DIY Guide to Board and Batten Around Windows

Board and batten started as a simple fix in old barns, helping keep them warm and dry.

When I first saw it in a friend’s home, I didn’t know this humble wall design would change how I felt about my own space.

Like many homeowners, my walls felt plain and empty. I wanted something different but was worried about the cost.

That’s when I learned about board and batten, it uses basic wood strips laid over wide boards to create a beautiful layered look.

The best part? You can put it anywhere – from bedrooms to hallways.

With some basic tools and a weekend of work, you can add lasting charm to your home. Let me show you how.

Materials Needed

Essential Items:

• Wide boards for base layer (MDF works well indoors)
• Wood strips for battens
• 4-foot level or longer
• Wall-specific nails
• Basic saw tool
• Measuring tape
• Writing pencil
• Simple hammer

Helpful Extra Items:

• Power saw for better cuts
• Nail gun for faster work
• Gap fill compound
• Wall compound
• Paint base coat
• Final paint
• Small paint brush
• Stud finder tool

DIY Guide To Install Board And Batten Around Window

Measure And Plan The Layout

First, check your window’s full size, noting both height and width.

Take extra care with older windows that might not be perfectly square.

Most rooms look good with boards set 14 to 16 inches apart.

Use your level to mark straight lines on the wall – this step matters more than you’d think.

Draw your planned layout on paper first.

Trust me, this saved me from making wrong cuts. Pull out your measuring tape and mark spots for each board.

Cut Top And Bottom Trim Pieces

Line up your boards with the window height first – it makes the whole job easier.

Make sure your cut marks are clear and straight. When I started, I found that marking both sides of the board helped me stay on track.

Cut the top piece and bottom piece to match your window’s width.

Take time with these cuts – they set the base for everything else.

Install Bottom Trim Piece

Put your bottom trim in place first.

Check it’s level – a crooked bottom piece will throw off your whole design.

Press it firmly against the wall and mark where wall supports are.

Use the right nails for your wall type – what works on drywall might not suit plaster. Keep checking the level as you nail it in place.

Cut The Vertical Battens

Measure from your bottom trim to where the top piece will sit.

Add a small bit extra – you can always trim down, but you can’t add length back. Cut one batten first and test it fits. If it works well, use it as your guide for cutting the others.

This saves time and helps keep all pieces the same size.

Install Vertical Battens

Start at one side of the window and work your way across.

Use a scrap piece of wood as a spacer – this keeps gaps even between battens.

Make sure each piece stands straight up and down.

Put nails near the top and bottom, plus one in the middle for taller pieces. Keep checking your work with the level.

Install Top Trim Piece

Place your top trim carefully over the vertical pieces. Like the bottom piece, check its level before nailing.

Make sure it sits snug against all vertical battens. Nail it in place, working from one end to the other.

Double-check that the corners meet nicely with your side pieces.

Finish The Installation

Fill every nail hole with a wall compound. Look for gaps between boards and walls – fill these, too.

Let everything dry well. Sand until the surface feels smooth.

Clean off all dust – I use a damp cloth for this. Put on your first coat of paint, then a second one after it dries.

Thin coats work better than thick ones.

Final Check

Look at your work from different angles.

Fill in any spots you missed. Make sure all boards sit tight against the wall. Clean up any paint drips. Wipe everything down one last time.

Take a step back and enjoy your work. You’ve just added real value to your room.

Some Unique Designs to Style Your Board and Batten

Board and Batten Interior Walls

Let’s make those plain walls stand out. In living rooms, floor-to-ceiling board and batten creates clean lines that catch the eye without being too loud.

Many homeowners mix it up by putting board and batten halfway up the wall, then adding light paint or simple wallpaper above.

This combo works great in dining rooms, making the space feel put together without being stiff.

For hallways, whiteboard and batten brighten up the space, while darker colors can add depth.

You can even paint the boards and wall spaces different colors for extra style points.

Board and Batten Entrance

Your entrance sets the tone for your whole home. Board and batten can help make it special.

Try putting hooks between the boards for coats and bags – it’s both good-looking and useful.

Some folks extend their baseboards to match the board and batten height, making the whole entry feel more grand.

You can still use board and batten for homes with curved doorways – keep it below the arch.

Add a small shelf at the top of your board and batten to display photos or seasonal items.

Board and Batten on Fireplace

Make your fireplace the star it should be.

Board and batten frames can stretch from the mantel to the ceiling, drawing eyes upward and making your room feel taller.

You might add simple shelves between the boards for candles or art pieces.

Whiteboard and batten look clean and fresh, while black or navy can make your fireplace area feel more dramatic.

The key is keeping the design simple – let the fireplace and board and batten work together without competing.

Board and Batten For Bedroom

Turn your bedroom into a cozy retreat with a well-planned board and batten.

Behind the bed, it works like a built-in headboard – no extra furniture is needed.

Paint it in soft grays or gentle blues to create a calm feeling.

Some people put thin strips close together for a modern look, while others space them wider for a more open feel.

Match your bedding to the board and batten color for a pulled-together look, or create contrast with different shades.

Add wall lights between the boards for both style and function.

Board and Batten For Office

Make your home office feel more like a real workspace with board and batten walls.

You can put it behind your desk to frame your video call background or use it to create a focus wall to improve your concentration.

Build shallow shelves between the boards for books and files; it saves space and looks neat.

Paint it in light colors to keep the room bright and open for work hours. The clean lines help reduce visual clutter, making it easier to focus on tasks.

Conclusion

When I started putting board and batten around my window, I wasn’t sure I could do it.

But looking at my finished work now, I can tell you it’s worth every minute spent.

The way it frames my window gives the whole room a different feel.

This project taught me that good planning and basic tools are all you need. You don’t have to be an expert. Just follow each step carefully.

Whether you choose MDF for indoor spaces or solid wood for outside, your walls will look better than before.

Take your time, measure well, and soon you’ll have a window that stands out. Ready to start? Your tools are waiting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do Board and Batten on a Wall with a Window?

Yes, you can install board and batten around windows. Just frame the window with vertical boards and keep the spacing consistent with the rest of the wall pattern.

Are Board and Batten Going to Go Out of Style?

No, board and batten have been used for centuries and remain popular. Its simple, clean look fits both modern and classic home styles.