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Bathroom walls ideas


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(Image credit: Drummonds | Mandarin Stone | David Cleveland )

Our bathroom wall ideas can make your space feel truly unique – whatever its size and style. 

No longer perceived as a purely functional and clinical space, your bathroom should reflect the same level of character and identity as the interior design found in the rest of your home. No matter the design you’re planning for your bathroom ideas, your walls provide an inviting surface area to install both practical and creative features.

Whether you want to create a striking design through dynamic bathroom wall tile ideas, or keep things simple and subtle with the use of mirrors and artwork, our range of bathroom wall ideas can integrate into a variety of schemes and spaces.

From murals to wallpaper, paint to paneling, we have curated a collection of original looks and beautiful wall designs to help you create your dream bathroom space.

1. Take the lead from your flooring

(Image credit: Drummonds)

Matching your bathroom wall ideas with the tiles on your floor can create a bold, stand-out bathroom design. 

As shown beautifully in this bathroom by Drummonds , the bright green, Moroccan style patterned tiles create a luxurious, spa-like atmosphere that takes inspiration from Moroccan baths – a great example of green bathroom ideas also.

To elevate the green look even further, part of the walls and the ceiling have been finished with color-matched, Venetian polished plaster, creating an elegant, textured effect that mirrors the shapes and movement found in the geometric tiles.

(Image credit: String Furniture)

An essential for storing and organizing bathroom accessories, toiletries and towels, bathroom shelf ideas can keep your bathroom space clear and tidy, as well as add visual interest and texture to your walls. 

In this bathroom, the sleek shelving from String Furniture creates a central storage and display area around the small sink, with the towels and objects perfectly coordinating with the green tiles to create a cohesive, tonal look.  

Bo Hellberg, CMO at String Furniture states, ‘towels and other bathroom essentials all need their dedicated spot and with String’s unique shelves, you can find a place for all your things while giving your bathroom a contemporary design’.

3. Decorate your walls with artwork 

(Image credit: David Cleveland)

'When decorating with art in the home, we often forget about our bathrooms, but choosing beautiful designs for your bathroom wall ideas can effortlessly elevate the look and feel of the space, adding character, color and visual interest to the walls,' says Homes & Gardens' Editorial Director Sarah Spiteri.

Whether you position a small piece of artwork that you can gaze upon when in the bath, or choose a large, wall-to-wall design to make a colorful statement, adding decorative finishing touches through bathroom art ideas can make the room feel more inviting and personal.

(Image credit: Mandarin Stone)

The bathroom is a great place to be bold and experimental with color.  

Often smaller than many other rooms in the home, planning bathroom wall ideas that embrace new color combinations or striking tile designs can create a stylish and unique space. For more inspiration and advice on color pairings, see our color wheel guide.

This bathroom uses green and blue gloss tiles from Mandarin Stone to create an statement wall tile design. An elegant contrast is formed not only between the blue and green colors, but with the terrazzo floor tiles, creating a characterful bathroom design that celebrates pattern and color.

5. Add depth with niches

(Image credit: Ripples)

A feature that is becoming increasingly popular in bathroom design, wall niches create a recessed shelving area that can be used for storing bathroom accessories and decorative pieces, ideal for bathroom storage ideas.

'Establishing a clean and uncluttered look, niches can be planned and catered to the exact needs and demands of your bathroom space, creating handy storage and display platforms,' says Jennifer Ebert, Homes & Gardens' Digital Editor.

Often found in shower areas to store toiletries, niches can also be used across the bathroom, as shown here in this bathroom by Ripples , with the design creating a practical surface area beside the sink to store soap and accessories.

6. Get creative with mirrors 

(Image credit: GRAFF – Art of Bath)

Decorating with mirrors can not only maximize the light available in a room, making a space feel lighter and brighter, they can also create an beautiful wall feature and decorative statement in a bathroom.

In this modern bathroom by GRAFF , the large mirror creates a stunning focal point. The round shape is calming and relaxing on the eye, and adds texture and visual interest to the wall space above the sink. 

With an array of different styles, shapes and sizes available, getting creative with bathroom mirror ideas can add both glamorous decoration and practicality to your bathroom walls.

7. Make each wall different

(Image credit: Ripples)

If you’re struggling to decide on what paint color or tile shape and pattern to use for your bathroom wall ideas, why not create an eclectic design where each wall is completely different.  

A beautiful example of how this can be achieved, in this bathroom by Ripples, each wall uses a different tile design and paint color. With the overall design united by the pretty pastel color palette, the effect is uplifting, colorful and utterly unique.

8. Introduce 3D pattern for texture

(Image credit: Humbert & Poyet)

Use 3D-patterned wall decor ideas to bring a textural dimension that softens a bathroom’s hard surfaces, like CTD Architectural Tiles ’ Genesis range. 

For this luxury bathroom, architects Emil Humbert and Christophe Poyet of Humbert & Poyet collaborated with Atelier Tollis to create a striking backdrop. 

‘Based on our vision and drawings inspired by greenery, Atelier Tollis pressed a feather print into gold-leaf aluminium panels, lending an air of romance and movement,’ explains Emil.

9.  Go for a wall-to-floor tile blend 

(Image credit: Future)

Carrying floor tiles up the walls gives the illusion of greater depth and is a popular space-boosting technique in small bathrooms.  

Here, the modern grid-style installation of Barber & Osgerby ’s Lane tiles lends graphic warmth to industrial cement surfaces. 

When considering bathroom tile ideas, be sure to check the tiles are suitable for both floor and wall use. Keeping stronger colors below eye level will reduce impact for a more serene atmosphere.  

10. Add a mural for impact

(Image credit: West One)

Outsized wall mural ideas trump repeat pattern for impact and drama. 

‘Upscaling really makes an image pop. Wall&Deco ’s incredible designs are 100% waterproof so can be used anywhere in the bathroom, including inside the shower,’ says Kirsten Wain, designer, West One Bathrooms . 

‘Each print is rendered to fit the wall dimensions and can be adjusted to ensure focal parts of the design take prime position.’

11. Use wallpaper to bring in pattern

(Image credit: Divine Savages)

As a smaller room, the bathroom is ripe for embracing wallpaper in bold patterns and prints, with an array of bathroom wallpaper ideas available,

‘People worry about durability and practicality but, with a little care, there’s nothing to fear,’ assures Jamie Watkins, co-founder, Divine Savages .  

‘We recommend utilizing tiling or painted paneling in areas prone to splashing. Paneling the lower half of the wall and then wallpapering above is a particularly sophisticated look.’

12. Use an interesting mix of materials

(Image credit: Adam Carter)

Having a mix of surface materials adds depth and interest to any bathroom design. 

‘We love to mix natural stone with manmade materials,’ enthuses Hamish Smith, creative director at Ca’ Pietra . ‘While one material offers a luxe feel and naturally unique patterning, the other, take a ceramic tile for example, can bring solid color and perfect uniformity to the table.' 

In the master bathroom above, shared color tones allow the natural and manmade surfaces to mix and match in perfect harmony.

13. Use paint in a bathroom as a dramatic backdrop

(Image credit: Little Greene)

All too often, bathroom paint ideas feature the colors white or blue, but deep tones in a well-lit room can make for a space that feels like your own home spa.  

A word of caution – darker colors will show up splashes more readily than lighter ones, so it's important to ensure that the finish you choose is water-resistant in areas that are likely to get wet occasionally.

14. Play around with repeat patterns

(Image credit: Future)

Enliven a neutral color palette by repeating the same pattern across different materials. Here, Greg Natale Studio has also played with scale, pitching outsized chevron timber doors against miniature chevron mosaics with striking results. 

Beware, the devil is in the detail when it comes to installation. Precise pattern alignment is crucial but adding a break between materials, in this case the countertop, can aid neater connections.

15. Combine wood paneling with lime plaster

(Image credit: Toby Lewis Thomas)

Wall paneling ideas, such as wood or painted paneling isn't a new idea for bathroom walls – they are practical, and add texture and warmth to what can sometimes feel like a clinical space.

However, if traditional looking paneling isn't your thing, why not consider a more contemporary approach? 

The bathroom of this London apartment by architects Chan and Earys  has a combination of limed oak brushed timber planks and traditional lime plaster mixed with a natural green pigment on the walls and ceiling. 

The resulting feel is soft and tactile, echoed in the curves of the avocado-green roll top bath.

16. Mix up tile styles 

(Image credit: Oli Douglas/ Susie Clegg)

‘With so many gorgeous tiles out there, choosing just one is sacrilege, and don’t be afraid to mix up surface texture and formats as well,’ advises Mandarin Stone’s Louisa Morgan. 

‘Here, the lime terrazzo pieces in this contemporary floor tile links to green tones in the classic zellige-inspired wall tiles, creating a harmonious connection between the modern matt and traditional glossy surfaces.’

17. Create luxury with polished plaster 

(Image credit: credit 82mm photography)

One way to create the look of a luxe spa with bathroom wall ideas is to go for an uneven polished plaster finish. This bathroom trend is a wonderful contrast to the more glossy elements of a bathroom – from brassware to tiles. 

Moroccan tadelackt has a natural grittiness, which is tactile and textural, and makes for a striking contrast to even and shiny surfaces. 

Installing it should be left to professionals, explains Jamie Blake of Blakes London . 'You’re looking to add just enough movement in the plaster to create interest but not so much that the end result looks messy.' 

18. Use architectural detail to create a unique look

(Image credit: Michael Sinclair/Future)

Taking paneling a step forwards, this bathroom wall idea is a favorite amongst fans of country bathroom ideas. 

This look can be recreated quite simply – for a carpenter, anyway – with materials such as MDF, which, when painted with water-resistant paint, and assuming the room is well ventilated, will stand up to damp conditions well.

19. Paint a picture with tiles

(Image credit: Future)

Bathrooms can benefit from feature walls, and although the focus is usually, quite rightly, on the wall behind the bath, if you have a particularly attractive vanity unit, you can steal the attention from the bath to let it shine with a stunning bathroom wall idea behind it.  

If a mural is too contemporary for your tastes, this approach is perfect – a wall of tiles that create a loose mural. 

Keep the color scheming simple if you choose to do this. The tiles themselves will contribute enough detailing and texture with their shapes, material and grout lines – the mural is just the icing on the cake.

 What should I put on my bathroom walls?  

When considering what to put on your bathroom walls, combining decorative and practical elements will ensure you create a long-lasting, functional design.

When we think of bathroom walls we are often drawn to tile ideas, however, as we have explored in this piece, there are so many other options to choose from, looking to paint, wallpaper and paneling ideas can also create a truly stand out space. 

You can also get clever with accessories; mirrors, artwork and shelving can beautifully enhance your bathroom walls with texture, color and visual interest.

Remember, not every wall in you bathroom has to be the same. You can have certain zones that use tiles, and others that use paint or wallpaper, the possibilities are endless!

Linda graduated from university with a First in Journalism, Film and Broadcasting. Her career began on a trade title for the kitchen and bathroom industry, and she has worked for Homes & Gardens, and sister-brands Livingetc, Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, since 2006, covering interiors topics, though kitchens and bathrooms are her specialism. 

With contributions from

23 Simple Bathroom Wall Decor Ideas

February 7, 2022 by Nigel Tsopo in Home Decor

You cannot forget how important it is to spruce up your bathroom! Bathroom walls need love too, and we’ve got you covered on the most interesting Bathroom Wall Decor Ideas with an elegant flair.

Throw away the old boring notion of simply using tiles for bathroom decor, there are many other ways to add personality and style to your bathroom. In this article, we will explore some simple and affordable ideas for breathing new life into your bathroom walls.

If you’re looking for some additional wall decor ideas, here are a few posts you might have missed:  

The Most Common Considerations For Bathroom Wall Decor Ideas

Below is a list of common considerations for any bathroom wall, however, the quickest way to add variety to your bathroom is by mounting Displates. Whether you choose one design or several, this is an easy way to make a big impact in a fun way. For bathrooms, we’d consider nature posters or minimalistic posters.

Via Pinterest

Here’s what to consider, we’ll expand on all of these topics.

  1. Paint
  2. Wallpaper
  3. Mirrors
  4. Mosaics
  5. Artworks
  6. Lighting
  7. Tiles

and the list goes on, we’ve thought through all of these features and broken them down into important ideas relating to each and every one of them to get your bathroom walls looking stunning.

Simple Blank Wall / Marble Walls

Via Pinterest

It is amazing what difference a new wall texture can make to the look of any room. While some bathrooms are marble from floor to ceiling, others have just tiles to cover one or two walls. Anything goes. We love the diverse wall styles in the room above.

Bathroom Wall Art

Via Pinterest

If you have the wall space, consider hanging some artwork above your bathroom sink or over the toilet to complete your decorating scheme. This is also a great way to put up family photos or cool posters without compromising on style. The Displate marketplace has a lot of great landscape posters that fit perfectly into any bathroom theme.

Bold Bathroom Stone / Modern Bathroom Empty Wall

Via Pinterest

Notice how elegant plain stone walls can look. If possible, consider hanging either a mirror or a framed piece of artwork over the bathroom sink to add a touch of class and functionality.

Small Bathroom Wall Decor Mirror

Via Pinterest

Mirrors are a great way to make bathrooms seem bigger and brighter, while shelves provide homeowners with much-needed storage space. These are necessities in any bathroom space.

Wood Panel Bathroom Wall Décor Ideas

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Elegant One Wall Tiles / Geometric Graphic wallpaper

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Many people choose to tile an entire bathroom, but if there is one wall that stands out because it is not tiled you could install wallpaper or paint this area for a simple accent that will make a huge difference.

Create a Simple Shelf with Framed Prints & Useful Items

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The more storage space you have in the bathroom, the better. Use shelves to maximize on every inch of space in your bathroom.

Big Impact Pink Style Bathroom Walls / Or Any Other Color Theme

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Wallpaper allows you to easily take bland wall colors and give them new life. Along with paint, they are a quick way to create unique design themed walls.

Marble Bathroom Wall Decor / Colorful Patterned Wallpaper

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Twin Frame Shelves Bathroom Wall Decor Ideas

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Maximize Space With Mounted Hanging Accessories For Towels or Plants

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Nothing takes up more space in the bathroom than towels, so make sure you have plenty of hangers to hang them on. You can also find double and triple hangers if necessary.

Double Color Tile Walls

Via Pinterest

Consider using stencils to create an interesting design on your bathroom wall. Use small tiles to make any pattern you’d like.

Juxtaposed Tiled Bathroom Wall

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Bohemian Bathroom Wall Art Hanging

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These Bohemian gold plates are an incredible decor element. Some can be found in rustic crochet basket form. Be on the lookout for unique elements like this to add a touch of individuality to your bathroom walls.

Elegant Themed Bathroom Wall Art or Cabinets

Via Pinterest

Display Mirrors and Mosaic Tiled Walls

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Mosaics are easy to make and will add variety to the walls of your bathroom.

LED Bathroom Mirror and Dual Framed Wall Art

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Cabinet mirrors can give your bathroom an illusion of space. They can be installed above the sink to give your guests a better view of their reflection, while at the same time freeing up much-needed counter space.

Simple Shelf Space for Wall Art, Towels & Other Accessories

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Vintage Wall Posters & Bold Wallpaper Interior Design

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If you have empty wall space consider hanging framed pictures there instead. Even without artistic skills, this is an easy way to create a focal point in the bathroom that also adds personality to your decorating scheme.

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Simple Bathroom Wall Lighting That Matches Color Theme

Via Pinterest

Install accent lighting in your bathroom to create the desired atmosphere and draw attention to other aspects of your decorating scheme that you are trying to highlight.

Shelved Vase Wall Art & Flower Pots

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Over to you!

It’s your turn to take what you’ve seen in the article and add it to your Bathroom walls. We’re sure you’ve found at least one or two inspirational ideas. Happy curating! 🙂

Bathroom wall decoration: materials and 92 photo ideas for bathroom wall decoration

Thinking about bathroom decor, we often limit ourselves to buying a pretty curtain. But in reality it is almost invisible: most of the time it hangs assembled in the corner. The first thing we pay attention to is the wall above the bathroom, especially when the “curtain” is completely pulled apart. And it depends only on us what impression this “behind the scenes” will make. The options for wall decoration in the bathroom are truly endless. When creating a memorable image of a bathroom or shower room, any materials that are sometimes not very familiar to this can be used - sheets of corrugated iron, roofing tiles, an aged mirror and even moss. Different types of wall decoration in the bathroom - in the photo below. nine0003

Get inspired by our selection of ideas! Click on the first image and open it at the maximum size. Full-screen mode with flipping images will allow you to concentrate on viewing as much as possible. Near the photos you will find a brief description of the techniques and materials used, and the green labels in the pictures contain additional information about the items used in this interior.

Atelier Olivae

1. Ducktales in bathroom wall decoration
Who doesn't love taking a bath with rubber duckies? You can perpetuate the sincere love for this fun right on the wall with the help of a mosaic panel with a giant duck. This option for finishing the bathroom will especially appeal to young children.

STEPHEN FLETCHER ARCHITECTS

2. Grow with moss
This bathroom wall decoration is just gorgeous. Stabilized moss panels do not require natural light, watering, pest control or fertilizer. So, ideal for bathroom walls. nine0003

Jean Stephane Beauchamp Design

3. Entertaining anatomy in wall decor
Show off your sense of humor by decorating the wall behind your shower screen with a mirror and graphics from anatomical atlases.

Desatori

4. Travel memento wall decor
The pattern on the tile does not have to be standard: large-format printing technologies allow you to transfer any print according to your sketch onto the surface of the tile.

Tiles: Marazzi; shower column: Ideal Standard; shell: Hatria; Mixer: Hansgrohe

See also ...
The sun all year round at 23 meters of the Moscow Studio apartment

KATY GALBRAITH, MOSAIC ARTIST

5. Mosaic from battles
Do not rush to throw out a collar or defective tile-from you can always make a mosaic with it. For example, bookshelves are for those who like to read in the bathroom.

Ekaterina Fedorova

6. Normal flight
Do-it-yourself gallery on the bathroom wall is not such a utopian idea. It can be done with a ready-made or custom-made mosaic canvas, as in this Moscow apartment. nine0003

Design: Ekaterina Fedorova

Yulia Pokrovskaya and Inna Volvak's design studio

7. Back in USSR
Mosaics can be inspired by Deineka's works, Alexandrov's films, the monumental decor of the Moscow metro.

Design: Yulia Pokrovskaya and Inna Volvak Design Studio

Gradiz Design Studio

8. Flowers of Life panel Sicis. The image of a giant bud is composed of different pieces of a mosaic, assembled by hand and framed. nine0003

Design: Gradiz Design Studio

ATELIER FB

9. Cube
Perspective-patterned tiles, a wonderful material for decorating the bathroom, optically expand this small shower room in a Parisian apartment.

Tile: Bahya

10. Embroidery on the walls
It's hard not to start embroidering inspired by this tile imitating a cross stitch pattern.

Chris Fryman

11. My little fish
I want to clean this bathroom in my Sydney apartment — the tile-scales on the walls seem so plausible.

Esther Hershcovich

12. Letter to you
The message can be written on a chalkboard, on a piece of paper, on a mirror, and even on the wall, as in this Quebec apartment. Finishing in the bathroom allows.

Melian Randolph

13. Like in a hammam
The bathroom in this Moroccan house is reminiscent of a hammam: the bathroom and walls are fully tiled, the arch and the antique door add color. nine0003

Cassidy Hughes Interior Design

14. Patchwork
Patchwork can also be used in the bathroom - you just need to choose the right material for the walls. Combine tiles with different patterns for a patchwork effect.

Tiles: Encaustic Tiles

Rustico Tile & Stone

15. From walls to floors
Tiles, like a decorative path, can move from walls to floors. When boundaries are absent, space acquires additional volume. nine0003

Tile: Philadelphia

Helen scott

16. Bright Accent
Tiles with a copper or brass sheen will make even the simplest bathroom look luxurious and prevent a little understated decor.

Louise de Miranda

17. Crowded, but not offended
A small shower room can be visually expanded with a small tile pattern on the walls, as in this Amsterdam house. Here the shower is located under the stairs, but the lack of space does not bother. nine0003

SEE ALSO
Shower Room Design

David Churchill - Architectural Photographer

8778228

19. All-metal shell
Metallic sheen in this bathroom is not just a bold decision, but a common style concept for the entire apartment. nine0003

See also ...
Apartment with concrete decor and digital code

Modern Nest

20. Street art in the bathroom
The owners of this California house decided to pay tribute to the creativity of the artist Banksi directly on the walls by ordering prints of his work on tiles.

Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers

21. The Christmas tree is born
Hog tile is a timeless classic that offers DIY options for bathroom walls. For example, it can be laid in a herringbone pattern, like parquet. nine0003

model_bananova

22. Entertaining geometry
Model_bananova's designers proved that concrete ceilings, cement tiles and strict geometry do not conflict with ideas about a woman's apartment.

SEE ALSO…
Apartment with a boudoir for a business woman

23. Framed
And put it in a frame for emphasis. nine0003

Wiseman & Gale Interiors

24. Like a bed
The designers of this American home decided to make the bathroom feel like a bed by placing a tile headboard behind the tub.

d.mesure - Elodie Sire

25. Cover with a screen
In this Tuscan house, the wall was simply covered with a screen imitating either a door or a screen.

Oliver Burns

26. Dandelion
New forms and patterns of tiles on the wall can bring life boring bathroom. For example, in this London loft bathroom walls are decorated with hexagonal tiles reminiscent of dandelion fluff. They can be combined into various compositions.

Tiles: Dandelion by Marrakech Design

Dayna Flory Interiors

27. Pebbles on the walls
Do natural stone shower walls look expensive? But no, if we are talking about pebbles - you can collect such material on the nearest beach.

MOLINS DESIGN

28. Accent wall
You can decorate with pebbles all or one wall. So you save both time and finishing materials. For the laziest, they produce artificial pebbles on a plastic substrate, which do not have to be attached to the surface one by one.

Tyner Construction Co Inc

29. Closer to nature
Natural stone tiles plus a waterfall shower - what's not to feel like being in nature? nine0003

Shower: Hastings Ala

Richard Cole Architecture

30. Don't leave a stone on a stone foot, as in this Australian house.

31. It turned out well
Sometimes you don't need to invent anything, it is important to use the available resources. For example, the brick wall in the bathroom in this English house, converted from a warehouse, was simply partially covered with whitewash. nine0003

32. Stone Age
The designers from Rachel Horn Interiors decided to keep the stonework for this Mexican house. And to emphasize its natural beauty - with the help of wooden and gold details.

Eddie Lee Inc.

33. Window to the garden
It is foolish to hide such a view behind the bathroom wall: the wall-height garden window not only fills it with light, but also opens the garden for contemplation. For a complete idyll - a stool made from driftwood.

Thom Filicia Inc.

34. Light in the window
But even a small window can fill the bathroom with light. You can play with its shape, as in this New York house, or bring a stool from the garden to the shower.

Litvinov design

35. Aged wood look tile
In this Moscow project, the bathroom wall is covered with aged wood imitation tiles, which fits perfectly into the overall style. Copper accessories and brickwork complete the picture. nine0003

See also ...
Loft Bachelor's Loft in the former

Bella Homes

36. Yours in the board
Tiles that simulate wooden boards do not have to place horizontally: the vertical position will enhance the decorative effect.

Dyer Grimes Architecture

37. Parquet on the wall
Laying herringbone wood tiles like parquet is a bold decision. White walls and minimalist plumbing work well in contrast. nine0003

Design: Dyer Grimes Architecture; tile: Gazzini's urban

Viphouse architects

38. Bamboo walls
This country house near Moscow is decorated in a rustic style. There are a lot of simple and rough details here: plumbing and a copper-like bar, a wicker rug and a laundry basket. And the tile with imitation “under bamboo” complements the overall picture.

Elizabeth Strianese Interiors LLC

39. Wood look
If, due to the concentration of humidity in the bathroom, it is impossible to use wood in the decoration, then it is just right to resort to panels and tiles that imitate it, as in this New York house.

"A-Design" company

40. Will be covered in chocolate
A bathroom tile, like a chocolate tile, is not only a funny play on words, but a bold and appetizing solution.

Design: A-Design

Peter Kostelov

41. Rolled metal
This Moscow apartment is sheathed with sheets of galvanized iron, the bathroom was no exception. Large self-tapping screws and lamps designed for mines give it even more brutality. nine0003

Design: Petr Kostelov

42. Brick by brick
Zoning a bathroom can be done using a niche or brickwork, as in this house in Toronto, or using a contrasting brick wall. Pre-coat this material with a water-repellent compound.

Nathalie Priem Photography

43. Against the wall
Be careful when exposing brick walls, this technique visually reduces the room. To smooth this out, use additional light sources and white color. nine0003

Raveninside

44. Painted Brick
Painting a brick wall surface will give it a more aesthetic appearance. At the same time, the relief and charisma of brickwork will remain.

Jane Kim Architect

45. Let's fake it
And if the brickwork is missing or impossible to reach, a false wall made of the same material as in this American loft will come to the rescue.

Cushman Design Group

46. Copper tiles
The designers of this American home immediately abandoned the use of tiles in the shower room, as they could crack when transporting the house to a new location. So the choice fell on copper tiles for roofs.

London Basement

47. Superhero Bathing
Printing comic book characters on the walls is a great idea for a kid's bathroom. Superhero images can be used to transform bathing into an exciting experience, which can be supplemented with funny lines like “Water and soap suds, give me strength.” nine0003

48. A tree in life
If painting walls is expensive, then everyone can buy a vinyl sticker: transfer it to glass, and a bright accent wall for the shower room is ready.

Teri Fotheringham Photography

49. Large format tiles
Large format bathroom tiles can be installed without visible seams. Slabs made of natural stone, such as onyx, look especially impressive, as in this American house.

Slab: Pakistani onyx; tile: Sainte Croix limestone

Aaron Gordon Construction, Inc.

50. Vinyl wallpaper
The designers of this bathroom (Aaron Gordon Construction) abandoned the idea of ​​using tiles and covered the wet area with custom printed vinyl wallpaper.

S O L O W I H E

51. Get out of the water
Do not refuse to use wallpaper in the bathroom due to high humidity and splashes: a bright screen will complement the picture and protect from water. nine0003

Aspire Fine Homes

52. Stained glass
A bathroom with a window can ruin privacy: Stained glass can solve the problem, as in this Houston home.

53. Greening of walls
Phytopanels for vertical gardening can consist not only of moss, but also of other plants. They prevent the formation of dust, have excellent soundproofing properties. And they offer interesting options for finishing the walls of the bathroom. nine0003

Scheer & Co. Interior Design

54. In limbo
Well, if the experiments with vertical gardening seem too radical for you, then limit yourself to indoor plants. Choose unpretentious varieties that are not demanding on watering, lighting and loving humidity.

Christophe Perichon

55. All that glitters is not gold
The bathroom in this Prague apartment is like a jewelry box. Gold mosaic tile with large damask patterns, matching handles, hooks and towel holder. nine0003

Mosaic: Damasco, Bisazza

See also ...
Gold Eat and Salvador Dali in the center of Prague

Christophe perchon

56. “ Golden Kabanchik” pig" you can create an outstanding decor in the bathroom. For example, the golden color makes them look like gold bars, which brings a touch of luxury and humor to the room.

Kata Phusin Design

57. Slate paint
You can also paint the walls with slate paint in the bathroom: most importantly, protect the wet area with tiles or panels, and make the slate board a little higher to protect your “chalk masterpieces”.

INKREACJE

58. Concrete Walls
Bare concrete walls have a natural, minimalist beauty that can be accentuated with copper-effect plumbing accessories, as in this Barcelona home.

Melissa Winn Interiors

59. Concrete walls and pebbles
Complementing the beauty of concrete walls with pebbles on the floor. The main thing is to deepen the pebbles well or cover them with a rug so as not to slip in the shower.

Clayton&Little Architects

60. Concrete blocks
Concrete blocks for the walls of this house (including the bathroom) in Austin were chosen for a reason: the owners wanted the material to be inexpensive and durable and reflect their love of creativity cubists. nine0003

Vera Sanchez Guasch

61. From a clean slate
The décor of this bathroom in a Barcelona house is as simple as possible - a concrete sink top, a light bulb instead of a lamp, a minimum of accessories. White walls fit perfectly into this concept.

Michele Peterson Interiors

62. Sketches from life
A framed pencil sketch can decorate not only the walls in the rooms, but also the bathroom: most importantly, protect the paper with glass, and the wooden frame with a special water-repellent composition. nine0003

Bernard Touillon Photographe

63. Picture Gallery
Nothing out of the ordinary in this French home: a flea market sink, old wood paneling in the bathroom. The walls were also decorated accordingly - with an old canvas.

SEE ALSO
House with vintage details and southern charm

Ana Donohue Interiors

nine0003

Alta Mente

65. The final stroke
The painting on the wall can become the final stroke, with the help of which all the details of the canvas (interior) - the color of the bathroom, carpet, furniture - will come together.

Poster: Contemplation by Philippe Géraud; l justra: Suspension Joséphine, Koziol

HWD GmbH

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Stone Habitat

67. Glass Mosaic
Any image you like can be printed on a mosaic: image pixels are divided into mosaic squares, which are attached to paper or mesh.

Caisson Studios

68. God be with you
Designer Alex Turko makes special art panels for walls that are resistant to external negative conditions (humidity, light). They are printed on an aluminum substrate using epoxy resin. nine0003

Panel: Buddha waterproof panels, Alex Turco

Rizzoli New York

As the designers of this American house did, copper toads in which jump on the walls in the bathroom.

Sculptures: Robert Kuo

R Brant Design

70. By the Horns
Don't be afraid to go provocative, like hanging a bovine skull on your bathroom wall. Such a wall will look like a painting by Georgia O'Keeffe. nine0003

Well Done Interiors Olimpiada Arefieva

71. Bas-relief medallions
Bas-relief medallions do not fall out of the overall style of this bathroom in a Moscow apartment and look harmonious with modern finishes and sanitary ware.

Enjoy Home Studio

72. Without a hitch
Natural modern materials for wall decoration, including wood, can be used in the bathroom, despite the humidity - as a floor covering, a frame for a mirror and even as decoration on wall. nine0003

See also ...
loft 33 square meters

Cindy Smetana Interiors

73. In the shadow of branches
Beam tones, stumps as tables, wall panels made of woody branches - all sophisticated warmth - all sophisticated warmth - all -out in this bathroom in California.

Bathtub: Amalfi, Victoria & Albert

NB Design Group, Inc

74. Stick panel
You can make such compositions from branches, sticks, roots, or buy ready-made wall panels. From splashes and moisture - a special protective composition. nine0003

Meadow Mountain Homes

75. Root plasty
A whole branch, root plasty, is devoted to making branches, roots, stumps, and sculptures. So man and nature are united in a single creative impulse.

JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction

76. Stone Spark
A niche in the bathroom is stupid not to use: here you can place a shelf for candles and toiletries, as well as a stone sculpture on the wall, as in this house in Houston. nine0003

lpatti

77. Everything on the shelves
The walls in the bathroom can be used as a kind of pantry and store souvenirs from travels or a collection of shampoos and jars of salt on the shelves here.

Selle Valley Construction, Inc.

78. Bring color to life
The easiest option is to paint the walls of the bathroom in an appetizing color. For example, in mint or pistachio, as in the photo.

Bath: Americh Emperor; plumbing: Kohler Laminar

d.mesure - Elodie Sire

79. Aged mirror
You can look for a mirror with an aged amalgam in your grandmother's chest or order it in a workshop, where it will not only be artificially aged, but also cut into tiles of the desired size.

d.mesure - Elodie Sire

80. Iron sheet
The country-style bathrooms use simple, natural materials, just like in this Italian house. For example, wood for the door and furniture, galvanized iron for the bottom of the bath and walls. nine0003

81. Reinforced concrete
Corrugated iron sheets were used by designers from Unique home stays to decorate the walls in the bathroom. Here, a cement bath is adjacent to copper pipes and wooden walls.

Acadian Builders

82. The roof has gone
Sheets of roofing iron will not only organically fit into a rustic style bathroom, but will also please with their durability due to their resistance to external influences.

Lev Lugovskoy

83. Own in a board
The wall in this Moscow loft is made of antique boards with a special impregnation - it would be a sin not to highlight such beauty.

Bath: Castello Luxury Bath; Boards: EBONY and CO

See also ...
piano, fireplace and boxing pear in the Moscow loft

Alexander OWEN Architecture

84. In the porthole
, this bathroom is scheduled for herbal. flowers, tropical plants in pots and wallpaper, a porthole on the wall. nine0003

Elizabeth Arias Interiors

85. Multiply in the eyes
Play with the shapes and sizes of the mirrors on the bathroom wall: this will fill the bathroom with extra reflected light and creativity.

Fusion D

86. Mix of styles
This bathroom in a French house is a mix of square tiles, huge mirrors, Fornasetti wallpaper. The picture is completed by a cylinder lamp and a bathtub from a flea market. nine0003

SEE ALSO…
Bright house in the style of the 1950s

Chronicle Books

, but also focuses on decor items, furniture, plumbing, curtains.

Bookshelf: Sapien by Design Within Reach

Hardwick General Contracting, Inc.

88. Ten
Tiles of the most universal square format - 10x10 in size - look the same, but the effect of it is different. For example, metallic glass tiles will add luxury to even a simple bathroom.

Mali Azima Photography

89. Cover the window
You can partially close the window, but leave light access with the help of special screens that imitate either a screen or window shutters.

Adrienne DeRosa

90. Keep the brand
The original decoration of this wall in the bathroom was the work of Ann Carrington - the image of the queen on the stamp, made from ordinary buttons pinned to black velvet. The beams reflected from the buttons fill the bathroom with extra light.

Three Legged Pig Design

91. Pull down the curtain
The shower screen itself can become a wall if you place it not in front of, but behind the bathtub or shower. You can also hide something behind it,
for example, a window.

Curtain: Octopus, Thomas Paul

How to finish the walls and floor in the bathroom: 12 options instead of tiles

Tiles are the best, but not the only choice for decorating a bathroom. In this article, we tell you how to finish the walls in the bathroom, except for ceramic tiles, and also analyze the options for flooring. We have collected materials that are resistant to moisture, they will not dampen, mold will not appear in the room. In some cases, even preliminary surface preparation is not required.

Watch the video listing all the materials

How to replace the tiles in the bathroom

On the walls
— PVC panels
— Paint
— Decorative plaster
— Wallpaper
— Self-adhesive film
— Microcement
— Tree
— MDF
On the floor
— Linoleum
— Laminate
— Vinyl tile
— Enamel
Conclusion

There are eight alternatives to tiles.

Plastic panels

Let's start with the economical option. Plastic panels are sheet and rack. The first ones are wide, due to which pasting is faster. The latter often look more beautiful, but they are more difficult to mount. PVC panels have several tangible advantages. nine0003

  • Many shades available.
  • They are waterproof and easy to clean.
  • Walls do not need to be leveled prior to installation.
  • Provides additional sound insulation.

A noticeable disadvantage of the panels is their fragility. They bend and break under pressure, so you have to handle them with care. Also, plastic panels do not look luxurious and are suitable for a simple and budget design.

Panels can be glued with liquid nails or laid on aluminum profile battens. In a small room, one pattern, light colors and an elongated lining look good. If the area allows, you can experiment with different textures, alternate vertical and horizontal installation, combine different facings, make decorative inserts. In addition to walls, furniture and plumbing are sheathed with PVC modules. For example, sheets can be used to make a screen for a bathtub or a cover for a sink cabinet. nine0003

ShutterStock

ShutterStock

Pexels

Paint

This finish is quite labor intensive, but it has two distinct advantages. The first is that the paint can be used in any interior style. The second is in price. Dye and tools cost less than pottery. In addition, preparing the walls and applying two coats of paint is still easier than laying tiles, and you can do it yourself. Painting the walls in the bathroom instead of tiles is rarely chosen for a complete finish. Wet areas - the shower room, the wall above the bathtub and the sink - still prefer to decorate with tiles. The combination of two materials is the most popular solution today. nine0003

In fact, the only disadvantage of staining is that you need to carefully level the base. All the old lining is removed from it, washed from dust, treated with an antiseptic or a primer with an antiseptic additive, plastered and puttied defects. The composition is applied with a brush, roller or spray gun.

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There are three suitable options.

  • Acrylic paint is an environmentally friendly material that can be applied to any surface, it does not lose color for a long time.
  • Silicone - Composed of water, resins and organic particles. It is safe for health, serves for decades and is easily tinted. nine0836
  • Latex - the most popular option, is not afraid of steam, reliably protects the surface and dries quickly.

Moisture-resistant dyes also include alkyd and oil enamels, but they leave behind an unpleasant odor and do not weather well.

Waterproof paint available in matt and gloss. The shiny finish looks beautiful and visually increases the area by reflecting the light. Its disadvantage is that it emphasizes all the irregularities. The matte finish looks elegant and stylish, but it is more likely to show dirt, water drops and fingerprints. nine0836

  • Acrylic. The main advantages are elasticity, moisture resistance and durability. However, it has poor vapor permeability compared to other types.
  • Silicone. Flawless compositions for interior decoration. They are durable, fade resistant, breathable and can last 50-60 years. The only downside is the higher price.

    • Some formulations are smooth, others include a variety of fine fillers to give relief - you can choose the desired texture. They have the same method of application: first, the base is leveled with cement plaster, waterproofed, primed, and then the finish is applied, painted and covered with a protective varnish. nine0003 6

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    You can use the following types of wallpaper in the bathroom. nine0003

    • Non-woven and vinyl - they are not afraid of moisture, mask light wall defects, do not require complex maintenance. The market has a large variety of colors, patterns and textures, you can choose models for any style and palette.
    • Fiberglass is a modern finishing material that is made from glass threads. They are vapor-permeable, vandal-proof and durable, and thanks to their composition, fungus or mold will not start in them. Available for painting. The only downside is the relatively high price. nine0836
    • Liquid - Sold as a dry mix or ready-made composition, the texture and application process are more like plaster than classic wallpaper. For bathrooms, they are good moisture resistance, resistance to temperature extremes and additional heat and sound insulation.

    Rolls must be marked with water resistance in the form of a wave or drops. The more of the latter, the better. It is advisable to use glue designed for the type of wallpaper that you bought. And even if all conditions are met, good ventilation must be made in the bathroom. nine0003

    Decorative film is comparable in water resistance to ceramic or plastic panels. The surface is matte, glossy, rough and metallized. Visually, it can imitate paint, wood, marble, mosaic, tile or wallpaper, so it will be easy to choose the right ornament and texture.

    Instagram @casamontada

    Instagram @olorointeriors

    Instagram @mssamanthasantana

    Instagram @livetteswallpaper

    Microcement

    This modern material is increasingly being used as an alternative to tiles. Visually resembles decorative plaster or paint, but it is much stronger. It has many benefits.

    • High moisture resistance, so it is often used to decorate the shower area.
    • Can be applied to any surface, including old tiles.
    • Since the composition is inorganic, it does not form mold.
    • Color variability - a large number of light and dark shades that will suit different interior styles. nine0836
    • Retains its original appearance for a long time, does not fade or crumble.

      • Instagram @pistolenko_design

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      Instagram @marina__arch

      Wood

      Wood is noble, but it looks noble in any interior under its influence, it can swell and rot. Therefore, in the decoration of the bathroom, natural wood is not used so often. But if you still decide to take this step, you will get an elegant, noble and at the same time cozy interior. nine0003

      Only moisture-resistant species can be used in the decoration of the bathroom: larch, cedar, beech, etc. At the peak of popularity now tick. This breed is not afraid of water, serves for a long time, and is resistant to mechanical damage. And yet it looks luxurious. Teak can be used to decorate both walls and ceilings. Wood is used in the form of an array, veneered boards or lining. Even moisture-resistant rocks are best additionally coated with a protective varnish or oil.

      Instagram @nata_vologdina_anikina

      Pexels

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      Design: Natalia Shirokorad. Photo: Olga Shangina

      MDF

      MDF is an analogue of natural wood. Inexpensive and durable panels are made from it, which can be used to decorate walls.

      MDF is a tightly pressed chip. Panels are in the form of lining or plates, which are mounted on the surface. One of the main advantages of this finish is the variety of colors and textures. MDF can imitate wood, porcelain stoneware or marble, and smooth plain panels that look like painted walls are also often used. nine0003

      Moisture-resistant MDF panels are suitable for the bathroom. They are environmentally friendly, have a long service life and are easy to mount or dismantle. Unlike real wood, they are not afraid of moisture, steam and temperature changes. They also cost less than wood. This is a great option for interiors in eco, Scandinavian, classic and modern style.

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      Design: Julia Strapko. Photo: Alexander Kuzas. Style: Katerina Stoyak

      Design: Julia Strapko. Photo: Alexander Kuzas. Style: Katerina Stoyak

      In the case of the floor, there are not so many options. One of them is to paint it with the same waterproof paint as the walls. The floor is pre-primed and plastered. In addition, there are several more ways to finish. nine0003

      Linoleum

      Unlined PVC finish is suitable for the bathroom - it will definitely not get damp, and mold and unpleasant smell will not appear in the room. It is advisable to purchase a semi-commercial type of coating that is more resistant to abrasion and household chemicals. Pay attention also to the anti-slip properties. They are denoted by the letter R. R10 is considered safe, but the higher the value, the more expensive the coating. The main advantages are as follows.

      • Linoleum today can imitate natural stone or wood. nine0836
      • Waterproof.
      • Easy to install if the room is free of furniture and fixtures. If they are already standing and cannot be taken out, the task is complicated by cutting corners.
      • Additional soundproofing.
      • Surface warmer than tiles.

      The main difficulty is sealing the seams and the perimeter so that water does not get under them. This is done with glue or hot welding. Another disadvantage is that before laying you need to level the floor. Linoleum repeats the outlines of the base, and if there are bumps somewhere, the work will have to be done again. Cracks will appear at this place, and as a result, water or condensate will accumulate below. nine0003

      Pexels

      Laminate

      In order to finish a damp room with this coating, you need to choose the right type of laminate. There are two options.

      • Moisture resistant. Manufactured from HDF board impregnated with wax and antibacterial additives. It tolerates high humidity well, but it needs good ventilation and a minimum of water ingress.
      • Waterproof. This type of laminate has increased strength and good water repellency. It does not absorb moisture, even if it gets on it in large quantities. nine0836

      Joints between parts are treated with silicone sealant or wax.

      leroymerlin.com

      Vinyl tile

      This flooring is available in sheets or rolls. It is durable, waterproof and looks good in almost any interior. On sale there are shades under the tree. Vinyl does not slip, and you can wash it with any usual means. Vinyl is easy to install. It can be self-adhesive, lockable or mounted on glue. nine0003

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      Enamel

      Quick and budget option for finishing the floor in the bathroom. Enamel paints are highly durable, as well as resistant to moisture, mechanical damage and aggressive chemicals. It can be applied on any substrate: old tiles, concrete, wood flooring, etc. nine0003

      Available in a choice of colours, the finish is easy to restore and the high gloss finishes give the floor a beautiful sheen. The main disadvantage is a pronounced chemical smell and the need to ensure full ventilation for 1-2 days after staining, so that all harmful substances evaporate from the room.

      How can you decorate a bathroom by replacing tiles or combining them with tiles?