If you want to ditch tile and grout, consider waterproof shower panels, waterproof wallpaper, or epoxy/resin. These options provide a sleek, seamless look that significantly reduces cleaning time and eliminates the mold issues commonly associated with grout.
A wet wall, hydro panel, or shower wall is a large panel that will fully waterproof the wall area around your shower, bath, sink, or any area that you would ordinarily tile. Wet wall panels come in a variety of sizes.
The best non-tile bathroom floors are Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), and Sheet Vinyl. They are completely waterproof, affordable, slip-resistant, and significantly warmer and softer underfoot than ceramic or stone.
Waterproof Wall Panels
Wall panels made from PVC or composite materials are a game-changer. They're designed to keep water from seeping into your wall while adding a stylish, finished look. Some models even mimic tile or stone - without the messy grout.
Use Vinyl Flooring
Instead of just applying vinyl decals, you can also use vinyl flooring to change the look of your space. Vinyl planks are easy to install over existing tiles because they simply need a flat surface to cling to. Old, clean tiles will do just as well as the underside of your flooring.
To cover bathroom tiles without removing them, your best options include installing waterproof wall panels, applying peel-and-stick tile covers, using a specialized tile paint/epoxy, or skim-coating with microcement. These methods bypass messy, expensive demolition while completely updating your bathroom.
5 Tacky Bathroom "Upgrades" That Instantly Make Your Home Look Bad, Designers Say
Ditch the grout and embrace these stylish, grout-free alternatives for your bathroom walls.
In 2026, bathroom flooring trends prioritize a blend of organic warmth and dramatic, personalized style, with popular choices including travertine, limestone, large-format porcelain tiles, and intricate patterned tiles. Top trends for the year include herringbone patterns, "tile drenching" (running the same tile on floor and wall), and high-contrast, artistic patterns that turn floors into a focal point.
Bathroom wall panels are waterproof bathroom panels that offer a quick, stylish alternative to tiles and are easy to install and maintain. Also known as shower panels, wet wall panels, or bathroom cladding panels, they're ideal for protecting walls in showers and wet areas while creating a clean, modern finish.
The absolute cheapest way to floor a bathroom is using peel-and-stick vinyl tiles or sheet vinyl. You can completely DIY both options, with materials often costing between $1 and $3 per square foot, keeping a total project cost for an average bathroom under $100.
The best low-maintenance bathroom flooring options are 100% waterproof, highly durable, and easy to clean. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Porcelain or Ceramic Tile are the top choices. They resist moisture and require no intense upkeep.
Other than these main areas, vinyl plank and tile, laminate and waterproof hardwood flooring are also fantastic alternatives to floor tiles in many other splash zone areas of the home. For instance, you can use them in laundry rooms that contend with the fluctuation of moisture and the dry heat of a dryer.
If you're looking for an AirTag or Tile alternative, the $34.99 Pebblebee Clip 5 is an excellent choice. It's one of a growing number of trackers that support both Apple's Find My and Google's Find Hub networks, which is a major improvement over its predecessor.
Whether on the floor or on the wall, tiles are an indispensable part of any bathroom. However, a bathroom without tiles is entirely possible and also offers practical advantages. A jointless bathroom provides significantly less surface area for dirt and mold to accumulate and is also easier to clean.
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.
Bathroom trends are shifting sharply toward warm, organic, and highly personalized spaces. The stark, all-white and cold gray aesthetics are out. In their place are soothing earth tones, textural natural materials, stealth-wealth luxury, and integrated, functional smart tech to create an inviting in-home spa.
A realistic bathroom remodel budget ranges from $15,000 to $35,000+. Costs depend on the scope and your location. In Southern California, for example, a mid-range 40-square-foot guest bath costs roughly $25,000 to $36,000. For a simple cosmetic refresh, you might spend $12,000 to $16,000, while a luxury primary suite can exceed $50,000.