5 Best Bathroom Wall Options

In this article, we’ll explore various bathroom wall options. Bathroom walls face humidity and moisture unlike other areas of the home. Choosing the right wall option is crucial to withstand moisture. For instance, knowing which paint or wallpaper works best in a high-humidity environment can save you from the unpleasant task of repairing peeling walls.


We’ve highlighted the best bathroom wall options to handle humidity. Whatever option you choose, make sure it fits your home’s overall style.


Types of Bathroom Wall Surfaces:


Surface: Vinyl wallpaper


Pros: Easy to install as it can be unpeeled and reapplied more than once.


Cons: Some vinyl wallpaper is not suited for heavy moisture.


Surface: Interior paint


Pros: Designated bathroom paint has mold- and mildew-inhibiting additives.


Cons: If designated bathroom paint is chosen, it can cost up to twice as much as regular interior paint.


Surface: Tile


Pros: Tile is 100% waterproof when expertly installed.


Cons: Too much tile can overwhelm a room and make it feel sterile.


Surface: Beadboard


Pros: Helps protect walls against direct moisture from shower or bathtub.


Cons: Its traditional look may not work for all bathroom styles.


Surface: Tileboard


Pros: Can be a quick fix for bad drywall in a kitchen or bathroom.


Cons: Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a hard melamine layer on top is a poor substitute for real tile.


Surface: Vinyl-coated wallpaper


Pros: Considered functional, waterproof, and one of the better options for bathroom walls. Modern vinyl wallpaper offers sophisticated styles, patterns, and colors.


Cons: Less sticky than permanent wallpaper and won’t stick to matte, flat, or rough surfaces. Most vinyl wallpapers work best on walls away from the sink, shower stall, and tub. Consider purchasing one roll or sample to try out the pattern before committing.


Surface: Bathroom paint


Pros: Specially formulated for high-moisture spaces with mold-killing additives and available in various sheens.


Cons: More expensive than regular latex interior paint.


Surface: Ceramic tile


Pros: A classic choice for bathroom walls. When properly installed and maintained, moisture won’t be a problem. You can choose a color grout to add style.


Cons: None mentioned.


Surface: Beadboard


Pros: Typically provides partial coverage for the lower half of a bathroom wall. Semi-gloss or glossy paint protects it from moisture damage.


Cons: None mentioned.
When considering bathroom wall options, there are several factors to take into account, including durability, style, affordability, and cleanability. Here are the top 5 options to inspire your new bathroom design:


1. **Beadboard**: For a classic, comfortable, and often coastal look, beadboard is a popular choice. It can be installed halfway up the wall or as a full-wall accent. Paint it the same color as the wall or choose a contrasting color for a striking effect.


2. **Tileboard**: Budget-friendly and easy to install, tileboard offers the appearance of tile without the installation hassle. It comes in large format panels, covering 32 square feet of wall space in minutes. Better quality tileboard closely resembles ceramic tile and has a wear surface coated to repel moisture. However, it’s important to seal all seams and edges with bathroom-grade silicone caulk to prevent swelling.


3. **Vinyl Wallpaper**: Create a cozy bathroom with large-scale patterns, or use vertical patterns to create the illusion of height. Horizontal stripes can widen the room, and a dedicated landscape or mural-like wallpaper can add drama. Peel-and-stick vinyl wallpaper is also a great choice for an accent wall in a powder room.


4. **Paint**: Deep and daring colors, such as hunter green, navy blue, wine red, and black, can make smaller bathrooms appear larger. Pair these rich colors with white trim for a fresh look, or choose calming neutrals for a relaxing spa-like atmosphere.


5. **Tile**: The choice of tile can completely transform the feel of a bathroom, making it modern, vintage, or classic. Artisan tile can be used to create a small, special sink backsplash as a focal point, while black and white subway tile in horizontal stripes creates a dramatic effect.


When choosing the best bathroom wall option, consider the following:


– **Durability**: If the bathroom shower or bathtub is used daily, tile is a durable option.


– **Style**: For a powder room with heavy foot traffic but without a shower, creative uses of wallpaper and beadboard can look great.


– **Affordability**: If you need a quick fix on a small budget, tileboard can disguise wall problems effectively.


– **Cleanability**: If you prefer walls that can be quickly and easily wiped down, bathroom paint is the way to go.


Regardless of the material chosen, maintaining clean bathroom walls is part of regular bathroom maintenance.


When it comes to bathroom wall decor, there are several options to consider. To maintain cleanliness and hygiene, it’s essential to wipe down bathroom walls regularly to prevent dust and hair accumulation, especially in humid environments. A specific cleaning solution designed for your wall material is crucial to prevent mold growth.



Frequently Asked Questions:


What is the best material for bathroom walls?


Porcelain, ceramic, and glass tiles are often the best options for bathroom walls due to their water-resistant properties, durability, and longevity.


What sheeting is best for bathroom walls?


Acrylic sheeting is a durable and cost-effective choice for bathroom walls.


What is the cheapest option for bathroom walls?


Painting your bathroom walls is the most budget-friendly option. A semi-gloss paint finish is recommended as it withstands moisture and is easy to clean.


What are the pros and cons of using acrylic for shower walls in the bathroom?


Prefab acrylic shower walls are easy to install professionally over existing tile, quick to clean, and resistant to damaging cracks. However, they are prone to scratches, fading, and have limited aesthetics and styling options.


Best Bathroom Wall Surfaces


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