103 Bathroom Wall Ideas

If you’re looking to give an old, outdated bathroom wall a much-needed refresh, you’ve come to the right place. These bathroom wall ideas will get your creative juices flowing and bring to life your new bathroom decor.

The wall color sets the tone within a room and serves as a backdrop for your decor. What if instead of the wall being only the base, you chose the wall to be your center decoration feature? The bathroom is the perfect spot to channel your inner creativity and forego that plain white paint.

Smaller spaces are great for playing with vibrant colors or striking wall features. Patterned prints and bold wall covering designs would otherwise overwhelm a larger-sized room, but work perfectly in a small bathroom, as does black and white.

You can also get creative with the help of a bathroom tile, as it’s no longer only for the bathroom flooring or shower. It gives a clean and sleek look if carried up throughout the walls.

Whether you’re taking on a full renovation, or simply wanting to enhance the room, the following bathroom wall images are sure to inspire you.

1. Elegant Designs

Dare to go bold? Evoke a new level of elegance with shades of midnight black and charcoal grey on your bathroom walls. When choosing a dark color scheme, the door opens for adding textures and patterns. Keep in mind that if choosing a dramatic bathroom design, you’ll want to be sure this theme flows with the surrounding rooms.

If you choose to go the route of black tones, you’ll want to avoid the walls appearing plain or one-dimensional. Small black ceramic tiles will help add definition and texture to the walls. They’ll also act as a mirror and reflect light throughout the room. The overall glow will brighten the room and avoid a dull, dark appearance.

On the contrary, if you’re leaning towards a gray color scheme, it’s best to stick with a simpler design on the walls. Large-format slate tiles are great for the walls, as they provide a larger sense of space within the room. You’ll want to keep the grout between the bathroom tiles to a minimum to further create a smooth, sleek look.

With such a dramatic color, it’s best to soften the design through your decor choices. Natural wood furniture is an excellent, softening complement to a dark modern bathroom style.

2. Embrace Luxury

If sophistication is your goal, but dark is not your style, marble is a great choice for your bathroom walls. The classic grey and white coloring is perfect for providing an open feel to a small bathroom.

While used traditionally for flooring or countertops, it also looks great on the walls. If you choose to use marble on both the bathroom floors and walls, you’ll want to select different patterns. This will help to avoid having the space appear too one-dimensional.

Another way to break up a full marble design is with recessed shower shelving. You can even line the shelves with a small colored glass tile for some further pop.

Marble tile sizes vary, and every slab has a unique pattern through its veins. Regardless of the design, marble is sure to be a stunning addition to the bathroom.

3. Natural Stone Bathroom Walls

Create a dreamy at-home spa experience with the help of natural stone.

A stacking stone accent wall will serve as the focal point within your bathroom. You’ll want to showcase it behind a large soaking tub or shower for a statement. You can even choose to combine multiple types of stone for added contrast.

Choose a color and texture that best pairs with your overall design. If you’re looking to achieve a romantic feel, consider a dark stone, such as limestone or anthracite. But, if you prefer something lighter in color, sandstone or travertine would be best.

4. Explore the Beauty of Paint

One of the simplest ways to elevate any room is with a splash of paint. Many color options pair well within the bathroom, regardless of its size. A factor to consider is the amount of natural light the room receives, as it can alter the color’s appearance.

Refresh a boring white wall with a bold, dark hue, such as teal or green. Dark tones are more forgiving in regards to marks and hiding everyday wear. When choosing a dark paint color, it’s best to keep the furniture and accents light. This is especially helpful if you have a tiny bathroom, as it can work to keep the space open.

Do you love the idea of vibrant wall colors or fun prints, but worry they will overpower the bathroom? Consider having a pattern or color serve as a feature wall instead of the entire room. This is perfect for bringing in an intricate pattern or painted design that could otherwise overwhelm the room. To pair with this style, you’ll want to be sure your bath mats and towels complement the featured color.

5. Create a Cozy Atmosphere

If you want to achieve a cozy farmhouse vibe, shiplap is the perfect addition for your bathroom remodel. The horizontal paneling is common in shades of white or cream. This helps to soften the harsh wood appearance. To complete the look, you’ll want to pair the shiplap with industrial metal fixtures and white ceramic tile.

You’re not limited to only a rustic style when using wood paneling. Elevate the shiplap with dark paint colors to fit within a modern bathroom design. White porcelain and gold fixtures contrast with dark tones to create a contemporary feel to the bath.

6. Timeless and Classic

A classic feature seen among bathroom designs is subway tiles. Traditionally the thin, glossy ceramic tile measures three by six inches and is white in color. The standard tile has since received a modern makeover and is now available in a variety of sizes and colors.

There are many ways to showcase traditional subway tile throughout the bathroom. White tiles from floor to ceiling create a luxurious feel – perfect for a master bathroom. However, for a smaller powder room, you can install the bathroom tile halfway up the wall. You’ll then want to paint the remaining top portion of the wall in a bold, contrasting paint color.

If you’re looking to stray away from the traditional design, consider running the tile vertically or in a slanted pattern. You can also choose a tile outside of the standard size, such as one by two-inch or four by six-inch for a unique look.

Another way to deviate from the standard white appearance is with colored subway tiles. Statement colors, such as electric blue or charcoal grey, make for a stunning feature wall. Pair these tiles with oversized decor items such as a mirror or vanity to complete the look.

7. Depth and Style

Covering your walls with textured tiles is a trendy bathroom decor idea. You’ll take a geometric pattern to the next level with the help of its added definition. This works well in any color and is excellent for providing character to your space.

A comb-textured pattern is another popular design style used within the bathroom. It displays fine lines, created by combing a tool through the drywall. The lines can vary in design, such as a circular or half-moon shape. You can also replicate this look with textured wallpaper.

If you want to add texture more subtly, consider wavy or straight parallel lines. The design mimics the appearance of a rake and looks great if carried through the wall’s entire length. This pattern can work within a large or small bathroom to add definition and visual interest.

8. Creative Tile Designs

Installing tile within the bathroom can be aesthetically pleasing and has many benefits. While bathroom tile is best within the shower, it also pairs well when carried throughout all walls. There are many styles and colors available, and you can even combine designs to achieve a unique look.

Square mosaic tiles are one of the most versatile options to use within the bathroom. They are available in several colors and even matte or glossy finishes. You can fully cover a wall or set it in a small format tile to create a contrasting wall decor element.

If you want to achieve a sleek and clean look, opt for a large-format tile with minimal grout lines. With the help of the large design, you’ll create the illusion of more space.

Wall tiles come in rectangular or square shapes. They’re also available in a variety of colors and materials that will easily complement any design.

9. Elegant and Functional

Wainscoting is a type of wood paneling built using parts of molding and trim. It makes for an excellent wall decor feature within the bathroom. Traditional wainscot travels one-third of the wall’s height. It’s usually a crisp white in color as well. The pattern of the wood can vary but the details are best when kept to a minimum.

The top portion of the wall serves as a blank canvas for your creativity. Soft neutrals like grey or cream complement the white paneling. They’ll keep the room light and create a sense of serenity and calmness. If you prefer a more dramatic look, you can opt for a contrasting wall color or printed wallpaper.

A feature wall of floor-to-ceiling wainscot lends a great addition to a master bathroom. The decorative paneling will serve as an impressive focal point within the room. You can even add a subtle paint color if you want to enhance its appearance further.

Recessed wall panels create a frame-like appearance within the design. They serve as a perfect area to hang mirrors or border a small window. You’ll want to keep additional wall decor simple to avoid taking away from the wood detailing.

10. Wonderful Wallpaper

The bathroom is a home for humidity, so it’s understandable if wallpapers aren’t first on your list of bathroom wall ideas. However, thanks to modern-day advancements, you’ll want to reconsider your hesitation. Bathroom wallpapers use improved adhesives that can withstand high levels of moisture. You can also choose from a wide variety of waterproof vinyl wallpaper designs.

Small bathrooms are a great way to show off a bold print that may otherwise overwhelm a larger space. The broad array of patterns can vary from geometric shapes to vibrant floral or even a classic chevron. Use this as an opportunity to showcase your character and incorporate an element of fun.

With bold bathroom wall decor, you’ll want to keep the surrounding decorative pieces simple. Like shower curtains and rugs, linen items are best if kept plain and within the color scheme. Mounted sconce lighting fixtures are elegant, but modest enough to avoid being a distraction. Complete your space with brass or copper fixtures to provide a sophisticated touch.

11. Embrace Nature

Wood is another element that renovators are reluctant to use within the bathroom. While it’s stunning in appearance, many worry about its ability to endure moisture. Luckily with the right wood choice, you can let go of this thought and achieve a remarkable design.

Cedar is a recommended wood species to use for high-volume water areas. If treated and sealed, the wood is extremely long-lasting, even within the bathroom.

There are many ways to customize the wood’s appearance to best suit any bathroom design. Paints, stains, and finishes are simple ways to alter the look from rugged to sleek. You can also arrange the boards vertically or horizontally, depending on your desired style.

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