When is a bathroom feature wall the right choice? Feature walls are a great option if you have limited space. They naturally draw attention and can create depth, which makes small rooms appear much larger. With the right design, these accent walls can also provide a great contrast and a natural focal point.
Several water-resistant wall materials will hold up in a bathroom but porcelain, ceramic, or glass tile are often the best options for durability and longevity. What sheeting is best for bathroom walls? Acrylic sheeting on your bathroom walls is a durable, cost-effective option.
Bathrooms have become the stage for some of today's most incredible interior designs, and accent walls are often the stars of the show. Learn where to put accent walls in your bathroom and what to put on them as we walk you through 40 of our favorite accent wall ideas.
Feature walls have been a beloved element in interior design for many years, providing a focal point that can transform a room. Despite evolving trends, feature walls are far from outdated. In fact, with the advent of modern wall panels, they have become even more versatile and stylish.
While trends come and go, accent walls have proven to be a timeless design element. In 2024, they continue to be popular for their ability to transform a space without a major overhaul. However, the trends surrounding accent walls have evolved to embrace more creative and personalized approaches.
Shiplap has long been celebrated for its rustic charm and farmhouse appeal, but in 2024, it's taking on a fresh, modern twist. As a versatile and stylish design element, shiplap is being reimagined in innovative ways that bring a touch of elegance and warmth to any space.
Feature walls make a bolder statement by using colour, texture, materials, or decorative treatments to turn a wall into a focal point. Accent walls take a subtler approach by using colour or wallpaper to make a wall pop without overpowering the room.
Feature walls can positively affect the resale value of a property if they are well-designed and use high-quality materials. They can create a memorable impression on potential buyers and help a property stand out in a competitive market.
While white will never be completely out of style, we are seeing a resurgence of more earthy tones. The return of the seventies has been influencing interior trends for 2024; with a palette of warm taupes, tan browns, and caramel tones seeing a sharp renewal.
A feature wall is a good trick to make small rooms feel more spacious. It adds dimension, making the space visually larger. A feature wall is a great option if you want to divide a large space visually. This is a secret trick that interior decorators use when designing open-plan homes.
When is a bathroom feature wall the right choice? Feature walls are a great option if you have limited space. They naturally draw attention and can create depth, which makes small rooms appear much larger. With the right design, these accent walls can also provide a great contrast and a natural focal point.
If the room already has a lot going on, an accent wall may not be the best choice. It could make a busy room feel too crowded.
The most obvious wall to accentuate is the one directly across from the door. This is what people will see when they enter the room, and it will draw their eyes all the way down. With this in mind, you may not want that wall highlighted because it holds something unattractive, like the toilet.
Go Wild With Tile
"We try and wrap partial tile around the walls outside of the bath and shower to make the bathroom feel more cohesive," Paz says. "If you pick a less expensive tile overall, it creates a more luxurious feeling to the space."
Don't hang just any artwork
The biggest issue you'll face displaying art in your bathroom is humidity. “Moisture—especially if it gets trapped under the glass—can seriously stain artwork and matting," Carrier says.
Deciding between light and dark colors ultimately comes down to personal preference because both can work well in a bathroom. Light colors will make the space feel more open and airy while dark colors (like charcoal, chocolate, or deep navy) can bring drama and a moody elegance.
Beige: The Warm Neutral Taking Over
This modern take on beige offers a perfect blend of warmth and flexibility, allowing it to suit a wide range of styles and preferences. One of the reasons beige is replacing gray is its ability to bring warmth to a room.
Beige Colors
Starting with another classic neutral, beige is a tried-and-true alternative to stark white. This shade will bring warmth to your space without distracting from your décor. Experiment with tones that range from vanilla to sandy brown.
Modern trends toward more minimal styling, and large wheels favoring very low-profile tires leave little room for a whitewall.
And the answer is…it depends. While some experts think they're outdated, but others say a well-done accent wall can transform a room and steal the show. In my personal opinion (and I'm going to tell it you straight;) they're still in, but not all accent walls are created equal—some are better than others.
Give it a purpose
And finally - the most important tip - is only add a feature wall if there's a reason for it to be there. It should act as a focal point in the room, so add it to the wall that you want the eye to be drawn to. This could be the fireplace wall in a living room, or the headboard wall in a bedroom.
Are feature walls still a thing? As long as there are walls in a room, they certainly will be. How we treat a feature wall may change from year to year as we track the fashions, but they will always be an extremely handy way to add personality, character and definition to a space or room.
Accent walls can also be used to introduce color and pattern into smaller bathrooms without overwhelming them. They offer an opportunity to make bold design choices with less of an upfront investment. If you're considering adding one to your bathroom, consider the materials and design elements you're most drawn to.
Panelled Walls
Panelled walls have seen a real resurgence in recent years, which is why there's no surprise they make the top of the list, with 65% of the posts analysed featuring them. Available in a range of styles and mouldings to suit your tastes from subtle tongue and groove to elegant geometric designs.