Yes, you can install shiplap paneling in a bathroom, provided you take specific moisture-protection precautions or use waterproof materials. While traditional wood shiplap is susceptible to warping and mold, modern alternatives and proper sealing make it a viable design choice for high-humidity areas.
If you are using shiplap in a bathroom, be sure to keep the wood away from any over spray the shower may cause. Once the wood has been purchased place inside the home so that it can acclimate to the temperature.
Proper Sealant Application
Once the shiplap boards are installed, use a high-quality waterproof sealant to coat the entire surface, paying extra attention to the joints and edges. This creates a protective barrier that prevents water from seeping through and damaging the underlying walls.
It's important to use a type of wood that is resistant to moisture or to use a waterproof shiplap. Some good options for moisture-resistant wood include cedar, teak, and redwood.
How to create shiplap cladding
Shiplap panels still have their place, but in 2025, homeowners are looking for wall treatments that offer more variety, texture, and design flexibility. Whether you're after a clean modern look, an earthy vibe, or just something easier to maintain, there are smarter alternatives out there.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Shiplap Cladding
What trend is replacing shiplap? Box moldings, raised wood paneling, and wallpaper are gaining traction as shiplap alternatives in modern society. That being said, there are plenty of ways to make your shiplapped walls look fresh.
Bathroom trends for 2026 are characterized by the resurgence of untreated natural finishes, including stone. Together with handmade and textured tiles, the look is more rustic. This gives a warmer and more organic feel. The most popular bathroom tiles for 2026 are those inspired by limestone and travertine.
Ventilate Your Bathroom
Installing a high-quality exhaust fan or ventilation system helps control humidity levels, ensuring your shiplap in bathroom remains dry and intact. Good airflow prevents mold and mildew, especially in tight, enclosed areas.
Shiplap is a multipurpose material that can transform the appearance of interior walls and ceilings while protecting against moisture and temperature changes. It can be painted or stained to match décor and is perfect for water-prone areas such as kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms.
Shiplap walls are still going strong in 2026, but with a fresh, more refined twist. No longer just farmhouse staples, shiplap accents now span modern, coastal, rustic, and minimalist living rooms—adding texture without overwhelming the space.
Place a nail through the top and bottom of each shiplap board, where it crosses a stud. Use adhesive to glue the board down first. Or ask a partner to help you hold it in place.
A big complaint from those with shiplap in their homes is that it is a magnet for dust. Dust will settle in the gaps and grooves and can make the space look dirty. 2. If not installed correctly, shiplap can warp or rot.
The best materials for bathroom walls include ceramic tiles, natural stone tiles, and acrylic shower walls because they handle moisture well. Ceramic tiles are popular for bathroom walls due to their durability, water resistance, and easy-to-clean surface.
Increase Home Value With Shiplap
Not only is it a budget-friendly home project, being that it's a smaller area needing coverage, but it adds a large amount of texture, color, and dimension for a minimum amount of money and time. Shiplap upgrades a bathroom and adds value to your home.
Chipped tiles, stained grout, and brightly colored porcelain tubs and toilets (think avocado green, mustard yellow, or bubblegum pink) instantly make a bathroom look neglected. No matter how clean the rest of the space is, damaged surfaces or retro fixtures give off a dated vibe.
For those drawn to richer hues, navy and forest green are also gaining traction, and their classic colors are great for offering a pop of color if you just want a hint of it among neutrals. Soft pastels are also making a comeback, adding a gentle, uplifting energy to any bathroom space.
A bathroom remodel typically costs around $6,600 to $18,000, though an extensive high-end remodel can cost over $80,000. Your cost will depend on the extent of the work, your square footage and the materials you choose. Journal of Light Construction. 2025 Cost vs Value Report.
“The Old World looks with things like textured walls with golden tones, drapery that has an orange undertone, and all-brown furniture have got to go,” she says, suggesting reupholstering furniture and a new coat of paint to start.
As we look toward 2026, one thing becomes clear: interior design is shifting toward spaces that feel meaningful, rooted, and deeply connected to the way we live. These trends highlight a collective desire for warmth, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
Quartz and Quartzite Are Top Countertop Choices
Quartz is still the number one material choice for countertops, according to 78% of the respondents. (Its popularity makes sense, though! You get the look of natural stone with none of the maintenance.) Quartzite—aka the real stuff—is in second place.
1x6 shiplap boards are the most commonly used width of shiplap. Smaller than the 1x8 inch width, this 6-inch shiplap size provides the most classic, versatile look.
When using traditional shiplap, look to soft white hues for balance. We like Cloud White 967, shown here, White Dove OC-17 or Swiss Coffee OC-45. Add a fun graphic rug or woven accents to nod to the seafaring beginnings of shiplap design.