My fiancé Dan was out of town for a week and I thought it would be fun to make some dramatic changes to the house because why not, right?! I love surprises!!
We have an open concept main floor and the first project I did was black contrast trim all throughout. See how it looks here!
The second project was this DIY beadboard entryway makeover!
![beadboard entryway makeover with black trim and vintage aesthetic](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/OurAestheticAbode-12-1024x684.jpg)
Part One: Establish Entryway Goals
![Elisha at Our Aesthetic Abode's entryway before the beadboard entryway makeover. It's just all white except for a black door and a crystal flush mount light fixture.](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_7921-768x1024.jpg)
Goal #1: make it bold
This seems to be a goal for most of my projects… what can I say? I’m into bold design statements!
Beadboard is one of my favorite wall treatments- it’s timeless, inexpensive, and easy to install.
What did I do to make it bold? Installing it floor to ceiling! This makes the ceiling look taller and therefore the space looks more grand. Also… paint and trim! We’ll get into that later!
Goal #2: make it more my style
My design style has definitely evolved over the last year and I’m finally feeling in tune with what I love. I’m drawn to the mixture of old and new.
Modern with traditional touches and vintage pieces. To me, it’s the perfect balance!
Goal #3: Make it welcoming
Of course, this is the first space people see when they come over! It should be welcoming!
I replaced the black accordion rack with nice, sturdy brass hooks on trim detail. The outlet and light switch covers also got upgraded to a pretty satin brass. The sconces, warmer tone woods, and decor will also provide more coziness to the space.
Inspiration
![A moody entryway with floor to ceiling dark gray beadboard, wood and brass details, and a dutch door!](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_9659-826x1024.jpeg)
![A close up look at a beautiful, rich greenish blue beadboard with a peg rack and shelf. The shelf has photos and decor leaning on it!](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_9660-1024x1010.jpeg)
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means, if you purchase something from a link I provided, I will receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you! Thank you for your support!
materials
- Beadboard
- Liquid Nails
- Base Cap Moulding
- MDF Board
- Spackle
- Shoe Moulding
- Chair Rail Moulding
- Caulk
- Paint
- Hooks
- Sconces
- Brass Outlet Cover
- Brass Switch Cover
- Construction Screws
tools
Part Two: Install the Beadboard
This is actually my first time using beadboard on a wall. The only other time I used it was on the landings for our DIY stair makeover!
Unfortunately I can’t fit 8ft x 4ft sheets of beadboard in my car, so I took advantage of Lowe’s services and had them rip down the sheets to be 8ft x 2ft!
![DIY beadboard](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_7929-scaled.jpg)
Our ceilings are 9ft tall but the beadboard is only 8ft so I had to get creative. It helps that we have tall baseboards… 7.25″ to be exact.
Do you see that piece of base cap trim at the top of the wall? I ended up placing the beadboard right up to that which also helped account for some of the space.
![Two side by side pictures of a baseboard for Elisha at Our Aesthetic Abode's beadboard entryway makeover. Left photo shows that the beadboard doesn't quite hit the baseboard... it's about 1/2" too short. Right side shows a piece of base cap molding covering that gap](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/4B0A91EB-AAF0-407C-B307-B44BA3B95CC7-1024x1024.jpeg)
Even still, the beadboard was about 1/2″ short of the baseboard as you can see in the left side of the photo above.
I had some leftover base cap moulding from my living room accent wall and I thought that would be the perfect solution to this problem. I’ll share more on how I installed that later!
![A beadboard panel, back side facing up, with liquid nails that says "our aesthetic abode" for Elisha's beadboard entryway makeover](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_7953-768x1024.jpg)
Installation
You’ll want to use both an adhesive and brad nails for installing beadboard.
I used liquid nails for most of my panels, but I ran out and used wood glue for the last few. Clearly I was having fun with the liquid nails, but ideally you’d want to apply it in long, continuous lines about 10 inches apart.
Cutting around Outlets
The first panel was simple to put up, but the second panel had an outlet in the middle.
I tried out a little trick I’ve seen others used to help mark where to cut. All I had to do was dab 4 dots of paint in the corners of the outlet hole and press the back of the beadboard panel (in its proper placement) up against it to transfer those marks.
![Elisha at Our Aesthetic Abode is sharing a series of 4 photos to show how she marked and cut the beadboard for her outlet. Photo 1- the outlet with no cover and four dots of black paint in the corners Photo 2- the 4 black dots transferred onto the back of the beadboard Photo 3- a picture of the back of the beadboard after it's been cut in reference to the 4 black marks Photo 4- the beadboard cut out attached to the wall with the outlet showing through](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Untitled-design-1024x1024.jpg)
![Elisha from Our Aesthetic Abode is using a large drill bit and drilling through the middle of the four black dots on the back of beadboard in preparation to cut it for her beadboard entryway makeover](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_7948-768x1024.jpg)
One important thing to note is that next time, I would make the cut out a tad bigger so that I have access to the top and bottom screws in the outlet in the event that I’d need to change it.
Other than that, this cut doesn’t have to be perfect because it will have an outlet cover over it.
Making Tricky Cuts
Unfortunately this wasn’t the last tricky cut that I had to make… this next one was the toughest!
![Elisha at Our Aesthetic Abode is sharing a diagram of a space she needs to fill with beadboard for her beadboard entryway makeover. The diagram shows that the gap at the very top of the wall is 17 1/4" and about 50" down the gap is 17 1/2"](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/17-14-576x1024.jpg)
Not only did have a light switch to cut out, but I also had to shorten the width of the panel. First I measured from top to bottom to see if the space was even. Surprise! It wasn’t.
Walls usually aren’t unfortunately. As you can see above, the space gradually gets bigger towards the bottom.
The measurement on top was 17 1/4″ so I marked that first. It was about 50″ down that I noticed the measurement change to 17 1/2″ so I marked that next.
After that, I just used my long level to draw a gradual diagonal line down the beadboard and cut with my jigsaw. If that’s confusing, you can watch my entryway makeover highlight on IG.
![Elisha at Our Aesthetic Abode is showing a cut she made for her beadboard entryway makeover. The cut was tricky because the width was uneven and there was a light switch.](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_7974-768x1024.jpg)
There were at least 4 other cuts that I made using this marking method. Other than that, the picture below was my second most challenging cut.
![Elisha at Our Aesthetic Abode is showing a sketch with measurements of a cut she needed to make around a window for her beadboard entryway makeover](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_7978-2-909x1024.jpg)
With odd cuts like this, I like to draw a rough sketch of the outline and just write down the measurements before drawing onto the panel itself.
I also triple checked my measurements because I really wanted to get this right the first time. Guess what??? I did!
![A board board panel with a tricky cut to accommodate a window for Elisha at Our Aesthetic Abode's beadboard entryway makeover](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_7980-1-768x1024.jpg)
Tip: With MDF beadboard like I used here, It tends to “shred” when you cut it. After I made my cuts, I used a sanding sponge and just run it along the edge to smooth it out.
![Elisha at Our Aesthetic Abode is holding a sanding sponge against the cut edge of beadboard for her beadboard entryway makeover](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_7984-768x1024.jpg)
Here’s how it looked once it was all up! Remember, I was doing this beadboard entryway makeover as a surprise so I had a deadline of two days.
I finished installing all the beadboard day one, but it was dark by the time I was done. Normally, I prefer to take my time with projects.
![Elisha at Our Aesthetic Abodes' beadboard entryway makeover progress. The beadboard has been installed all around the room but still needs caulking, etc.](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_7991-768x1024.jpg)
Part Three: Paint the Trim
The door was already black, but I wanted the paint the trim around that, the window trim, and the baseboards.
With all the trim I had been painting, I felt like a pro at this point. Check out my blog post on how to paint trim and my favorite finish!
![Elisha at Our Aesthetic Abode's beadboard entryway makeover in progress. Her front door is painted black and the trim surrounding it is partially painted black. It was originally white.](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_7993-768x1024.jpg)
Part Four: Prep the Walls
Prepping for paint is so much work, I know!! But these steps are just as important as anything else, so let’s get into it:
Nail Holes
This part is a breeze! I’ve been using this spackle lately and it’s really nice because you don’t have to worry about sanding after. It doesn’t shrink as it dries so if you fill the nail holes nice and flush, you’re good to go!
Tip: you can wipe off the excess with a damp rag or baby wipe!
![Elisha from Our Aesthetic Abode is filling small nail holes with a lightweight sparkle for her beadboard entryway makeover](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_8004-768x1024.jpg)
Caulking
Ahhh, caulking! It’s a love-hate relationship, but it makes the biggest difference. Especially for this beadboard entryway makeover.
Any seams where two panels of beadboard meet, you’ll need to caulk. I also caulked where the beadboard hits the window, door, and crown moulding trim.
![Elisha from Our Aesthetic Abode is caulking the seams where two beadboard panels meet for her beadboard entryway makeover](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_8008-768x1024.jpg)
Sanding
Just like I did the with trim, I used a 220 grit sanding sponge and used it on all of the beadboard, not just the seams and nail holes. This will roughen up the surface a little so the primer has something to stick to!
![Elisha from Our Aesthetic Abode is using a sanding sponge wrapped with 220 grit sandpaper and is sanding down the beadboard for her beadboard entryway makeover](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_8021-2-1-768x1024.jpg)
Tip: When my sanding sponge gets old, I just wrap a piece of sand paper around it. It’s less expensive than continuing to buy sponges!
![Elisha from Our Aesthetic Abode is vacuuming the dust off the walls in preparation for paint for her beadboard entryway makeover.](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_8025-768x1024.jpg)
After sanding, I vacuumed the dust off the walls and wiped them down with a damp rag.
Priming
It is recommended to use a primer on beadboard, so I decided to use this shellac-based primer that I had on hand. It was tinted for a previous project (the tint is helpful if you’re painting with a dark color) and has come in handy multiple times since!
![Elisha from Our Aesthetic Abode is using a small roiled brush to apply primer to the wall for her beadboard entryway makeover](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_8028-1-768x1024.jpg)
Part Five: Trimwork
Just a little disclaimer- I painted this whole entryway purple before I did the trimwork. (I was in a hurry to paint for the surprise reveal to Dan!)
Ultimately, I decided not to keep to the purple. I’ll explain more on that in part six!
Beadboard Entryway Coat Rack DIY
An important piece of this beadboard entryway makeover was adding a DIY coat rack!
This trim is what I originally wanted, but it was pretty pricey and it took a while to ship. Then it hit me- why don’t I just make a trim similar to that! Here’s what I used:
Since I already had the MDF and glue on hand, it only cost me $15 to make this! Not too shabby!
![Elisha from Our Aesthetic Abode is using wood glue to attach the two pieces of trim to MDF for her beadboard entryway makeover](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_8989-768x1024.jpg)
Once the glue dried, I was able to cut the trim to size. Before installing, I used my stud finder and marked the location of the studs and also made sure it was level.
![This photo shows the custom trim Elisha at Our Aesthetic Abode made for her beadboard entryway makeover. There are multiple screw holes because she was struggling to get the screws to countersink.](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_9160-768x1024.jpg)
I used 2 1/2″ screws to install the trim.
Are you wondering about all those holes in the photo above? I was having a little trouble getting the screws to countersink, so I tried a few different spots. Oopsies! Nothing a little spackle can’t fix, right?!
Base Cap Moulding
As I mentioned earlier, I had to add some extra moulding to account for the gap between the beadboard and the baseboard.
This will solve that problem and make the entryway look more grand. You can never have too much trim! But, I will say, I struggled to get the angles cut properly. I’m still new to angles, so I’ll do my best to explain what I did…
![This is a collage that shows 3 photos. There's one photo on the bottom which shows two pieces of base cap molding cut to meet in a corner The top two photos show how Elisha placed the trim up against the fence for each cut.](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/F91F8CC8-D5C8-40BF-B32F-FCF18D5B62D3-717x1024.jpg)
Refer to the photo above to see how I set the trim up on my miter saw. Normally these would each be cut at 45 degree angles, but for some reason when I tried that it had a gap.
Trial and error is sometimes the only option and it’s exactly what I did in this scenario. I cut the left piece to 44 degrees and the right to 46 degrees. I know it seems odd, but it worked for all corners of the room.
After talking with my community on IG it’s possible that my miter saw blade isn’t perfectly level leading to weird cuts. Anyway, usually two 45 degree cuts will do the trick.
![Elisha from Our Aesthetic Abode is showing how she cut the trim at an angle so that two pieces could join together.](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Untitled-design-2-576x1024.jpg)
There were certain areas where I had to join two pieces of trim together. For these, I did a 45 degree miter cut.
See the photo above! Notice how I placed the trim on the table instead of the fence for these cuts. Here’s how I measured and marked for cuts like this:
![Elisha from Our Aesthetic Abode is cutting trim pieces that lay above the baseboard for her beadboard entryway makeover. This series of two photos is showing how she measured for these pieces.](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2010ACA4-7A39-4DFE-B239-6FAC22A92C00-576x1024.jpg)
At first, I just cut one angle and left the other end straight until I knew for sure it would fit! Once I got it to fit, then I’d cut the angle for the corner. Hopefully this makes sense!
![Elisha from Our Aesthetic Abode is using her brad nailer to install a trim piece above the baseboard for her beadboard entryway makeover](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_9137-768x1024.jpg)
Once I dry fitted the pieces, I nailed them in place. Then I filled the nail holes with spackle, and caulked the seam where the trim meats the beadboard.
Part Six: Painting
So what happened with the purple?
![Elisha from Our Aesthetic Abode is stirring purple paint for her beadboard entryway makeover](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_8038-768x1024.jpg)
This Behr Aubergine color is truly beautiful… just not for my space.
It looked perfect in certain areas of the room at certain times of day, but for the most part it was just too dark. Let me show you a few examples of when I liked how it looked vs. when I didn’t:
![This photo shows part of Elisha at Our Aesthetic Abode's beadboard entryway makeover when she painted it purple.](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_8139-768x1024.jpg)
![Elisha at Our Aesthetic Abode is showing her beadboard entryway makeover when it was purple. The color looks dark especially because the room has a lot of shadows.](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_8212-768x1024.jpg)
![Elisha at Our Aesthetic Abode is showing her beadboard entryway makeover when it was purple/at night! The color looks brown in this photo.](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/7788B201-42E7-4707-B010-0231C158B15E-576x1024.jpg)
After testing a lot of samples…
I decided to go with the color Shade by Clare paint. It’s their darkest greige and I love how well it compliments the black trim! It also looks perfect with the wood and brass details.
Since I’d previously primed and painted the walls, I wasn’t going to worry about priming again. I just did a quick scuff sand and wiped everything down clean before beginning.
![An up close view of beadboard for Elisha at Our Aesthetic Abode's beadboard entryway makeover. She had started to paint the grooves with a brush.](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_9194-768x1024.jpg)
When I painted the entryway purple, I only used a roller and as you can see on the left side of this photo, I didn’t get full coverage.
This was my opportunity to correct that mistake and first use a small brush for all the grooves! I’m not going to lie, it took a while, but I got full coverage this time!
![Elisha from Our Aesthetic Abode is using a roller brush and painting over the beadboard for her beadboard entryway makeover](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_9207-768x1024.jpg)
After I painted the grooves, I used a 3/8″ nap roller brush to do the rest!
I let the first coat dry overnight and then I did a light sand with a 220 grit sanding sponge. For the second coat I didn’t worry about painting the grooves again. It seemed to work just fine that way. I also decided to paint the ceiling too!
The Final Part: Styling
Brass details
The custom trim with these hooks is definitely my favorite detail in this beadboard entryway makeover. I love how oversized and durable they are. Durability was a must with the amount of stuff I store in my purse!
The art above the trim was a thrift find. It’s a vintage floral print for the month of May. It may be hard to tell, but the wood frame has a gold beaded detail to it… it’s SO pretty!
To make it even more special, this is the month we get married, the month we bought our first house, the month of my dad’s birthday, and also the month I lost him. May will always be significant to us.
![Elisha at Our Aesthetic Abode's beadboard entryway makeover featuring her custom trim with large brass hooks and vintage art leaning over top.](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_0199-768x1024.jpg)
I’ve been dying to use some brass outlet and light switch covers somewhere in our house. They can add up, so I figured I’d try them out in a small space like this.
I’m so glad I did! I just adore how they look and now I want more. The planter isn’t really a part of this space, but I figured I’d link it for you because it’s one of my favorites!
![A corner view of Elisha at Our Aesthetic Abode's beadboard entryway makeover. It shows greige beadboard with black trim, an a brass outlet cover.](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_0165-768x1024.jpg)
Sconces
Can I first just say how much I love this view with the black stairs peeping through? I should have moved the planter so you could see it better!
Anyway, let’s chat about these sconces. To answer your question, no, they’re not wired! Anytime I use sconces, I either do the puck light trick, use battery operated light bulbs, or I just don’t use anything! In this case, I knew I wouldn’t use them so I didn’t worry about it.
I love the sconces I bought, but I didn’t love the shade that came with them. They were a very cool white and almost looked blue. Luckily, I found these cute little shades instead. I loved the more whimsical, traditional look!
![A view of Elisha from Our Aesthetic Abode's beadboard entryway makeover featuring a vintage vanity, some plants, a brass vase, and a black sconce.](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_0184-768x1024.jpg)
Decor
Gotta have an entryway mirror, right?! This one has a vintage feel, which I love!
I will say, I’m considering painting it black because I feel like the metals are competing with each other. When you mix metals, it’s important to have one dominant metal, and in this case, I think it should be black. I feel that it would tie in nicely with the black trim.
Quite a few of these items were thrifted; the candlesticks, the crystal jar, the art, and the star of the show… the beautiful vanity. The vanity was an incredibly lucky Facebook marketplace find. We may or may not use it to store all of our candy.
![A view of Elisha from Our Aesthetic Abode's beadboard entryway makeover featuring a vintage vanity, some plants, a brass vase, black sconces, vintage art, black candlesticks, and a crystal jar](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_0097-841x1024.jpg)
Update: I swapped this gold mirror out for a thrifted wood mirror that I painted black. I couldn’t love it more!
![Greige beadboard up to the ceiling with a vintage piece of furniture and black accents](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/OurAestheticAbode-13-684x1024.jpg)
Links to all the decor:
![A view of Elisha from Our Aesthetic Abode's beadboard entryway makeover featuring her beautiful custom trim with oversized brass hooks](https://ouraestheticabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_0209-768x1024.jpg)
One positive to having an open concept space is that I get to enjoy this view from many places within our house. I’m admiring it right now as I sit on the couch typing this!
I’m so happy with how this DIY beadboard entryway makeover turned out and I can’t wait to have our first guests!
Please let me know if you have any other questions! Thank you for stopping by!
This looks great, Elisha! Thanks for sharing all the steps!
It looks great!! I love the beadboard detail and the color you chose. ????
Ah, thank you SO much Natalie! Thanks for being here <3
Thank you SO much Gina! I really love how the color panned out too 🙂
Hahaha always good to have your candy right by the door 😉
Hahaha grab n’ go!!
Simply beautiful! And so informative, great job 🙂
Thank you SO much Clare!!! <3