Creating wainscoting with Flexlijsten: very simple yet super stylish

A blank wall, a white wall that's just missing something, that part of your house you know you should tackle but you keep putting it off. You've tried a lick of paint, maybe even considered wallpaper. But still, that feeling persists: something needs to be done.

Wainscoting is back, not as a dusty, classic detail, but as a modern, stylish statement. The good news? You don't have to be a seasoned DIYer to do it yourself. With Velida's flexible, self-adhesive moldings, you can create a wall you'll be proud of in just one afternoon. Curious what it looks like? Check out a practical example below:

What is wainscoting?

Wainscoting is a classic wall-mounting technique that visually divides a wall into upper and lower sections, usually by applying a horizontal decorative molding or paneling at a height of about 90 to 120 cm. It was originally used to protect walls from damage, for example, in hallways or dining rooms.

But these days, it's all about style: wainscoting adds depth, rhythm, and elegance to a room. It creates contrast, breaks up large surfaces, and makes a wall appear much richer and more thoughtful. By visually dividing a wall into two sections (the bottom with molding, the top exposed), you instantly create depth, rhythm, and warmth.

Traditional wainscoting usually requires considerable preparation and craftsmanship. It starts with carefully measuring and marking out the desired height and layout. Then, wooden or MDF panels and moldings are cut to size, often mitered for the corners. The components are attached to the wall with adhesive or screws, making sure everything is square and straight for a professional result. Next, the seams need to be sealed, screw holes filled, and everything neatly sanded and painted. It's a precise job that can easily take several days, especially if you don't have experience or suitable tools.

For many people, this poses a barrier: it requires time, technical expertise, and the willingness to mess around with glue, fabric, and paint. And if the final result isn't perfect, it can detract from your interior rather than enhance it.

Why Flex Mouldings Are Ideal for Wainscoting

Luckily, it doesn't have to be so complicated. With our self-adhesive Flex mouldings, you can create the same stylish wainscoting effect. No sawing or expert knowledge required. No days of work or messing around with sealant, just measure, cut, and stick. The mouldings are flexible, paintable, and suitable for any wall. Ideal for anyone who wants a luxurious look without the hassle of traditional installation.

How to make stylish wainscoting yourself with Flex Mouldings (DIY guide)

Below we show two popular ways our customers use Flex Frames: as a horizontal divider for wallpaper and as a frame on an empty wall.

Option 1: Horizontal wainscoting with wallpaper

One of the most popular applications: a sleek frame at a height of 1 meter, dividing the wall from the wallpaper. Above the frame, the wall remains simple or evenly painted, while below the frame, you can choose a wallpaper of your choice (or vice versa), from classic to playful.

Here's how to do it:

1. Measure the height from the floor
   Draw a mark with a pencil about 100 cm high. Adjust it to your preference or furniture if necessary.
   

2. Use a laser line or masking tape
   Draw a perfectly straight line across the entire length of the wall. A laser makes this easy. If you don't have one, use a long spirit level and tape.
   

3. Apply wallpaper above and below the line
   Work from the bottom up. The Flex frame creates a natural boundary and makes the whole look professional.
   

4. Cut the Flex list to size
   Use baseboard shears to cut the Classic or Crown molding to length. Make sure to cut in full lengths as much as possible for a neat finish.
   

5. Attach the list to the line
   Peel back the adhesive strip, align carefully and press firmly along the entire length.
   

6. (Optional) Paint the molding the same color as the wall above the wainscoting
   This way the whole thing appears to be one with the wall, or you can create contrast with a different shade.
   

Option 2: Frame panels with decorative moldings

Another popular approach is creating frames or panels on the wall. Think of rectangles or squares symmetrically spaced across a wall, ideal for behind the sofa, in the hallway, or bedroom.

Here's how to do it:

1. Determine the distribution of your panels
   Make a simple sketch or mark on the wall where you want to place the frames. Maintain even spacing for a clean look.
   

2. Mark out all the frames with pencil or tape
   Use a spirit level or laser to mark perfectly straight lines for the top, bottom, and sides.
   

3. Cut all sides of the frames to size
   Use skirting board shears and ensure neat right angles (90 degrees).
   

4. Stick the Flex lists along the lines
   Work one frame at a time, pressing each one firmly into place. You'll notice it instantly adds texture to the wall.
   

5. Paint everything in one color for a calm, elegant look
   This technique looks particularly luxurious in neutral tones. For example, choose a warm gray or sand color.

Both methods are completely do-it-yourself, requiring no experience, and will give your interior a completely new look in a single afternoon. With a Classic or Crown profile, you'll opt for a timeless, sleek, and distinctive look.

More creative applications with Flexlijsten

Wainscoting is just one of the many ways you can use Flex Mouldings. Their subtle profile and the ability to finish them in any color make them surprisingly versatile. From subtle wall accents to bold style elements, you'll find inspiring applications below that you can use immediately or customize to your own taste.

Arches as a soft style element

Arched shapes create a soft, organic look and fit perfectly with styles like Japandi or Scandinavian minimalism. Imagine an arch behind a bed, mirror, or crib as a visual focal point in the room. Thanks to the frame's flexibility, you can easily apply this shape to the wall yourself.

We have written a comprehensive manual on how to create arch shapes with our Flex Mouldings.

Frames around art, mirrors or lighting

A frame around a painting, wall lamp, or a strip of unique wallpaper provides a calming framework and draws attention to the object itself. This is especially effective for small or individual elements on a large wall: it focuses the attention without creating clutter.

Frame panels behind the sofa or dining table

Want to give one wall real character without wallpaper or clutter? Consider a grid of frames or vertical lines behind the sofa or dining table. Symmetrical or playfully arranged, this instantly adds depth and rhythm to a room.

Statement wall in the hall or landing

Especially in passageways with limited space, a few frames can create a striking visual accent. For example, three narrow frames spaced vertically, or one long panel spanning the entire height of the wall.

Accent lines in the bedroom

A horizontal line halfway around the room, or just behind the bed as a headboard replacement, creates a sense of calm and style. Consider combining this with a soft color or linen texture on the wall for a warm, inviting effect.

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Flex frames are easy to use, but as with any DIY project, success lies in preparation and accuracy. Below are four mistakes we frequently see and how to avoid them for a perfect end result.

1. Do not cut straight across

A crooked cut is immediately noticeable, especially at corners or joints. This causes moldings to not fit snugly, and the result can quickly look sloppy.
Solution: Always use skirting board shears with a protractor and always cut corners at a straight 45-degree angle. Before gluing, check that the pieces fit together perfectly! It's better to make one extra cut than to correct it later. For this reason, we recommend allowing 10% for cutting waste when ordering.

2. Do not stick straight

A horizontal line that is slightly crooked will throw the entire wall out of balance, especially with wainscoting or symmetrical frames.
Solution: Use a laser line or masking tape and take your time to position it perfectly straight. Only peel off the adhesive strip once you're sure the line is correct.

3. Starting too soon without a design plan

A common mistake: enthusiastically start applying the adhesive, only to realize halfway through that the design is wrong. Because the adhesive is so strong, you often can't correct the frame without damaging it.
Solution: First, carefully consider your design. Draw it out on the wall with a pencil or tape. Check the proportions and distances. Only when you're satisfied should you start pasting.

4. Using too many seams or small pieces

Moldings in loose, short pieces create visible interruptions and a cluttered effect, especially with large surfaces or long lines.
Solution: Preferably work with full lengths. Do you need to extend a piece? Place the transition in a less visible spot and ensure the two ends fit perfectly.

From bare wall to characterful eye-catcher

Whether you choose horizontal wainscoting with wallpaper or sleek frames on the wall, Flex mouldings instantly add character to your interior. The result looks like something straight out of a home magazine, but you can easily do it yourself without sawing, glue, or tools.

It's precisely that contrast between simplicity and impact that makes this solution so powerful. No major renovations, no fiddly work, just a wall you'll be proud to look at every day. And all in a single afternoon.

Inspired to get started yourself? Then browse the different styles in our collection and choose the profile that best suits your space.

Your wall is ready.