Bathroom panels (review of new products): examples of finishing and installation, photos, modern design options

Tips for choosing panels

Choosing panels for the bathroom is an important step in finishing. The following recommendations will help you choose the right and high-quality panels:

• Check the panels for strength. The quality of the panels depends on the material from which they are made. There are cheap, soft, not durable panels. These won't last long. And there are rigid PVC panels, they are more expensive, but are perfect for the bathroom;
• Take a closer look to see if the patterns and designs on the panels match. It will be problematic to do this in a store, so you need to take the receipt, and when you get home, lay the panels on the floor and see if the pattern on the panels matches. It should move smoothly from panel to panel;
• The slats should fit tightly to each other. Some manufacturers leave gaps between panels of different widths. This type of defect is especially noticeable with spot lighting in the bathroom and looks very unaesthetic. In this photo of the panels in the bathroom you can see that all the slats fit tightly to each other;
• Check the thickness of the panels; it should be the same over the entire surface. The defect becomes noticeable if you connect the panels, but on the wall in the bathroom it looks simply terrible;

Make sure the lamellas are flexible. Panels made from recycled materials will crack during installation. Such material is much cheaper, but the high cost of the panels does not indicate their high quality.

Pros and cons of plastic

Let's take a closer look at the advantages of choosing PVC panels for a bath, in addition to the obvious budget:

Completely waterproof. The panels themselves do not absorb water in any way and are easy to clean. Proper treatment of joints will help completely protect the walls from water and bacteria.

Ease of installation. The panels can be glued directly to the wall using “liquid nails” or installed on the sheathing.

The need to close communications. Unpresentable-looking water pipes, as well as wiring, can be easily hidden behind the trim. Installing a hatch to access them is not difficult. The panels are literally cut with a knife.

Additional wall insulation. In the frame, as in the case of drywall, you can hide thermal insulation. The finishing will protect the insulation, which is sometimes so important.

Easy to care for. PVC panels are not porous and do not accumulate dirt. Condensation or dirt can be easily removed with a sponge and detergent.

Easy to repair. If you stock up on a certain number of parts, then any damaged area can be easily replaced on site without redoing the entire structure.

The disadvantages of the method include:

Not environmentally friendly material. Natural materials are important to many people, but plastic still releases some chemical compounds, although this value is within normal limits;

Material is flammable. You should not conduct wiring behind such panels without additional protection; in the event of a fire, the plastic melts and emits toxic smoke.

Panel processing

PVC panels are easy to process. This can be done in various ways:

1. A special (assembly) sharp knife. Longitudinal cutting method: using a foot rod, measure the area to be cut. Cut the panel along its entire length, bend the lamella along the cut, and cut completely. Transverse method: measure the cut area, make a cut in the lamella including the jumpers between the sides of the panel. Bend the material and cut the panel completely.
2. Grinder with a metal disc.
3. Cutting with a hacksaw is time-consuming and difficult; it can be used if there is no other tool at hand.

Advantages of the material

Plastic panels are in no way inferior to tiles. The indisputable advantages of the material are price and excellent sound insulation.

Stylish interior of a hygiene room in dark colors

The range allows you to realize your decor idea using:

• decorative design;
• imitation marble, wood;
• fashionable 3D images;
• photo printing;
• colored background of any shade.

Plastic in a classic bathroom

The palette of PVC panels is varied - from pastel to bright shades, and even deep black with a glossy and matte surface.

Color palette of plastic panels

Preparing the walls

The main requirement for the surface on which plastic slats are mounted is that it must be flat.

• To do this, the protrusions on the walls must be knocked down and the recesses sealed with cement mortar.
• The permissible height of irregularities is up to one and a half centimeters.
• Wash the walls from dirt and degrease with a product containing alcohol. It is better not to use gasoline and thinner.

It is recommended to treat the walls with antifungal agents to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold.

Dealing with them later, after the panels are installed, will be much more difficult. To do this, you will have to dismantle the panels, carry out processing, and re-repair the bathtub with panels. Between the wall and the panels is the most favorable place for the growth of fungal bacteria.

Wide variety of colors and textures

Panels can have the following decorative coatings:

1. Plain. Plastic gets its shades thanks to a mineral pigment that is added to polymer raw materials during the production process. For this reason, the colors of the material do not fade even when exposed to sunlight.
2. With an image. The surface of the plastic can be covered with a certain ornament or image.
3. Textured. The material imitates natural marble, granite and other minerals. During the manufacturing process, a special imitation film is applied to the material, protected by a layer of polymer.
4. Under the tiles. The most popular variety. Can create an imitation of tiles with a frieze. This solution makes it possible to quickly finish the surface without using ceramic tiles.

A room that is decorated with panels with different patterns, which are combined in a certain sequence, looks stylish and modern. For example, around a mirror or shower stall there is a panel with drawings. And the rest is done in one color.

High-quality “tile-like” panels look practically no different from real tiles

You can use a solution when panels of different types alternate in stripes. This creates a rather interesting play of surfaces. This solution is great for small rooms with low ceilings. The walls of the room are visually stretched upward, and it seems that the proportions of the room are more harmonious.

Vertical stripes will visually raise the ceiling of the bathroom

The panels can be perfectly combined with other finishing materials. For example, the lower part of the walls decorated with vinyl panels and the plastered upper part look great.

This combined finish is perfect for a bathroom in a country house.

You can pay attention to vinyl models or models with 3D drawings. Volumetric options visually expand the space. But it is better to use them in spacious rooms. Since the volume of 3D and the effect of it is best perceived from a great distance.

Panel calculation and configuration

When starting to finish the bathroom with panels, you need to calculate the required amount of material, you need to take measurements of the baseboards both on the floor and on the ceiling, and corners. Next, decide on what other materials. In addition to plastic slats, you may need them.

When calculating the number of slats, you need to keep in mind that the gap between them should be no more than fifty centimeters. In addition, they will need to be placed at the joints of the ceiling and floor.

The standard set of plastic panels includes:

• A universal corner used for covering the corners of a room;
• Skirting board, which is partially installed under the slats, hiding unevenness;
• External corner, which masks the shortcomings of the external corner;
• The inner corner also hides unevenness;
• The fastening profile allows you to fasten panels without a lock;
• The profile is installed first and last. In some cases it is used instead of a universal corner;
• The profile, in the form of the letter “F”, is used as a platband;
• The mounting rail is the main part of the frame;
• The clamp allows you to press the panel to the frame.

Plastic panels for the bathroom in light colors

A feminine, delicate interior, which is created using pastel shades, will always be a winner. Currently, the most popular interior design trend is pairing light plastic panels with cold concrete or raw wood. Plastic panels are also excellent soundproofing materials. They reduce sound and also provide a form of thermal insulation. The benefits can be listed for a long time, so if you are thinking about using such a finish in your bathroom, then be sure to use this idea.

Panel installation

Plastic slats are mounted in several ways:

Installation on a wooden frame. After the necessary material has been purchased and the walls are prepared for repair work, it is necessary to mark the wall for the location of the slats.

• The first rail must be installed ten centimeters from the ceiling.
• The second rail is attached near the floor. Dowels are used as fasteners.
• Stretch a rope between the slats, following which you need to install the remaining slats.
• Secure all corners with a stapler, the angle of which should be strictly 90°. Measure the height and width of the wall to adjust the slats to the desired size.
• Place the first panel in the corner and secure it to the frame with a stapler. Next, install all the slats in the same way.

Installation on a metal frame. The principle of installing the frame is similar to installing wooden sheathing, only instead of slats, metal hangers are installed.

• Metal slats are mounted in the hangers, which are attached to the hangers with self-tapping screws.
• The slats are attached using press washers and self-tapping screws.
• Main. Avoid making mistakes during installation of the structure; for this you need to use a plumb line.
• It will be possible to correct errors only after installing all the slats, and this is very troublesome and expensive.

Technical parameters of PVC panels

The basis of the products is polyvinyl chloride, which meets modern requirements for environmental friendliness, hygiene and safety.

Black bathroom in white

Each panel consists of two thin sheets of plastic connected by longitudinal stiffeners.

They form cells in the form of a honeycomb, so an air gap is created under them after installation. This structure provides thermal and sound insulation.

The advantage of this material is aesthetics, strength and durability.

Plastic does not absorb moisture, so it is not subject to deformation. During installation, the sheets of decorative plastic adhere tightly thanks to the protrusions along the edges.

This is a guarantee of 100% waterproofing; the light weight of the panels eliminates additional load on the base of the walls and ceiling.

PVC products are not deformed under the influence of high temperature. Images do not fade or be erased.

Wide stripes look very interesting

Contaminants can be easily removed from the plastic surface. High-quality installation and regular maintenance contribute to operation for up to 10 years or more.

If you need to change the interior, the panels can be quickly and easily removed. Their installation does not require preliminary finishing of the walls. Communications can be hidden behind them.

Ceiling panels

Installation of panels on the ceiling in the bathroom can also be done in several ways.

On the rough ceiling. This installation method does not require any preparatory work.

• You just need to saturate the ceiling with an antiseptic. Attach foil or polyethylene film to the ceiling and secure it with a stapler.
• The joints can be taped with tape. Secure three ceiling plinths, the fourth is mounted after the installation of the slats is completed.
• The panels must fit snugly against each other and are fastened with a stapler. The resulting cracks can be sealed with sealant.

On a metal frame. This method is used most often on uneven ceilings.

• Metal slats are attached to hangers; the distance between them should be no more than sixty centimeters.
• Skirting boards are fastened with liquid nails, slats are mounted using self-tapping screws and press washers.

Ceiling panels can be installed diagonally. In this case, installation begins with the smallest corner panel.

For which styles is plastic finishing suitable?

The classic version of room design is marine style. This solution perfectly reflects the purpose of the entire room. And the color palette can be made in white and blue tones.

Panels with photo printing on a marine theme are perfect

For a classic style, warm colors without large patterns are suitable

This type of finishing is perfect for Art Deco or Provence styles. Such styles require the presence of plaster or waterproof wallpaper in the interior. The panels will perfectly replace them and will go well with tiles or stone.

In an art deco or modern style bathroom, black panels and white sanitary ware would be appropriate

Plain panels or with an unobtrusive marbled pattern are a suitable option for minimalism

Finishing with plastic panels is best suited for modern or minimalist styles. Modern manufacturing companies offer a huge range of products of various designs. They can imitate stone, wood or ornament. Plastic can be a great solution not only for the bathroom, but also for the shower room and toilet. Therefore, there is no need to fear that such panels will not be able to help in bringing to life a wide variety of design options. They can be safely used for a variety of creative design ideas.

The undeniable advantage of plastic panels is that they can be combined with other finishing materials

Photos of bathroom panels

Shape and dimensions

Typically, manufacturers produce PVC fragments 2.5–4 m long and 5–10 mm thick.

White color makes the room more spacious

There are versions of plastic panels sold on the market that are thinner and shorter than standard parameters, but they are less durable, so their use in the bathroom is irrational.

Gray plastic for the bathroom looks strict and laconic

Depending on the design idea, you can buy PVC on the market in the form of:

• standard sheets 10-37 cm wide, mainly with a frieze imitating tiles;
• slats representing narrow long stripes 10 cm wide with a monochromatic design;
• seamless sheets up to 2 m wide, usually with a ready-made design solution on the front side.

Large ones allow you to reduce installation time. However, it should be remembered that in a small bathroom, plain wall cladding without seams can create the impression of a box.

Beautiful white surfaces combine with wood

Slatted plastic ones take longer to install, but allow you to adjust the space.

Horizontal installation of slats will visually expand the room, and vertical installation will visually “raise” the ceiling.

Disadvantages of plastic panels:

• low level of resistance to mechanical damage;
• reduction of usable space due to installation;
• the difficulty of installing additional wall shelves and cabinets that require slats;
• the need to accurately calculate the joining of friezes and drawings.

But these disadvantages successfully replace the advantages. In addition, manufacturers continue to work to improve product characteristics and create new installation methods. Some panel options can already be glued or installed using clips.

How much to buy

Accuracy of calculation is the key to budget savings. Calculating surface area is not enough, because corners and transitions will not allow for waste.

Their volume increases when choosing lamellas with asymmetrical patterns. It is not possible to use pieces with this decor in other places in the bathroom.

Variety with narrow stripes

Therefore, for standard slabs you should buy 10-15% more of the surface area to be finished. For complex designs, it is better to calculate the number of panels individually.

It is better to buy screws, self-tapping screws, and clamps in packs, because it is impossible to count their exact number. It is easier with slats and profiles, because they divide the surface into squares, but it is preferable to purchase with a reserve.

This material currently has great potential

Advice When preparing for installation, it is better to first assemble the drawing and attach it to the wall using tape. This will help avoid errors in calculations.