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Bathroom wall options


5 Best Bathroom Wall Options

Bathroom walls are different from walls in other parts of the home. In living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and other completely dry areas, any type of wall covering will work. Even kitchens, which are mostly dry, can have almost any type of wall covering. Backsplashes protect key areas in kitchens to make this possible. But in bathrooms, water comes from all directions. Moisture, both from direct tub and shower overspray as well as moisture-laden air, is devastating for bathroom walls. Bathroom vent fans do help, but even well-vented bathrooms can have moisture issues.

Tip

Whatever wall covering option you're drawn to, make sure it fits into the overall style of the home before committing.

Bathroom Wall Surfaces Summary

Surface Pros Cons
Vinyl wallpaper Easy to install because it can be unpeeled and reapplied more than once Some vinyl wallpaper is not suited for heavy moisture
Interior paint Designated bathroom paint has mold- and mildew-inhibiting additives If designated bathroom paint is chosen, it can cost up to twice as much as regular interior paint
Tile Tile is 100-percent waterproof as long as it is expertly installed Too much tile can overwhelm a room and make it feel sterile
Beadboard Beadboard helps to protect walls against direct moisture from shower or bathtub Beadboard's traditional look may not work for all bathroom styles
Tileboard Tileboard can be a quick fix for bad drywall in a kitchen or bathroom Medium density fiberboard (MDF) with a hard melamine layer on top is a poor substitute for real tile

Vinyl Wallpaper

Vinyl-coated wallpaper is one of the better options for bathroom walls in terms of functionality (all-paper coverings will degrade in the moist environment). But if 100-percent vinyl wallpaper makes you think of a hotel, think again. Vinyl wallpaper has grown up and become sophisticated. Retailers such as Tempaper offer gorgeous vinyl wallpapers that have graced homes featured in style and shelter magazines.

Just be sure that your present wall surface can accept peelable vinyl wallpaper. Because it is less sticky than permanent wallpaper, peelable vinyl wallpaper will not stick to matte, flat, or rough surfaces. Also, vinyl wallpaper works best for indirect, ambient moisture. So use in conjunction with a surface that covers the lower section of the walls. There are, however, some vinyl wallpapers that will withstand direct contact from water, such as in a shower stall.

One benefit of vinyl wallpaper is that you can actually try it out before applying it. Buy a roll or a sample, then stick it up in the room. Large patterns will visually reduce the size of your bathroom. Verticals draw your eye upward and make the room feel taller. Horizontals seem to widen it.

photomile​ / Getty Images  

Semi-Gloss Bathroom or Regular Interior Paint

Bathroom paint is regular interior paint that has properties that make it better suited for bathrooms. With regular interior paint, the main thing to avoid is getting a flat or matte surface paint because the paint's pores trap water. A classic way to avoid this is to use semi-gloss or even a high gloss sheen; water beads up on these surfaces. But premium paints with mold-killing additives let you have those desirable flatter sheens in the bathroom.

The best thing about using paint for your bathroom walls is cost. Eggshell or semi-gloss interior paint is inexpensive. Even designated bathroom paint, which can cost up to twice the amount of regular acrylic-latex interior paint, is far cheaper than using wallpaper, tile, or other hard surfaces.

The Spruce / Michelle Becker 

Ceramic or Glass Tile

Ceramic tile is a classic choice for bathroom walls.  With tile, as long as it is properly applied, moisture will never be a problem. Since the days of the ancient Romans, tile has been used even for standing-water surfaces such as the insides of bathtubs and pools.

Design is your main consideration. All tile has grout, and grout means lines. Lines create patterns that can either enhance or detract from the bathroom's appearance. Too many tiles can make a room feel busy, ponderous, sterile, and even depressing. Partially tiling the wall is a good compromise. Ceramic tile used as wainscot usually stops at a certain point on the wall, around 36 inches is typical.

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Beadboard

Beadboard provides only partial coverage for the wall: the lower half. But the lower section is the most important part when it comes to moisture problems. Beadboard can be painted with semi-gloss or glossy paint, which thoroughly protects the lower parts of the walls against moisture.

For easier installation, purchase panels of beadboard that are eight feet long by four feet high. Installed lengthwise, these long boards lay down quickly with construction glue and finish nails. For a more refined and historically accurate look, choose individual beadboard planks.

Beadboard gives your bathroom a classic look, which can be either an asset or a deficit. For traditionally styled bathrooms, beadboard fits right in. For modern bathrooms, beadboard is out of place and ungainly.

Brett Taylor​ / Getty Images 

Tileboard

At first glance, tileboard looks like ceramic tile. Tileboard comes in large format panels that let you install 32 square feet of wall covering that looks nominally like tile in just a few minutes.

Better tileboard looks closer to real ceramic tile and the wear surface is coated, so it repels moisture. Cheap and easy to install, tileboard is best used for a guest bathroom or basement bathroom due to its economical appearance. Tileboard is a bargain material that fixes wall problems quickly but adds little long-term value to your home.

One downside to tileboard is that it rapidly swells up and will not recover its original dimensions if water reaches the back of it. One way to avoid this problem is to keep all seams and edges caulked with bathroom-grade silicone caulk.

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida 

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By

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel is an interior design expert who has covered architecture, interiors, and decor trends for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Lonny, and the American and international editions of Elle Decor. She resides in Paris, France, and has traveled to over 30 countries, giving her a global perspective on home design.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 02/28/22

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

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10 materials suitable for bathroom walls

Natalia | 01/25/2016 | Updated | Wall decoration, Finishing materials | 182,031 views | 1 comment

Contents of the article

When it comes to renovating a bathroom, the first thing many of us choose is wall decoration. Don't rush to settle for ceramic tiles - consider other possible materials. Wall decoration in this room should, of course, be moisture-resistant, durable, hygienic, easy to care for , resistant to a wide range of detergents, as well as resistant to temperature extremes. What materials can be used for wall decoration in the bathroom?

#1. Ceramic tiles

Let's start with , the most traditional variant of - ceramic tiles. It is this finish that adorns the vast majority of bathrooms today, and there are a lot of good reasons for this. So, among the advantages of this finishing material can be noted:

But there are also some disadvantages of :

One of the types of ceramic tiles is mosaic . It has the same advantages as ordinary tiles, but at the same time allows you to create a more spectacular interior. Mosaic can be square, pentagonal, hexagonal, rhomboid in shape, vary in color and texture. The only disadvantage of this solution is its high price.

#2. Painting

This is probably the cheapest and easiest way to finish the walls in the bathroom. However, it is worth remembering that not every paint is suitable for this room, because it is must be moisture resistant .

Which paints can be used for bathroom walls? The most reliable options include:

Despite the simplicity and cheapness of decorating the walls with bathroom paint, you need to know a few drawbacks of material.

#3. Plaster

Stucco is another option to create an unusual yet moisture-resistant finish in the bathroom. The advantages of this solution include:

There is also minus . Some types of plasters are distinguished by a high price, and some will also require the involvement of craftsmen, but the result will definitely please you.

Naturally, not all plasters have the desired decorative and operational properties. Which material is suitable for finishing the bathroom?

Do not forget about various decorative techniques. So, on the finished layer of plaster using a stencil, you can apply any pattern that will decorate the room and give it a certain style.

No. 4. Wallpaper

Many people are quite critical of the idea of ​​decorating the walls in the bathroom with wallpaper. But if you choose the right material and use it correctly, you can achieve a stunning effect. Among the advantages of decorating the walls in the bathroom with wallpaper can be noted :

Naturally, has its downsides:

For use in the bathroom, glass wallpaper, which is moisture resistant and can be painted, liquid wallpaper which does not form joints, as well as vinyl and acrylic wallpaper are excellent.

#5. Gypsum board

Gypsum board is rarely used in bathrooms today, but it can be a great option for those who have very uneven walls in the bathroom, and the process of leveling them requires a lot of time and money. Also, this option is useful for those who decided to create an interesting interior in the bathroom with the presence of original architectural forms.

The main advantages of gypsum board are:

You only need to choose a moisture-resistant drywall, and it is easy to recognize by the characteristic green color of the sheets. Among the disadvantages of such a finish are:

#6.

Plastic Panels

Although not often used in bathrooms, plastic panels can boast a lot of positive qualities :

Nevertheless, it is worth considering some disadvantages of inherent in plastic panels:

#7. Natural stone

This is one of the most expensive, but, no doubt, spectacular solutions. Often when decorating walls, it is marble that is used - this is one of the safest natural stones that does not accumulate high levels of radiation. In addition, marble has a low moisture absorption coefficient, and its porous structure allows the material to "breathe" and thereby regulate the microclimate in the room.

But a material such as marble has some drawbacks. Firstly, it is very expensive, secondly, it requires constant careful maintenance, and, thirdly, this material does not resist acid-containing products well, so maintenance is even more complicated. In addition, it is quite heavy material.

In addition to marble, limestone, sandstone, slate, granite and cobblestone are actively used for wall cladding.

#8. Artificial stone

Artificial stone has almost all the same advantages as natural stone, but without many of the disadvantages, making it an ideal finish for bathrooms and a serious competitor to conventional ceramic tiles. Among the main advantages of artificial stone it is worth noting:

Artificial stone is great for bathrooms and can be used to finish even the wettest areas. The decorative stone also looks great when facing the shower, because in itself the appearance of flowing water over the stone is quite natural and natural. In general, artificial stone is a huge scope for imagination in the field of interior design, but it is necessary to veneer all the walls in the bathroom only with stone with special care so as not to turn the room into a dungeon or a castle. Often the stone is combined with other finishing materials.

#9. Self-adhesive film

Quite an interesting and unusual option for finishing the bathroom. The film is waterproof and the seams between the sheets are sealed with silicone sealant. The advantages of self-adhesive film include:

Naturally, was not without its drawbacks:

No. 10. Some unusual solutions

If you want to make the interior of the bathroom completely original, then you can take a closer look at these solutions:

In conclusion

In pursuit of interesting interior solutions in the decoration of bathroom walls, do not forget about the practical side of the issue. The material must be strong and durable, moisture resistant and hygienic. If you really want to use some kind of original finish, then it is better to combine it with materials that have already proven themselves in such difficult conditions.

The article was written for remstroiblog.ru.

Tags:Bathroom

Wall decoration in the bathroom: a review of materials (+ photo)

Even the ancient Romans were sure that the place where a person washes should be special. They decorated their baths, as baths were called at that time, like luxurious palaces. Centuries have passed, but the attitude to the rooms for hygiene procedures has changed little. Every owner of a house or apartment wants to make his bathroom not only as functional as possible, but also beautiful.

In the process of developing a design project, it is important not only to choose the design and decor, but also to choose the right materials for wall decoration in the bathroom. Properly selected wall covering will last a very long time and will be able to maintain an attractive appearance.

Contents of the article:

Requirements for finishing materials

There is an opinion that it is simply impossible to create an unusual and interesting interior in a bathroom. Especially if the room is small. Therefore, most often the owners listen to the recommendations of designers and decorate the bathroom in the same style as the rest of the apartment or house. The result is often not the best.

The place where a person performs hygiene procedures should be not only functional, but also beautiful

And this is not at all because some stylistic miscalculations are made. The bathroom requires a special approach. Here you can implement original ideas and experiments. Fenced off from the living space with an interior door, the room can be bright, original and stylish.

And above all, you need to think about finishing materials. It is not true that the best choice is ceramic tiles. There can be a lot of options. However, before proceeding with their choice, you need to understand that the bathroom is a room with special conditions, so all coatings used for finishing should be:

The last requirement, at first glance, is not directly related to the special conditions of the bathroom. However, you need to understand that the repair in the bathroom is more complex and time-consuming than in any other room. Therefore, you should strive to make it as rare as possible.

In addition, modern plumbing fixtures have a long service life, so they need the same durable frame.

How can I finish the bathroom walls?

There are a lot of options for finishing, for every taste and, of course, for every budget. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of several of them.

Option #1 - ceramic tile

This is the name of plates of various shapes and sizes, made of baked clay. Tiles are made by pressing a homogeneous crushed mixture and subsequent firing in ovens at a temperature of about 1200C. There are varieties of ceramics:

The design of ceramic tiles can be very different. In addition to the traditional square and rectangular cladding of various sizes, more interesting plate shapes are produced: hexagons, triangles, and even circles and ovals. The colors and textures of the tiles are also varied.

Interesting models with all kinds of inserts made of metal, mirror or stone. Manufacturers offer tile collections that include basic cladding and decor: borders and plates, decorated with various patterns and motifs.

The obvious advantages of ceramics include:

The main disadvantage of any ceramics can be considered the complexity of installation, before which it will be necessary to carry out laborious work to prepare the surface of the walls for cladding.

The manufacturer offers collections of ceramic tiles, in which the main cladding and decor are already selected. Using such a collection, even a non-professional can create an attractive design

The features of the finishing material are such that it can only be laid on a completely leveled, dry, primed base with a special compound. The cladding process is also complicated and requires the involvement of specialists. It is almost impossible for a person without experience to lay tiles on walls with high quality.

In addition, the ceramic surface is always cool to the touch, so leaning against such a wall is not very pleasant. The material belongs to the category of brittle and fragile, which complicates the transportation and laying of tiles. The cost of cladding depends on the quality and the manufacturer.

On sale you can find both elite models belonging to the high price category, as well as quite budget material. Thus, a cladding that is acceptable in terms of cost and quality, if desired, can be found without much difficulty.

Option #2 - self-adhesive film

Self-adhesive film is based on polyvinyl chloride. A decorative pattern is applied on the front side of the coating, on the opposite side there is a layer of glue that holds the material on the surface. It is covered with a protective layer of paper.

To apply the film on the wall, you need to very carefully and gradually remove the protective layer, while straightening and pressing the vinyl to the base. Such a film is perfectly fixed on plastic, wood, glass, plasterboard and metal surfaces.

Many types of self-adhesive film are available. On sale you can find a single-color coating, glossy or matte, mirror, with a 3D effect or metallized.

Films that imitate various materials are interesting: fabric, mosaic, tile, wood, cork, and the like. The advantages of vinyl film include:

The disadvantages of the material can be considered sensitivity to direct exposure to high temperatures, which is why it is not recommended to glue it near hot objects. In addition, low-quality film may shrink or stretch.

Self-adhesive film available in a variety of designs. Using this material, you can quickly and inexpensively create an exclusive design for your bathroom.

The installation of the coating is extremely simple, but before starting it, it is necessary to prepare the base very well, since all, even the smallest cracks and irregularities, will be clearly visible.

Option #3 - Paint

Painted bathroom walls are making a comeback with a variety of modern paint formulations. For painting, experts recommend using special paints:

The advantage of painting walls is the possibility of independent work, while their quality directly depends on the contractor. If desired, you can use various combinations of colors, which allows you to create an original interior design at low cost.

The disadvantages include the need for careful preparation of the substrate before painting.

Painted bathroom walls are a practical solution. For painting, we choose special compositions designed for rooms with high humidity

Option # 4 - plastic panels

Modern plastic panels are made of polyvinyl chloride, which is completely safe for human health. When choosing a material for finishing a bathroom, you need to consider that there are two types of such panels. One of them is designed for decorating the ceiling, and the second for the walls.

It is important to choose the right slats, because wall slats differ from ceiling slats in greater strength, resistance to mechanical damage, and less flexibility. For the manufacture of wall panels, a composition with a high content of pvc is used. In addition, their internal stiffeners are made of plastic with a thickness of at least 1 mm. It will not be possible to cut such material with a knife.

Laminate panels are best suited for wall decor. Their main difference from the rest is increased resistance to any mechanical damage. This effect is achieved through the use of a special protective film that protects the pattern from fading, and the surface of the product from scratches and chips. The advantages of PVC panels include:

Among the shortcomings of plastic panels, it is worth noting less than that of a tile, resistance to mechanical damage, vapor permeability, which leads to the formation of condensate on the surface of the coating. In addition, the frame required for the installation of lamellas "eats" part of the useful area of ​​​​the room.

For finishing the bathroom, it is best to choose laminated pvc panels, which have additional protection against mechanical damage

Option #5 - decorative plaster

A special mixture consisting of binder, filler and auxiliary components. The basis of plaster can be both natural and various synthetic substances.

A special relief of the treated surface appears due to the use of various fillers: natural stone chips, polymer granules, glass, cellulose fibers and others. When choosing plaster for bathroom decor, it is important to choose a moisture-resistant solution.

Experts recommend paying attention to the compositions intended for facade decoration, which are created using polymer, acrylic and epoxy resins. Decorative plaster has many advantages:

Significant disadvantages of decorative plaster include the risk of cracking if the house has not yet undergone shrinkage after completion of construction.

In addition, it is very important to choose the right composition, because there are fragile and moisture-sensitive types of material that will quickly become unusable in the bathroom. For insurance, you can apply a layer of protective varnish over the coating.

Decorative plaster is distinguished by a relief surface, which is created by the filler present in the solution - natural stone chips, cellulose fibers, plastic granules

Option # 6 - mosaic

Very beautiful coating, which consists of small pieces of stone, ceramics, glass, metal or smalt. The shape, color and size of the elements can be very different. A distinction is made between handmade mosaics and pre-coated plastic meshes.

In the first case, the installation process will be very laborious and time consuming. But as a result, the bathroom will acquire an exclusive design. In the second case, the installation of the mosaic will not be too laborious and time consuming.

On sale you can find a mosaic on a plastic base, which is very easy to fix on the wall. Its installation does not require special skills, and the result is a beautiful and practical coating

Mosaic is usually not divided into wall and floor, so the same fragments can be laid on any surface. The design of the bathroom is very interesting, when the mosaic seems to “flow” from the wall to the floor. The advantages of mosaic coating include: