If you’re in the process of renovating your bathroom, but can’t make a decision on the design or wall material you’d like then you’ve come to the right place. There are a number of options you can consider ranging from vinyl wallpaper and paint to things like tileboard and beadboard. The following guide will take you through a number of different bathroom wall ideas you can consider for your home.
Bathroom Walls vs. Other Walls in the Home
When it comes to our bathroom walls, there are factors we need to think about when it comes to walls versus other areas in the home. Since bedrooms, living rooms and hallways are areas of the home that don’t have extreme moisture, you can choose any wall covering. Kitchens have special backsplashes to protect its walls from the rigours that can come from cooking.
However, because of the changes in humidity our bathrooms endure, along with the water spraying from showers and baths, we need to be careful of what is used to cover the wall. Of course, a bathroom with adequate ventilation will help combat the moisture, but it doesn’t totally solve the problem.
Vinyl Wallpaper Bathroom Wall
Wallpapers made specifically for bathrooms are a popular trend because it’s a versatile option for wall coverings. These wallpapers are made to exist in a bathroom environment and are great at resisting humidity. Wallpapers on the market today are customizable to any colour and pattern and are easy enough to install and remove. You can dramatically alter the look of the room with relative ease. It’s best to look for a wallpaper that is vinyl-coated as this allows the material to last longer in such a moist environment.
The only thing you need to be mindful of is the fact that peelable vinyl wallpaper is less sticky compared to traditional wallpaper. Since this is the case, you’ll need to ensure that the walls you plan on covering will work with the material, as it won’t stick to rough, flat, or matte surfaces. The benefits of vinyl is that it’s easy to install and peel off, and can be reinstalled numerous times.
Regular Interior Paint or Semi-Gloss Bathroom Wall
When selecting an interior paint for a bathroom, there are some paints that are better suited for the conditions experienced in the bathroom than others. For example, flat or matte surface paint should be avoided as the pores in the paint can trap water and moisture.
\A way to get around this is to use a semi-gloss or a high-gloss sheen as water will simply bead on the surface and evaporate. You can even opt for paint that is specifically engineered to thrive in the bathroom, and this is more expensive than other paint options, but it is still a far cheaper avenue than wallpaper, tile, and other wall covering materials.
Regardless of the paint you choose for your bathroom, for the best results, you want to make sure the walls are clean, smooth, and in good condition prior to painting. It’s also good to know that water-repellent paint will only work in areas that don’t experience direct exposure to water.
Bathroom paint that is intended to flourish in high moisture environments comes equipped with mildew and mould preventatives.
Glass or Ceramic Tile Bathroom Wall
Ceramic tile is always a popular choice for bathroom wall coverings. As long as the tile is installed properly, you should never have to worry about any moisture issues. The biggest concern is design because tiles will have grout and these will create lines and patterns. You will need to consider tile size, colour, and pattern, and how this tile can alter the feel of the room.
Too many tiles can make a room feel cluttered and busy. A good work around is partially tiled walls. Wainscoting with ceramic tile is a great way to waterproof areas of the bathroom while also adding flair and charm. The reason why bathroom wall tile is such a popular option is because it is 100% waterproof as long as the installation was correct.
Beadboard Bathroom Wall
A beadboard is a wall covering intended for the lower portion of the wall. This works great in bathrooms as this is an area that typically experiences moisture problems. Beadboard can also be painted with semi or high-glass paint for additional protection.
For an easier beadboard installation process, look for panels that are 8 feet by 4 feet. All you’ll need is some construction glue and some nails. If you’re looking for a more traditional approach with beadboard, you’ll have to install the boarding individually.
Tileboard Bathroom Wall
Tileboard is another excellent bathroom wall-covering option. Don’t mistake this material for ceramic tile – it looks similar but the tailboard is actually a large panel. The panels cover 32 square feet of wall and provide a tiled finishing look, but can be installed in no time at all.
Tileboard has a coated surface that repels moisture and is a very cost-effective solution. But if water seeps into the tileboard and reaches the back of the board, it will swell. A way to avoid this is by sealing all the edges with silicone caulking that can function in a bathroom.
Contact Us
Now that you have the right tools to confidently choose the best bathroom wall material for your renovation, all you have to do now is decide on which option is best for you. But not to worry, if you’re still weighing your options and aren’t sure which material is best for your project, reach out to the experts at iBathrooms.
They have the knowledge, professionalism, and experience to guide you in the right direction in terms of what to put on bathroom walls. We guarantee that our team can handle all of your bathroom renovation needs.