Are you looking to renovate your bathroom but do not know where to start? Once you decide to redo your bathroom, one of the first decisions to make is what look you are trying to achieve. Are you looking for a modern chic look or something more traditional with a twist? This is an important step because once you decide on your aesthetic, you can choose what materials you want to use in your bathroom to achieve your look. From the window to the walls, you will be able to select materials that meet your needs. One of the most important decisions to make though is what kind of material to use for the walls, as there are a few distinctive options that all offer different benefits and drawbacks as part of your bathroom remodel.
Paint
Of course, paint is normally the go-to option when it comes to bathroom walls. It is relatively inexpensive and it comes in almost any color. However, if you choose to go the paint route in your bathroom, we recommend going with a semigloss or an eggshell finish. These paint types can help prevent any mildew buildup and, in the long term, help protect the material of the walls from moisture damage.
Wood
Contrary to popular belief, you can use wood in a bathroom. As Houzz notes, wood is a good choice, but it will need to be treated prior to being installed in a bathroom. If you are looking for a bare wood look, try using a water-based urethane to seal the wood. This will help deter moisture from soaking into the wood over time. You can also paint the wood with a semigloss paint, but this will take away from the natural look of the woodgrain. Exposed wood provides a more expensive and high-end look and can even serve as a focal piece of your new bathroom.
Wallpaper
Of course, wallpaper is a popular option, but not always the most practical choice for a full bathroom. Wallpaper can add a nice, chic design that’s perfect if you’re trying to achieve a patterned or textured look or want to channel an older style. However, wallpaper uses glue which can degrade and peel away after years of exposure to the steam of your showers. If you really want to use wallpaper, either limit it to use in a half bath without a bath or shower or look into vinyl or laminate wall coverings that can provide many of the same looks as wallpaper without the peeling concerns.
Vinyl or Laminate
When most people think of laminate, they think of flooring. However, in recent years, laminate has developed into a more prominent option. Laminate materials are now available for walls with a variety of designs and high gloss or matte finishes. They are lightweight and quick to install, as well, and can last for many years of use in your bathroom space. It’s also a great alternative to wallpaper and can balance modern capabilities with classic charms.
Tile
Tile is certainly one of the more popular options when it comes to bathrooms. Tiles can be made from a variety of materials, ranging from stone to ceramic to porcelain. Installing tile creates an elegant look, but it doesn’t have to have a high cost. Using tile on your bathroom wall can easily make a statement. Tiles are available in a wide range of sizes and can also easily be cut to fit any shape or size you need, making it easy to fit into any space. Plus, with tile being so versatile, you can even continue tiling down to the floor to create a continuous look.
Stone
If you are looking for a more exotic look for your bathroom, look no further than natural stone. Stone is a great way to make your bathroom stand out from the rest and is incredibly water resistant, making it a good choice for within a shower. It is, however, one of the more expensive wall options on the market. An alternative that some people choose is the use of natural stone tiles that combine the modern look of stone with a more modest price, notes DoItYourself.com.
Glass
Finally, HGTV says that glass is a very in vogue feature at the moment. Using glass tiles can easily give your bathroom the look of a spa and will fit almost any color scheme. If you’re looking for something with some shimmer and shine, you may want to choose glass. While tile is nice, it does not give the same reflective shine that’s available with glass. Glass can also be used as a privacy element within a bathroom, whether used as a shower door or a dividing wall between a toilet and shower space. Glass can also be added selectively to create a focal point in your bathroom if you choose a feature wall.
When planning your renovation, these and other options can help you create the exact new bathroom space you’re looking for. Reynolds Home Builders can help you design your entire bathroom renovation and complete the project for you, transforming your room into the space you always imagined. Whatever you are looking to achieve in your bathroom remodel, we will work with you to make it happen. Call us today at 850-508-5076 and speak with our bathroom renovation experts to get your project started!