16 bathroom wall ideas for every style and budget

Bathroom wall ideas might not be something you’ve spent much time pondering. But if you’re currently redesigning your bathroom, want to incorporate more storage, or even a pop of personality, we’ll show you how.

Paint, tiles, wallpaper, and panelling: there are plenty of innovative and stylish bathroom wall decor ideas to choose from. Browse our gallery of inspiration to help get your creativity flowing.

Bathroom paint ideas

Paint is a cost-effective way to add a fresh new look to your bathroom. Here are a selection of bathroom paint ideas to whet your appetite.

1. Paint a dark feature wall

Bathrooms are a wonderful place to let your creativity run wild! This is because they are usually a smaller space in the home, which means you can take more risks.

Paint a dark feature wall to add drama to your bathroom. Black is always a chic option, however, a dark navy blue or navy green would look gorgeous too.

2. Create a limewash effect

Create a limewash paint effect in your bathroom to add an industrial vibe to the space. Rather than using a plaster pink shade, try something a bit different and use a murky green instead.

Achieve this look by taking a large paintbrush and painting big strokes that overlap in lots of different directions. Repeat this process until you’re happy with the result.

3. Make bold choices

Is there a colour you’ve always wanted to incorporate in your home but have never felt brave enough to do so?

Paint your bathroom walls this colour for a fun and playful makeover. It’s one of the best ways to make your bathroom walls more interesting.

4. Half and half

As part of your bathroom transformation, you may be wondering what can you use instead of tiles in your bathroom. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be an ‘either, or’.

Half tiles and half paint is a popular and versatile option that will create added interest in your bathroom.

If you’re choosing plain subway tiles, pair them with a vibrant colour to make your bathroom truly pop.

5. Match the paint to your vanity unit

For a cohesive, well-put-together look, match your wall paint colour to that of your vanity unit.

If you’ve found a coloured vanity that you love, use a paint-matching service to create your very own paint shade.

Bathroom panelling ideas

Panelling is a classic design feature that’s evolved into many different styles, giving you a huge amount of choice when it comes to bathroom panelling ideas.

6. Add panels for privacy

Do you have a larger bathroom or perhaps you want to incorporate a bath into your bedroom but still have a level of privacy?

Bathroom wall panels ideas include installing floor-to-ceiling panels. This is a fantastic way of implementing privacy. It zones off the space as well as adding style and visual interest.

7. Opt for vertical panelling

Panelling has been around for centuries, but like every aspect of interior design, it has evolved.

Thin slats of wood installed vertically on a bathroom wall create a spa-like effect and add instant texture to the entire space. Use a stain to get your desired colour and finish.

8. Take your panelling halfway

We’ve already spoken about creating a half-and-half effect with tiles, but how about installing panelling on the bottom half of your wall instead?

Tiles are a more practical option as they’re waterproof, but if you have enough space in your bathroom and you don’t necessarily have to worry about splashes, then panelling could be a fantastic alternative.

9. Install herringbone panelling

Be bang on trend and install wood onto your bathroom wall in a herringbone layout.

Get inspired by the bathroom pictured above and do this on one wall to create a feature. It makes a huge statement and will be a talking point for sure.

10. Keep it classic with tongue and groove

Tongue and groove style panelling otherwise known as ‘shiplap’ features long vertical strips of wood that slot directly into each other.

This is a popular style for bathrooms as it evokes images of the sea and everything nautical-inspired.

Bathroom wall decorating ideas – small bathrooms

In a smaller bathroom, you might need to be more creative with your wall decorating ideas to maximise the space and avoid it feeling cluttered. Here’s how:

11. Use ladder storage

If you’re limited on space and looking for towel hanging ideas then you need to think of innovative ways to store things in your bathroom.

A ladder is a wonderful way of storing towels. It uses up hardly any floor space and makes the most of the vertical space you have available. You can also hang plants and a dressing gown on it to make it feel homely.

12. Install a fitted rail

Don’t neglect the space you have available on your walls. Attaching a simple rail above the sink or toilet is handy for hanging extra towels or garments on.

We love this matt black design pictured above. It feels contemporary and suits the rest of the bathroom design.

13. Choose reclaimed shelving

Add shelving to your bathroom walls but be conscious of where you source the materials from.

Wooden shelves are perfect for a rustic or farmhouse-style bathroom but we recommend that you don’t buy the wood brand new.

Go to your local reclamation yard or antique shop and see what offcuts of wood they have available. This brings more character to the space, makes it feel unique, and is more sustainable too.

14. Add floating shelves

Floating shelves are ideal for minimalist-inspired bathrooms. They will blend into your walls and look like they are meant to be there.

If you’re looking for bathroom shelf decor ideas, why not decorate your floating shelves with plants for a pop of greenery and trinkets to add a touch of personality?

15. Incorporate alcove shelving

Talk to your local plumber or bathroom fitter to ask if they can incorporate alcove shelving into your bathroom design.

This simply requires a false wall to be erected for the alcove shelving to be built into. This is a more streamlined option than regular shelving, giving a luxurious touch and feel.

16. Hang a vanity mirror

The wall above your bathroom sink should boast a vanity mirror. Mirrors are pretty much a necessity for every bathroom and you should invest in one that you love and that is going to last.

LED mirrors are popular as they offer more light and visibility. A circular design is also bang on trend for 2024.

Find a tradesperson to help with your bathroom wall ideas

Full of inspiration to transform your bathroom walls? We have just the people to help bring your ideas to life.

Whether you want the services of a bathroom design consultant, a painter and decorator, a handyperson, or a carpenter, you’ll find a full range of quality, approved tradespeople in our leading directory.

Simply enter your postcode in the box below to start your search.