something like this?

Here is a link that might be useful: wainscot

You can do real wainscoting the old way using floating panels and rails and stiles with the requisite grooves to hold the panels. It is slow and expensive.

A more common method used now is to apply plywood to the wall, then add molding to the plywood to create the appearance of panels, rails, and stiles.

Both look almost exactly the same once finished if the work is done well.

In 20 years I have done the 'old' way about a dozen times, and the plywood method probably hundreds of times.

Thanks for the pictures, links and great info. We have the wainscotting shown in the first picture in our entry way and up the stair way..I wanted something a little different for the breakfast room and appreciate your help. Looking for a simple look as the breakfast room is not a formal space, just looking to add back some "vintage charm". great suggestions..thanks again!
Ree

I have a Greek Revival from 1858 that has no wainscotting but the spandrel under the staircase sounds like the design you might be describing. Obviously, it hasn't been stripped of the old paint. HTH

It seems the link I gave redirected to another picture in the album. the one below should go to the one I meant, with the simpler wainscot

Here is a link that might be useful: wainscot example

antiquesilver & kennebunker
antique..LOVE your stairway! very charming!

kennebunker..that is what I am looking to do! with the verticals much higher, adding two verticals across the top with maybe 8"-10" space between them..I think it is more of an arts & crafts style, but love the look and think it will look perfect in the breakfast room. above that I want to put a shelf the length of the wall with simple style brackets.

I found a 'kit' but getting the wood materials my self, they have the wood planks in 1/8" in thickness and that would fit nicely on the base molding.. (thin though)

I will take pictures once it's finished, right now we are tiling the back splash of the kitchen and from there move on to the breakfast room!
Thanks again!
Ree