Bathroom Wall Ideas

When decorated the right way, walls can completely transform a space and elevate your room design - and this is no exception in the bathroom. 

So, you've decided to give your bathroom a makeover. You’re probably thinking, “I just want to fix the walls — how complicated can that be?” Spoiler: It's almost as complicated as assembling flat-pack furniture without losing any screws. But don't worry! We’re here to guide you through the maze of bathroom wall options with a little less confusion and wayyy fewer allen keys.

Contents List: Jump to the Section You Want

• Key Takeaways: What You Actually Need to Know
• What Are Shower Wall Panels?
• Shower Wall Panels vs. Tiles: A Duel for the Ages
• Moisture and Durability: The War You Didn’t Know You Were Fighting
• Long-Term Considerations
• Tiles
• Panels
• Wallpaper Options
• Frequently Asked Questions

Feel free to click on any of the above links to jump straight to the section you're most interested in — no need to scroll endlessly like you're lost in a bathroom showroom!

Key Takeaways (AKA, What You Actually Need to Know):

• Budget-conscious but stylish: Waterproof wallpaper or paint for areas that won’t get soaked. Ideal for when you want your bathroom to look chic but don’t fancy reapplying wallpaper every time someone splashes about like it’s a water park.

• Durability over drama: Tiles or acrylic panels in high-moisture areas. Yes, they cost more upfront, but they’ll survive long after you’ve forgotten the installation pains.

• Best of both worlds: Splash-proof wallpaper for accent walls, and tiles or panels where things get wet. It’s like having your cake and eating it too, minus the crumbs.

What are shower wall panels?

Ah yes, shower wall panels — the unsung heroes of the modern bathroom. Think of them like tiles, but minus all the grouting faff. They're large laminated sheets (no, not like the ones on your bed) that lock together to create a fully waterproof surface, making them a perfect choice for keeping water where it belongs — in the bath or shower, not creeping into your walls like a nosy neighbour.

Shower Wall Panels vs. Wall Tiles: A Duel for the Ages

It’s like watching two British icons face off: tiles, the dependable traditionalist, versus shower wall panels, the shiny new upstart. Let’s see who comes out on top.

• Cost-effectiveness: If you’re after that high-end Escape to the Country look but would prefer to avoid selling any major organs, wall panels are the budget-friendly option. Want that chic marble finish? You can get the look without the hefty price tag — and without putting your house up for auction.

• Quick Installation: Deciding to tile your bathroom can feel like signing up for a week of DIY hell. By midweek, you'll be buried in grout and existential dread. But wall panels? Up in a flash — six times faster than tiles. You can spend the time saved doing something more fun, like not tiling.

• Low Maintenance: Grout tends to get that unfortunate grey tint over time, while panels? No grout, no problem. Easy to clean, so you can spend more time sipping tea and less time scrubbing bathroom walls. Sounds like a win.

• Durability: These panels are tough — tougher than a week-old scone. They can take a beating (hopefully metaphorical, unless you’re really clumsy) and still look amazing. Perfect if you’ve ever dropped a shampoo bottle with all the grace of an Olympic shot-putter. Your walls won’t even flinch. Basically, they’re the bathroom equivalent of that indestructible Nokia phone everyone had in the early 2000s.

• Environmental Benefits: Wall panels aren’t just kind to your wallet — they’re good for the planet too. Many options, like Multipanel, are FSC® certified and 100% recyclable. So, you get an eco-friendly bathroom upgrade without sacrificing style.

 Bathrooms are essentially damp, steamy battlegrounds, and moisture is your arch-nemesis. But don’t worry, you’ve got tools in your arsenal. Whether it’s a good extractor fan, cracking open a window, or embracing a dehumidifier like it’s your new best friend, these will help you keep moisture from ruining your beautifully curated bathroom walls.

Long-Term Considerations

When weighing long-term maintenance and costs, the durability of different materials is important:

• Tiles: The classic choice that says, "I’m in this for the long haul." Yes, they cost a bit more to install and require some upkeep, but they’ll stand the test of time — and by “test of time,” I mean years of steamy showers and enthusiastic toothbrushing splashes.

• Wall Panels: Quick, easy, and durable, wall panels are your low-maintenance MVPs. They're basically the “work smarter, not harder” solution that really works. They give you long-term durability without the need for endless grout-scrubbing sessions.

• Wallpaper and Paint: Cheap and cheerful, but they might need a bit more TLC down the line. Think of them like the houseplants we all optimistically buy but tend to neglect after a few months.

Notably within these points, grout can dull over time, meaning you’ll need to either regrout your tiles or replace them entirely. However, some shower wall panels are designed to give the illusion of grout, offering the same aesthetic appeal of traditional tiles without the additional maintenance.

Below, we’ve picked out 12 of our favourite products, to demonstrate just how easy it is to create a certain style with the range of designs available. Check out all our bathroom wall ideas below.

Transform Your Bathroom Walls: Tiles, Panels, and Wallpaper Options

Tiles: Classic, Bold, and Beautiful

1. Classic and Clean: Vancouver Gloss White Wall Tiles

Tiles are the old-school, reliable option — the "Big Ben" of bathroom decor. Dependable, timeless, and always there when you need them. These Vancouver Gloss White Wall Tiles are your standard classic, like a white t-shirt — you can dress them up, dress them down, and they never go out of style. They're also shaped like rectangles, which is handy if you're not into jigsaw puzzles when tiling.

Pro tip: Why not take them all the way to the ceiling for that "Yes, I am this chic" look? It’s like giving your bathroom a big, clean hug.

2. Bold and Beautiful: Martil Dark Blue Wall & Floor Tiles

Feeling brave? How about some dramatic dark blue tiles? Think of them like James Bond, but for your walls — stylish, bold, and a little mysterious. Herringbone? Oh yes, darling, we’re going herringbone. It’s the pattern that says, "I care about my bathroom as much as I care about my Netflix queue." Pair them with sleek fixtures and your bathroom will be a work of art.

Pro tip: Vertical patterns will trick everyone into thinking your bathroom is bigger than it really is. Or at least taller. Your friends will definitely be impressed, or they’ll just be too busy trying to figure out how to do it in their own home. 

3. Timeless Tradition: Stonehouse Studio Porto Teal Encaustic Effect Tiles

These tiles are for when you want your bathroom to feel like you’ve stepped into a vintage teahouse — but, you know, one with hot water and central heating. Combining old-world charm with modern flair, they’re like wearing a waistcoat with skinny jeans. Bold, but it works.

Pro tip: Jewel tones like emerald green or deep purple will give your bathroom that “I could totally live in a Victorian novel” vibe without needing to deal with the lack of WiFi.

4. Show-Stopping Shape: Asheville Grey Fish Scale Wall Tiles

Fish scale tiles. Yes, you read that right. It's like putting mermaid scales on your walls — only without the seaweed and questionable beach smells. They’re tricky to install, but hey, when has anything worth doing ever been easy?

Pro tip: Once they’re up, you’ll be too busy basking in their glory to care about the installation drama.

5. Luxe for Less: Villeroy & Boch Marble Arch Arctic Gold Marble Effect Wall Tiles

Want a marble bathroom but without selling your house to afford it? These marble-effect tiles are the answer. It's like having a luxury hotel bathroom, minus the tiny shampoo bottles you steal but never use. They scream "opulence," and honestly, who doesn’t want to scream that every now and then?

Pro tip: Marble effect is always in. It’s like that one friend who never ages — annoyingly timeless but oh-so-fabulous.

Wall Panels: Quick, Easy, and Stylish

6. Quick and Contemporary: Orion Grey Concrete Shower Wall Panels

Shower wall panels are like tiles, but without the drama. No grout. No endless hours of watching DIY YouTube videos while you slowly lose your sanity. Just slap them on, and voila, you’ve got a bathroom that looks like a minimalist dream. You’ll have so much time saved you can actually, I don’t know, enjoy your life?

Pro tip: Why stop at the shower? These panels look amazing across the whole bathroom, creating a sleek, industrial chic vibe with almost zero effort.

7. Luxury Look, Less Work: Orion Calacatta Waterproof Wall Tile Shower Panels

Love the look of marble but not the faff? These are the panels for you. It's the DIY version of turning up to a fancy dress party in a costume that looks like you tried really hard but actually took ten minutes to pull together. Get the look without the grout (and yes, this is the 21st century).

Pro tip: You can have a five-star bathroom in record time, and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to brag about that?

8. Natural Vibes: Orion Rustic Oak Shower Wall Panels

Want a Scandinavian spa feel without flying to Stockholm? These rustic oak panels give you that woodsy, nature-inspired aesthetic without the risk of turning your bathroom into a soggy log cabin. Basically, you get the sauna vibes without the sauna issues.

Pro tip: Throw in a potted plant or two, and you’re practically halfway to a zen retreat (minus the odd rubber duck, but who’s judging?).

9. Go Big or Go Bold: Showerwall Bromelia Bathroom Acrylic Waterproof Decorative Wall Panel

If your bathroom isn't making a statement, what’s it even doing? These panels bring the wow factor — we’re talking bold botanical prints that make your bathroom feel like a tropical vacation every time you walk in. Yes, even on a grey Tuesday morning in November.

Pro tip: Perfect for anyone who’s tired of bathrooms being boring. Bring the jungle inside, minus the humidity and, you know, actual wild animals.

Wallpaper: Yes, It Can Work in Bathrooms!

10. Botanical Bliss: Graham & Brown Botanical Shadow Wallpaper

You thought wallpaper was just for the living room? Think again. This botanical shadow design will make your bathroom feel like a serene, nature-filled sanctuary. Or at least it’ll distract you while you try to convince yourself that baths are actually relaxing.

Pro tip: Don’t limit yourself to one wall. Go all out and cover multiple walls for a bathroom that’s truly Instagram-worthy.

11. Graham & Brown Palais Black Wallpaper

Want to bring a bit of Gatsby into your life? This art deco-inspired wallpaper will have your bathroom feeling like a scene from a 1920s cocktail party — all class and just the right amount of drama.

Pro tip: Pair it with some gold fixtures, because when it comes to art deco, more is definitely more.

12. Under the Sea: Graham & Brown Aquarium Deep Sea Wallpaper

Ready to dive in? This aquatic-themed wallpaper will turn your bathroom into a whimsical underwater world. It’s basically like snorkelling, but you don’t have to worry about swallowing seawater.

Pro tip: Perfect for cloakrooms or small bathrooms where you can afford to go big on personality.

Choosing the Perfect Wall Design

Look, with so many options out there, transforming your bathroom walls can feel like trying to pick a favourite from a box of biscuits. It’s tough, but the good news is, you really can’t go wrong. Whether you're all about the timeless charm of tiles, the hassle-free sleekness of wall panels, or going bold with wallpaper, each option helps turn your bathroom into the kind of sanctuary where you’ll want to soak for hours (or at least long enough to avoid your emails).

But if you’re still thinking, "Help, I just wanted a bath, why does this feel like I’m choosing my life partner?" — we’ve got you. The Victorian Plumbing blog is packed with tips, guides, and trend updates to make this whole ‘choosing the perfect wall’ thing a breeze. Seriously, we’re like your bathroom spirit guides.

And hey, don’t be shy — share this article on your socials, because let’s be honest, you know at least three people who really need to redo their bathroom. Plus, think of the bragging rights when their bathroom ends up looking like an Instagram-ready spa. You’re welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best material to put on walls in a bathroom?

Good question! Here are some top contenders depending on your budget, style, and durability needs:

• Patterned Wallpaper: Want to flex your creativity? Wallpaper gives you the freedom to experiment with bold patterns, textures, and colours. Ideal for accent walls in non-splash zones. Just be sure to pick waterproof or splash-proof varieties, so your beautiful walls don’t end up looking like a soggy biscuit. Perfect for humid environments and lasts longer than standard options.

• Paint: If you’re after a quick, budget-friendly update, mildew-resistant paint is your best mate. Easy to apply, easy to refresh. Just keep in mind that it may need more frequent touch-ups. Stick to washable finishes, and your walls will stay fresher for longer — no elbow grease required.

• Tiles: The classic option. Tiles are durable, elegant, and perfect for those high-moisture spots like the shower or bathtub. They may be pricier upfront and need pro installation, but they’re easy to clean, maintain, and they never go out of style. You can think of them as the timeless trench coat of bathroom decor.

What’s the most budget-friendly way to cover bathroom walls?

If your wallet’s doing the talking, these are your go-to options:

• Acrylic Panels: Affordable, durable, and easy to install — panels are basically the answer to your bathroom dreams. They offer a sleek, seamless look without the hassle of grout or the price tag of tiles. Plus, they’re tough enough to resist scratches and stains, so your bathroom walls will be able to take on the daily grind without flinching.

• Paint & Wallpaper: Both are easy on the budget, but let’s not forget the risks of moisture. Opt for splash-proof wallpaper to avoid any peeling tragedies, or mildew-resistant paint if you’re after simplicity. Paint is the cheapest option and super easy to refresh, but it may need a bit more TLC in the long run.