Bring texture and color to your bathroom with these creative bathroom wall ideas, including paneling, wallpaper, wall tiles and more!
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10 Bathroom Wall Ideas That Will Rejuvenate Your Space
Updated on Jun. 18, 2025
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Geometric Tile
When thinking of bathroom wall ideas tht utilize tiles, the possibilities are endless. A colorful, geometric backsplash, like this one from @ourhouseedit, brings pattern and pizzazz to your bathroom in a few square feet of wall space. Not only do these cement tiles look stunning, they’re perfect because they can withstand wet conditions.
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Slatted Wood Wall
With just slats of wood and a nail gun, you can make a gorgeous accent wall in your bathroom just like @whitehousemuddyfeet did here.
Each slat is about 1-1/2-inch wide. Stain the slats, and then cut each on the same length as the wall is wide, using a chop saw. The slats were attached to the wall with a nail gun, with nails shot directly into the wall studs. Be sure to measure the height of the wall, and mark each slat location with a pencil to ensure even spacing.
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Black Wall Planks
Transform a blank wall in your bathroom with black wall planks, like this accent wall by @lexs_look. You can purchase wood tongue-and-groove wall planks at a home improvement store that are primed and ready to be painted.
Be sure to avoid medium density fiberboards (MDF), which will swell and warp when wet (not good for a bathroom!). Pine boards are better suited for bathroom use, but should still be painted and sealed for waterproof protection.
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Painted Mural
A small bathroom is a great place to go bold on one of the walls. This hand-painted botanical mural by @honeydohoney_home makes this powder room reach its full potential. Get creative and go free-hand, or use a stencil if you’re not as comfortable holding a paintbrush. The good news is, if you mess up, it’s easy to paint over it and start again!
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Modern Wainscoting
This vertical slatted wainscoting by @our_rosemont_home highlights the bathtub area with interesting texture and a gorgeous pop of green. Though the slats are only installed on the lower section of the wall, the vertical lines help the whole wall feel taller. The dark color is a great choice, making the white freestanding bathtub pop against the rich, green backdrop.
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Floor-to-Ceiling Tile
Floor tile in a bathroom is a no-brainer, but why not install floor tile on the walls? This bathroom by @theburkehome has the same tile on the floor and accent wall, making the space feel cohesive. Extending the wall tile from the vanity to the glass shower provides a seamless transition between the two areas and allows the whole bathroom to breathe.
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Wallpaper
Covering bathroom walls with big-print wallpaper delivers an instant dose of color and pattern. This blue and white print, used by @atwaterdesigns, creates a fresh and inviting space, and we love how the vanity is painted to match! Plus, it offers a nice alternative to the all white bathroom trend.
Also, take note of the size of the leaves. The oversized pattern tricks the eye and makes the small bathroom feel bigger. If the previous owners installed wood-tone wainscoting, give it new life with a couple of coats of paint.
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Rustic Coastal Paneling
Here’s another paneled bathroom wall. This one, by @bailey.at.home, has a rustic twist. The exposed wood grain, sealed with a light stain, brings a coastal vibe that makes you feel like you’re at the spa instead of your bathroom! Two oversized art pieces and a few plants finish the look. This space proves that, with the right choices, a simple blank wall can bring the whole bathroom to life.
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Panel Feature Wall
This dark feature wall by @itsinsidethatcounts draws the eye to the back of the space, giving the tiny bathroom more depth and making it feel bigger. To create a similar wall, attach boards to the wall with a heavy-duty adhesive and use nails for added strength. Caulk in the nail holes and any gaps for a smooth finish, then apply at least two coats of paint.
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Peel-and-Stick Tile
If you’re not in the mood for a big tile project that requires mortar, grout and a lot of time, opt for a more DIY-friendly wall covering, like this peel-and-stick tile. The elegant aqua scallop pattern elevates the whole look of your bathroom. And installation couldn’t be easier. Simply use a utility knife or scissors to trim to size, peel off the backing and stick to the wall!
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FAQs
How can I make my small bathroom look bigger?
“If you want a small bathroom to feel bigger, bounce light,” says contractor Danny Niemela. “That means gloss or satin paint, vertically stacked tile, frameless glass, and wall-mounted fixtures. Bigger mirrors help, but ceiling height tricks do more. Go full tile from floor to ceiling or bring the vanity up off the ground to fake vertical space. Even just adding a single light fixture on a dimmer can shift the perception of square footage.”
What are the best wall options for a bathroom?
For bathroom walls, “PVC panels win for speed, price and durability. They cut easily, snap together without grout and seal tight with silicone. Cost is about $12 per square foot installed,” says Niemela.
Can I waterproof my bathroom walls?
Tile works best for waterproofing bathroom walls. “Stone-look options give you the high-end feel without needing a tile saw or long lead times,” says Niemela. “You can run them vertically for a modern look or horizontal to stretch the room. They clean with a towel. If they scratch, heat guns buff them out in seconds.”
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About the Expert
Danny Niemela is a professional contractor and home remodeler. He is the co-owner, Vice President and CFO at ArDan Construction, a luxury home remodeling company in Scottsdale, Arizona. Niemela is also the current President of the Greater Phoenix Chapter of National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
