What kind of walls should be in a bathroom?

Author: Sophie Gleason  |  Last update: Friday, July 18, 2025

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.

What type of wall panel is best for a bathroom?

PVC wall panels offer the widest choice of designs, colours and textures and allow you to emulate myriad different materials, from wood and ceramic tile to concrete and marble. MDF wall panels are the thickest and heaviest of the three materials, so are more suited to larger bathrooms.

Should bathroom walls be painted or tiled?

Tiles are an excellent choice for long-term durability and moisture resistance, especially in wet rooms or splash-prone areas. Paint, on the other hand, offers versatility and affordability, allowing you to refresh your space more easily.

Should bathroom walls be eggshell or satin?

"We recommend using a satin or semi-gloss finish in bathrooms since they are more stain-resistant and easier to clean," says Li Wang, who leads CR's paint testing.

What is the best wall covering for a high humidity bathroom?

Google says: vinyl wallpapers and 'As bathrooms are very humid rooms, vinyl wallpapers will always work best. Opt for something that is designed specifically for use in the bathroom or outdoors -- these will work perfectly well in areas with high humidity and moisture levels.

What Type Of Paint Should You Use In A Bathroom?

What is the best thing to put on bathroom walls?

Vinyl-coated wallpaper is considered functional, waterproof, and one of the better options for bathroom walls. Paper wallcoverings degrade in moist environments. Modern vinyl wallpaper has evolved to offer sophisticated styles, patterns, and colors.

Do all bathroom walls need vapor barrier?

Vapor barriers should only be used in areas where there is water or moisture such as kitchens and bathrooms. The interior kitchens and bathrooms specifically need a vapor barrier installed during the building process.

What finish is best for bathroom walls?

A glossy finish makes your bathroom more moisture-repellent, preventing molds and mildew from building up on your bathroom wall. Semi-gloss is also durable and can withstand heavy scrubbing. Because of this, semi-gloss is usually the most recommended paint finish for bathrooms, especially if you have a humid bathroom.

What kind of paint is best for high humidity bathrooms?

Due to the high levels of humidity and condensation that both kitchens and bathrooms are subjected to, they become prone to paint cracking, peeling and mildew. In order to avoid these problems, painting with a satin or semi-gloss paint is recommended.

What color is best for bathroom walls?

Colors such as beige, light gray, or powder shades are often seen on bathroom walls. Neutral wall colors have a modern appearance and impress thanks to their timeless beauty. Moreover, they also give white bathroom furniture, washbasins, and toilets a particularly elegant look.

Should bathroom walls be lighter or darker?

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.

Do people still tile bathroom walls?

Yes, tiling an entire bathroom is not only feasible but a classic and functional choice. It offers a cohesive and elegant look with the added benefits of durability and water resistance. With the right choice of tile, you can create an entirely unique space that stands the test of time.

What color tile makes bathroom look bigger?

Light, subtle pastel colors in the spectrum of white-beige-yellow, light blue and gray. Moreover, if you want to go wild with tile, it can create a decorative accent wall on the bathroom or shower. A small shower, for example, with a colored-tile wall and clear-glass doors will create a sense of depth.

What should be considered when choosing wall treatments for bathrooms?

It is very important to choose the right wall decoration material for the bathroom. It is not only necessary to consider the aesthetics, but also the waterproofness, durability, easy cleaning and installation difficulty. By comparing common materials such as tiles, wall panels and waterproof coatings.

Which wall should be the feature wall in a bathroom?

Behind the Vanity

The vanity is in many ways the de facto focal point of a bathroom. We're constantly facing our vanities, and backing one with an accent wall makes perfect sense.

What is the waterproof covering for bathroom walls?

Due to their 100% waterproof nature, PVC bathroom wall panels are a perfect alternative to ceramic tiles for covering the walls of your bathroom.

What is the best paint for a steamy bathroom?

Silk Paint

Silk paints are vinyl emulsions that have a higher sheen level than eggshell or matt paints, with more of a shine than a soft sheen paint. Due to this, they have the moisture resistant properties that give them the durability they need to perform excellently in bathrooms.

In what order do you paint a bathroom?

Instructions
  1. Choose the Best Paint for the Bathroom. ...
  2. Calculate How Much Paint You Need. ...
  3. Clean All Surfaces to Be Painted. ...
  4. Remove the Toilet Tank. ...
  5. Remove All Other Obstructions. ...
  6. Cover Areas That Will Not Be Painted. ...
  7. Cut in the Paint. ...
  8. Paint With the Roller.

Should I get a dehumidifier for my bathroom?

By controlling humidity and preventing mould and mildew growth, a dehumidifier becomes an essential tool in maintaining a clean and healthy bathroom, ultimately making it a more comfortable and hygienic space for all members of the home.

Should bathroom walls be smooth or textured?

Bathrooms have been, traditionally, hard, sterile environments, but adding different textures will make it a welcoming, stylish and sensory experience. Textures are also an ideal way to bring your own unique personality to your design.

What is the most popular finish for bathrooms?

Polished Chrome: The Classic and Timeless Favorite

Polished chrome has been a staple in bathrooms for decades, thanks to its bright, reflective surface that adds a touch of elegance and cleanliness to any space. It's like the little black dress of bathroom fixtures: simple, timeless, and always appropriate.

What sheeting is best for bathroom walls?

Acrylic: These panels offer a high-gloss finish similar to glass, making them a popular choice for modern bathrooms. Acrylic bathroom wall panels are lightweight, easy to install, and can be cut to size easily.

What happens if you don't have a vapor barrier?

“For minor projects, the absence of a vapor barrier leads to water intrusion, leading to an unstable foundation or a cracked slab.” The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) outlines national standards for underslab vapor barriers.

How do you moisture proof bathroom walls?

Best Practices for Waterproofing
  1. Choose PVC wall panels for the most waterproof wall covering.
  2. Ensure walls are properly prepared before fitting your new PVC wall panels.
  3. If you choose to paint your walls, use a high-quality waterproof paint.
  4. Regularly monitor your walls so any issues are identified and rectified early.

Do I need green drywall in the bathroom?

Green board is highly efficient in bathrooms and kitchens, where moisture is frequently in the air, but it is not the drywall that should be set behind tile in your shower or any other areas where it can come in direct contact with water.

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