Discover Exciting Ways to Add Batten to Your Walls

Yesterday I was reading an article about interior design, and it mentioned that the most interesting rooms are those with a great backdrop. When you think of a room’s backdrop, think windows, flooring, and walls. You can spruce up flooring with beautiful rugs, and windows with curtains, blinds, or shutters. Walls can be enhanced with trim work like bead board, chair rails, or batten. Today’s post focuses on the art of batten.

Photo by Modern Organic Interiors

 

Batten is basically strips of wood that are used in construction, both inside and out. Inside, you can use the wood strips to create different patterns, although they’re typically placed vertically on a wall.

Photo by M. Victoria Johnson Interiors

 

You can run batten strips all the way up a wall, or just partially like you see in this bathroom. There really are no rules to its application. You can top off the batten with a chair rail, shelf, or other decorative molding. 

Photo by Kelly Scanlon Interior Design

 

Batten can be used in any room, and on any surface. This entry shows how it’s applied to both the walls and the ceiling. It’s such a great (and inexpensive) way to add architectural detail in your home. So if you live in a subdivision with track housing, consider using strips of wood to make your home unique.

Photo by Sogno Design Group

 

Feel free to create patterns with batten. This dining room takes it up a notch with the addition of horizontal strips.

Photo by Contented Interiors

 

Here’s another boxy treatment on an accent wall in a bedroom. The battened area is painted a darker color to make it stand out.

Photo by Lewis and Rose Interiors

 

You can imagine what this pretty bathroom would look like with plain walls. It’d still be attractive, but the molding adds another dimension and creates more interest. 

Photo by Beautiful Chaos Interior Design & Styling

 

The beauty of batten is you can apply it anywhere. This family room shows it applied to a fireplace to mimic the beams of the ceiling. 

Photo by Jute Interior Design

 

I love the visual appeal and versatility of adding batten to a room. So much so, that hubby just bought some wood strips for the dining room. Once he’s done applying it, I’ll start painting. I feel like the room needs a little pizazz. I’ll share the results when it’s done – I still have to finish painting the kitchen though. After getting the bead board and cabinets painted, I decided to paint the trim the same color.