Wainscoting is an old world wall decoration that was brought
to America during Colonial English times. It consists of varing
types of paneling that configured with even more various types
of molding and trim. Wainscoting was originally used to protect
the lower part of walls from water damage in homes with poor
foundations that allows water to collect. The use of wainscoting
today is much more superficial than substantive. While
wainscting does still provide protection for your walls, it's
not to keep water damage at bay. Today wainscoting provides
a dramatic way to significantly enhance the visual appeal of
a room. It is chosen by designers that value its elegant patterns and by those who seek to elevate the historical charm of a room. As such, kitchens make for a great place for wainscoting.
The three main styles are raised panel, flat panel and beadboard wainscoting. The latter tends to be particularly popular in kitchens. Wainscoting can be made from a wide range of materials, including wood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), plaster, plastic and stone of varying types. You can find wainscoting in various traditional-styled homes, including Colonial, Queen Anne and Georgian.
Consider This
When choosing wainscoting you should choose a style that is consistent with the trim, molding and crown molding that may be present in your room.
Wainscoting was originally introduced in America in the Northeast. Depending on what part of the country you reside, you'll hear it pronounced as "wainscoating" or "wainscotting."
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