This project may not include any murder or mystery, but it does have paint, precision, and a whole lot of lattice. Here’s a clear, step-by-step look at how we created a colorful wood wall treatment in our son’s room using thin horizontal lattice strips and a ten-color gradient.
Earlier this year we added an upholstered headboard and a built-in bookshelf to make the room more functional and cozy. With vaulted ceilings and a wall over nine feet tall at the foot of the bed, we wanted a wall feature that added personality without overwhelming the space. After experimenting with ideas — from wallpaper to beadboard — we settled on thin horizontal planking made from primed lattice to give the wall subtle texture and a lot of color.
We loved how a large colorful mural turned our daughter’s tall wall into a statement, so our son wanted something bold too. Rather than replicate the ceiling’s wider planking, we chose narrower 1.5″ lattice strips so the new treatment would read as a complementary, finer-scale element. The thin lattice keeps the look light and unexpected while still providing physical depth that painted stripes alone can’t achieve.
We wanted a color story that felt like a beach sunset — our son loves the beach and naturally gravitates toward blues, greens, yellows, and oranges. After narrowing down favorites together, we chose ten complementary paint shades and created a digital mock-up to arrange a loose, imperfect gradient of narrow horizontal stripes down the wall. Planning this precisely helped us estimate material quantities and cut lists so installation would be efficient.
The final palette produced an “ocean-at-dusk meets modern rainbow gradient” and included the following ten Sherwin-Williams shades:
- Sumptuous Peach (SW-6345)
- Sweet Orange (SW-6351)
- Jersey Cream (SW-6379)
- Rice Paddy (SW-6414)
- Celery (SW-6421)
- Liveable Green (SW-6176)
- Waterscape (SW-6470)
- Comfort Gray (SW-6205)
- Vintage Vessel (SW-9050)
- Raindrop (SW-6495)
Painting & Prep
We used primed lattice molding because it’s thin — about 1/4″ — yet retains wood texture under paint. The narrow 1.5″ strips let us use many boards (about 60), producing a soft, subtle gradient rather than bold, wide bands. Initially we cut the lattice to rough lengths to fit around the built-in bookcase and the closet; leaving pieces slightly long is smart since walls aren’t always perfectly square and you can trim as you install.
With many colors and limited workspace, we painted the strips in batches using foam rollers and drop cloths. It turned into a family activity — our six-year-old happily helped roll paint onto the pieces, which made him invested in the final result. We painted in two batches because we didn’t have room to lay everything out at once and allowed adequate drying time between coats.
Installing The Painted Wood Strips
Before attaching anything, locate studs and mark them with a level so you can nail into solid framing rather than drywall. We started with a full-length strip across the top of the bookshelf to ensure a clean starting edge, then worked both up and down from there so no awkward slivers would appear next to the bookcase. Use a level periodically to keep rows straight.
We secured the strips with 1 1/4″ finish nails using a nail gun and used scrap pieces of lattice as consistent spacers between boards. Those small 1/4″ gaps create a subtle, slightly bolded beadboard effect without calling attention to themselves from a distance.
We installed the medium-length strips first, then moved down with shorter lengths toward the baseboard. For the upper portion — where warmer sunset shades were needed — we finished painting a second batch and installed those pieces in the same manner. When we encountered an HVAC vent, we removed the vent cover, cut pieces to fit around the opening, then reinstalled the cover for a seamless look.
Finishing Touches
From cutting and painting to nailing the strips in place, the hands-on portion took about four hours spread across two days to allow paint to dry. The final detail work — spackling nail holes, sanding smooth, and touching up paint — took another hour but dramatically improved the polished look of the installation.
With everything complete, the wall reads as a cheerful, textured gradient that brightens the entire room. We may add artwork or a shelf later, but for now the wall’s color and subtle depth are exactly what the space needed. The raised strips give a tactile quality that painted stripes alone wouldn’t provide, and the narrow scale keeps it balanced with the existing ceiling planks.
We also swapped the darker family photo above the bed for a brighter abstract piece that fits the new palette; our son lovingly calls it “his jellyfish.” Little details like that help tie the room together and make the makeover feel intentional.
If you prefer a quicker route, you can achieve a similar look by taping and painting stripes directly on the wall. However, we’re glad we used wood strips here — the added dimension and texture make a noticeable difference in person. The result is a cozy, colorful focal wall that feels custom and playful without being overpowering.
This project grew from a few dozen pieces of lattice, ten small paint pots, and a clear plan. With careful planning, consistent spacers, and attention to finishing details, you can create a similar multi-toned planked wall that adds character and color to any room.
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