If you’ve ever stared at a blank entryway wall and wondered how to make it both beautiful and useful, you’re not alone. With three kids, I needed storage, style, and something I could easily decorate for every season.
I needed something functional. Something beautiful. Something I could decorate for every holiday. That’s when I decided to install a board and batten wall with a picture ledge. The perfect solution for an organized, holiday-ready entryway!
If you're thinking of doing one too… let’s walk through it! This guide will show you step-by-step how to build a board and batten wall and how to style it for the holidays using simple décor pieces that make your home feel instantly festive.
How to Build a Board and Batten Wall (Step-by-Step Tutorial)
1. Plan & Measure Your Board and Batten Layout
Start by deciding how tall your board and batten will go and how wide each section should be.
Tip: I’m a visual person, so my mom and I taped out the entire design right on the wall (height, verticals, spacing, etc.). It helped us see the proportions and double-check our math.
My measurements:
- 60" tall (about ⅔ of the wall height)
- 1x4 boards for verticals
- 1x6 board for the header
- 1x4 + 1x1 boards for the picture ledge
2. Calculate How Much Wood You Need
Once your spacing is set, calculate how many vertical boards, horizontal boards, and ledge pieces you need.
Tip: If you plan to paint your board and batten wall, choose pre-primed boards to save time.
3. Cut Your Boards to Size
Cut your vertical battens, top board, and picture ledge pieces. This is also the perfect time to attach coat hooks or pegs to the header board if you're creating an entryway drop zone.
Tip: If you have several boards that are the same size (like your vertical pieces), cut one (make sure it’s right) and use it as a template.
4. Install Your Board and Batten Wall
Your installation order matters for a clean finish. Here’s the order I recommend:
- Horizontal base piece above the baseboard
- Vertical battens
- Header board
- Picture ledge (shelf + lip)
Use finishing nails, liquid nail, or both depending on your wall surface.
5. Fill Nail Holes and Caulk Your Board and Batten Seams
Filling the holes and caulking every seam is what makes a DIY board and batten wall look like a built-in. This step dramatically improves the final finish, so don’t skip it! Let the caulk dry fully before moving on.
6. Paint Your New Board and Batten Wall
Choose a color that complements your space. White, cream, and soft greens are trending for holiday board and batten décor, but choose what speaks to you. I chose Evergreen Fog by Sherwin Williams.
Board and Batten Wall Quick Specs (Most-Searched Info)
Here are quick specs for my board and batten wall.
- Height: 60" (customizable)
- Materials: pre-primed boards (1x4, 1x6, 1x1)
- Tools needed: miter saw, level, nail gun, nails, liquid nail, caulk, paint
How to Style a Board and Batten Wall for the Holidays
The addition of the picture ledge makes holiday decorating so much easier. Swap out artwork, garlands, and accessories for an instant seasonal transformation.
Holiday Styling Idea #1: Cozy Christmas Entryway
A layered mix of greenery, artwork, blankets, stockings, and small Christmas decor pieces turns your board and batten wall into the perfect holiday welcome.
Get the Look
- Arched Winter Angel Wall Art, Set of Two | Switch-a-Print Series
-
Wreath
-
Indoor/Outdoor Frosted Snowman Luminaries, Set of 2
- Cable Knit Throw Blanket
- Multi-functional Sleigh Ice Bucket Beverage Cooler
- Indoor/Outdoor Pre-Lit Red Berry Trees, Set of Three
- Bench
- Stockings
- Soft Ribbon
Why We Love This Look
- Creates instant holiday charm
- Perfect for small entryways
- Easy to recreate with seasonal décor
- Works with any color palette
Want this look?
Holiday décor sells out quickly…snag your favorites early!
Holiday Styling Idea #2: Christmas Village Picture Ledge
Turn your picture ledge into a mini Christmas village using lantern houses, garlands, and framed prints.
Get the Look
- Vintage Christmas Village Luminary, Set Of 3
- White-Washed Wooden Village Houses with Star Cutouts, Set of 5
- Christmas Village Cutout Metal Lantern with Handles, Set 3
- Bottle Brush Trees
- Tealights
- Garland
- Jingle Bell String
Why This Works
- Creates depth and visual interest
- Perfect for kids (they love the “village” feel!)
- Reusable décor you can restyle each season
Holiday Styling Idea #3: Peg Décor for Functional Holiday Flair
We LOVE how Rachell (@the_penton_farmhouse) used her pegs to hang a blanket, skates, a sled, and a holiday banner to give it a nostalgic feel.
Get the Look
- Reversible Red Plaid Quilt Inspired Throw Blanket
- Antique Inspired Sled
- Skates
- Holiday Banner
- Bells
- Neutral Baskets (like Round Woven Willow Storage Tote, Set of Two or Willow Woven Lidded Basket with Vegan Leather Strap)
- Leather Handled Mango Wood Storage Boxes, Set of 2
- Nostalgic Santa Buckets with Handles, Set of 5
Every time we feature this throw, they sell out fast!
Year-Round Styling Tips for Your Board and Batten Wall
- Swap greenery seasonally (spring eucalyptus, fall leaves, winter cedar)
- Layer tall and short items on the picture ledge
- Keep small bins or baskets of seasonal décor for effortless updates
- Change out frames (or photos in your frames) for instant seasonal personality
Want More Holiday Styling Ideas + Daily Home Décor Deals?
We share fresh inspiration, DIYs, and limited-time décor steals every day, perfect for anyone planning an entryway makeover or seasonal refresh.
Come Peek at Today’s Deals on Decor Steals →
And don’t miss the Decor Steals Holiday Collection — packed with the bestselling pieces Stealers use to style their board and batten walls all season long.
Happy decorating, and happy holidays!