Creating a home that feels calm, welcoming, and truly ours has become something I value more and more. Over time, we’ve been slowly making thoughtful changes—adding character, warmth, and simple details that make everyday living feel just that little bit more special. This time, we turned our attention to the bedroom and created a DIY board and batten feature wall—a simple update that has made such a difference.If you’ve read my About Me page, you’ll know our home is over 20 years old and was very much lacking in character when we moved in. Room by room, we’ve been adding warmth, texture, and interest to create a home we truly love.

This time, we turned our attention to the bedroom and created a DIY board and batten feature wall—a simple update that has made such a difference.

Master Bedroom Makeover: Adding Character to a Simple Space

Like much of our home, our master bedroom isn’t particularly large, but it has beautiful natural light and a window overlooking the pool deck. It’s one of my favourite places to unwind—whether I’m reading, relaxing, or enjoying a quiet moment.

I wanted to create a feature wall that would add interest without overwhelming the space. After considering a few options, we decided on a board and batten wall with a shelf, which would allow me to style photos and décor.

Upgrading the Skirting Boards (The Simple Way)

We had already installed larger skirting boards in other areas of the home, but we didn’t want the time or cost of replacing them in the bedroom.

Instead, we:

• Added a smaller skirting board on top of the existing one
• Turned it upside down to match the flat profile
• Matched the height to other rooms in the house
• Painted everything in Dulux Vivid White

It’s such a simple trick, but it made everything feel cohesive throughout the home.

How to Install a Board and Batten Wall

Creating a DIY board and batten wall is surprisingly straightforward—it’s really all about careful measuring.

Step 1: Plan Your Layout

We started by deciding the height of the shelf and mapping everything out.

Step 2: Install the Frame

We used timber from Bunnings:

• Vertical boards: 66 x 11mm primed pine
• Installed at each end (1266mm from top of skirting)

Step 3: Add Horizontal Boards

• Lower horizontal: 855mm from skirting
• Upper horizontal: 1200mm from skirting

All pieces were fixed using a nail gun.

Step 4: Add Vertical Battens

The wall was divided into sections, and additional vertical pieces were installed between the horizontals to complete the classic board and batten look.

Adding a Decorative Shelf

To finish the wall, we added a shelf above the top horizontal board.

• Back board: 138 x 18mm primed pine
• Shelf: two pieces of 92 x 18mm timber layered together
• Supports: veranda brackets (cut to size for budget-friendly support)

We added decorative trim for a more polished finish, then painted everything in Dulux Vivid White.

Styling the Bedroom: Simple, Calm and Layered

I’ve always loved white bed linen—it feels fresh, calm, and timeless. It also allows you to change the look of the room easily with a few cushions or throws.

For this space, I layered:

• White bedding for a clean base
• Soft pink accents (a long-time favourite)
• Hints of green for a fresh update

Some favourite pieces include:

• Bedspread and waffle blanket from Bed Bath N’ Table
• Cushions from Wheel & Barrow
• Wreath from Adairs
• Linen piece from H&M Home

I love mixing old and new—like our sofa, which we’ve had for nearly 30 years and still adore. It’s now my favourite little spot to read and plan.

Final Thoughts on Our Board and Batten Feature Wall

This board and batten bedroom wall has completely transformed the space. It added character, texture, and a sense of calm—all without a huge cost.

It’s one of those projects that feels simple, but the impact is anything but.

If you’ve been thinking about adding a DIY feature wall, I would absolutely recommend giving this a try.

If you enjoy home projects, you might also love our kitchen renovation reveal and small laundry makeover.