5 Best Bathroom Wall Options

Vinyl Wallpaper

Vinyl-coated wallpaper is considered functional, waterproof, and one of the better options for bathroom walls. Paper wallcoverings degrade in moist environments. Modern vinyl wallpaper has evolved to offer sophisticated styles, patterns, and colors.

However, vinyl-coated wallpaper has drawbacks. It is less sticky than permanent wallpaper and will not stick to matte, flat, or rough surfaces. Also, most vinyl wallpapers work best on walls away from the sink, shower stall, and tub. Purchase one roll or sample for your walls to try out the pattern before committing.

Bathroom Paint

Bathroom paint is specially formulated for high-moisture spaces. These premium paints include mold-killing additives and come in various sheens for your bathroom. Bathroom paint is affordable, though more expensive than regular latex interior paint.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is a classic choice for bathroom walls. When properly installed and maintained, moisture will not be a problem. You can choose a color grout to add style to the tile. Often a bathroom will have partially tiled walls that come up about 36 inches from the floor. The rest of the wall is either painted with bathroom paint or wallpapered.

Beadboard

Beadboard typically provides partial coverage for the lower half of a bathroom wall. Semi-gloss or glossy paint protects the beadboard from moisture damage.

For easier installation, consider beadboard panels that are 8 feet long by 4 feet high. Installed lengthwise, these longer boards lay down quickly with construction glue and finish nails. For a more refined and historically accurate look, choose individual beadboard planks.

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. Economical and easy to install, tileboard fixes wall problems quickly but adds little value to your home, unlike tile.

The tileboard rapidly swells and will not recover its original dimensions if water reaches the back of it. Avoid this problem by sealing all seams and edges with bathroom-grade silicone caulk.

Bathroom Wall Design Ideas

• Vinyl wallpaper: Use large-scale patterns to create a cozy bathroom, vertical patterns to create a taller space, and horizontal stripes to widen the room. Dedicate one wall to a landscape or mural-like wallpaper scene for a sense of drama in the bathroom. Peel-and-stick vinyl wallpaper works well on an accent wall in a powder room.
• Paint: Deep and daring colors, such as hunter green, navy blue, wine red, and even black, give smaller bathrooms depth to make the space appear larger. Pair these rich colors with white trim for a fresh space. Choose calming neutrals for a relaxing spa-like atmosphere.
• Tile: Your choice of tile can make a bathroom feel modern, vintage, or classic. Use artisan tile to create a small, special sink backsplash as a focal point. Black and white subway tile installed in horizontal stripes creates a dramatic effect.
• Beadboard: This material creates a classic, comfortable, and often coastal look in the bathroom. Install beadboard halfway up the wall or apply it as an accent on one entire wall. Paint it the same as the wall or a contrasting color. Pair a half wall of beadboard with a half wall of wallpaper for a custom look.
• Tileboard: Budget-friendly tileboard is an ideal solution if you want the look of a tile wall without the hassle of installation. Use these decorative embossed panels anywhere in the bathroom to achieve the look of any type of tile.

How to Choose a Bathroom Wall Option

Whether you’re remodeling your bathroom or tackling a new build, consider these tips on how to choose the best option to inspire your new bathroom design:

• Durability: Will the bathroom shower or bathtub be used daily? Tile is a durable option.
• Style: Is it a powder room with heavy foot traffic but does not have a shower? A creative use of wallpaper and beadboard will look great.
• Affordability: Do you need a quick fix on a small budget? Tileboard will disguise problems in a pinch.
• Cleanability: Do you want to be able to quickly and easily wipe down the bathroom walls? Try bathroom paint.

Maintaining Your Bathroom Walls

Regardless of the material of your bathroom walls, keeping them clean is part of regular bathroom maintenance. Wipe them down regularly to keep dust and hair from accumulating, particularly in extremely humid bathrooms. Clean them with a safe cleaning solution specific to your wall material to prevent mold from growing.