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Best walls for bathroom


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 

Watch Now: This Paint Roller Instantly Gives You Custom Wallpaper

30 Beautiful Bathroom Wallpaper Ideas

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Adding wallpaper is a low effort, high impact way to spruce up your bathroom. Whether you choose a graphic wallpaper accent, a subtle pattern to add texture, or cover every wall with a bold and colorful motif, bathroom wallpaper is the perfect finishing touch to instantly transform what can be a boring and utilitarian space. Check out these wallpapered bathrooms in every size and style to inspire your bathroom makeover.

The 11 Best Wallpapers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

62 Bathroom Design Ideas You'll Want to Try

11 best finishing materials for the bathroom - 2019

When planning a 3D apartment design, special attention should be paid to the bathroom. It is important to choose high-quality, modern and beautiful finishing materials that will cheer you up, and not create a heavy atmosphere.

Now there are many manufacturers on the market, so you need to know what to look for when buying materials and how to save on finishing without sacrificing quality.

1. Mosaic on the wall

Bathroom walls can be decorated with mosaics. This will create an optical illusion and visually expand the space, since bathrooms are usually small in size.

It is not necessary to decorate all the walls with mosaics, because in this case the room will be pressed by volume. It is better to make a bright accent with a small pattern, and use paint or tiles to finish the rest of the walls.

Photo: pinterest.com

2. Ceramic tile

Ceramic tile is the most popular and practical bathroom material that will never go out of style. The tile is resistant to temperature changes, mechanical damage and moisture. With proper care, it will last over 30 years. You can clean the ceramic surface with chemicals, which will always keep the bathroom clean. nine0003

The disadvantage of ceramic tiles is the complexity of installation, since it will not be possible to install it yourself if you do not have special skills. You'll have to turn to the experts.

Photo: pinterest.com

3. Glass tiles

Glass tiles look attractive and add chic to the bathroom. With its help, zones are separated, aprons are created. You can print photos of any complexity on glass, so your design will surely surprise your friends, and the bathroom will look original. nine0003

Glass tiles are more expensive than ordinary paint, but you can create a concise and exclusive design.

Photo: pinterest.com

4. Natural stone tiles

This year, natural interior items will be especially popular, so it is better to make bathroom decoration from natural materials. To do this, use granite, marble, sandstone or basalt.

These products are expensive and may be difficult to install due to the heavy weight of the tiles. There is a way out: to use analogues made of artificial materials, since they look aesthetically pleasing, but at the same time weigh less, cost less and are easier to install. nine0003

Using natural or artificial stone in the cladding, you will add sophistication and luxury to the bathroom.

Photo: pinterest.com

5. Gold or silver glitter

You can buy tiles that have metal particles added to them. Thanks to this material, a golden or silver sheen will appear in the bathroom. Try to properly combine this material with other surfaces and do not oversaturate the interior with bright elements.

With the help of metal tiles, a certain area is distinguished, edging or aprons are created, surfaces are decorated. nine0003

Photo: pinterest.com

6. Waterproof paint

Paint is the easiest and most convenient way to finish a bathroom. It completely covers the walls or combines the material with tiles.

An interesting stencil pattern can be applied with paint. So a bright and unusual accent will appear in the interior of the bathroom.

The bathroom is always humid, so choose only moisture-resistant paint. Keep in mind that high-quality paint will keep an attractive appearance for about ten years, and cheap paint will peel off after three years. nine0003

Photo: pinterest.com

7. Decorative plaster with silk effect

If you want to make a bathroom in a classic style, decorative plaster with silk effect is suitable. Please note that manufacturers advise applying moisture-resistant protection with special varnish and wax before installation.

Use façade decorative plaster in case of high humidity.

Photo: pinterest.com

8. Wood or brick effect PVC panels

This year, panels that imitate natural materials will be popular: wood, brickwork. This is a practical and convenient material that is easy to install without the help of professionals and is cheaper than natural surfaces.

Photo: pinterest.com

9. Natural wood

Many people think that it is better not to use wood in rooms with high humidity. However, there are special impregnations and varnishes that protect the material for many years, so there is nothing to be afraid of. For the bathroom, such tree species as oak, beech, cedar, larch are chosen. nine0003

It is better to combine wood with stone or paint. You will get an original interior with bright accents - not all of your friends can boast of this.

Photo: pinterest.com

10.

Porcelain stoneware flooring

One of the best bathroom flooring is porcelain stoneware. It is wear-resistant and durable, so it is suitable for a room in which there is usually high humidity. There are many colors and shapes of porcelain stoneware sold in hardware stores. nine0003

This material has an anti-slip effect, which helps to avoid injuries that are often caused by wet floors.

Photo: pinterest.com

11. Waterproof laminate

Porcelain stoneware is a practical and attractive material that is expensive. Together with it, you can buy a waterproof laminate, which will cost several times cheaper.

Such material will last 20-25 years even in a room with high humidity.

Photo: pinterest.com

10 materials suitable for bathroom walls

Natalia | 01/25/2016 | Updated | Wall decoration, Finishing materials | 184,609 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 stop at 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 and temperature extremes. What materials can be used for wall decoration in the bathroom?

#1. Ceramic tiles

Let's start with the most traditional version 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 most budgetary 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. nine0003

#3. Plaster

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

There is also a 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. nine0003

Naturally, not all plasters have the desired decorative and performance 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 drawbacks:

Perfect for bathroom use are glass wallpaper, which is moisture resistant and can be painted, liquid wallpaper which does not form joints, and vinyl and acrylic wallpaper. nine0106

#5. Gypsum Board

Gypsum board is not often 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:

  • low price;
  • light weight for easy installation;
  • excellent performance, because drywall increases sound and heat insulation in the room.

You only need to choose 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:

  • the need to additionally decorate the created surface, since the green sheets of gypsum board look, to put it mildly, not very attractive; nine0124
  • the need to use additional components for the installation of drywall, which increases the cost of construction.

#6.

Plastic Panels

Plastic panels, although not often used in bathroom decoration, boast a lot of positive qualities :

However, should also take into account 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 like 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. nine0003

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. nine0003

#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:

#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: