Invigorate Your Bathroom With Charming Shiplap Walls

Is your bathroom looking a little lackluster these days? Do the plain white walls leave you feeling uninspired? If you're longing to add some rustic charm and cozy texture to your bathroom, installing shiplap may be just what you need to invigorate the space.

Shiplap is a popular interior design trend that instantly infuses vintage farmhouse style into any room. With its distinctive horizontal wooden boards and grooved edges, shiplap lends unique visual interest and dimension to walls. Installing shiplap can take your boring bathroom from blah to aahh, creating a warm and welcoming oasis.

What is Shiplap?

Shiplap refers to wide, flat pine or cedar boards that feature a channel on each edge, allowing the boards to fit snugly together to form a flat, even surface. The recessed grooves give shiplap its signature look, adding beautiful texture and natural depth.

The term "shiplap" comes from the construction method, where the boards were used horizontally to build ship hulls. Today, shiplap is commonly used on interior walls and ceilings to add a vintage charm. It pairs perfectly with farmhouse, rustic, coastal and nautical styles.

Why Use Shiplap in the Bathroom?

Shiplap may seem like an unconventional choice for bathrooms. However, using shiplap to upgrade your bathroom walls offers many appealing benefits:

• It instantly livens up boring builder-grade bathroom walls, adding loads of character and visual appeal.
• The natural, textured look of shiplap contrasts beautifully with sleek surfaces like tile, marble, or glass.
• It provides an affordable facelift. Installing shiplap costs a fraction of fully tiling your bathroom.
• The rustic vibe lends itself perfectly to creating a cozy farmhouse or nautical oasis.
• Shiplap is actually quite moisture-resistant, making it suitable for bathrooms when properly sealed.

By mixing shiplap walls with subway tile, marble countertops, or vintage fixtures, you can create a charming bathroom with lots of personality. The textural variation is far more interesting than basic painted drywall.

Preparing Shiplap for Bathroom Installation

While shiplap has natural water-resistant qualities in its dense wooden construction, extra precautions should be taken when installing it in moisture-prone bathrooms.

Use a high-quality waterproof sealant or primer formulated for bathrooms to seal the back and edges of the shiplap boards before installation. This prevents water from seeping into the seams and crevices. Apply 2-3 coats for the best protection.

We recommend safe, low-VOC sealants like:

• Zinsser Watertite Mold & Mildew-Proof Waterproofing Sealant
• KILZ Adhesion Interior/Exterior Bonding Primer
• Gorilla Construction Adhesive Sealant

For even greater water resistance, apply a non-yellowing polyurethane finish over the sealed shiplap. Reseal every 2 years to maintain the protective barrier.

Avoid direct water contact areas like inside the shower or around plumbing. The key is properly sealing the wood to prevent moisture damage in humid bathroom conditions.

Stunning Shiplap Bathroom Wall Ideas

Ready to add this trendy rustic wall treatment to your bathroom? Here are some gorgeous ways to incorporate shiplap:

Full Shiplap Wall

For dramatic impact, install shiplap from floor to ceiling on one wall. The full wall of reclaimed-looking wood makes a bold statement and brings all eyes to that part of the room. Paint or stain the soothing shiplap backdrop in a light neutral color so it doesn't overwhelm.

Shiplap Wainscoting

Love the look of shiplap but hesitant to cover every bathroom wall? Wainscoting with shiplap boards is the perfect compromise. Installing shiplap wainscoting about chair-rail height on the bottom half of walls adds subtle interest without going overboard. Paint the upper walls a contrasting color.

Shiplap Accent Wall

An accent wall covered in stacked shiplap boards draws the eye, becoming a textured focal point amid sleek surfaces. For variation, arrange the boards in fun patterns like a herringbone design. An accent wall works especially well behind clawfoot bathtubs or above bathroom vanities.

Shiplap on Angled Ceilings

Make the most of an attic bathroom's sloped ceilings by lining the unique angles with rustic shiplap. Complement with pendant lighting for an elegant farmhouse feel.

Shiplap Around Windows

Framing windows with shiplap trim adds charming cottage style to any bathroom. For a coastal vibe, opt for a light grayish blue hue on the weathered shiplap boards.

Incorporate Shiplap Beyond the Walls

Don't limit shiplap to just walls. Think creatively with this versatile wood to add charm throughout the bathroom.

Tub or Shower Surround

Use shiplap to surround bathtubs or showers for a soothing nature-inspired vibe. Just be sure to take extra precautions by waterproofing thoroughly. Leave space between the tub and shiplap to prevent moisture damage.

Rustic Wood Vanity

Introduce a shiplap accent wall behind the vanity to complement a rustic wood countertop. The pairing enhances the natural warmth and texture for a cohesive look. Stack floating wood shelves on the accent wall for charming display space.

Shiplap Ceiling

Not just for walls, shiplap adds incredible visual interest to the ceiling. Coffered shiplap ceilings create texture and architectural appeal. For a beachy touch, whitewash the ceiling shiplap.

Shiplap in Small Bathroom Spaces

Even the tiniest bathrooms can benefit from shiplap's charm. The key is strategic placement and smart pairings.

Incorporate shiplap through a mini accent wall or as wainscoting rather than overwhelming the petite room. Mixing shiplap with glossy tiles prevents the busy pattern that full shiplap walls might create. The contrast of textures makes the small space feel homey yet polished.

Consider painting shiplap a lighter color when dealing with limited natural light. This keeps the room feeling open and airy. Then add mood lighting like sconces for ambiance against the reclaimed-wood backdrop.

Complementary Colors and Finishes

One of the best aspects of shiplap is how easily it adapts to any bathroom's color scheme and style. Simply change up the finish for drastically different looks.

White Wash

A white washed finish lightens up shiplap, giving it a weathered, beach cottage vibe. The pale, coastal look pairs perfectly with ocean blues and sandy neutrals.

Stain

For a deeper, richer color, stain the shiplap boards in espresso or walnut tones. Stained shiplap has an elegant vintage library feel when combined with leathered granite countertops and antique brass fixtures.

Bright Paint Colors

Make your shiplap pop by painting or repainting the boards in vivid colors like navy, emerald green, or brick red. The bold shiplap backdrop complements marble countertops.

Classic White

Crisp white shiplap has a light coastal flavor. Accent with natural elements like woven baskets, greenery, and driftwood to enhance the breezy charm. Sleek modern bathrooms also benefit from white shiplap's clean look.

Maintaining Shiplap in the Bathroom

Since bathrooms experience heavy moisture, maintaining shiplap properly is key to avoiding warping or damage.

Clean shiplap walls regularly using a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners or excessive water that could seep into crevices.

Check the sealant every year or two and reapply fresh waterproof sealant as needed. Look for any cracks or gaps in the seal and immediately reseal to prevent moisture intrusion.

Inspect for early signs of moisture damage like bubbling, peeling, or discoloration. Sand and refinish affected areas right away before further deterioration.

Achieve the Farmhouse Bathroom of Your Dreams

No design style pairs better with charming shiplap than fresh, cozy farmhouse. The vintage shiplap boards instantly transform modern bathrooms into countryside-chic retreats.

Here are some tips for completing the farmhouse bathroom look:

• Whitewash or lightly stain the shiplap for a sun-kissed cottage feel. Accent with painted wood trim.
• Incorporate folksy vintage touches like galvanized tin pails, towel ladders, and wire baskets for storage.
• Add a classic clawfoot tub (or sleek freestanding tub) in front of an expansive shiplap wall for the ultimate spa experience.
• Tie in natural textures like jute rugs, linen curtains, and wicker shades to enhance the welcoming vibe.
• Select an antique brass vanity fixture to complement vintage cabinet hardware.

With reclaimed wood shiplap walls setting the laidback farmhouse mood, accessorizing the rest of the bathroom is a breeze. Let your rustic side run free!

If your bathroom is stuck in a bland, cookie-cutter rut, installing charming shiplap boards offers an easy and affordable upgrade. Visually interesting shiplap adds unique character, transforming sterile bathrooms into cozy, vintage-inspired spaces.

Just be sure to properly seal and regularly maintain shiplap in moisture-prone areas. With the right prep and care, you can safely enjoy shiplap's rustic farmhouse flair even in bathrooms. So give your lackluster bathroom new life by installing beautiful, textured shiplap walls and enjoy the relaxing oasis it creates!