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Wall paneling in bathroom


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(Image credit: Catchpole & Rye/Drummonds/BC Designs)

Bringing with it centuries of history, bathroom paneling ideas offer a straightforward way to instantly elevate your bathroom's design. Whether laid in tongue and groove, square panels or shiplap, bathroom paneling can work to exaggerate the size of your home's smallest room, as well as adding interest and warmth.

Bathroom paneling is the perfect partner for a whole host of bathroom ideas, from traditional and high-end, to rustic, vintage or even beach themed decor. Go full height and embrace period charm, or opt for the paneling at wainscotting height –up to the dado rail – and pair with patterned wallpaper for a more contemporary edge. 

‘Adding wood paneling to a bathroom is a great way of adding texture and color, which in turn can add a warmth to what otherwise can be quite a clinical and cold room,’ explains Barrie Cutchie, designer at BC Designs .

Bathroom paneling ideas

Historically, paneling ideas for walls were a functional addition to the home, a way to help insulate wattle-and-daub or brick walls against the chill. However, as with all functional additions to the home, it quickly became a decorative feature too, with carving and patterned layering coming to the fore. These earlier additions were often made of dark wood, typically oak, and impose the grandeur you would expect from a stately home. For the majority of us, this look does not suit our more humble properties, and if it does, it is unlikely to suit our bathrooms.

Modern bathroom wall paneling is usually less ornate than historic examples, typically made from MDF or other affordable woods. 'MDF is ideal for bathroom paneling as it does not expand and contract anything like as much as softwood does so none of the endless redecoration every time the heating is switched on in the fall,' advises Jon Madeley, founder of The English Paneling Company. 'It is crucial, however, that a high quality board is used and it must be moisture resistant.' 

While modern homeowners typically plump for bathroom wall paneling ideas for their aesthetic look, the bathroom paneling also still bring with it insulating properties . 'Bathroom paneling can be fixed to battens and the space between insulated (always incorporate a vapour barrier on the warm side). This may be particularly useful in an older house with solid walls as even 25mm of insulation can make a dramatic difference to the warmth of a room,' continues Jon.

1. Opt for classic tongue and grove for an elegant look

(Image credit: Bc Designs)

Tongue and groove paneling is the classic choice when considering bathroom paneling ideas. Installed as individual panels, they get their name from the fact that each plank features a the small tongue that fits into a corresponding groove on the next plank. Whether installed to full-height or to wainscotting height and paired with paint, wallpaper or tiles, bathroom paneling offers an affordable way to decorate your space while also adding warmth and character to your bathroom. Laid in vertical panels it elongates a room, emphasising its height, yet if laid horizontally it lengths the space, ideal for pairing with other small bathroom ideas or powder rooms ideas.

2. Create a geometric feature with square paneling

(Image credit: Future/Polly Eltes)

Square panels are another popular choice of bathroom paneling ideas, creating an elegant focal point. Unlike tongue and groove, they are best kept to one or two feature walls or used exclusively below the dado rail as, if used on all four walls can feel overwhelming and create a claustrophobic atmosphere in smaller rooms. Traditionally, square paneling was created as wooden panels that would be attached to the wall, however, the look can equally be achieve by laying strips of timber in a square pattern. 

'It is also important to consider your paneling color and style, and how you will contrast it. For example, if you are going with a darker or busier wallpaper or paint , contrast it with simple and clean white tongue and groove. Alternatively, if you are keeping the walls bare and white, you can have a bit more fun with intricate paneling, such as square paneling designs – you could even paint the trim a contrasting color,' says Jennifer Markowitz, founder at JNR Designs .

3. Pair with wallpaper for photo frame look

(Image credit: Future)

Combining bathroom paneling ideas with wallpaper is a great way to add sophistication to a bathroom – and there are so many different wallpaper ideas to choose from. Here, the gaps in the paneling have been infilled with wallpaper to create integrated works of art. 

For a more minimalist bathroom look while still embracing the elegance of paneling, mouldings are also a great option that can also be paired with wallpaper for the same framed effect.

4. Use white paneling for a serene space

(Image credit: Catchpole & Rye)

White bathroom ideas instantly create a space of serenity and paneling is a great way to achieve this look. Pairing rustic shiplap panels on walls and ceiling with sophisticated square paneling below the dado rail creates an elegant yet laid-back look that is perfect for relaxing. Opting for white bathroom paneling ideas also provide a great way to increase natural light in the bathroom too.

5. Use bathroom paneling ideas to maximize small spaces

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Bathroom paneling ideas are perfect for small bathrooms as they can work to emphasise the room's proportions. To do this, try pairing different types of paneling on different walls. Use square paneling on the room's shortest walls to exaggerate their length, then opt for vertical tongue and groove paneling on the room's longer wall's to emphasize the room's height. 

The illusion continues with paint. Dark colors are usually a no-no for small spaces, however, when used correctly they can create a cozy atmosphere that's perfect for luxuriating.

Paint paneling a warm aubergine shade, such as Farrow & Ball 's Brinjal to create an intimate environment within a cottage space, then balance with a lighter shade above the picture rail which will brighten the room and draw the eye upwards, exaggerating the room's height. 

6. Divide a bold print with bathroom paneling

(Image credit: Drummonds)

Wainscoting is a favorite technique to pair with other bathroom paneling ideas. Installed below the dado rail, it provides texture and character that can be complemented with patterned tiles or wallpaper. Paneling is the perfect partner for decorative wallpapers enabling you to enjoy a bold print without it overwhelming the room. 

'Wall paneling is a hot trend at the moment and it’s easy to see why – it’s a modern, easy to care for stylish wall covering with a wide choice of different styles and periods,' says James Lentaigne, creative director at Drummonds . 'Paneling is a simple and relatively inexpensive way to create a statement look in a bathroom and can be re-painted at regular intervals to create a different feel. From a practical point of view, it also has the benefit of hiding a multitude of sins – like uneven walls and unsightly pipework. It's also much easier to install than bathroom tiles.'

7. Plan a place to perch with paneling and a window seat

(Image credit: Warner House)

You wouldn’t think twice about wallpapering a bedroom or living room, so why not the bathroom? The injection of pattern can completely reinvent a tired space. For classic elegance, try embracing the chinoiserie trend – with a sinuous design in blue and white, it oozes historic charm. Pair with traditional square bathroom paneling ideas in a warm, yet neutral color palette to prevent the print from overwhelming the space. 

'Typically, paneling is painted or stained the same color as the other architectural trim in the space such as the crown, base mold, chair rail, door and window casings. This provides design continuity in the room and provides a nice backdrop to do something creative “above the chair rail” like installing a beautiful wallcovering or painting an interesting color,' advises Gail Jamentz, principal at Soul Interiors Design .

8. Embrace the rustic bathroom-look with reclaimed weatherboard paneling

(Image credit: Future/Brent Darby)

While not a traditional choice for paneling, bathroom paneling made from reclaimed wood is perfect for country bathroom ideas, it is also a great way to increase the sustainability credentials of your bathroom design. It is also perfect if you're trying to incorporate beach bathroom decor into your scheme.

When adding bathroom paneling ideas to your space, it is important to remember that the wood needs to be treated with a primer, sealant and suitable glue in order to prevent the paneling warping or rotting due to the moisture levels in the room. 'While these panels are water resistant enough to be used in bathrooms, they are not totally waterproof and so should not be used in shower enclosures,' says Period Living editor Melanie Griffiths. If you're looking for wall-coverings for shower enclosures. 

For a more waterproof wall-covering for your shower enclosure, shower tiles ideas are a much better option. 

9. Add full length panels for a space inspired by history

(Image credit: Heidi Caillier)

Bathroom paneling ideas are a quick and affordable way to get a high-end look in your bathroom. Saving on wall coverings can give you the opportunity to splash-out on the details that will really make the space sing, like this marble washstand in a bathroom designed by Heidi Caillier . Marble bathroom ideas are a great way to give your bathroom the luxury-look.

'I love paneling for powder rooms and smaller bathrooms, it can add so much design interest with such little budget and time,' says Georgia Zikas, Founder at Georgia Zikas Design . 'Consider paneling that is going to complement the size and height of your room, and don't be afraid to have fun with colors and styles. It doesn't always have to be white or cream. This is a great opportunity to have fun with a contrasting color in your overall design scheme that you can use in a bigger way, which will feel less of a commitment than say, painting your entire kitchen that color!'

10. Invest in exposed wood panels for spa-like atmosphere

(Image credit: Neptune)

Evoke the serenity of the natural world by incorporating raw materials into your design. Unpainted wooden bathroom paneling ideas brings natural beauty to the space, evoking a spa-like ambience that is perfect for pairing with the rustic edge created by farmhouse bathroom ideas.  

'Many of our clients seek to introduce natural elements into their homes from living plants and natural lighting, to wood paneling or stone flooring. This "biophilic" approach to design is more than just an aesthetic choice; connecting with natural materials supports our mental and physical well-being,' recommends Patrick Planeta of Planeta Design Group 'If you prefer a more natural look for the paneling, stain and seal with a marine sealant for a watertight finish.'

Can I waterproof paneling?

Yes, you can waterproof paneling so that it can be used to achieve your bathroom paneling ideas. However this needs to be considered from the outset rather than just applying a sealant at the end.

'Adding wood paneling to a bathroom is a great way of adding texture and color, which in turn can add a warmth to what otherwise can be quite a clinical and cold room. Wood paneling works well as a wallcovering on any walls that do not come into direct contact with water, so the shower area is out. It is also important to invest in the right glue; one that is suitable for both interior and exterior use and is capable of dealing with the moisture and humidity changes that occur in the bathroom,' advises BC Design's Barry Cutchie. 

What can I put on my bathroom walls instead of tiles?

You can put wall paneling on your bathroom walls instead of tiles, plus the finished look will be a lot more high-end for a fraction of the cost. 

'Tiles are often very expensive to purchase and once installed cannot really be altered if fashion changes or if you simply fancy a change – after spending all that money you feel obliged to live with them come what may! A bathroom with paneling on the other hand can be radically transformed with a lick of paint. It is also usually much cheaper per square metre than tiles - especially the designer brands,' says Jon Madeley, founder at The English Paneling Company.

Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature four years ago, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature. 

21 Bathroom Wall Paneling Ideas

If you’re looking for a way to add character and style to your bathroom, why not consider paneling? It’s a distinctive option that can ooze sophistication and elegance. So how do you incorporate it in your design scheme?

That’s what we’re here to show you! We’re going to share 25 bathroom wall paneling ideas for every kind of interior.

So if you’re ready for inspiration – step this way!

1.

Shipshape Shiplap

Shiplap paneling looks fantastic in a bathroom. Here the wood textures complement the plantation shutters for classic olde-worlde style.

Choose dark colors to add a feeling of warmth and luxury, or keep it bright and airy with pastel shades. It’s easy to install – most shiplap panels feature tongue and groove edges, so they fit together easily. And it’s a great way of disguising secondary pipework too.

Topping the panels with a coordinating dado rail will also give you a neat shelf for candles or ornaments.

 

2. Half-wall Highlights

Using paneling on the lower half of a wall is a great way to add detail without it becoming overpowering. Painting it in a dark shade will ground your design scheme and add a touch of opulence.

Here, the color is echoed in the sides of the bathtub and toned with the frame of the wall clock. It brings the look together without it feeling contrived.

Paneling also works beautifully alongside quirky features. Check out the oversized mirror and novelty light pull.

 

3. Double Delight

Why restrict yourself to one set of paneling, when you can have two?

Here, pleated panels sit below traditional framed panels for a striking look. Using the same colors is soothing to the eye, and keeps the focus on the different details in the wood. The two sections of the wall are divided with an ornate architrave, which also serves as a handy shelf.

The dark shades contrast with the pale floor, avoiding the room becoming too dark. And the whole look is given a subtle lift by the addition of potted plants.

 

4. Framing Features

Paneling is a great way to add polish to a room. And while bold colors add drama, a crisp, clean white finish can act as a frame to any feature.

In this bathroom, a wall of white paneling brings focus to the vanity unit. The wood echoes the cabinetry, giving the whole look a subtle sophistication. And the sharp contrast with the black gloss counter adds a touch of glamor.

The bright white would also work brilliantly in any room where you need to maximise light.

 

5. With Wallpaper

Wallpaper is often overlooked in bathrooms – but with modern materials able to cope with humid environments, there’s no reason that should continue.

Here a heavy flock wallpaper looks fabulous above half-height paneling. The white wood lifts the look and stops it from being oppressive. And the freestanding bath, chandelier and elaborate armoire add to the luxurious feel.

If you choose a flamboyant look like this, a plainer floor can give the eye somewhere to rest. In this case, dark wooden floorboards provide subtle warmth.

 

6. Three-Quarters Theatre

If you’re looking for more drama, why not consider three-quarter height paneling? It’s a great way to create a dramatic focal point in any room. And in a bathroom, it works particularly well as a backdrop the bathtub.

In this bathroom, the dark paneling and wall are painted in somber tones. They provide a humorous contrast to the quirky bathtub with its graffiti patterned sides.

The paneling also provides a way of fixing an ultra-long rail to the wall, without risking damage to your drywall. That creates a simple but eye-catching home for towels, bathrobes and brushes.

 

7. Floorboard Fellowship

In this tranquil design scheme, the vertical lines of tongue and groove paneling are echoed in the floorboards. It’s a subtle but very effective way of creating a soothing cohesion to your design scheme.

Note that the floorboards here are slightly wider than the panels. If you choose this look, make sure you plan the layout with care.

In both cases, you want a central plank to sit squarely in the middle of the room. That will give a pleasing symmetry to the finished result.

 

8. Coordinate with Cabinets

Another great way of creating a polished look in your bathroom is to coordinate paneling with your cabinetry.

In this bathroom, the half-height shiplap panels are painted the same shade as the bath panel and vanity unit. You could even go one step further, and paint the inside of your bathroom door to match.

The double lines between the shiplap planks are echoed by the framed paneling of the cupboard and bath tub. It’s a subtle detail that makes all the difference.

Use accessories to add the finishing touches. We love the way the towel here echoes the white porcelain, with a narrow band in the same color as the timber.

 

9. Traditional Tapestry

Paneling is a wonderful way to invoke the opulence and glamor of chateaux and country homes. So why not emphasise that look with your accessories too?

In this bathroom, it’s paired with rich tapestries hanging from cast iron rods. The clawfoot bathtub is accompanied by an antique side table. There’s even a Persian rug on the floor.

As long as your bathroom has good ventilation, there’s no reason why textiles shouldn’t feature in your design scheme. But don’t risk it if it doesn’t. You don’t want to find your beautiful tapestries growing moldy in a humid room!

 

10. Upper Half Uplift

When we consider paneling, we usually think of putting it at the base of a wall. But this bathroom shows it can work just as well flipped the other way around!

In this case, the paneling is very simple, adding texture and framing the wall lights, mirror and artwork. Keeping the colors the same for both the top and bottom of the wall gives a sophisticated style. And the neutral palette works beautifully with the gray flooring.

The traditional full height shutters balance out the panels and prevent the look from becoming top-heavy.

 

11. Luxury Leather

We’re used to thinking about paneling as being made of wood – but that’s not always the case. In this funky bathroom, the panels are made of leather.

The unusual design features squares of varying sizes in a cool gray tone. The bold shapes complement the square basins and mirrors. And the tones are complemented by the gray countertop and brushed metal mirror frames.

Leather is both beautiful and durable. But purchasing leather panels is an expensive business, so seek advice on their suitability for your bathroom before you buy.

 

12. Full-On Fabulousness

We’ve looked at various options to add paneling to part of your bathroom walls. But in this look, it covers the whole wall.

The pale cream paintwork stops the effect from being overpowering. And it works perfectly with the cream floorboards and painted fire surround. The subtle contrast with the white rolltop bath adds warmth to the room.

Paneling also looks great accented with wall lights. Here, uplighters have been chosen to brighten up the space with a soft glow.

 

13. Sophisticated with Stone

Natural materials often work beautifully together. Perhaps that’s why stone and wood paneling make such a compelling partnership.

In this bathroom, we see the muted tones of painted panels complementing the granite floor. Here, the paneling works with the detailed clawfeet of the bathtub, creating a classic look.

Together with the framed photograph, these details provide the only ornamentation in the room. Even the window is bare of a blind (we assume no-one can see inside!).

The result is a relaxing space, perfect to while away an hour in the bath.

 

14. Nicely Nautical

In this bathroom, the paneling is painted a crisp white that contrasts sharply with the blue walls. It’s a classic maritime color pairing, perfect for a coastal property.

Here, though, the nautical theme is given a luxurious upgrade with the use of gold accessories. The matching towel and toilet roll dispenser add a flash of bling. And that’s echoed in the gold plant pot sitting atop the cistern.

This is a great look for anyone who wants to create a seaside feel with an extra dash of glamor.

 

15. PVC Panache

We’ve already covered wood and leather paneling. But have you ever considered PVC?

As this bathroom shows, it can give spectacular results! The long white planks look like shiplap, but there’s nothing rustic about this design scheme.

The PVC is embellished with a diamond design that catches the light. And built-in chrome strips add definition and a high-end look you might not expect from plastic.

And because this is PVC, it’s long-lasting and easy to keep clean too.

 

16. Teamed with Tiles

Coordinate the color of your paneling with tiles and you can get spectacular results. This bathroom showcases the same sage green on the timber panels and brick-shaped ceramic tiles around the bathtub and shower.

There’s more sage green on the floor tiles, this time mixed with the same off-white shade used for the upper walls. The vintage pattern adds detail and interest. And the contrasting white bathroom suite and towels make the whole look fresh and tranquil.

 

17. Dark Details

In this bathroom, dark paneling is used to great effect. The deep color adds drama, and is echoed in the black faucet, radiator, shelves and picture frame. Even the toilet brush is black!

This is another case where half-height paneling has been used to avoid the look becoming oppressive. Paired with pale cream paintwork above the wood, the room looks sophisticated, whilst still being light and airy.

Greenery always looks great in bathrooms. And here the fresh foliage of pot plants helps brighten up the space.

 

18. Stunning Stripes

This unusual take on paneling shows how it can work beautifully, even in a minimalist design scheme.

A single panel with vertical grooves makes a feature of the washbasin. And the texture of the wood looks great against the shiny chrome faucet.

It also serves to break up the tiling, and add warmth to the monochrome palette. Notice how the shape of the panel echoes the mosaic strip behind the bathtub. It’s a clever way of ensuring the different materials cohere to produce a satisfying whole.

 

19. Widening Ways

Paneling can introduce strong lines into any room. And used in the right way, they can trick our eyes into perceiving the space in different ways.

In this bathroom, the tongue and groove paneling has been laid horizontally. The effect is to widen what is in reality a rather narrow bathroom. The pale colors also coordinate with the bathtub and floorboards, further enhancing the feeling of space.

Here the palette of grays, creams and off-whites create a soothing room in which to relax.

 

20. Modern Mosaic

This beautiful bathroom combines the look of paneling with mosaic through the use of oversized tiles. The joins between the tiles are almost as much of a feature as the crocodile print texture. And the geometric shapes create a bold contemporary look that works beautifully with the modern bathtub.

The tones of the tiles here complement those of the wooden flooring. Both are warm, dark and luxurious. They’re the perfect counterpoint to the stunning glass-walled balcony.

 

21. Bathtub Buddies

This bathroom demonstrates how paneling can be used on more than just the walls! Here, the pretty turquoise shiplap planks also form the bath panel.

It’s a particularly effective choice in bathrooms like this one, where the tub takes up the whole of one wall. And keeping the paneling to the lower half of the wall helps keep the sense of space.

This is a great example of the importance of planning your paneling before installation. Notice how the two panels nearest the walls are exactly the same width. They work with the central window to create a pleasing symmetry.

Ready to introduce paneling to your bathroom?

We hope you’ve enjoyed our 21 winning bathroom paneling ideas! Whether you’re looking for classic luxury or contemporary chic, there are loads of design options to choose from.

Paneling can cover a whole wall or only part of one. It can be paired with tiles, stone or floorboards. And while wood paneling looks great, there are also exciting options in leather, PVC and ceramic.

We hope the ideas set here have inspired you to incorporate paneling in your bathroom design. Good luck with your project!

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

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

In the process of developing a design project, it is important not only to choose the design and decor, but also to choose the right materials for wall decoration in the bathroom. Properly selected wall covering will last a very long time and will be able to maintain an attractive appearance. nine0003

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