Home Design & Decorating Decorating Walls & Paint

52 Stylish Wood Slat Wall Ideas for Any Room

By
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel has written on design for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Slate, Fast Company, and the international editions of Elle Decor.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 11/11/24
wood slat wall ideas

Jessica Nelson Design / Carina Skrobecki Photography

Wood slat walls were a hallmark of midcentury modern interiors that have come back into style in recent years, making them look fresh and contemporary for those who missed the trend the first time around. Customize a wood slat wall room divider, living room fireplace wall, or bedroom accent wall with paint, wood stain, and the amount of spacing between boards.

Check out these wood slat wall ideas in a range of spaces and styles for inspiration.

  • 01 of 52

    Embrace Midcentury Modern

    midcentury modern wood slat wall ideas

    Design by Lovers Unite / Photo by Chris Mottalini

    Midcentury interiors feature wood slat walls to define space while allowing light to filter in. In this Los Angeles home renovated by architect Alan Koch and designer Karen Spector of the firm Lovers Unite, every fifth vertical slat is carried up onto the cross beam for an integrated look that add a visual rhythm to the design.

    Continue to 2 of 52 below
  • 02 of 52

    Paint Wood Slats Green

    green wood slat bed wall ideas

    Michelle Boudreau Design

    Paint a wood slat bed wall green to match the rest of the room. The slats will add texture while remaining cohesive with the color palette, like this cozy modern rustic bedroom from Michelle Boudreau Design.

    Continue to 3 of 52 below
  • 03 of 52

    Complement Japandi Style

    japandi-style wood slat wall ideas

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    A wood slat wall is the perfect backdrop for a Japandi-style living room. Desiree Burns Interiors paired the wall accent with a floating storage console in a similar light wood tone in this tranquil space.

    Continue to 4 of 52 below
  • 04 of 52

    Try Contemporary Wood Slats

    black wood slat fireplace wall

    Brophy Interiors

    Paint wood slat walls black for a contemporary look. This black-and-white living room from Laura Brophy Interiors features a white modern fireplace flanked with walls clad in vertical black wood slats, with chunky black floating shelves on one side to display objects.

    Continue to 5 of 52 below
  • 05 of 52

    Wrap the Ceiling

    wood slat wall and ceiling ideas

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Margaret Austin Photo

    Use slat wood to create dimension in a transitional space like a corridor. Cathie Hong Interiors clad opposite walls and the ceiling in golden wood slats in this spacious Northern California home.

    Continue to 6 of 52 below
  • 06 of 52

    Decorate With Colorful Art

    living room wood slat accent wall ideas

    Michelle Boudreau Design

    Hang a colorful piece of framed modern art on wood slat walls to add contrast, like this open-plan living room from Michelle Boudreau Design. A pair of hanging bubble chairs adds more retro flair.

    Continue to 7 of 52 below
  • 07 of 52

    Mix Open and Closed Slats

    wood slat wall ideas

    Studio Peake

    In this basement kitchen and dining room from Studio Peake, a natural wood slat staircase wall with wide gaps allows light and air to flow through, while a closed wood slat clad detail at the bottom of the stairs creates cohesion.

    Continue to 8 of 52 below
  • 08 of 52

    Try Wood Slat Wainscoting

    wood slat wall wainscoting ideas

    Ashley Montgomery Design

    Install wood slat wainscoting in a hallway to make it feel more welcoming. Ashley Montgomery Design painted the wood slat half walls in the same beige pink as the walls for a cohesive look.

    Continue to 9 of 52 below
  • 09 of 52

    DIY a Slat Wood Headboard

    wood slat headboard

    Laura Brophy Interiors

    For a less permanent solution, DIY a wood slat headboard wall that is wider than the mattress to make room for built-in nightstands, like this bright bedroom from Laura Brophy Interiors. Use a horizontal layout to make the bed seem wider and the room more expansive.

    Continue to 10 of 52 below
  • 10 of 52

    Hide the TV

    sliding wood slat wall to hide tv

    Maite Granda

    Install a sliding wood slat wall to hide the TV. Interior designer installed a rich stained wood slat wall to add contrast with white walls and double as decor in this contemporary Florida living room.

    Continue to 11 of 52 below
  • 11 of 52

    Create a Modern Look

    wood slat accent wall ideas

    Michelle Berwick Design

    Create a modern look in a neutral space by mixing a wood slat wall with white cabinetry. Michelle Berwick Design paired a wood slat wall with a mix of white closed storage and open display shelving in this living room.

    Continue to 12 of 52 below
  • 12 of 52

    Paint Wood Slats White

    white wood slat wall

    Michelle Boudreau Design

    Paint your wood slats white and pair with mixed materials for a modern feel. In this blue-and-white bedroom from Michelle Boudreau Design, white painted wood slat walls are mixed with vertical channel tufted panels that act as a headboard, while pleated white curtains add another variation of vertical lines to the vibrant space.

    Continue to 13 of 52 below
  • 13 of 52

    Decorate the Fireplace Wall

    wood slat fireplace wall

    Arbor & Co.

    Incorporate texture on a neutral fireplace accent wall with vertical wood slats. This space from Arbor & Co. includes a painted white brick fireplace with a simple light wood mantel for a clean, modern look that is enhanced with a wall of vertical wood slats in a similar tone.

    Continue to 14 of 52 below
  • 14 of 52

    Build a Room Divider

    wood slat banquette wall

    Jessica Nelson Design / Carina Skrobecki Photography

    A partial wall made from sturdy wall slats runs from floor to ceiling in this renovated midcentury modern dining nook from Jessica Nelson Design. The slats are spaced generously to allow light to pass through, while providing a backrest for wood bench seating that makes the space feel inviting and cozy.

    Continue to 15 of 52 below
  • 15 of 52

    Incorporate a Hidden Door

    wood slat wall ideas with hidden door

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Margaret Austin Photo

    Create a seamless look with a hidden door that is covered in the same wood slats as the surrounding walls, like this hallway powder room from Cathie Hong Interiors.

    Continue to 16 of 52 below
  • 16 of 52

    Try a Chevron Layout

    wood slat bedroom accent wall ideas

    Mindy Gayer Design Co. / Photo by Lane Dittoe

    For a twist on vertical wood slats, install a wood slat accent wall in a chevron pattern to add warmth to a neutral bedroom, like this space from Mindy Gayer Design Co.

    Tip

    You can also add variation to a standard vertical wood slat accent wall with a horizontal layout, or by choosing a chevron pattern for an updated look.

    Continue to 17 of 52 below
  • 17 of 52

    Clad a Double Fireplace

    wood slat fireplace wall

    Design by Michelle Gerson Interiors / Photo by Brittany Ambridge

    Clad a floor-to-ceiling double-sided fireplace in wood slats to create a room divider between seating areas. In this Hamptons home from Michelle Gerson Interiors, the linear fireplace insert is trimmed with a recessed frame with a slightly worn patina that adds contrast.

    Continue to 18 of 52 below
  • 18 of 52

    Contrast With Dark Paint

    wood slat headboard wall ideas

    Michelle Boudreau Design

    Add drama by continuing a wood slat headboard up onto the ceiling like in this bedroom from Michelle Boudreau Design. The pale wood slats add contrast with the forest green walls while complementing a pair of warm wood nightstands.

    Continue to 19 of 52 below
  • 19 of 52

    Decorate the Home Bar

    wood slat wall home bar

    Laura Brophy Interiors

    Wood slat cladding on the wall and the island around this home bar from Laura Brophy Interiors adds a warm feel that is contrasted with stone countertops and modern lighting.

    Continue to 20 of 52 below
  • 20 of 52

    Try Color Blocking

    wood slat accent wall bedroom

    @ann.living / Instagram

    Use wood slats in varied finishes, layouts, and shapes to create a modern accent wall. Ann Living mixed black wood slats in a chevron pattern with dark brown vertical wood slats with a rounded edge to create a neutral color-blocked wall detail that personalizes the space.

    Continue to 21 of 52 below
  • 21 of 52

    Structure a Modern Entryway

    modern wood slat wall ideas

    Brophy Interiors

    Help to structure a large entryway with a wood slat wall, like this space from Laura Brophy Interiors. The large, widely spaced wood slats allow light and air to pass through and complement the glass and wood floating staircase and white brick painted walls.

    Continue to 22 of 52 below
  • 22 of 52

    Create a Feature Wall

    wood slat TV wall

    Design by Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis / Photo by Heidi Harris

    Create a feature wall of built-ins that includes open and closed storage and display space, like this light-flooded living room from Atelier Davis. The warm wood tones complement furniture and decor elements in bright shades of blue and coral.

    Continue to 23 of 52 below
  • 23 of 52

    Fill a Blank Space

    wood slat dividing wall

    Michelle Boudreau Design

    Michelle Boudreau Design filled the gap between the top of the kitchen peninsula and the ceiling with a vertical wood slat insert that helps to delineate the space from the entryway while maintaining and open and airy feel. Coral wall paint complements the warm wood tones.

    Continue to 24 of 52 below
  • 24 of 52

    DIY a Wood Slat Headboard

    horizontal wood slat headboard wall

    Arbor & Co.

    If you want to add warmth to a neutral bedroom, consider adding a simple wall-to-wall horizontal slatwood headboard, like this cozy space from Arbor & Co.. The wall can double as a ledge to display framed art and plants,

    Continue to 25 of 52 below
  • 25 of 52

    Clad a Backsplash Wall

    wood slat backsplash home bar

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Margaret Austin Photo

    Use wood slat wall details throughout a modern, white-walled space to add warmth and continuity, like the wood slat backsplash on this home bar from Cathie Hong Interiors that complements an adjacent full wall of the same slat wood.

    Continue to 26 of 52 below
  • 26 of 52

    Combine With Light Wood

    wood slat fireplace niche

    Laura Brophy Interiors

    Decorate a black vertical wood slat wall with horizontal light wood floating shelves to add contrast, like this contemporary fireplace wall from Laura Brophy Interiors.

    Continue to 27 of 52 below
  • 27 of 52

    Create a Privacy Wall

    wood slat bathroom privacy wall ideas

    Maite Granda

    Create a privacy wall for the toilet with wood slats. Interior designer Maite Granda ran a floor-to-ceiling wood slat wall to partially obscure the WC in this Florida bathroom that doesn't block light.

    Continue to 28 of 52 below
  • 28 of 52

    Install a Backdrop Wall

    wood slat dining room accent wall

    Michelle Boudreau Design

    Michelle Boudreau Design created a backdrop for the dining area with a wood slat wall that contrasts with a painted white shiplap ceiling. A modern mirror hanging on the wood slat wall reflects the matching wood slat wall on the living area opposite in the open-plan space.

    Continue to 29 of 52 below
  • 29 of 52

    Warm Up a Mini Mudroom

    mudroom wood slat wall

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Margaret Austin Photo

    A small mudroom bench is clad with warm slat wood fitted with small wall hooks to hang up jackets in this space from Cathie Hong Interiors.

    Continue to 30 of 52 below
  • 30 of 52

    Break Up a Painted Wall

    wood slat wall accent

    Michelle Berwick Design

    Add a mini accent wall in a dark painted bedroom with wood slats on one side of the bed that will add contrast and warmth without a major makeover or renovation, like this space from Michelle Berwick Design.

    Continue to 31 of 52 below
  • 31 of 52

    Separate Bathroom Zones

    wood slat bathroom room divider wall ideas

    Maite Granda

    Separate zones in an open-plan bathroom with a floor-to-ceiling wood slat wall. Interior designer Maite Granda installed a partial wood slat wall painted white to create visual separation in this Florida bathroom.

    Continue to 32 of 52 below
  • 32 of 52

    Try a Wood Slat Side Wall

    wood slat side wall ideas

    Michelle Boudreau Design

    Use wood slats on a side wall to add unexpected texture and interest. Michelle Boudreau Design layered a matte black slat wood side wall with a dramatic white textile wall hanging to create a secondary focal point in this modern mountain primary bedroom.

    Continue to 33 of 52 below
  • 33 of 52

    Add Privacy to a Loft

    horizontal wood slat loft wall

    Design by Concrete / Photo Zoku Paris

    Use wood slats to add partial privacy to a loft bedroom without blocking air and light. The long stay Zoku apartments designed by interior design firm Concrete use signature horizontal wood slat door paneling that looks like shutters to unite multi-functional walls and conceal the sleeping spaces. It's a smart design solution for delineating living and working zones in studio spaces.

    Continue to 34 of 52 below
  • 34 of 52

    Unite an Open-Plan Space

    wood slat wall ideas

    Michelle Boudreau Design

    Use a series of wood slat walls throughout an open-plan space to create a cohesive feel. Michelle Boudreau Design used wood slat walls in a warm honey tone to unite various zones of this open plan space, from the hallway to the open kitchen, dining, and seating areas.

    Continue to 35 of 52 below
  • 35 of 52

    Paint Wood Slats Gray

    wood slat staircase wall

    Tyler Karu

    A painted gray wood slat wall is contrasted with natural wood on the stairs and handrail of the semi-open staircase in this home from Tyler Karu. The wood slats cast shadows on the white wall opposite during certain times of day, depending on the light.

    Continue to 36 of 52 below
  • 36 of 52

    Detail With Wood Slat Doors

    wood slat accent

    Sissy + Marley Interior Design / Photo by Marco Ricca Studio

    Add interest to a built-in wall niche with wood slat detailing on storage doors, like this contemporary space from Sissy + Marley Interior Design that features a place to display books and objects.

    Continue to 37 of 52 below
  • 37 of 52

    Paint Wood Slats Black

    modern black wood slat fireplace wall

    Laura Brophy Interiors

    Black wood slats add texture to this linear fireplace wall in a living room from Laura Brophy Interiors. The slats are spaced and applied to the solid fireplace wall in a purely decorative fashion for a dimensional look.

    Continue to 38 of 52 below
  • 38 of 52

    Try a Wood Slat Headboard

    wood slat headboard wall

    Ashley Webb Interiors

    Ashley Webb Interiors used floor-to-ceiling wood slats to create a dramatic, space-saving headboard in this light neutral bedroom.

    Continue to 39 of 52 below
  • 39 of 52

    Lighten Up the Hallway

    hallway wood slat wall

    Tyler Karu

    Wood slats create a lighter feel in a hallway, dividing space without totally blocking off light or views, like this space from Tyler Karu.

    Continue to 40 of 52 below
  • 40 of 52

    Attach a Wall Sconce

    wood slat headboard with sconce

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    Attach a sconce to a wood slat headboard for a chic and space-saving look. Desiree Burns Interiors hung an organic modern sconce above a floating nightstand on this extra-wide wood slat headboard.

    Continue to 41 of 52 below
  • 41 of 52

    Add Privacy in the Bathroom

    wood slat bathroom wall

    Michelle Boudreau Design

    Add partial privacy without blocking light or air flow in a bathroom with a wood slat dividing wall like this space from Michelle Boudreau Design. The warm wood slats complement the sink vanity and add contrast with blue-and-white star patterned tiles for a retro modern look.

    Continue to 42 of 52 below
  • 42 of 52

    Divide the Dining Area

    painted wood slat wall

    Tyler Karu

    Wood slats create a semi-transparent wall that separates the staircase from the dining area in this Maine home from Tyler Karu.

    Continue to 43 of 52 below
  • 43 of 52

    Pair With Wallpaper

    wood slat accent wall

    Laura Brophy Interiors

    Pair a wood slat wall with wallpaper for a varied look, like this corner dining area from Laura Brophy Interiors that mixes warm and cool tones and finishes for an inviting feel.

    Continue to 44 of 52 below
  • 44 of 52

    Choose a Dark Stain

    basement wood slat wall ideas

    Louis Duncan-He Designs

    Complement a moody color palette with dark stained wood slats. Louis Duncan-He Designs carried the slats onto the ceiling to structure this basement lounge space.

    Continue to 45 of 52 below
  • 45 of 52

    Clad Fireplace Built-Ins

    wood slat fireplace wall built-ins

    Michelle Boudreau Design

    Clad fireplace built-ins with wood slats. Michelle Boudreau Design finished the back of banquettes flanking the fireplace in this living room with wood slats to complement vertical stacked tile.

    Continue to 46 of 52 below
  • 46 of 52

    Warm Up the Bathroom

    wood slat bathroom walls

    Arbor & Co.

    Arbor & Co. covered the walls and corner shelving of this bathroom with wood slat detailing. The wood adds warmth to this inviting bathroom that is finished with traditional terracotta floor tiles.

    Continue to 47 of 52 below
  • 47 of 52

    Dress Up a Murphy Bed

    wood slat murphy bed wall ideas

    Louis Duncan-He Designs

    Add warmth to the back of a Murphy bed with a wood slat accent. Louis Duncan-He Designs paired natural wood with stained olive green cabinetry in this office guest room.

    Continue to 48 of 52 below
  • 48 of 52

    Mix With Other Materials

    modern wood slat wall ideas

    Louis Duncan-He Designs

    For a dimensional look, mix wood slats with other wall finishes. Louis Duncan-He Designs paired narrow painted black wood slats with wide walnut wood panels and veined black stone in this moody modern living room.

    Continue to 49 of 52 below
  • 49 of 52

    Build a Wood Slat Banquette

    wood slat banquette ideas

    Michelle Boudreau Design

    Finish the back of a built-in banquette with wood slats. Michelle Boudreau Design painted the slats in an earthy green in this modern rustic living room.

    Continue to 50 of 52 below
  • 50 of 52

    Cover a Vaulted Ceiling

    wood slat vaulted ceiling ideas

    Marie Flanigan Interiors

    Cover a vaulted ceiling in wood slats to add interest to a modern farmhouse interior. Marie Flanigan Interiors contrasted the warm wood slat ceiling with pale vertical shiplap walls in this airy space.

    Continue to 51 of 52 below
  • 51 of 52

    Paint Wood Slats Blue

    painted wood slat bathroom wall ideas

    Jessica Nelson Design / Carina Skrobecki Photography

    Balance bathroom tile with a wood slat wall accent. Jessica Nelson Design painted the wood slats in a rich shade of blue to match the vanity.

    Continue to 52 of 52 below
  • 52 of 52

    Pair With Patterned Tile

    mudroom wood slat wall ideas

    Louis Duncan-He Designs

    Pair pale wood slat walls with patterned tile flooring to add contrast to a small mudroom, like this space from Louis Duncan-He Designs.

Are wood slat walls still in style? 

Wood slat walls are still in style. Because slat wood walls were a popular midcentury modern trend that has come back into fashion in recent years, those with midcentury modern interiors might argue that they never went out of style. On the other hand, those who grew up with them and associate them with the past might consider them out of date. There are plenty of modern ways to embrace the current trend for wood slat walls, from wood stain to paint to decor and styling.

What is the best type of wood to use for a slat wall?

You can install a slat wall using precut dimensional lumber. Opt for sheet goods such as MDF, plywood, or veneer wood for a budget-friendly alternative. 

How are wooden slats attached to a wall? 

First, attach support boards to the wall to ensure that your wood slat wall is stable and won't warp over time. Run a thin centered bead of construction glue down the back of the slat. Attach it to the support board, then nail it in place with a nail gun. Use a level throughout the process to ensure that both support boards and wood slats are straight.