One of the fastest ways to transform a bath is to change the look of its walls. Whether paint, wallpaper, paneling, or tile is selected, remember that a bathroom wall covering must stand up to heat, moisture, and frequent cleaning. Mixing and matching materials for their strengths in different areas works well, especially if the space of the room is divided.
Paint for Bathroom Walls
Paint is the least expensive covering for bathroom walls and ceilings, and it’s the most easily changed for cosmetic makeovers. Besides choosing a color, you’ll also need to settle on a finish type, from flat to high-gloss. Gloss and semi gloss finishes work best in bathrooms, because they repel water and clean easily. Glossier paints exaggerate all the lumps and bumps on a wall, however, so they must be applied to a flat, smooth surface.
Ceramic Tile on Bathroom Walls
Ceramic tile is attractive and durable. It won’t fade or stain, it cleans easily and is not merely water resistant but, when installed correctly, fully waterproof. Ceramic tile can be higher-priced but its advantages make it well worth considering for at least some areas in a bathroom.
Floor and wall tile comes glazed and unglazed, plain and patterned, and in an unlimited palette of colors. A common dimension for wall tiles is 4 or 6 inch squares, but many other sizes and shapes are available. Larger, 12 x 12 field tiles are very well-liked by today’s homeowners.
Glass Block
Glass block is also very popular in bathroom walls today because of its sleek modern look and its ability to transmit light while preserving privacy. It can be used to create both walls and windows. Glass block is very expensive when compared to other materials. The cost can varies greatly, depending on the complexity of the job, labor costs, and the block that is selected.
