As the wife of an expert carpenter, I’ve been spoiled by being able to fill my house with rich architectural details for merely the cost of stuff. We have established a space with a coffered ceiling, added crown molding throughout our house and even appointed carriage doors to our garage from scratch. Next on our architectural jazzification list is installing vertical tongue and groove wall paneling in our dining room.
Tongue and groove joints allow flat pieces of wood to be combined together to create a single level surface. Famous for their rich texture, stripy pattern and ability to dramatically heighten the interest of a space, vertical tongue and groove walls are spectacular in comparison to the blank canvas of shingles.
We are especially excited to include tongue and groove since it’s an efficient method to provide the illusion that a space is larger than it actually is. Our dining room is more of a corner and has the cheapest ceilings in our home. Vertical tongue and groove wall paneling will make the ceiling appear higher than it actually is.
Whether they have a natural pine finish, are painted bright white (the route we’re going) or are blended with additional architectural components, vertical tongue and groove walls can certainly define and virtually expand a living space.
Mackle Construction
The rich texture and vertical pattern of tongue and groove walls reduce the demand for artwork.
Meg Adams Interior Design
Crown molding and vertical tongue and groove wed to create walls with great architectural detail. Together, they also give the illusion of a ceiling that is heightened.
Cushman Design Group
Painted in Benjamin Moore’s Linen White, the vertical tongue and groove walls enhance this Vermont home’s organized mudroom and help make it seem larger.
David Heide Design Studio
Natural tongue and groove walls contribute to the rustic and contemporary sensibilities of the northern Minnesota hunting lodge.
Structures Construction Company
Together with crown molding and walnut flooring, the tongue and groove walls contribute to the showstopping entryway.
Koch Architects, Inc.. Joanne Koch
Tongue and groove ceilings and walls of 1-by-6 painted pine join with exposed beams in this bright, architecturally rich guest cottage.
Tim Barber Ltd Architecture
Vertical tongue and groove paneling can be installed both inside and outside.
Amy A. Alper, Architect
Installing tongue and groove in an old house is a smart renovation choice, since it insures less-than-perfect surfaces.
More: Watch what happens when paneling goes flat