Are you tired of your bathroom walls and want to find a waterproof bathroom wall covering? Here are some of the best options!
Even novices in interior design know that waterproof wall coverings are crucial for the bathroom. The surfaces in wet rooms should use this feature to distinguish themselves from other wall coatings in the rest of the living areas. Not only the walls in living rooms and bedrooms, but also those in kitchens can be covered with almost any wall covering. This is of course because they remain mostly dry and are much less susceptible to mold growth compared to bathrooms. Since there is no lack of style these days, it would make sense to familiarize yourself with the best possible variants. Below you will find some useful information and tips to help you make your choice.
Although proper bathroom windows or fans can help reduce the humidity factor, a waterproof bathroom wall covering would simply be more effective. In modern bathroom design, ceramic tiles have great competition in the form of various and equally versatile wall coverings made of water-resistant materials. In addition, nowadays there are numerous materials available for finishing the bathroom wallsBathroom renovationto select. However, the decision often comes down to personal preference, desired design and available budget. However, by considering these and other factors listed here, you can more easily decide on the best possible option.
The other living areas such asKitchens that have splashes of greaseand are moderately exposed to moisture can be protected with a back wall. In wet rooms, however, water splashes and moisture come from all directions, which requires appropriate waterproof wall cladding for the bathroom. This includes both the shower area and other walls around bathtubs and sinks. So, before making the right choice, it would be helpful to consider the following options with their peculiarities.
What materials can you use to cover bathroom walls?
A bathroom not only serves the purpose of hygienic needs, but can also improve mood and well-being. After a busy day, you can relax there and forget about your problems for a while. It is therefore important to be able to create the appropriate pleasant and aesthetic atmosphere in the room. By properly lining your bathroom walls and floor, the appearance can be significantly improved.
Since the selection is huge, you should also consider a few other designs in addition to tiled walls, which are just as popular and trendy. Some of these can also be stone cladding and textured plaster, although it is important to choose waterproof wall cladding for the bathroom. Nowadays, even for traditionalists, there are modern ceramic tiles that can be adapted to almost any style. The innovation of this variant is that such tiles can imitate other popular materials such as wood or stone. Additionally, you can choose from bold designs, patterns and shapes to make your bathroom unique and protective.
Opt for classic but modern bathroom tiles made of ceramic or glass
If tiles are chosen correctly, moisture should not be a problem as they provide 100% waterproof wall covering for the bathroom. You can also find this variant in many different designs such as ceramic and glass mosaic, as well as patterned or even in 3D versions. However, if you decide on bathroom tiles, you should also consider the rest of the room's design.
Because it uses grout, grouting typically creates lines and patterns that can either enhance or detract from the style. One option is to partially tile the bathroom walls using paneling. Such tiling can be advantageous because it allows you to combine interesting designs. You can even opt for tile wallpaper, which allows for more flexible tiling of the walls.
Which waterproof wall covering to use instead of tiles for the bathroom?
Alternatively, you can also use moisture-resistant boards, or so-called beadboard, which, however, offer partial protection. This means the lower area of your bathroom can look neat and clean, although the cover is only intended for that purpose. However, the lower parts of the walls in the bathroom are most often affected by moisture, which makes this option equally suitable.
For additional protection, you can paint the floorboards and the upper bathroom walls with waterproof glossy paint or use such wallpaper. However, also remember that this option is more suitable for retro-style bathrooms. There are also other possible variants for modern design, which you can discover below.
Choose vinyl or fiberglass wallpaper to cover bathroom walls
The wallpapers with various coatings are another alternative to bathroom tiles and can well conceal unevenness on the walls. Attaching it is very easy and, depending on the type, such variants are a lot cheaper than concrete, marble or granite. In principle, wallpaper made of vinyl or fiberglass is suitable for bathrooms, and these are coated with acrylic lacquer or epoxy paint. The main advantage of vinyl wallpaper is that you can try it out before applying it. Pick up a thin roll or sample from the store and see if this is right for you.
- When it comes to the look of the room, wallpaper with large patterns can make the room look smaller.
- When it comes to vertical stripes as decorative elements, they draw the eye upwards and make the room appear higher.
- Horizontal striped wallpapers seem to visually expand rooms.
The most important factor in this variant is the high humidity in bathrooms, which is why you should only use waterproof wallpaper glue for this. Otherwise, depending on the style, modern wallpaper would fit perfectly and could also be combined with ceramic tiles. When it comes to vinyl wallpaper, its layers consist of paper on the inside and vinyl on the outside. Such a coating is also light-resistant, which means that the color and water resistance of such wallpapers are retained.
What should you consider with fiberglass wallpaper as a waterproof wall covering for the bathroom?
Fiberglass wallpapers are more resistant to mechanical damage, which makes them a perfect option for bathrooms. They are therefore more durable than vinyl and can last for several decades on bathroom walls. This is because the fiberglass fuses with the surface, and such wallpapers are also intended for painting. In addition, you can vary patterned fiberglass wallpaper by adding borders with colored or patterned stripes of different widths in the bathroom. Such edges can therefore also function as demarcation at the same time. Typically, wallpapering does not require any special skills or tools. However, there are some important factors you should keep in mind to avoid peeling:
- The first priority when using wallpaper is to choose not only the right glue but also the right primer for the surface. Fortunately, there are many high-quality wallpaper glues on the market today.
- It should also be taken into account that each manufacturer offers certain types of wallpaper that can be applied using suitable products. As a rule, these must have steam and water resistant properties.
- Despite the water resistance, you should preferably use wallpaper in bathrooms that are well ventilated, which can be done through windows or bathroom fans.
- If your bathroom does not have a window or a fan, you should not expose such wall coverings to prolonged contact with water.
- It is also not advisable to use wallpaper for small bathrooms, as too much moisture can be released from the wall surfaces in narrow rooms.
Can bathroom walls be easily refined with paint?
In bathrooms, you can also use suitable wall paints as another option, with silk paint and normal interior paint available. In addition, such paints are specifically intended for wet rooms and protect the wall surface from moisture penetration. This preventsdifferent types of moldor fungi develop in the moist environment.
The most commonly used protective ingredients in their formulas are silver ions, which are available in a wide range of colors. This allows you to customize the chosen color depending on the design and furnishings such as bathroom furniture. In addition, bathroom wall paints are more cost-effective and their properties described above are perfect for wet rooms. The ease of use also makes this variant an always preferred choice. Here are a few more things to keep in mind when using it:
- When using regular interior paint, especially avoid painting the bathroom walls with a matte finish paint. This is porous and can allow water to penetrate.
- Opt for semi-matt or even high-gloss silk colors as they are water-repellent.
- Also make sure that you choose high-quality products with additives to prevent mold formation as waterproof wall coverings for the bathroom.
Choose stone cladding as a high-quality waterproof wall cladding for the bathroom
Finally, natural materials like stone are highly durable and moisture-resistant options, but they are also typically more expensive. Any damage that may occur during use is minimal and almost invisible, although it can also be repaired. In addition, such finishes add a touch of elegance and class to bathrooms. In principle, you can use any type of stone cladding in wet rooms, as long as it is properly prepared by polishing and waterproofing. Here are some of the most common variants you can consider:
- Granite: This material is considered the most durable and usually does not require waterproofing.
- Marble: With this variant you can choose from numerous colors and natural patterns. These can be adapted to almost any interior space, but are suitable for larger bathrooms.
- Onyx: The price of this material is high, but it is unique and uneven in color, which would fit perfectly into a mosaic on the wall of a small bathroom.
So if you value quality and fine materials to give your bathroom a more elegant look, then such stone cladding is the most suitable option for the walls. This means you can achieve a natural, elegant and exotic look that creates a relaxed atmosphere and well-being in the bathroom. Stone walls are also waterproof and look really cool, but they come at a high price depending on the type. Another disadvantage is that it can be difficult to install such waterproof bathroom wall coverings. An alternative to this would be stone straps, which could be just as rustic, modern and attractive for any interior.
Final thoughts
Wet rooms such as bathrooms require special care, but with lovingly chosen wall coverings they can provide years of enjoyment. This allows these hygiene and relaxation areas to both look good and fulfill their practical purpose. When designing the perfect bathroom, you can add decorative elements, inserts and inlays according to your own taste and preference. Tiles with jagged edges are still in vogue and go well with Mediterranean and rustic styles.
