Tired of Tile? 6 Ways to Give Your Bathroom Walls a Fresh New Look

If your bathroom walls are still covered in basic white tile, it may be time for an update. Tile can start to feel uninspired and dated after a while. The good news is there are lots of elegant and eye-catching alternatives to tile out there for bathroom walls.

From colorful murals to chic wood paneling, read on for inspiration as you plan your bathroom's fresh new look.

Waterproof Paint and Wallpaper

Thanks to advancements in material technology, paint and wallpaper suitable for bathrooms is readily available. Specific waterproof paint formulations and wallpapers designed for high moisture areas allow you to cover walls in virtually any color or pattern.

Bathroom wallpaper and paint is generally more affordable than tile installation. It also offers lots of creative flexibility--play with different colors, prints, and textures to perfectly suit your style.

Creative Wallpaper Ideas

From floral prints to abstract shapes, today's wallpaper offers tons of chic options for bathrooms. Some ideas:

• Black and white graphic prints
• Soothing nature themes like leaves and vines
• Removable wallpaper allows you to easily change up the look

Paint Color Inspiration

Don't be afraid to go bold with paint colors for your bathroom walls. Here are some striking hues to consider:

• Sleek navy blue
• Retro forest green
• Light green for a soothing spa vibe

Natural Stone Walls

For a natural, luxurious look, materials like marble , granite , and slate are fantastic alternatives to bathroom tiles . Each natural stone has distinct veining, patterns, and texture for one-of-a-kind walls.

On top of beauty, natural stone is extremely water-resistant and durable--perfect for the humidity bathrooms see daily. Extending stone to the floor can create the ultimate seamless spa-inspired space.

Marble Shower Walls

With its elegant white and gray veining, marble lends a high-end hotel aesthetic. Using marble walls in your shower enclosure makes an especially decadent statement. There are also many different marble species in a range of colors for you to select from.

Wood Paneling

Bringing wood into the bathroom softens the aesthetic to something warmer and more rustic. Today's specialty wood paneling is available in a range of stain colors and sizes for tons of design flexibility.

The main caveat is that wood cannot come into direct contact with water. We recommend limiting wood paneling to "dry zones" of the bathroom, like above a floating vanity .

Wood Panel Patterns

Creative applications for wood paneling in bathrooms include:

• Mixing grain direction for visual interest
• Pairing natural wood with crisp white colors
• Geometric panel arrangements feel modern

PVC Wall Panels

PVC panels are one of today's most popular tile alternatives for bathroom walls. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride plastic. Lightweight PVC sheets attach right to existing walls with adhesive.

Benefits of PVC panels:

• Completely waterproof
• Seamless, uniform finish
• Easy DIY installation

PVC can mimic textures like tile , stone , abstract geometric patterns, and more. This makes an ultra-contemporary look easy to achieve.

PVC Panel Design Ideas

Some eye-catching ways to use PVC wall panels:

• Glossy faux marble look
• Metallic finishes
• On the shower floor for an illusion of more space

Colorful Murals

Make an audacious statement by dedicating a whole accent wall to a colorful, artistic mural . Thanks to modern printing technology, any photograph or art can be adapted as a wall mural.

Some fun mural ideas:

• Whimsical tropical motif
• Black and white cityscape
• Custom photo collage using your own images

Mural Placement Tips

Popular placements for bathroom murals include:

• Behind a freestanding bathtub
• On the shower wall opposite the entry
• Behind bathroom vanity sinks

Textured Plaster Walls

For more texture than flat paint or tile, consider a custom plaster wall treatment. Venetian plaster has an irregular, gently mottled finish and comes in earthy hues.

There's also something called Tadelakt --colored Moroccan-style plaster that waterproofs as is sets. Spanish Llanos plaster features a knocked-down texture.

Pro tips for plaster walls:

• Must properly seal surface
• Ideal for contemporary or old world aesthetics

Plaster Texture Ideas

Some ways to use textured plaster walls:

• Bold red Tadelakt plaster
• Muted gray Venetian plaster
• Moroccan Tadelakt in vivid blue

We hope these six fresh alternatives to basic tile have sparked inspiration for your bathroom's new look. Mixing wall treatments is also popular, like pairing shiplap wood with marble mosaic tiles.

The wonderful thing about feature walls is they let you add loads of personality without overwhelming changes. It's time to give those tired tiles the boot and welcome in a bathroom that feels like you!