Porcelain tiles, concrete, paint, wallpaper, and maybe steel and wood! Immortal ceramic tiles have many competitors for bathroom wall decoration. The choice of materials for repairs today is huge. It all depends on personal design preferences, the style of the room and the size of your personal budget. Read the information in this article, which will allow you to learn about the types of bathroom wall decoration, taking into account all the nuances.
Walls in the bathroom: features of the choice of finishing material
The bathroom is a place that is used not only for hygiene procedures, but also to improve mood and well-being after a grueling day at work. Here people relax, refresh themselves and forget about their problems for a moment. Pleasant and aesthetic decor is preferred. The appearance of the floors and walls determines the overall design of the bathroom. Today there is a wide selection of finishing materials for premises of this type. The times when only ceramics were applied to walls are already in the past. While tile is still popular and trendy, other finishes have come into play:
- stone cladding;
- wallpaper;
- structural plaster;
- glass;
- tree.
The most important thing is that the material selected for the walls in the bathroom is practical and resistant to moisture, and that you like the end result. For traditionalists who can't part with their tiles, there's good news. Modern ceramics are not similar to those that existed several decades ago. Innovative tiles imitate other materials, such as lining or stone. It has new, bold patterns and shapes, from straight to highly curved, with jagged edges, providing interesting compositions.
Wash basin
The next most important detail after the toilet is the washbasin. Based on the type of installation, structures are divided into:
- Console (suspended). The smallest and most popular option. The main type of console washbasin is the tulip, which is a deep bowl mounted on a pedestal. The base of the bowl contains a drainage and water supply system. To furnish the interior of a small toilet, choose a corner console washbasin.
- Mortise into furniture.
- Invoices. The washbasin bowl is installed on a countertop or cabinet.
Bathtub with wallpapered wall
Wallpaper is a good alternative to tiles. They perfectly mask uneven walls, are easy to apply and relatively inexpensive. For bathrooms, vinyl or fiberglass wallpaper coated with acrylic varnish or epoxy paint is used. Since the bathroom has high humidity for wallpapering, you should only choose waterproof adhesive. The wallpaper fits and matches perfectly with ceramic tiles. The vinyl version has a layered structure: paper on the inside and vinyl on the outside. This coating is resistant to light, so the wallpaper retains its color and water resistance.
Fiberglass wallpaper
Fiberglass wallpaper is very resistant to mechanical damage. They can successfully stay on walls for several decades; they are difficult to remove from the wall. The fiberglass merges with the surface. This wallpaper is designed to be painted.
What do you need to remember when decorating a bathroom with wallpaper?
All wallpaper patterns can be varied using borders that have different widths of colored or patterned stripes. The border also serves as finishing. Although wallpapering is simple and does not require complicated tools, there are some important things to remember to avoid peeling:
- If you decide to use wallpaper, you must remember to choose the right adhesive and base primer. There are many quality glues available in the market today. Each wallpaper manufacturer can offer a specific product that is best suited for wallpapering. These materials must have vapor and waterproof properties.
- Be aware of the moisture resistance of wallpaper and the dangers associated with it. It is advisable to apply wallpaper in a room that has effective rotary or mechanical ventilation so that the material is not exposed to prolonged contact with water. Experts don't recommend wallpaper for small bathrooms because it can release too much moisture from the wall.
Bathtub wall paint
Paints intended for wet rooms have special formulas in their composition that protect the painted surface from moisture penetration and the development of various types of mold and fungi. Most often these are silver ions. They are available in a very wide range of colors, so you can perfectly match the color to your interior or furniture. Suitable properties, low price and ease of application to the wall make the paint a unique solution.
Paint the bathroom instead of tile? A smart decision, since bathroom paint protects the walls of the room from moisture and provides long-lasting colors. A bathroom without tiles is an increasingly popular solution. You can decorate surfaces with stickers, wall murals or even panels.
Tips and tricks
Current bathroom trends recommend minimal use of tiles, that is, only in the wet area. Is a bathroom without tiles practical? How to decorate the walls in the bathroom? You can paint the room, but be sure to choose special substances that are resistant to moisture. It’s worth making this decision when we don’t have a shower, when you want to create a special room design, for example, a Provençal, romantic bathroom in a rustic style, or you simply don’t want to invest heavily in plumbing.
How to protect bathroom walls from moisture when painting?
To paint the bathroom, use special paints that do not let moisture in and allow the wall to breathe. If the room is large, move the bathtub away from the wall as this will protect the plaster from splashing. If the plumbing fixtures must be next to a wall, you can use a large format wall mural or attach a mirror surface to the tile. This decoration of bathroom walls gives the interior style and a pleasant warmth that is always liked. A bathroom without tiles will have an interesting and cozy character, and the color of the walls in the room will undoubtedly be easier to change next season than investing in new tiles.
Materials and design
When choosing materials for finishing a bathroom, you must first take into account the specifics of the room: humidity and temperature changes. Therefore, choose only moisture- and wear-resistant coatings that do not swell or crack.
Wall decoration
The main material in any bathroom is ceramic tiles, which cover not only the walls, but also the floor. Also pay attention to PVC panels, natural and artificial stone and decorative plaster painted with moisture-resistant paint. If you prefer wallpaper, choose washable and durable non-woven fabric.
Ceiling design
The best solution for a modern bathroom is single- or multi-tiered stretch ceilings. PVC fabric is not afraid of moisture and temperature, is easy to clean, does not deform, does not get wet, and even saves you from flooding from above. But if you prefer drywall, slabs or suspended structures, carefully select materials from specialized series.
Floor finishing
For the floor in the bathroom, tiles, stone and porcelain stoneware are most often used, less often - moisture-resistant laminate. Parquet and other sensitive materials in a humid, warm room will quickly deteriorate. If space allows, you can zone the combined bathroom by combining different shades or textures of the flooring.
Plumbing
Plumbing is the first thing you need to start planning the interior of a combined bathroom. Modern bathtubs differ in shape: rectangular, round, oval, corner, with or without legs. Acrylic, cast iron, steel and artificial stone are used for production.
The sink can be matched to the bath: the same color, shape and material - this way they will create a harmonious set. Toilets differ in the installation method: classic floor-mounted or wall-hung with installation. And shower cabins can be either free-standing or corner, adjacent directly to the wall.
Lighting and backlighting
Spotlights mounted in the ceiling provide uniform light and visually enlarge the combined bathroom. Classic pendant chandeliers are only suitable for spacious rooms and equally classic interiors. Zoned lighting of mirrors, shelves and cabinets combines functionality and an interesting decorative effect.
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Practical bathroom - floor, walls in stone finish
Stone is an extremely durable and water-resistant material. Damage caused during use is very little visible and can be easily repaired. It also adds elegance and class to even a small sized bathroom. In principle, any stone can be used in a hygiene room, provided that it is properly prepared, that is, polished and impregnated. When it comes to natural stone used at home in the bathroom, the most popular are:
- granite is practically the most durable and does not require impregnation;
- travertine is very porous, which makes it quite susceptible to moisture; Avoid using it in places with high humidity; it is suitable for bathroom floor;
- marble - a wide choice of colors and structures, suitable for almost any interior, very effective on large surfaces, but loses its charm in a small bathroom;
- onyx is unusual, irregular in colors, fits perfectly into the mosaic on the wall of a small bathroom.
Small combined bathroom: design ideas
In a small bathroom, first of all, two problems need to be solved: ergonomics and lighting. Choose the most laconic finish, abandon the decor, save valuable centimeters of space and take care of the built-in spotlights. Use light colors: white, beige, sand, pale gray, pastel colors.
Decorating the walls in the bathroom with decorative concrete
Concrete is increasingly being used in modern bathrooms. Due to its strength, it is used as a finishing material for floors. The material is perfectly smooth. It goes well with spaces that embrace both minimalist aesthetics and glamorous interiors with rich, shiny accessories. In the bathroom, concrete can be used in areas such as vanity tops, bathtubs, or shower trays.
The recommended solution is the use of architectural concrete slabs, which are characterized by high mechanical strength and water resistance. The arrangement of the bathroom, thanks to the use of this material, will acquire a unique charm.
Color solutions
For a long time, bathroom decoration was undeservedly neglected, because there were always more important and pressing issues. But the variety and availability of modern materials make it easy to implement any design solutions.
White combined bathroom
White is a simple and obvious classic that will never go out of style. Light interiors are used in small bathrooms to visually enlarge the space and make the room brighter. And white sanitary ware is presented in all its diversity in the collections of each brand.
Combined bathroom in black
The black finish of the bathroom is a modern and very stylish option, despite its novelty and extravagance. Such an interior always looks noble and expensive, but it is only suitable for fairly spacious and bright rooms.
Combined bathroom in brown tones
All shades of brown from light wood and sand to coffee and dark chocolate - there is endless space for imagination. And most importantly, such natural colors combine perfectly with any others, so you can refresh the interior simply by changing the accents.
Blue combined bathroom
Blue color creates a feeling of coolness, makes the room airier and lighter. It is universal because it will fit into sophisticated classics, warm Mediterranean style, and shiny chrome hi-tech.
Combined bathroom in yellow
If you prefer warmth and comfort, shades of yellow in the bathroom are exactly your choice. From pale and delicate vanilla to acidic lemon or rich mustard - they themselves set the mood for the whole day.
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Bathroom wall tiles are still fashionable
True, the choice of materials for walls is very large, but clients do not forget about tiles. It is fashionable, the structure resembles panels of metal, steel and precious stones. Manufacturers presented design lines such as wood, fiori, gold, silver, steel and green stone. Tiles can come in different sizes and shapes. In addition, decorative elements, inserts and inlays can be introduced. Ragged edge tiles are still in fashion, matching antique-Mediterranean and rustic styles.
Bathtubs with a glass wall
Glass comes in different thicknesses, transparency, patterns and colors. First of all, the bathroom uses safety tempered glass, laminated or reinforced. The impact breaks such material into pieces with unfocused edges, splashes or only a network of cracks in the sheet. Luxpheres and blocks are popular. They have different sizes and shapes: square, triangular, round. Glass cladding is placed on the wall, which can be made in the form of large panels or tiles with standard ceramic elements, that is, squares and rectangles of different sizes and mosaics.
Differences between flexible stone
This modern material is presented in three layers:
- Fabric base.
- The adhesive itself.
- Rock in the form of fine chips (marble, quartz, granite).
From a distance they can be mistaken for natural stones. This material is very durable, practical, and can withstand even very damp rooms.
Ideas for a fashionable interior
The design of the bathroom can be individualized not only in terms of equipment, but also in terms of decor. The bathroom is a place in the home where you can experiment with design. Consider rooms large and small that don't have traditional tiles on the walls. Instead, graphics, photographs, paintings, bricks, wallpaper and rubber cladding appeared.
Collage of photos on the wall
A collage of photographs on the bathroom wall is a very strong accent. This required tinted fixtures, hence light tiles for the bathroom, the same on the floor, walls and white sanitary ware. The impression of more space in the bathroom is given by the diffused light from many halogen lamps. The illusion is supported by a wall-hung sink; the fewer elements touch the floor, the easier it is to create the impression of space in a small bathroom. It was decided to unify the colors of the paintings decorating the walls of the bathroom, because their entire range in many photographs would bring visual chaos to a small interior. The choice fell on sepia combined with a small amount of bright colors. This is how photo wallpapers for the bathroom were created, which are protected from moisture by a glass sheet sealed with silicone. This is a much more interesting and practical solution than tiles, but it only requires a carefully leveled wall.
Wall painting
Painting in a bathroom where there is a lot of steam? Why not? However, it must be protected from moisture using laminated or glued glass; treatment with a special substance is possible. Floral motifs add depth to the bathroom interior. These effects are also enhanced by retro-style accessories. Great idea to liven up your bathroom.
Combination of different finishing materials
A trendy idea for a bathroom wall is to combine ceramic or stone tiles with wood, brick or glass. Such a wall in the bathroom makes the arrangement more interesting and the room more extraordinary. Avoid choosing tiles that have patterns because the wall coverings will compete with each other. You can also cover your bathroom walls with bricks. It's very decorative, but don't go overboard with the surface area. Then choose the simplest hardware and accessories in muted colors. If you like a sparsely decorated bathroom, paint the walls with paint that is resistant to moisture and fungi. Wet areas around the washbasin, toilet and bathtub can be tiled to add coziness, for example in warm colours.
A good idea for bathroom walls is stone or concrete. Fashionable stone tiles come in large formats and are usually laid without any joints. The second trend in bathroom walls is slate tiles with a brick-shaped texture. In this case, stick them to only one wall in the bathroom, for example, so as not to overload the interior. Concrete doesn't have to be real, but substitutes are just as good. You will get a great impression of a concrete bathroom wall by using structural paints. The varnished material will provide sufficient protection against moisture on the walls of the bathroom, being an excellent decoration.
Combined bathroom - photos of real interiors
You can decorate a combined bathroom in completely different ways, so focus on the area of the room and your needs. Even on a few squares you can place everything you need if you think through the layout in advance.
Design of a combined bathroom 4 sq.m.
In the bathroom of 4 sq.m. A spacious shower cabin and even a corner bathtub will fit perfectly. To save space, use built-in and combined structures. Combine the sink with a cabinet, and the installation with a cabinet for household chemicals and small items.
Design of a combined bathroom 3 sq.m.
Bathroom 3 sq.m. very small and cramped, but even you can fit all the plumbing and a small cabinet into it. Be sure to draw up a plan for the location of objects in advance, because every centimeter counts here. Use the most compact and lightweight modern models - all minimalist trends are at your disposal.
Design of a combined bathroom 5 sq.m.
Bathroom 5 sq.m. already spacious enough to give free rein to your imagination. You can experiment with classic and decorative styles, such as Art Nouveau or Provence. A stylish stone bathroom, a comfortable set with shelves and mirrors, and even elegant decor will fit here.
Combined bathroom with washing machine
If you have a large and spacious bathroom, then installing a washing machine will not be a problem. But if the bathroom area is not enough, pay attention to combined installation. Nowadays they even sell ready-made kits consisting of a narrow and compact washing machine with a sink that is installed directly on it.
Combined bathroom with shower
More and more people are choosing to install modern shower cabins in their homes instead of bath bowls. It is more convenient, faster and more practical, and at the same time more environmentally friendly, because water consumption is reduced. New models are equipped with different modes, lighting, music and other additional options.
Design of a combined bathroom in Khrushchev
The combined bathroom is a classic of the Khrushchev era, but even here you can experiment for your own pleasure. To correct geometry and lack of light, use white and beige colors. Replace the large toilet with a cistern with a built-in installation, choose a small sink, a compact cabinet and a functional corner shower stall.
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Laying wall tiles in the bathtub with your own hands
Tiles on the wall in the hygiene room work well in all places that will come into contact with water: above the bathtub, in the shower, behind the sink. You just need to mount them there. Tiles on a bathroom wall do not have to cover the entire surface; sometimes it is enough that they are installed only in areas prone to splashing and sinking. Well-laid tiles will protect the wall, being a decorative element.
Bathtub wall renovation: important decisions
Choosing the type of tiles for the bathroom and installation methods should not be left until the last moment. The final layout at the construction stage allows you to choose the best materials and avoid unnecessary problems when finishing the bathroom. Working with tiles is a tedious and time-consuming task. Installation requires care and careful preparation. It is not enough to vacuum the substrate and simply stick the tiles. The need to arrange patterns, cutting elements and finishing all elements forces you to plan the finishing of the floor or walls in the bathroom, so choose the appropriate type, size, pattern, measure simple surfaces and cutting places, determine the finishing method.
Laying tiles should always start from the most exposed area. If this is a corner of the room, then the surface should be finished as much or evenly as possible, and the joints should be carefully processed. If the attention is not focused in a specific place, but only on a larger surface, then you need to take care of a harmonious appearance or deliberately insert a strong decorative accent that will attract attention. Regardless of the solution used, the cladding should look beautiful. To cut and grind the elements, you must use the appropriate tools, and the holes for sockets or pipe passages must be made with a hole saw of the appropriate size thanks to a hammer drill.
How to lay tiles on a bathroom wall?
The bathroom is constantly exposed to direct water, steam and high concentrations of moisture, meaning that microorganisms can easily grow here. They always choose the most absorbent surfaces where moisture remains for a long time, including corners. For this reason, bathrooms should be finished with materials with reduced absorption capacity, as well as those that have properties that limit the development of mold and fungal spores. The material must also be impervious to microorganisms. It is important to properly protect the surface from water, for example, with a foil backing. The seal can cover all surfaces, but is not required. However, the seal should always be on the floor, extending 15cm up the wall. In the bathtub and shower area, the tiles must reach at least 20 cm above the water coverage area.
Laying tiles in a shower stall
A typical shower stall is 200 cm high. The tiles on the wall there should be placed up to its top edge. But if there is a bathtub or washbasin nearby, although this is not necessary, the tiles in these places can also be laid to a height of up to 2 m. In the latter case, the internal architecture will be consistent.
Tiles in the bathroom on the floor of the wall or laying up to the height of the sink
If the bathroom doesn't have a stall or the shower is behind a wall, the tile height can be determined by the sink. Such tiles will be a kind of high panels, reaching almost 120 cm. If the color of the material and the walls above it is contrasting, it is worth knowing that a horizontal division of the surface, falling just below half the height, will visually raise the interior, and a little higher will lower it.
The starting point for determining the height of tiling in a bathroom can also be the height of a door or other architectural element, as well as niche windows. Whenever possible, tiles are placed at the height of the center element.
How to paint the walls in the bathroom?
Painting bathroom walls is much easier than laying tiles, but you can make mistakes here. Find out the basic rules that everyone must follow in order for the room to be properly decorated.
The bathroom, like the kitchen, toilet, and laundry room, are rooms called wet because here the surfaces can constantly come into contact with water. Therefore, parts of the walls in the sink, bathtub and shower stall, that is, exposed to constant contact with humidity, must be covered with tiles. The rest of the bathroom can be painted. Unfortunately, too much moisture absorption through walls carries a certain risk, especially in damp areas, as excess steam condenses on the walls. Additionally, if the room is warm, mold and mildew may grow. This is why it is so important to prepare the walls well and apply the appropriate paint.
How to prepare the walls?
- First, you need to thoroughly clean the substrate from any dirt, dust and grease, for example, with water and detergent. In the case of a moldy surface, you must remove old layers of paint, wash the wall with water with an antifungal agent added and brush it.
- Secondly, when the wall is dry, you must level it. Damage to the plaster is completed with a gypsum finish or filler, which is then smoothed with fine-grained abrasive paper. Then, using a brush or damp cloth, remove all dust, most of which collects in the corners.
- Thirdly, the wall must be primed. Don't skip this step as painting may result in stains, discoloration, and uneven finishes.
Paint selection
First, you need to decide what paint you will paint the bathroom with, and then buy a ready-to-use primer recommended by the same manufacturer. After priming, the wall should dry well. For wet rooms, paints or special paints and varnishes that are resistant to moisture are recommended. The packaging must indicate that the product is intended for bathrooms. The paint must be resistant to washing and cleaning with detergents, and also protected from bacteria or mold.
What problems does a designer solve when developing a design project for a bathroom combined with a toilet?
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The task of designers when designing a combined bathroom is to create a beautiful and functional space with improved ergonomics. This means that it is important not only to listen to the wishes of customers in terms of style and color, but also:
- choose the optimal planning solution taking into account the configuration of the room;
- consider the possibility of additional redevelopment;
- decide on the set of necessary plumbing equipment and furniture;
- think over lighting and decor.
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So, let's summarize. Combining a toilet and a bathroom into a combined bathroom should be done at the design project development stage. But by deciding to take this step, you will only win. The main thing is to enlist the help of professionals.
