the shiplap backsplash tucked neatly between countertop and uppers. I’ve done this in tight kitchens, and it adds texture without stealing visual space from your cabinets.
You might like:
- Peel and Stick Shiplap Wallpaper: Create this clean, textured backsplash look easily without heavy tools by applying this self-adhesive, durable wallpaper.
- Under Cabinet LED Lighting Strips: Brighten your new backsplash and workspace with these slim, discreet lights that add warmth and functionality immediately.
- Wooden Serving and Cutting Boards: Style your counters just like the photo with rustic wooden boards that add natural warmth and utility.
Shiplap Framing the Sink Window
A shiplap backsplash around the sink window is such a sweet detail, and I’ve found it makes the view feel like artwork. I always caulk and seal those edges extra well because that spot gets the most splashes in a kitchen.
Products that could assist:
- Waterproof Kitchen Caulk: Protect your beautiful shiplap from moisture damage by sealing window edges tightly with this essential waterproofing step.
- Brass Kitchen Faucet: Enhance the farmhouse aesthetic of your new window view with a classic, vintage-inspired brass kitchen faucet.
- Glass Bud Vases: Style your window ledge effortlessly using simple glass vases to display fresh cut greenery or seasonal blooms.
Shiplap Paired With a Stone Countertop
One of my go-to combos is a shiplap backsplash with a clean, light stone-look countertop—the contrast makes the wood feel fresh, not heavy. I’ve used this pairing on multiple builds, and it’s an easy way to balance rustic and modern.
Some handy options:
- Peel and Stick Shiplap Wallpaper: Achieve the rustic backsplash look instantly without power tools by applying this easy-to-use, textured wallpaper.
- Textured ceramic vase: Add a modern decorative touch to your counter space with a simple, stone-finish minimalist vase.
- Dried Wheat Stalks Decor: Bring natural warmth to your kitchen corner with these dried stems, perfect for rustic farmhouse styling.
Two-Tone Shiplap Above and Below
I love painting the lower portion of the shiplap backsplash a soft greige or sage and keeping the top lighter for a gentle, layered look. I tried this after getting bored with all-white, and it made the kitchen feel styled without adding clutter.
Possibly handy products:
- Sage Green Chalk Paint: Transform your backsplash or cabinetry easily with this soft, matte paint for that trendy two-tone kitchen style.
- Peel and Stick Shiplap Wallpaper: Achieve the classic shiplap look instantly without power tools by applying this textured, paintable wallpaper alternative.
- Acacia Wood Cutting Board: Add warmth and function to your counters with a beautiful wooden board that complements green kitchen tones perfecty.
Extra-Wide Shiplap Planks
When I mill slightly wider boards for a shiplap backsplash, the whole wall reads calmer and more modern. I’ve noticed wider planks also mean fewer seams to clean, which you’ll appreciate the first time you cook something saucy.
Possibly helpful picks:
- Wide Plank Wood Wall Paneling: Instantly create that modern, organic look with easy-to-install wood planks designed for beautiful interior accent walls.
- Clear Matte Wood Sealant: Protect your wood backsplash from moisture and splashes while maintaining that stunning, natural matte finish.
- Modern Ceramic Vases: Style your new counter space with minimal ceramic decor that complements the warmth of the natural wood.
Skinny Shiplap for Subtle Texture
On smaller walls, I’ve used narrow boards for a shiplap backsplash so you get texture without a chunky “cabin” vibe. It’s one of those details that looks quiet in photos but feels really special in person in a kitchen.
You might give these a try:
- Beadboard Paneling or Wallpaper: Transform your backsplash quickly by applying paintable beadboard wallpaper for an instant, budget-friendly textured effect.
- Butcher Block Countertop Oil: Protect your wood counters and keep them glowing warm like the photo with regular food-safe oiling.
- Matte Black Cabinet Handles: Create a sharp, modern contrast against white millwork by installing sleek matte black pulls and hardware.
Reclaimed Wood Shiplap With Character
A reclaimed wood shiplap backsplash is my love language—knots, nail holes, and all. I always sand it silky-smooth and seal it well, so you get the story without the splinters in your kitchen.
A few things you might like:
- Reclaimed Wood Planks: Transform your walls instantly with authentic reclaimed wood planks that add effortless rustic charm and distinct character.
- Matte Polyurethane Sealer: Protect your wood backsplash from moisture and grease while maintaining a natural, non-glossy look with this durable finish.
- Orbital Sander Kit: Ensure a smooth, splinter-free surface on rough lumber with this essential tool for prepping your rustic backsplash.
Soft Coastal Blue Painted Shiplap
I’ve painted a shiplap backsplash in a dusty coastal blue, and it made white dishes and natural wood shelves pop like crazy. If you try this, I’d keep the sheen closer to satin so it wipes clean but still feels cozy in the kitchen.
Might be a good match:
- Dark Walnut Wood Cutting Board: Add warmth to your counters with a rich wood board that contrasts beautifully against cool blue tones.
- Satin Finish Interior Paint: Achieve that durable, wipeable surface perfect for backsplashes by choosing a high-quality satin finish paint.
- White Canister Set: Make your blue backsplash pop by styling your counters with crisp, bright white storage containers.
Shiplap With a Built-In Ledge Rail
I like adding a slim ledge on top of the shiplap backsplash so you can lean cutting boards and little framed prints without drilling extra holes. I’ve built this for clients who restyle their kitchen constantly, and it’s the easiest “refresh” spot.
A few relevant products:
- Wooden Magnetic Knife & Utensil Bar: Install this minimalist wooden rail to mimic a ledge or hold knives securely while adding warm wood tones.
- Large Wood Cutting Board with Handle: Display this functional board on your countertop or lean it against the wall to create rustic kitchen charm.
- Floating Wood Picture Ledge Shelf: Create the perfect spot to lean artwork or cookbooks without drilling by installing this slim, stylish wooden ledge.
Diagonal Shiplap for a Fresh Twist
Yes, you can install a shiplap backsplash on a diagonal, and it’s a total conversation starter without being loud. I tried this once on a small kitchen wall, and it instantly felt custom—just plan your outlet cuts carefully.
Check these products out:
- Real Wood Wall Planks: Create that custom diagonal look easily with authentic wood planks designed for simple peel-and-stick installation.
- Precision Miter Saw: Ensure your diagonal cuts are sharp and perfectly angled for a professional shiplap finish at home.
- Matte Black Outlet Covers: Upgrade your electrical fittings to match the modern aesthetic shown in the image for a cohesive finish.
Herringbone-Style Shiplap Backsplash
A herringbone layout using short shiplap pieces turns your kitchen backsplash into art, and I love how it reads “old farmhouse” and “modern design” at the same time. I’ve built it like flooring—lots of measuring, but the payoff is huge.
These products might be useful:
- Reclaimed Wood Wall Planks: Achieve that rustic texture instantly by using peel-and-stick wood planks designed for easy DIY installation.
- Miter Saw: Ensure clean, precise angled cuts necessary for a perfect herringbone pattern with a reliable power saw.
- Construction Adhesive: Secure your backsplash pieces firmly to the wall for a long-lasting and durable kitchen renovation.
Shiplap With Thin Metal Inlay Strips
For a little edge, I’ve inlaid thin metal strips between a few rows of a shiplap backsplash, and the contrast is so satisfying. It still feels like a warm wood backsplash, just with a subtle industrial wink.
A few suggestions:
- Self-Adhesive Metal Trim Strips: Add that subtle metallic edge easily by placing these peel-and-stick strips between your wood planks for instant definition.
- Unfinished White Oak Boards: Create the warm, organic base of your backsplash using these raw wood planks, perfect for custom staining and installation.
- Brass Finger Pull Cabinet Hardware: Tie the whole look together by matching your new metal backsplash inlays with sleek, coordinating brass drawer pulls.
Resin-Filled Shiplap Grooves for Easy Wipe-Down
This one feels fancy: I’ve filled selected seams of a shiplap backsplash with a thin pour of clear resin so crumbs and grime don’t hide in the grooves. It’s a bit extra, but if you cook a lot, you’ll love how easily the kitchen wall wipes clean.
Items that may come in handy:
- Clear Casting Epoxy Resin Kit: Use crystal clear, durable resin to fill the seams of your woodwork, creating a smooth and washable surface.
- Precision Tip Applicator Bottles: Control the flow of your resin perfectly into narrow shiplap grooves with these fine-tipped, squeeze-friendly dispensing bottles.
- Painter’s Tape for Delicate Surfaces: Ideally mask off the edges of your shiplap boards to ensure clean lines and prevent messy resin overflow.
