DIY Board & Batten Accent Wall with Shelf

Add character and charm to any room by building a board and batten accent wall, complete with a sleek shelf. This project is beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and packs a powerful visual punch — ideal for transforming a nursery, bedroom, or living area.

Still missing base boards on the sides and some touch ups on the wall, but I love how it looks! And check out the cool vintage frame I got at the thrift store. :)

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Materials You’ll Need:

• Pine boards: 1×2 for vertical battens, 1×4 for the shelf and top rail

• Miter Saw

• Paint + primer

• Paint/Brushes/Roller

• Caulk, spackle, and sandpaper

• Painter’s tape

• Nail gun (or liquid nails for non-nailer route)

• Wood filler

• Stain (e.g., Minwax Dark Walnut) + protective polycrylic

This is a pretty good tutorial on how to do board and batten. Since I did this new construction, I didn't have an existing baseboard to deal with though.

Why It Works

• Visual Depth & Texture: The battens add architectural interest even on a single accent wall.

• Functional Design: A ledge-style shelf adds display space—perfect for books, plants, or frame accents.

• Customizability: From paint colors to shelf finish, you can tailor every element. 

Tips & Tweaks

• If your baseboard is decorative or angled, you can cut battens to sit flush or add a flat quarter-round molding to even things out. 

• Don’t worry about hitting studs—where spacing feels right is what matters. 

Not a DIYer and want help with interior design? Message me!

Comment below and let me know what you think of this board and batten wall with shelf. Thanks for reading!