Renovating the bathroom by tearing out the tiles, furniture and plumbing fixtures and adding new ones is an expensive affair. Fortunately, if you don't have the money for that at the moment, you can also use other options that will make your bathroom look like new. We've put together 13 techniques and ideas for tiling in the bathroom that you can try out during your next renovation before you take more drastic measures and remove the tiles. Of course, you can also use the ideas in the kitchen.
ForTilesWaterproof, self-adhesive film is offered with which you can stick over individual tiles in the bathroom as well as smaller areas such as the kitchen back wall. A big advantage is that this variant doesn't take a lot of time. In addition or instead, you can also use stickers if you are happy with the color of the tiles but want to spice them up a bit.
Both variants can be removed just as easily and leave no residue, which is particularly advantageous in rented apartments. Whichever of the two options you choose, the important thing is that youClean the old tiles well beforehand, because grease residue prevents the tiles from sticking well. Coat the tiles with a solution of a little water and a drop of dish soap. In this way, the film can be spread well without creating bubbles.
Of course you can also paint the tiles. This variant is currently very trendy. Here too, the tiles must be cleaned well so that the new paint can adhere well. In addition to tile paint, you also need a primer, which goes on the tiles first. It is best to use a foam roller for this and be thorough, especially in the joints.
Once the first layer of paint has dried, a second layer is added. A sealant is also necessary in wet areas. Allow a week for the sealant to harden. As practical and simple as the idea of painting the tiles in the bathroom sounds, it has a disadvantage. The floor is less suitable for tile paint because the paint peels off more quickly due to movements. Tile paint is also difficult to remove with chemicals and a compressed air jet.
If you want to get rid of the tiles without removing them, you can also use plaster. With its help you get a smooth wall that you can then paint as desired. It is best to use tile and surface filler for tiling in the bathroom. Then choose the color yourself. Chalkboard paint is currently very popular and can be very practical in both the bathroom and the kitchen. Silicone joints must be removed for plastering. The filler cannot stick to it. First work on the joints twice and then distribute the mixture on the tiles.
You can also stick over the tiles by simply laying new tiles. This saves the cost of knocking off the old tiles. Since you are essentially “applying” another layer to the walls and floor, it is recommended to use tiles that are as thin as possible. If you would like to design tiles in the bathroom using this technique, you should hire a tiler, as incorrect installation can quickly result in mold.
Plywood gives the bathroom a Scandinavian look and is suitable if only one of the walls bothers you or you simply want to add some variety to the bathroom. Birch plywood is well suited for this. And the installation is also very easy, so this tile design in the bathroom does not necessarily have to be done by a professional.
Simply measure the wall to be covered and then have the plywood panel cut to size at the hardware store. Then special wooden profiles are screwed to the respective wall. To do this, use the joints between the tiles and, in the case of a tile backsplash, simply use the area above the tiles. Then attach the plywood panel to the profiles. This variant is also great for hiding pipes or water meters. But don't forget to install a flap.
Use bathroom wall paneling to cover old and unsightly tiles. Like the plywood, this can be easily attached to the tiles and ensures an attractive, classic look. Again, seek advice from a professional. They can give you tips on the right material and assembly.
Another variant of the plywood board is a metal perforated board for tiling in the bathroom, which you can also paint as desired. Not only does it look modern, but it is also practical because various utensils can be hung on the plate. This makes it particularly perfect for the kitchen, where it can be used as a kitchen back wall.
For this purpose, ordinary hooks are simply hung in the holes. A great replacement for the kitchen railing! The perforated panel is cut to the desired size for you at the hardware store and then screwed onto the old tiles, as we already explained with the plywood panel. Of course, you can also get advice on installation from a hardware store.
Just as effective, but also more complex, are drywall walls behind which the old tiles are hidden. This idea is particularly practical if a major renovation is planned, for example the kitchen will be converted into another room and the tiles are no longer desired.
You have the choice between two options: Either you attach plasterboard directly to the walls using tile adhesive or you first build a stud frame. Since there is a lot of moisture in the bathroom, the panels there should be chosen specifically. Use core-impregnated panels, ideally coated with liquid sealing film. A specialist can be helpful again here.
Another advantage of this idea is that the wall can then be further processed. You can plaster or paint them as you wish and even attach wallpaper. Smudge-proof latex is recommended in the bathroom. Otherwise there are no limits to your creativity.
If you like the industrial look, you can take a metal plate and attach it to the old tile backsplash. For tiling in the bathroom, you can either glue the plate onto the old tiles or add another interesting effect with screws or grooves. It is best to use steel as the material to avoid rust stains over time.
Oil paint is also a good solution when it comes to creating great tile patterns in the bathroom or kitchen. The idea comes from Joey Provey, who used three different oil paints in his kitchen to create interesting patterns using the wiping technique. This idea is also said to have proven to be very durable.
Sometimes the tiles are still in perfect condition, but are just too boring. Then you can distract from them with various decorative elements. For example, if only half of your wall is tiled, you can simply repaint the upper, untiled half. Wall tattoos, murals or other things are also very suitable for drawing the eye away from the tiles.
You can't just stick the tiles on like that. In order to wallpaper tiles successfully, you must first ensure that the surface is smooth. No matter how thick the wallpaper is, the joints and tile patterns would ultimately show on the wallpaper and ruin it. So first plaster the wall you want to remodel. An easier option for this idea of tiling in the bathroom or kitchen is to screw a sheet of plywood or MDF onto the tiles as a base for the wallpaper. Either choose wallpaper for wet rooms or treat it with a layer of wallpaper protector.
Padded walls as a replacement are really beautifully extravagant. This idea was implemented in a Berlin apartment with the help of a red truck tarpaulin. It's a complex idea, but it's still impressive! The tarpaulin, like the tiles, is waterproof and easy to clean.
