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Wall finishes for bathrooms


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

Tileboard Pros and Cons

Tileboard is sheet-good material that looks like ceramic or porcelain tile from a distance, but it is nothing like real tile. Although similar to the cheap, grooved paneling that was commonly used in recreation rooms and basement remodels in the 1970s, tileboard is made primarily of compressed wood fibers, which are then embossed with grooves to simulate the appearance of tile grout lines. The sheets are then covered with a thin layer of melamine plastic that has a small degree of water resistance. Because of this melamine layer, tileboard is often advertised as a material for bathrooms, even for tub alcoves and showers. But this material is by no means waterproof. Any moisture that reaches the fiber core will make the core swell and bubble, and the damage cannot be fixed.

These performance problems have caused tileboard to fade in popularity, replaced by other materials, such as FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) panels or self-adhesive mosaic tiles.

Tileboard is still used by landlords and low-quality builders as a cheap way to give the appearance of tile without the high costs associated with actual tile work. Homeowners rarely use tileboard in primary bathrooms or kitchens, preferring to use it in less visible and drier places, like half-baths, powder rooms, kitchenettes, and laundry rooms. It can also be used in places that have zero moisture, such as workshops, home gyms, children's rooms, home offices, and hobby rooms.

About This Term: Primary Bathroom

Many real estate associations, including the National Association of Home Builders, have classified the term "Master Bedroom" (or "Master Bathroom") as discriminatory. "Primary Bedroom" is the name now widely used among the real estate community and better reflects the purpose of the room.

Read more about our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge to make The Spruce a site where all feel welcome.

The tile-look panels included in some shower and tub surround kits are sometimes referred to as tileboard, but there is a critical difference between shower panels and true tileboard. Like tileboard, shower panels can have a top surface pressed with faux grout lines to look like real tile. However, shower panels are made of solid acrylic or fiberglass that runs all the way through the material. There is no fiberboard core, and shower panels are essentially waterproof from front to back.

Tip

Tileboard should not be confused with tile backer, also known as cement board or cementitious backer unit (CBU). Tile backer is used under tile flooring and in tile showers or bathtub areas to prevent damage to the tile installation if moisture gets behind the tile.

Tileboard Cost

Low cost is the only true benefit to tileboard. With costs ranging from $20 to $25 for a 4 x 8 sheet, this material costs less than $1 per square foot. This makes it far less expensive than ceramic tile, which rarely costs less than about $5 per square foot after all materials are included. And since tileboard is generally installed as a DIY project, professional labor costs usually don't need to be considered.

Maintenance and Repair

The plastic melamine surface on tileboard makes it easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. But should the thin surface layer get damaged so that the fiberboard core is exposed, moisture can penetrate the fiberboard, causing it to swell. Once damage becomes severe, the only solution is to remove the tileboard or cover it over with an additional layer.

Design

Tileboard is widely recognized as an inexpensive, low-end product, and it should be used in areas where that reputation is not a drawback. Tileboard used in a laundry room or as wainscoting in a utility room will not raise eyebrows, but installing it in a primary bathroom or even a regularly used guest bathroom may lower the real estate value of your home. If you are prepping a home for sale, tileboard is an improvement over bare walls, but it is less appealing than almost any other wall covering.

If you are using it in a bathroom, tileboard should be applied only to dry surfaces. Never used tileboard as a wall surface in showers or tub surround areas. The melamine surface is easy to clean and will not be damaged by humidity or an occasional splash of water.

Tileboard Installation

Along with its low cost, the other advantage of tileboard is its ease of installation. Tileboard is sold in convenient 4 x 8-foot panels, and it can be cut to fit using any ordinary saw. Essentially, tileboard is simply glued down over a flat surface, using panel adhesive spread over the back of the tileboard panel with a notched trowel. The panel is pressed onto the wall, leaving small expansion gaps along the edges. After the adhesive cures, the gaps between panels and at the outer edges are filled with caulk. Molding or other decorative trim finishes the installation.

Tileboard is a very thin material, ranging from 1/8 inch to 3/16 inch in thickness. As a result, it has nearly zero structural value—unlike drywall, which does lend structural reinforcement to a wall. While it is not suitable for covering loose or cracking tile or plaster, you can use tileboard to cover up minor drywall imperfections. In any case, this product is best installed over a flat wall finish, like drywall, plaster, or old paneling. It should never be installed directly over studs or furring strips. Nor should you install tileboard directly over masonry (concrete, brick, concrete block) because moisture can seep through masonry and damage the tileboard or support mold growth.

Top Brands of Tileboard

These are the major manufacturers of tileboard available in North America:

Tileboard vs. FRP Panels

Once commonly sold at home improvement centers, tileboard has been largely replaced by FRP panels as a favorite low-cost panel material. FRP panels are similar to tileboard in appearance, but they use fiberglass reinforced plastic or polymers, not wood fibers, to create a building material sheet that has better strength and water resistance than tileboard. FRP panels are available with simulated tile grout lines, and also with a variety of other surface textures.

While tileboard is still available in limited styles, FRP panels are now much more popular at home improvement centers. They are, however, more expensive than tileboard, with costs of $30 to $100 per 4 x 8-foot sheet. FRP panels are by no means a substitute for real ceramic tile, but they are a better-looking and better-performing product than tileboard, if your budget allows it.

Is Tileboard Right for You?

The reality is that other than the very low cost and easy installation, tileboard panels have few true advantages. Made with wood fibers, these panels have poor water resistance and visually won't fool anyone. If you can afford a better material, like FRP panels or economy ceramic tile, those are better choices. But if you are on a very tight budget, tileboard offers a way to finish your walls with a look that resembles ceramic tile for a very low price.

pros and cons of popular materials

How to choose a material for decorating walls in the bathroom, useful tips. Advantages and disadvantages of popular finishing methods, room zoning rules. The choice of color design, the combination of several materials for wall decoration.

Author: Anastasia Gorbenko

An expert on expensive sofas. He will tell, select, plan the correct placement in the interior.

2021-05-23

Content:

The choice of finishing materials for the bathroom is often difficult. Constant humidity in the room excludes the use of some finishes. It is very important to choose high-quality materials that will last a long time and will be affordable. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular finishing materials for the bathroom. nine0003

Get an additional discount on sofas and soft beds from OneAndHome!

The choice of material for decorating the bathroom

Most often, when renovating a bathroom, ceramic tiles are used. Given the high humidity in such rooms and constant contact with water, tile would be the best option.

In addition to tiles, there are other options that are just as practical. It is important to understand that the finishing material for the bathroom must have the following qualities:

Ceramic tiles in the bathroom

In addition to tiles, you can work with the following materials in the bathroom:

Such a large selection of materials allows you to realize any, even the most daring design. At the same time, each of the listed materials is easy to frill and hygienic.

Decorating the walls in the bathroom with tiles

If you choose the right material and do the job well, then you can forget about repairs in the bathroom for a long time. In addition to the main quality parameters, the material must be beautiful and promote relaxation. Let's take a closer look at the properties of popular materials

Waterproof paint

This option has the following advantages:

Preference should be given to paints based on acrylic or latex. In such paints and varnishes there are components that prevent the development of mold and fungus.

Wall painting with waterproof paint

However, regardless of the quality of the paint, it is not very suitable for the shower area or washbasin. Regular contact with water will shorten its lifespan in style. Therefore, you should take care of additional protection of these places.

The following paint imperfections can be identified:

PVC panels

Material advantages:

PVC bathroom panels

fragility;

  • combustibility;
  • reducing the volume of the room due to the installation of profiles;
  • the material may warp.
    • nine0032

    Mosaic

    This option is one of the most expensive. Its advantages should be highlighted:

    Bathroom mosaic

    The disadvantages include high cost and difficulty in installation.

    Moisture-resistant drywall

    This material perfectly levels the walls, but requires additional protection from moisture. In any case, working with drywall implies further improvements - puttying and painting. Thus, it turns out that drywall is suitable only for rough finishes.

    Clapboard

    Many people like this option, with its help you can turn an ordinary bathroom into a cozy kind of sauna. The lining has a pleasant relief, it does not require specific care, and besides this, its installation is quite simple. nine0003

    Wall decoration in the bathroom with lining

    For bathrooms, plastic lining or MDF product is used. Only these varieties have sufficient antiseptic protection to withstand constant contact with water. But even with this, the lining cannot be called durable, it is prone to swelling and loss of external qualities.

    You can protect the lining by coating it with a special varnish. This will not only extend the life of the material, but also give a special shine. If you fix the lining vertically, it increases the space. This is another feature of this finishing material. nine0003

    Self-adhesive film

    This relatively new material has a large palette of colors and different pattern variations. A person who has never made repairs can stick such a film. Affordable cost is another advantage of the material. The disadvantages include fragility, mold formation under the film, fading of the pattern.

    Self-adhesive film in the bathroom

    Porcelain stoneware

    This is an expensive material that instantly gives the room nobility, elegance and sophistication. In addition, it has the longest service life and maximum resistance to moisture. Porcelain stoneware is quite difficult to mount, the work should be done by professionals. nine0003

    Color of the walls in the bathroom

    The bathroom is usually not a very large room in terms of area. Therefore, the chosen color can either visually enlarge and expand the bathroom, or make it small and unattractive.

    Light colors and mirrors are a win-win option and the best way to maximize space. Dark shades can look good in a bathroom as long as it's large. In this case, combinations of finishing materials are appropriate. In a large bathroom, you can successfully combine tiles with wallpaper, painting with decorative panels. nine0003

    White bathroom

    Modern design can combine the incongruous. In the decoration of the bathroom, it is allowed to use two or three finishing materials at once. Sometimes it can be completely opposite, unrelated materials. It all depends on individual preferences. You can make plain walls, tiled. Creative people will appreciate colorful designs using completely different materials - artificial stone, mirrors, decorative plaster. nine0003

    It is not necessary to use a different material on every surface in a bathroom. It is enough to highlight one accent surface. Photo wallpapers are perfect for this. You can choose among those offered in the store, and you can also create an individual project and order it in a special workshop.

    Marble bathroom decoration

    Combined walls

    For you a special offer for upholstered furniture and beds from OneAndHome! nine0003

    When choosing different materials, it is important to take into account the increased humidity in the room and regular contact with water. Places that are in direct contact with water (walls around the bath) are recommended to be finished with tiles or other material that is not afraid of water. All other surfaces where a lot of water does not get can be finished with less moisture resistant materials.

    Wallpaper in the bathroom is used quite often. However, you need to choose high-quality moisture resistant material.

    Working with tiles is complicated by the fact that the walls must be carefully leveled under it. This is done using moisture-resistant drywall or special plaster.

    Tiles can be successfully combined with wood, stone, decorative paint or plaster to give a personal touch to the bathroom. Mirrors fit perfectly into the interior of the bathroom.

    Bathroom walls can be painted and shower area tiled

    Bathroom zoning

    Such a technique as space zoning has become very popular. It is especially relevant for large bathrooms.

    Not only walls, but also the ceiling can participate in zoning. Zoning is the separation of spaces for different purposes with the help of different finishing materials. This technique gives aesthetics and uniqueness to the room.

    When designing a bathroom project, you need to take into account the personal preferences of all family members and compliance with the overall design of the apartment or house. A large selection of materials will allow you to realize any, even the most daring ideas. nine0003

    You can zone your bathroom with dark material

    In the One&Home catalogs you will find stylish bathroom mirrors and original vanity cabinets. At the showroom in Moscow, you can evaluate the quality of furniture and decor and get professional advice from designers.

    Brick wall in the interior

    Stylish, durable and environmentally friendly, this is how you can characterize the fashion for a brick wall in the interior of modern apartments. nine0003

    Flexible stone in the interior

    The beauty and practicality of natural materials is difficult to dispute, while the stone has an impressive weight, and other types of finishes do not have its advantages. Flexible stone has successfully combined the characteristics of different types of finishing materials: stone plates with a flexible base have become a new word in the finishing of curved surfaces and original design solutions. nine0003

    How to create an accent wall: interesting design ideas

    How to design an accent wall in the interior, using wallpaper and textured decor. How you can visually change the size of a room with an accent wall, how to combine colors in the interior. How to highlight the wall in the living room, in the bedroom and in the kitchen.

    Bedroom wallpaper: selection rules and design tips

    Wallpaper is one of the most popular types of wall decoration, with which you can change the geometry of the room and the visual perception of space. Wall decoration is of particular importance in the bedroom, where it is important to maintain color balance in order to create the right mood before going to bed. Using the rules of design and the recommendations of professional decorators, with the help of wallpaper you can create a cozy and stylish atmosphere in the bedroom.

    Decorative stone in the interior of the hallway: modern reading and proven ideas

    The appearance of the entrance area in the house, you can get an idea of ​​the home as a whole. Each owner understands this and tries to equip the hallway as comfortably and stylishly as possible. At the same time, it is important not only to use the highest quality materials for this, but also to properly maintain a balance between practicality and the stylish look of this room.

    Natural marble in interiors

    Marble was used as a finishing material in palaces and luxury homes of the rich, but today it has reappeared in luxury interiors. It is used not only in the kitchen and bathroom, but also in the bedroom, living room and hallway. Let's talk about how to competently place accents in your home with the help of marble finishes and accessories and how to properly care for natural stone.

    Kitchen design with stone

    Stone in the finish is practical, aesthetic and functional, and has earned popularity as a finish for the kitchen. Countertops, shelves and finishing material for wall or floor cladding are made from natural and artificial materials. The stone reminds of nature, the “call of the ancestors”, when food was cooked on an open fire and, although the outward appearance of the hearth has changed, the essence remains the same.

    Wall panels for interior decoration

    Wall paneling is not only a modern trend, but also a convenient and quick way to hide defects on the surface of walls or ceilings. A variety of materials and types of wall panels turn a standard room into a stylish interior.

    Stone and wood in the interior of a country house

    Natural materials always look fresh and intriguing in the interiors of private houses and apartments, the main thing is to correctly combine wood and stone in the decoration, and what kind of decor can be made from them, the designers will tell.

    10 materials suitable for wall decoration in the bathroom

    Natalia | 01/25/2016 | Updated | Wall decoration, Finishing materials | 183,771 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 must be, of course, moisture-resistant, durable, hygienic, easy to clean , resistant to a variety of detergents, as well as resistant to temperature extremes. What materials can be used for wall decoration in the bathroom? nine0419

    #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:

    • an incredible variety of different colors and sizes of tiles , which allows you to create absolutely any design with its help: from baroque and classics to minimalism and hi-tech. The tile provides ample opportunities for creativity and imagination, because you can combine material of different colors, sizes, and even mirror tile fragments, getting original effects; nine0015
    • ceramic tiles - absolutely moisture resistant material;
    • maintainability : even if one tile is damaged, it can be replaced with another;
    • hygienic and easy to care for , because the tile does not retain dirt on its smooth surface, and it is enough to wipe the material itself with a damp cloth or a solution of some kind of detergent so that it always remains clean;
    • durability is one of the main advantages of ceramic tiles. Even in the most difficult operating conditions, the tile will be able to hold out for quite a long time - about several decades. nine0015

    But also has some disadvantages of :

    • ceramic tiles cannot boast of the enormous mechanical strength of , so one careless blow can break the integrity of the tile;
    • it is better to entrust the laying of ceramic tiles to a professional , which means that you will have to spend money not only on the materials themselves. The fact is that undertaking the installation of tiles without having the appropriate experience is a very dangerous undertaking, since there is a huge risk of spoiling all the material, and then starting all over again. nine0015

    One of the varieties 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 must be moisture resistant .

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

    • acrylic water-based paints are inexpensive, suitable for use in rooms with high humidity;
    • latex water-based paint additionally forms a protective film upon drying, which becomes another barrier to moisture;
    • silicone paint is completely moisture resistant, so it is often used for painting facades, but its vapor barrier does not allow all walls in the bathroom to be finished with this material;
    • chlorinated rubber - the most expensive and most resistant paint, it is used even in swimming pools.

    Despite the simplicity and cheapness of decorating the walls with bathroom paint, you need to know several flaws in material .

    • Firstly, , the walls require careful preparation: they should not have the slightest flaw, because after painting with a particularly matte paint they will be very striking.
    • Secondly, , it is better not to use even moisture-resistant paint directly over water sources: near a sink or bathtub. In order for the repair to be durable, and the created interior to last for more than a year, it is better to combine the finishes. nine0015

    #3. Stucco

    Stucco is another option for creating a unique yet moisture-resistant bathroom finish. The advantages of this solution include:

    • the ability to create a unique interior thanks to plaster, choose any pattern, use a stencil;
    • Easy to apply.

    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?

    • Restoring plaster , which has high strength characteristics, allows you to create a reliable waterproofing layer. It is easily applied to the surface, does not crack during operation, can absorb excess moisture, normalizing the microclimate in the room. However, designers still recommend not using such plaster for finishing, but pay attention to the following types; nine0015
    • moisture-resistant decorative plasters allowing to create a surface with a certain texture, pattern, relief, Venetian plasters;
    • façade plasters are often used in bathrooms. They contain synthetic substances that allow you to withstand all the negative influences of the environment. Such a coating will certainly withstand the effects of splashes from a bath or shower, and at the same time will please with a nice appearance. nine0015

    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 :

    • the uniqueness of the created interior and a huge range of different colors;
    • saving money and time, because tiling the same area will be more expensive and time consuming;
    • high maintainability of wallpaper;
    • is a great option for those who like to change the situation often, because with wallpaper it is very easy to change the interior.

    Naturally, has its drawbacks:

    • not all wallpapers are suitable for use in the bathroom. Moisture-resistant materials have a three-wave icon on the package - this is exactly what we need; nine0015
    • wallpaper is not the most durable material and is very easy to damage;
    • even the most durable and water-resistant wallpapers are not suitable for decorating places above the bathtub or in the shower. Here it is better to use a different material and try to skillfully combine different types of finishes.

    Perfectly suited for use in the bathroom are glass wallpaper, which is moisture resistant and can be painted, liquid wallpaper which does not form joints, and vinyl and acrylic wallpaper. nine0419

    #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:

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

    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:

    • the need to additionally decorate the created surface, since the green sheets of gypsum board do not look very attractive, to put it mildly; nine0015
    • 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.

  • panels are easy to install;
  • can hide all communications and pipes;
  • durability; nine0015
  • resistance to temperature extremes;
  • hygienic and moisture resistant;
  • easy care;
  • the ability to choose a material that imitates stone, wood or other surfaces.

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

    • low mechanical strength;
    • flammability;
    • "condensate" that collects on the surface.

    #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:

    • looks great and has a huge range of materials that can imitate any type of natural stone. A variety of colors, textures and sizes allows you to create a dream interior, choose the perfect material for the conditions of a particular room;
    • high strength and mechanical resistance;
    • absolute mold and mildew resistant ;
    • durability;
    • easy to install and maintain; nine0015
    • hygiene and environmental safety;
    • although this is not the cheapest way to finish the walls of the bathroom, but still, artificial stone will cost many times cheaper than natural , and its installation will be much easier due to its lower weight.

    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:

    • very low cost;
    • there is a sufficient choice of colors, so it will be possible to imitate the texture of wood, stone or any other material. There are also films that are distinguished by a relief volumetric surface; nine0015
    • the material is easy to stick and easy to clean.

    Naturally, was not without its drawbacks:

    • looks like a cheap material. Even if from a distance the film may indeed resemble a stone or a tree, on closer examination it betrays its secret;
    • low strength;
    • film should not be used directly near water sources, but a different finish should be preferred over the bathtub and sink.

    #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: