Simple Board and Batten Dining Nook

Use this board and batten dining nook idea to add charm and texture to any room in your house, even small or unused spaces.

Adding board and batten to our very plain dining nook was one of the best decisions I’ve made in this house. I hired a handyman to install the wall treatment, but once it was up, I painted it myself. Even though I chose a neutral paint color, the board and batten adds so much personality to what was once a very plain space. If you have a couple of days and the right tools, this is definitely a project you can tackle on your own. It brought charm and character to a wall that had always felt unfinished. If you’d like to see how the space looked before, take a look at this earlier post where I shared our dining nook before the wall treatment was added. With just a few meaningful pieces and some simple lighting, the space now feels much more complete and connected to the rest of the house.

Installing the Board and Batten

Whenever I plan a project, I always factor in the cost of labor. I’m just not able or interested in tackling big DIY jobs anymore, so hiring a handyman to install this dining room wall treatment was part of my budget from the beginning. I did go a little over, but to make up for it, I used things I already had to accessorize and add my own personal style. More on that later.

The battens on this wall are spaced about 15 inches apart, and the height of the treatment is 61 inches. There’s really no right or wrong way to do this, and it’s important to base your measurements on your own space. Be sure to adjust for outlets, vents, light switches, and doors. Try to keep the distance between battens consistent, but if it’s not perfect…don’t worry. Once everything is painted and styled, no one will notice a thing. This wall treatment closely matches what I have in the foyer. Our open-concept main living space is basically a square, with the dining nook and foyer in opposite corners. Using the same treatment in both places helps the space feel more connected and cohesive.

Painting the Wall

I saved quite a bit of money by painting everything myself. Painting is one of those things that takes patience, and if you try to rush through it, the end result is never quite right. Take the time to prep your surface, prime everything, and apply two coats of paint. I used Sherwin Williams Modern Gray in a semi-gloss finish. It’s a soft, warm greige that works beautifully with the rest of my home. Even though the color is neutral, it adds just enough contrast to make the board and batten stand out. If you’re doing this yourself, don’t skip any steps. Taking your time really does make a difference. Plus, at my age, painting isn’t as easy as it used to be!

Adding the Floating Shelf and Sconces

I looked for quite a while before finally finding the perfect floating shelf on Etsy. It was easy to hang, and the quality is wonderful. I paired it with two small sconces that line up with the top of our kitchen cabinets. They aren’t hardwired, which made things much simpler. I’m using rechargeable light bulbs that operate with a remote control. They are a great way to add lighting without the added expense of hiring an electrician. I don’t plan to turn the lights on very often, so these bulbs were the perfect solution.

Hanging the Wall Decor

I kept the wall decor very simple. On either side of the window, I hung two blue and white platters from my collection. I had been wanting to bring some blue and white into this space, and the platters did not disappoint. They added just the right touch of color and personality. Since I already had them on hand, it was a budget-friendly way to finish off the wall and make the space feel like mine.

Styling the Shelf with Accessories

Styling the shelf was not only fun, it was very simple. I used two layers to give the display some depth and interest. The back layer includes two plates and a framed print, all leaning casually against the wall. In front, I arranged a few pitchers from my collection, mixing blue and white, ivory, and warm wood tones. The layering adds dimension without making the shelf feel crowded, and it was a nice way to include pieces I already love. If you’re wondering, the frame rests safely against the wall, and the plates are held securely in place by the pitchers in front.

Shaker Pegs

There are three walls with board and batten in the dining nook. Two of them surround the table, and the third is slightly set apart, separated from the dining area by the door to the patio. On that third wall, I added a row of shaker pegs to create some functional storage for Millie’s dog accessories. Above the pegs, I hung a simple matted print with a soft, vintage look that ties in with the rest of the space without feeling too formal.

More Ways to Add Interest to a Small Dining Area

• Add a rug to define the space and soften the floor
• Use patterned or textured chair cushions
• Incorporate a small centerpiece, like a bowl of fruit or a vase of fresh flowers
• Hang a mirror to reflect light and make the space feel larger
• Mix and match dining chairs for a collected look
• Use fabric napkins and placemats for a pop of color or pattern
• Add a small lamp to a nearby cabinet or hutch for cozy evening light

Adding board and batten to this small space was such a rewarding project. It brought charm and character to a space that had always felt unfinished. With the addition of a few meaningful pieces and some simple lighting, our dining nook feels more complete and connected to the rest of the house. If you’ve been thinking about adding board and batten to your home, I hope this gives you the confidence to try it. Even a small change can make a big difference.

Shop + Source

• Farmhouse Dining Collection (table, chairs, bench)
• light over table (similar)
• blue wall sconces
• floating shelf
• metal bar stools
• blue flowered tea towel
• baskets on shaker pegs
• vintage print
• brown frames
• artwork in frame on shelf (fill out the form at the end of the post)