Unconventional Bathroom Wall Cladding Ideas
Take the road less travelled. Try these fresh wall cladding options that transform your bath space into a unique haven of luxury
Often, when we think of upgrading or renovating our bathrooms, we are instantly drawn to tiles and marbles. However, manufacturers now offer beautiful products that actively shield or create a protective barrier between walls and moisture. If you’re open to experimentation, check how these coverings for your walls add much-desired oomph as well as up the luxe quotient of your bathroom.
Brands like Nilaya and Kraza Lifestyle present a variety of wall coverings that offer luxurious looks.
Pro Tip: Apply one coat of varnish over the wallpaper. Seal the trim with transparent PVC tape to protect it against moisture that could otherwise seep through and cause the wallpaper to peel off.
Pro Tip: Apply one coat of varnish over the wallpaper. Seal the trim with transparent PVC tape to protect it against moisture that could otherwise seep through and cause the wallpaper to peel off.
Natural stone cladding gives real character
Stone gives an irresistible weathered charm to walls. The natural stone lends a lot of character to the wall with its textured surface, shapes and colours. Check out Stone Source Inc., Stone Ideas and Asian Stones for an array of options for natural stone cladding.
Stone gives an irresistible weathered charm to walls. The natural stone lends a lot of character to the wall with its textured surface, shapes and colours. Check out Stone Source Inc., Stone Ideas and Asian Stones for an array of options for natural stone cladding.
The market is inundated with economical options, such as PVC wall panels in sandstone and travertine finishes, which replicate the real thing. These wall claddings look fantastic and give a sense of drama to the existing space. For faux stone options, The Roots has a sizeable collection of wall panels that resemble actual stone.
Slate tiles create magnificent textures on wall
The black slate tiles in this image create a beautiful gradation of textures on the wall. The spot lights and the recessed shelves holding small green plants create a mesmerising effect. The inclusion of white, green and orange adds a much-needed dash of colour to this sombre space.
The black slate tiles in this image create a beautiful gradation of textures on the wall. The spot lights and the recessed shelves holding small green plants create a mesmerising effect. The inclusion of white, green and orange adds a much-needed dash of colour to this sombre space.
Slate tiles are available in different colours and finishes. Here, slate tiles in a copper quartzite finish give a luxurious appeal. They can be installed without grout lines. In this space, the shiny finish complements the understated look of the tiled floors and wooden vanity.
In this bathroom, the copper-toned split-face tile cladding creates a three-dimensional effect which is further accentuated by the wall lights. The overall look feels a tad industrial but the irregular texture and colour of the wall gives it a distinctively rich flair.
Onyx is a showstopper par excellence
From my personal experience, onyx often has a jaw-dropping effect on people. Onyx is an expensive and rare material, and hence a great choice for creating luxurious bathroom countertops or sinks. Here, we look at the possibility of an onyx backlit feature wall adding glamour to the bathroom. Care must be taken, as onyx is extremely fragile; its longevity depends on its maintenance.
From my personal experience, onyx often has a jaw-dropping effect on people. Onyx is an expensive and rare material, and hence a great choice for creating luxurious bathroom countertops or sinks. Here, we look at the possibility of an onyx backlit feature wall adding glamour to the bathroom. Care must be taken, as onyx is extremely fragile; its longevity depends on its maintenance.
In this image, the rustic, uneven textures of the split-face stacked stone walls beautifully complements the onyx feature wall in the shower cubicle.
Timber lends warmth and drama
Generally, wood is not great for wet areas, though it can add oodles more warmth and coziness to an already private corner of your house. Here, wooden slats create drama on the walls.
The bathroom must be well lit to highlight the unique grain and finish on the wood and perhaps to counter the heavy ambience it creates. When using dark wood, opt for contrasting fixtures, light-coloured walls and enough mirrors to offset the intense colour.
Generally, wood is not great for wet areas, though it can add oodles more warmth and coziness to an already private corner of your house. Here, wooden slats create drama on the walls.
The bathroom must be well lit to highlight the unique grain and finish on the wood and perhaps to counter the heavy ambience it creates. When using dark wood, opt for contrasting fixtures, light-coloured walls and enough mirrors to offset the intense colour.
Tip: Though generally difficult to maintain, extreme caution must be exercised when using wood in dry areas, as well. Seal any pockets or uneven surfaces with putty to ensure water does not seep through. Apply a coat of oil-based polyurethane to create a moisture-resistant surface. A wax finish will mildly protect the surface while maintaining the rugged texture.
Mosaic means shimmer and glam
If you associate luxury with bling, then look no further. Glass mosaics tiles are available in innumerable varieties and colours with retailers such as Specific Glass Mosaic and Palladio Mosaics. Here, gold is a bold choice that complements the contemporary bath setting and modern fixtures perfectly.
If you associate luxury with bling, then look no further. Glass mosaics tiles are available in innumerable varieties and colours with retailers such as Specific Glass Mosaic and Palladio Mosaics. Here, gold is a bold choice that complements the contemporary bath setting and modern fixtures perfectly.
Penny rounds are small circular mosaic tiles available in glass, ceramic, metal and marble. Penny tiles, usually popular in colours like greys, blues, white and black, used to be set in a sand-and-cement grout and often still are. However, you can get them pre-set in larger sheets or tiles, which are quicker and more convenient to install. Due to their natural non-slip, water-tolerant surfaces, they create a wonderful backdrop for the bathroom. They look absolutely stunning when looked at up close and give a wonderful sheen to the walls. They are rarer than square mosaic tiles but are available from suppliers such as World of Mosaic and Fired Earth, as well as the Tile Store Online and Amazon.
Stencil art on ceramic tiles is another way to upgrade your bathroom in a stylish way. You could take this up as a DIY project. The tiles need to be scrubbed and cleaned with a strong cleaning agent and sanded to even the surface. You can choose from numerous stencil designs available with online stores, such as Amazon. Once the designs are transferred on to your tiles, give the wall some time – about 48 hours – for the paint to dry before coating them with waterproof polyurethane to seal in your artwork.
Houzz TV: How to Stencil a Wall
Houzz TV: How to Stencil a Wall
Walls clad in living green are special
This is an alternative to cladding materials – a live green wall! Stand-alone moss walls can make a serious statement in spacious bathrooms. If growing a living green wall seems high maintenance, then consider faux plants.
Read more from the experts on how to grow a green wall
Read more:
The Allure of Monochrome Bathrooms
How to Create a Lavish Bathroom
Tell us:
Have you experimented with any interesting cladding for bathrooms? Tell us your bathroom makeover story in Comments below.
This is an alternative to cladding materials – a live green wall! Stand-alone moss walls can make a serious statement in spacious bathrooms. If growing a living green wall seems high maintenance, then consider faux plants.
Read more from the experts on how to grow a green wall
Read more:
The Allure of Monochrome Bathrooms
How to Create a Lavish Bathroom
Tell us:
Have you experimented with any interesting cladding for bathrooms? Tell us your bathroom makeover story in Comments below.
For powder rooms (as they have less moisture), you could opt for foil-accented wallpapers or solid vinyl wall coverings that have a non-absorbent surface. These wallpapers come in glossy and matte finishes. When you want a change, they can be easily peeled away. Unlike paper wall coverings, vinyl wallpapers can tolerate indirect moisture. Certain products labelled ‘scrubbable’ can last longer and are easier to clean with a dry cloth or brush.