What Can You Put On Bathroom Walls Instead Of Tiles?

Are you moving into a new home and want to ditch those old bathroom tiles? Or are you updating your current bathroom and exploring other wall options?

While tiles are common, there are plenty of alternatives. Scroll down to discover the best ways to decorate your bathroom walls!

Interior of a bathroom undergoing construction

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Here are alternative materials that you can apply to your bathroom walls:

  • Wallpaper
  • Wood
  • Shower Panels
  • Brick
  • Laminated panels
  • PVC wall panels
  • Stainless Steel
  • Solid Stone Slabs
  • Paint
  • Ceramic
  • Acrylic Sheets

Bathroom walls can be tricky to decorate due to the moisture and potential water exposure. While tiles are water-resistant and budget-friendly, they aren’t your only option.

Keep reading to discover other great choices for bathroom walls.

1. Wallpaper

House bathroom with wallpaper and large mirror above sink

You might not think of wallpaper for your bathroom, but it’s worth considering. Wallpaper can add a Victorian-era feel and character.

If you’re worried about it getting wet, there are waterproof options designed to be steam-resistant and less likely to peel. Many can also be coated with clear acrylic varnish to resist moisture.

2. Wood

Interior view of a modern bathroom

Wood is another material that typically doesn’t hold well in humid or moist conditions. However, you can explore this as an option for your bathroom walls.

It’s not as rare as you think, as wood paneling can add an earthy feel and wonderfully complement your shower. Use semi-gloss paint and an oil-based primer or waterproof varnish to protect the wood.

To avoid water damage, use wood in non-splash areas. Contact your local home improvement store to ask about wood panels and their water resistance levels.

In the meantime, read “7 Types Of Wood Wall Paneling You Should Consider.”

3. Shower Panels

A minimalistic bathroom interior design in white color with a bathtub and a glas shower panel

Next to tiles, shower panels are a popular choice for bathroom walls. They can be installed over existing tiles, saving you the hassle and cost of removal.

Shower panels are waterproof and come in various colors, designs, and patterns to match any decor.

Available in materials like aluminum, wood, acrylic, and fiberglass, they offer a sleek, polished look with low maintenance and no need for grout or caulk. Plus, they’re often cheaper to install than traditional tiles.

4. Brick

Spa in modern interior with white brick wall

If you are looking for a bit of a bottom flare, brick is a great wall option. Brick can add a minimalist and contemporary feel to your bathroom, as it can offer a striking contrast to the surrounding walls.

While brick and mortar are somewhat porous, they can be coated to become waterproof and painted with water-resistant paint.

You can also contact a contractor specializing in indoor bricklaying to inquire about the other options available.

5. Laminated panels

For the past 20 to 30 years, laminated panels have been a convenient alternative to tiles. These panels are commonly used in commercial settings and are often backed with waterproof foam or wood core.

Laminate panels work great in bathrooms because they are water-resistant, durable, and long-lasting. They are available in many colors and designs and are fairly easy to install.

6. PVC wall panels

If you’re looking for a hassle-free option, PVC wall panels may be worth considering.

These panels are easy to install, naturally water-resistant, and can come with mold-resistant options. Depending on their design, they can be less costly than tiles.

Overall, they are fairly inexpensive. PVC panels are also available in a wide range of finishes, colors, and patterns so that they can perfectly match any bathroom decor.

You can also have PVC wall panels custom-made to suit whatever look you are going for in your bathroom.

7. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is also an excellent choice for bathroom walls. You can buy pre-cut sheets at hardware stores or online or have them custom-cut.

Stainless steel gives a contemporary look and is naturally water-resistant. Plus, there’s no grout to maintain—just screw the sheets into place and apply caulk at the seams.

You can use the sheets on the non-splash area of your shower or the entire shower itself (though the latter may look a bit industrial).

8. Solid Stone Slabs

Black tiled bathroom corner

If you want to create a bathroom fit for a king (or queen), solid stone slabs are the way to go. This option may be more expensive than other alternatives, but it’s so worth it.

The stones can be installed in the entire bathroom wall or non-splash areas. You can also mix and match different stones for a mosaic or ancient Roman appeal.

Installation is simple: have the stones pre-cut and apply with caulk. You can do it yourself or hire a contractor, and it usually takes about a day.

9. Paint

Modern contemporary style bathroom with beige tile walls, black and white pattern floor, wooden shelves and cabinet

Paint is probably one of the easiest and cheapest alternatives for decorating your bathroom walls. Not only can it offer unlimited and creative decorating options, but it can be applied within an hour.

Paint may not be as durable as tile, panels, stones, or other options (though waterproof paints are available). However, if you ensure the bathroom walls are waterproof, the painted surface can last quite a while.

10. Ceramin

You may not have heard of Ceramin, as it’s a relatively new wall and flooring alternative gaining popularity throughout Europe. Ceramin is a waterproof composite material; totally contaminant-free and 100% recyclable.

The cool thing about this material is that it can be designed to look like ceramic tiles, wood, or natural stone. This means that you can use this for any decor and your bathroom.

It is available in a variety of designs, styles, and colors. If you want a way to give your bathroom a spa-like feel, this material may be worth inquiring about at your local improvement store.

11. Acrylic Sheets

Interior of a bathroom undergoing construction

Acrylic sheets are easy to install and can give your bathroom a traditional or contemporary look. They’re water-resistant and typically sold individually or in sets of at least 5 to 10, with prices varying by manufacturer and design.

The only downside is that they may have limited color availability (such as white and off-white).

However, you don’t have to worry about cleaning shower grout with these sheets; they only require a frequent wipe-down to keep them clean.

Do bathroom walls need to be waterproofed?

Yes. Your bathroom must have a waterproof membrane beneath the tile’s bonding mortar or other material on its wall surface.

Bathroom walls are exposed to moisture and direct water daily, making waterproofing a must to prevent issues with mold, leaks, and possible structural damage.

Where should pictures be placed in a bathroom?

Pictures can be placed anywhere in a bathroom. Common areas include above the toilet (centered) or on the walls adjacent to the shower.

You can also add pictures on both sides of your vanity.

How do I make my bathroom look expensive?

There are several ways that you can make your bathroom look more expensive. Here are a few:

  • Lay a bathtub table across your tub and place a book and a sage smudge stick on top of it.
  • Replace your current curtain rod with a curved rod to make your shower look a bit fancier.
  • Make a sparkly white with a magic eraser to the caulk and grout around your shower.
  • Place a waterproof speaker on your shower wall and add a few nature sounds– make your little spa right at home.
  • Place your sink soap bar on a handful of pebbles so the water can drain on them instead of a soap dish.
  • Add a few small plants to the window sills of your bathroom–succulents will stand out most.
  • Hang a groovy bar light on a hook and attach it to your bathroom wall for beautiful light effects.
  • Use glass jars to stock your daily grooming essentials such as soap, cotton balls, and Q-tips.

Wrapping Things Up

Interior of 1970's style master bathroom with old fashioned wall paper design, old bathroom finishes and carpet in closet area

We hope that this post has introduced you to the other wall options available for your bathroom.

Before you go, check out our other posts:

How To Decorate The Bathroom Walls With Mirrors

5 Best Types Of Shower Wall Panels To Consider For Your Bathroom Renovation

An interior of 1970's style master bathroom with old fashioned wall paper design, old bathroom finishes and carpet in closet area, What Can You Put On Bathroom Walls Instead Of Tiles?
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One comment

  1. I have several boxes of Smartcore – Waterproof Interlocking Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring left over. Can I use this as a surround for a stand alone tub?

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