Charleston, SC & surrounding areas

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Belican Builds.

§ What's it slat all about?

Mid Century Slat Wall

A structural porch pillar between the living and dining room becomes the centerpiece of a mid century modern slat wall.

Mid Century Slat Wall Fig. — cover

Whoever built this house thought it was a good idea to plant a porch pillar right between the dining room and living room. Structurally necessary, but visually an eyesore that split the space awkwardly and drew the eye for all the wrong reasons.

The client had always loved slat walls. This was the perfect opportunity. Rather than hiding the pillar, I made it the centerpiece.

Before

Living room before, pillar visible between dining and living areas
Fig. Living room before, pillar visible between dining and living areas

During

The slat wall was only part of the story. While I was in there, I removed the popcorn ceiling and crown molding, patched the drywall, and painted the entire room. The ceiling fan came down too. The room was essentially stripped back before anything new went in.

Room during renovation, popcorn ceiling removed and room prepped for paint
Fig. Room during renovation, popcorn ceiling removed and room prepped for paint

After

Each slat was sanded to 240 grit, smooth enough to take stain evenly and finished to the touch. I sampled several stains before landing on Gunstock, a warm brown with just enough red undertone to complement the room’s existing palette. A final coat of clear satin polyurethane gives a subtle reflectivity in low light that makes the wall feel alive in the evening.

The ceiling fan was replaced with a flush mount fixture on a dimmer. Removing the pillar exposed the slab underneath, so I sourced matching hardwood flooring and patched it seamlessly. You would never know it was there.

Slat wall after, living room view
Fig. Slat wall after, living room view

Slat wall, close up of stain and finish
Fig. Slat wall, close up of stain and finish

Slat wall in the lived-in room
Fig. Slat wall in the lived-in room

Details

  • Built vertical slat wall incorporating existing structural pillar
  • Sanded slats to 240 grit, stained in Gunstock, finished with clear satin polyurethane
  • Removed popcorn ceiling and crown molding
  • Painted room dove white
  • Replaced ceiling fan with flush mount light on dimmer
  • Patched hardwood flooring where pillar base was removed