Choosing design options for your bathroom can be difficult because you need to consider practicality and aesthetics at the same time. Not only do the materials that you choose have to look amazing, but they also need to be able to withstand water. Making the wrong choice could lead to water damage and a lot of expensive maintenance. This is especially true when it comes to the walls. Unfortunately, this is an area that people don’t always put that much thought into. Often they end up running into problems further down the line. So, if you are planning a remodel, make sure that you explore these different bathroom walls when considering your options. 

Paint 

Paint is the most obvious choice for most rooms in your home. But you have to be careful when using it in the bathroom. Standard paint will hold up to general wear and tear but when it is exposed to a lot of moisture, it will start peeling. Then the wall underneath can get water damaged very easily. That doesn’t mean that you should avoid paint altogether. However you do need to choose the right paint if you want it to last and protect the walls from moisture.

You can buy specific bathroom paint that contains ingredients designed to protect against mold and mildew. This paint will not peel when exposed to moisture and it will last longer in the bathroom. The only drawback is that it can cost up to twice as much as regular paint. So it’s not the best choice if you are looking for a budget-friendly bathroom remodel. You will also have to reapply it fairly regularly, even if you get specific bathroom paint. 

Tiles

Tiles are a popular choice for bathrooms because they are 100% waterproof, as long as they are installed correctly. They are also a great eco-friendly material. So if sustainability is a priority for you, they’re great. However, if you tile the entire bathroom, it can become quite overwhelming and it can also make the room look quite clinical. Especially in a small bathroom. Often, it’s a good idea to tile certain areas that are exposed to the most water, like the shower, while using paint in other areas. If you do use tiles, be prepared to deal with mold and mildew on the grout between them. If you are unable to stay on top of it, you will need to replace the grout from time to time. 

Wet Wall Panels

If you are looking for a wall option that gives you complete protection from moisture, is easy to install, and doesn’t require much maintenance, wet wall panels are perfect. There is a huge range of PVC Wet Wall Panels available in lots of different designs, so you can always find one to fit the bathroom aesthetic you are going for. They can be installed from floor to ceiling, so you get full protection without it being too overpowering as full tiling can be. They’re also very durable and they don’t need much maintenance. Fortunately they are easy to clean so you don’t need to worry about mold and mildew. 

Tileboard 

Tileboard is often used as a quick fix in bathrooms where the wall is in poor condition. If you are looking for a budget option and you don’t want to plaster the walls before adding a wall covering, you might decide to use tileboard instead. It consists of an MDF layer with a top coating of melamine to provide durability and protect against water damage. It’s inexpensive and easy to install. Plus it will cover any damage to the wall underneath without the need to pay for expensive plastering. However, when compared with real tiles or PVC wet wall panels, it doesn’t hold up as long. So, if you want a quick fix that won’t cost much, this can be a good option. Just be aware that it does not have the longevity that other options do. Therefore it will need to be replaced relatively soon. 

Wallpaper 

People don’t always consider wallpaper in the bathroom because moisture can be a big issue and cause it to start peeling. Once your wallpaper becomes dog-eared around the edges, it makes the whole room look a bit run down. However, wallpaper can work if you choose the right type. It needs to be vinyl wallpaper because it is more resistant to moisture. It can also be peeled back and reapplied multiple times, so it’s easy to touch up when it starts coming away from the walls. However, not all vinyl wallpaper is suited for high moisture levels. So make sure you do your research and find a good quality paper that is designed for bathrooms. 

When choosing options for your bathroom walls, it is important to consider the design, the cost, and the durability. Finding a balance between these elements is the key to making the right choice for your bathroom remodel.