--- title: Horizontal or Vertical Shiplap? description: Discover how horizontal and vertical shiplap orientations can transform your space, enhancing width or height, and complementing various design styles from Modern Farmhouse to Mid Century. image: https://www.ufpedge.com/hubfs/UFP-Edge/UE_BlogImages/2020/May%202020/Buying%20Shiplap%20Online/CharredSmokeWainscotingDogSofa3.jpg --- [Skip Navigation](https://www.ufpedge.com/blog/horizontal-or-vertical-shiplap#main) [![edge-logo-blue](https://www.ufpedge.com/hubfs/Landing%20Page%20Content/Edge/edge-logo-blue.svg) ](https://www.ufpedge.com/) Go back Open Menu - [Products](https://www.ufpedge.com/products) - Why Edge - Inspiration - Resources - Get Started **Search [0 View Cart ](https://www.ufpedge.com/cart) [ Where to Buy ](https://www.ufpedge.com/get-started/locations) [ Order a Sample ](https://www.ufpedge.com/get-started/order-samples) 2 min read # Horizontal or Vertical Shiplap? [ Edge ](https://www.ufpedge.com/blog/author/edge) : Sep 9, 2020, 8:00:00 AM    ![Charred6SmokeWhiteRoom2](https://www.ufpedge.com/hs-fs/hubfs/UFP-Edge/UE_BlogImages/2020/Sept%202020/Shiplap%20Orientation/Charred6SmokeWhiteRoom2.jpg?width=582&height=582&name=Charred6SmokeWhiteRoom2.jpg) Shiplap orientation will change the overall look of your room. See the difference between our [Charred Wood Smoke shiplap ](https://www.ufpedge.com/products/pattern/charred-wood-smoke-white)applications. ## Shiplap Orientation Depending on the look you are striving to achieve, you may want to consider shiplap orientation. Shiplap is commonly installed horizontally, but it can also be installed vertically or in a unique pattern. When weighing the pros and cons, you’ll want to consider the size of the space, ceiling height, and your interior design style. ### Horizontal shiplap  **• Makes the room appear wider • Popular in Modern Farmhouse, Cape Cod, and Coastal styled homes  • Common on staircases, accent walls, and kitchen backsplashes** Horizontal shiplap is the most common application in homes. It is also the easiest to install since you do not need furring strips like you might in a vertical application. The nickel gaps between your shiplap boards will create strong horizontal lines that give the illusion that your room is wider than it actually is. The [width of your shiplap](https://www.ufpedge.com/inspiration/blog/2019/february/what-size-shiplap-should-i-use) will also play a role in your aesthetic.  Horizontal shiplap can also add to the style of your interior. Rustic shiplap in a horizontal application will resemble barnwood walls, which can complement a Rustic or Farmhouse design style. Our [Timeless shiplap](https://www.ufpedge.com/products/pattern/timeless-farmhouse-white) in a horizontal application will give a clean, beachy look and enhance a Coastal or Cape Cod interior. Shiplap looks great as a horizontal application on staircases because the shiplap lines become extensions of the stairs. It also balances the vertical direction of moving up or down stairs. Horizontal shiplap as a backsplash acts as counterweight to cupboards that often hold some vertical visual weight. When your decorating a room with horizontal shiplap, think about ways to add vertical interest for the perfect balance of lines.  ![Timeless Nickel Gap_Farmhouse White Skylight Room](https://www.ufpedge.com/hs-fs/hubfs/UFP-Edge/UE_BlogImages/2019/Sept%202019/What%20is%20Nickel%20Gap%20Shiplap/Timeless%20Nickel%20Gap_Farmhouse%20White%20Skylight%20Room.jpg?width=432&height=476&name=Timeless%20Nickel%20Gap_Farmhouse%20White%20Skylight%20Room.jpg) *This Coastal home features our [Timeless Farmhouse White shiplap](https://www.ufpedge.com/products/pattern/timeless-farmhouse-white).* ### Vertical shiplap **• Makes walls appear taller  • Popular in a Mid Century, Modern, or Contemporary homes  • Common on kitchen islands, as wainscoting, and accent walls** Vertical shiplap has a modern contemporary feel to it, being a more uncommon application. If you are decorating in a vintage or mid-century look, the vertical shiplap will add some retro vibes as it nods to its predecessor, ‘70s wall paneling. If you live in a home with lower ceilings, vertical shiplap will work to your advantage as the gap lines will help elongate your walls and give the illusion of taller walls and higher ceilings. Vertical shiplap is a nice addition as wainscoting, in a mudroom area, or on a kitchen island. It can counterbalance the horizontal lines of a table, shelves, or countertops in those areas.  If you are looking to install shiplap vertically on an accent wall, you will want to install furring strips horizontally to ensure a secure fit. For install videos and instructions, check out the product pages.  ![CharredSmokeWainscotingDogSofa3](https://www.ufpedge.com/hs-fs/hubfs/UFP-Edge/UE_BlogImages/2020/May%202020/Buying%20Shiplap%20Online/CharredSmokeWainscotingDogSofa3.jpg?width=455&height=303&name=CharredSmokeWainscotingDogSofa3.jpg) *[Charred Wood Smoke White shiplap](https://www.ufpedge.com/products/pattern/charred-wood-smoke-white) featured as wainscoting.* ### Shiplap Patterns  If you are looking for a fun project, a shiplap pattern is great way to add a unique look. It can often act as a room’s focal point. A pattern will bring a lot of movement to a room, and you won’t need much décor. The accent wall becomes the décor piece.  ![timeless6blacksofa2](https://www.ufpedge.com/hs-fs/hubfs/UFP-Edge/UE_BlogImages/2021/Dec%202021/Shiplap%20Designs/timeless6blacksofa2.webp?width=507&height=507&name=timeless6blacksofa2.webp) *This modern shiplap design is created with our [Timeless Midnight Black shiplap](https://www.ufpedge.com/products/pattern/timeless-midnight-black).* * * ### READY TO GET STARTED ON YOUR HOME PROJECT? FIND [WHERE TO BUY](https://www.ufpedge.com/where-to-buy).  - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## Related Posts [![A Guide to Understanding Common Wood Siding Patterns](https://www.ufpedge.com/hubfs/UFP-Edge/Gallery%20Images/Product%20Pages/Pattern/Timeless/Farmhouse%20White/Timeless_FarmhouseWhite_Coastal%20Interior.jpg) ](https://www.ufpedge.com/blog/pattern-profile-guide) #### [A Guide to Understanding Common Wood Siding Patterns](https://www.ufpedge.com/blog/pattern-profile-guide) Each board profile delivers a distinct look and feel to homes. Some patterns are suitable for the exterior, while others are better suited for... [![The True History of Shiplap, Before Chip and Joanna](https://www.ufpedge.com/hubfs/UFP-Edge/UE_BlogImages/2020/Jan%202020/History%20of%20Shiplap/shiphullshiplap.jpg) ](https://www.ufpedge.com/blog/the-history-of-shiplap) #### [The True History of Shiplap, Before Chip and Joanna](https://www.ufpedge.com/blog/the-history-of-shiplap) Shiplap has become a hot trend over the past several years, but its origins have nothing to do with interior design. [![15 Ways To Use Shiplap In Your Home](https://www.ufpedge.com/hubfs/UFP-Edge/UE_BlogImages/2021/April%202021/Color%20Trends/BaizaInteriorsShiplapBuiltIn.jpg) ](https://www.ufpedge.com/blog/15-ways-to-use-shiplap-in-your-home) #### [15 Ways To Use Shiplap In Your Home](https://www.ufpedge.com/blog/15-ways-to-use-shiplap-in-your-home) As shiplap continues to pop up in homes across America, we’re seeing fun and creative installations. This wood paneling is known for its ability to... [![Different Types of Wood Wall Treatments](https://www.ufpedge.com/hubfs/UFP-Edge/UE_BlogImages/2020/Feb%202020/Types%20of%20Wall%20Treatments/Board%20and%20Batten_TypesofWallTreatments.jpg) ](https://www.ufpedge.com/blog/types-of-wood-wall-treatments) #### [Different Types of Wood Wall Treatments](https://www.ufpedge.com/blog/types-of-wood-wall-treatments) There are many ways to add style to a flat, plain wall by using different types of wood wall treatments. You might’ve heard of terms like panel... #### Stay Up to Date with Edge [![edge-logo-white](https://www.ufpedge.com/hubfs/Landing%20Page%20Content/Edge/edge-logo-white.svg "edge-logo-white")](https://www.ufpedge.com) [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/ufpEDGE) [Pinterest ](https://www.pinterest.com/ufpedge/) [Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/ufpedge/) [LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/ufpedge/) [YouTube ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg5yJ46w_iI2lPrugPMNZTA) ©1999 – 2026 UFP Industries, Inc. All rights reserved [ Privacy Policy  |   ](https://ufpi.com/privacy-statement/) [ Terms of Use  |   ](https://www.ufpedge.com/terms-of-use) [ Warranty ](https://www.ufpedge.com/warranty-claim-submissions)   |   Cookie Settings - [Products](https://www.ufpedge.com/products) - [Trim & Fascia](https://www.ufpedge.com/products/trim-and-fascia) - [Siding](https://www.ufpedge.com/products/exterior-siding) - [Pattern & Shiplap](https://www.ufpedge.com/products/pattern-and-shiplap) - [Why Edge](https://www.ufpedge.com/why-edge) - [About Us](https://www.ufpedge.com/why-edge/about) - [Pro Center](https://www.ufpedge.com/pro-center) - [Innovative Approach](https://www.ufpedge.com/about/innovative-approach) - Inspiration - [Projects](https://www.ufpedge.com/inspiration/projects) - [Gallery](https://www.ufpedge.com/inspiration/gallery) - [AI Design Visualizer](https://www.ufpedge.com/inspiration/visualizer) - Resources - [Blog](https://www.ufpedge.com/blog) - [News](https://www.ufpedge.com/resources/news) - [FAQs](https://www.ufpedge.com/resources/faqs) - Get Started - [Where to Buy](https://www.ufpedge.com/get-started/locations) - [Order a Sample](https://www.ufpedge.com/get-started/order-samples) - [Become a Dealer](https://www.ufpedge.com/get-started/become-a-dealer) - [Contact Us](https://www.ufpedge.com/contact-us)