How to decorate a bathroom: 22 materials for walls, floor and ceiling

High-quality finish will ennoble any bathroom, regardless of its size and other parameters. The bathroom should not only be clean, but also well repaired. High-quality repairs do not always require large financial investments. When choosing a bathroom decoration option, you should focus on repairs in other areas of the house or apartment. The bathroom, kitchen, hall and other rooms should be done in the same style. It is better to choose some specific colors (yellow, red, blue, violet) as the base and only change the shades when repairing the corresponding room. The walls and floor in the bathroom may be dark, but due to the lack of windows in the bathrooms in most apartments, you should take care of additional artificial lighting so that the toilet does not look too gloomy.

Features of finishing the bathroom

Finishing a bathroom requires special attention due to constant humidity and frequent temperature changes. Only moisture-proof and wear-resistant materials are suitable here. Tile will be an ideal solution for wall decoration, but you will have to forget about wooden panels. As for the color scheme, it is better to use light shades. In typical apartments, bathrooms are usually small, and a dark color visually reduces any room. If there is a window in the bathroom, then for obvious reasons it should be curtained with blackout curtains or blinds. Plumbing equipment must be of high quality, since the functionality of the bathroom is more important than its appearance. If the budget is limited, it is better to save on materials and buy inexpensive tiles or panels. Taps, showers, toilets are regularly operated, so they must be reliable and high quality.

Requirements for finishing materials for the bathroom

It is better for the bathroom and the whole apartment to choose finishing materials that will be easy to assemble. This is true even in the case of repair of premises by wage workers.If the tile or panel in the bathroom is damaged, it would be better if they can be repaired by the homeowner himself without resorting to expensive repairs. The materials used for the bathroom should be moisture resistant and antiseptic. The air in the bathroom is saturated with a huge amount of water vapor, which can gradually destroy the finish. In the bathrooms, due to dampness and poor ventilation, fungus can easily form. To avoid this, you should buy special antiseptic materials. When a hot shower or bath is taken, the energy of the water is automatically transferred to the air, because of which it becomes very hot and destructively affects the lining. Also, the materials should differ:

• simplicity in leaving and operation;
• environmental friendliness;
• chemical resistance;
• high strength, etc.

Options for finishing the floor

Most often, the floor is finished in the bathroom with linoleum, floor tiles, laminate or natural stone. Linoleum is the cheapest material of all listed. It is also easiest to stack, i.e. even a layman can handle the installation of linoleum. But under this material, fungus and mold easily form. Tile decoration is the most popular way to design a bathroom. It is moisture resistant, relatively easy to install and durable. But this material has poor thermal insulation, so you have to lay mats on the floor from the tile so as not to step on the ice floor after a shower. If you lay a laminate, then you need to choose its varieties with high moisture resistance. But it is convenient in operation, durable, wear-resistant and has good thermal insulation. A natural stone floor is expensive and looks stylish.

This material is characterized by wear resistance and safety due to the porous structure of the surface.

Ceramic tile

For the floor in the bathroom, several types of tiles are taken.Ceramic tile is the most selectable because it is affordable, durable and looks good. It is distinguished by many shapes and colors. It is better to focus on the manufacturer and brand when choosing this material. Customers also choose a solid clinker. It is flat and smooth. Cotto is a tile with enhanced porosity characteristics. Thanks to this, they are as safe as possible and suitable for houses in which there are small children and the elderly. On such a tile it is almost impossible to slip. Porcelain tile is an extremely durable material that perfectly tolerates the temperature differences characteristic of bathrooms. All these tiles are matte and glossy. It is better to finish the floor with frosted products, as they are easy to clean.

Linoleum

There is no special type of linoleum, which could be used only for the floor in the bathroom. Manufacturers are not keen to produce this material with improved characteristics of moisture resistance and wear resistance. Due to the improvement, linoleum will cost more, and therefore the main advantage of linoleum will disappear - its low cost. There are many varieties of linoleum, but for bathrooms it is better to take PVC material or marmoleum. PVC linoleum is the simplest material, but marmoleum is an innovative material created entirely from natural ingredients. Normal linoleum is slippery, and therefore for the bathroom you should choose special models, the top layer of which contains corundum chips. It is also better to choose models for the bathroom that contain antibacterial substances.

A natural stone

Natural stone is rarely used to decorate bathrooms, because it is quite expensive. Its use is justified only when the rest of the apartment is also decorated pompously and flashy-chic.Many varieties of natural stones can be used for bathrooms, but unpolished porous marble is most often taken. This material perfectly tolerates thermal and mechanical loads, and also does not become slippery when water gets on it. It is strong and durable; in fact, such floors have been installed for centuries. But natural stone should be chosen by a professional, since not every material of such a plan is suitable for use in the bathroom. If small inclusions of iron are present in the stone, over time they can lead to the formation of rust.

Bulk floor

The bulk floor is one of the most stylish bathroom floor solutions. It is a monolithic design with any image. Thanks to this material, you can turn the floor in the bathroom into a 3D image. Those. the image on the floor will look as realistic as possible even without special 3D glasses. This material is strong and durable. It is highly resistant to abrasion. The bulk floor is resistant to moisture. It can be washed by any chemical means, and at the same time it will not lose its original qualities. This material withstands temperature extremes and has high thermal conductivity. But the cost of installation of bulk floors is quite high, and preparation for the installation of this material can take about a month. In this case, you need to properly prepare the concrete slab - the base.

Wooden floor

It is difficult to make a floor from ordinary wood in the bathroom, but with the right approach and careful selection of a certain material, you can try. Teak wood, which used to be used for building ships, is best suited for bathrooms. Such material is wear-resistant and does not deteriorate under the influence of chemicals. Such wood is rough to the touch, making the floor non-slip. Also for the floors in the toilet, you can use a thermal tree.This material is wood that has been carefully steamed at very high temperatures. From this, the wood becomes moisture resistant. No fungus or mold forms on such material. But any wooden floor is best treated with moisture resistant substances and coated with a special yacht varnish.

Moisture resistant laminate

In most cases, a moisture-resistant laminate is made from pressed wooden sawdust. For bonding these sawdust, special epoxies and sometimes paraffin are used. The thicker such material, the greater the load it can withstand. The maximum life of the laminate also depends on this. This material is not designed for prolonged direct contact with the liquid. If you accidentally spill water on it, it will not foam immediately, but it is better to wipe the floor dry to reduce the risks of deformation of the moisture-resistant laminate. Also, a moisture-resistant laminate can be produced completely from plastic, which is why it is called completely waterproof. When installing such a material, one should adhere to the technology and achieve complete sealing of the joints to exclude the possibility of liquid entering there.

Vinyl floor

A standard vinyl floor may consist of several tiles or sold on a roll. It is better to use a tiled installation method. If during operation one of the tiles deteriorates, it can be replaced later. It is durable and reliable, and also looks stylish. Vinyl flooring consists of several layers of various components. Moreover, the decorative (most beautiful) layer is always at the top. This material is extremely durable and waterproof. It does not absorb water and does not deteriorate from hot water vapor. The vinyl floor is quite warm and non-slip. This material has a pronounced antistatic effect. Vinyl flooring is not environmentally friendly because it is made from synthetic substances.When burned, it can release dangerous and harmful substances.

Materials for wall decoration

Professional wall decoration in the bathroom is a serious undertaking. First you should choose a quality material. Such material should be moisture resistant, environmentally friendly and hygienic. It should be easy to operate and to install. Its color should be in harmony with the general condition of the bathroom. The colors of the walls and floor may vary. This will make the room even more interesting. When decorating a bathroom, tiles are most often used. She is not afraid of dampness and looks stylish enough. But far from all interiors will be appropriate tile on the walls. That is why all kinds of materials began to be used to repair the walls of bathrooms: drywall, decorative plaster, self-adhesive film, etc. This variety allows you to choose the best products for your bathroom.

Tile and ceramic tile

The range of such materials is quite wide. A client can buy tiles of different shapes, sizes and prices. There are many factories for the production of tiles and other tiles, but when designing one room, it is better to stop at one manufacturer. In this case, it will be possible to harmoniously decorate the walls in the bathroom, since they will be made in the same style. The tile does not let moisture through, so the wall will be protected from excess moisture. Mold or mildew will not start under the coating. Wall tiles made of tile or ceramic are easy to use daily. They are easy to clean, just wipe the surface with a sponge with water or detergent. However, this material is not characterized by high mechanical strength, i.e. it is easy to break. To such a tile looked good on the wall, professionals should be involved in its laying.

Mosaic

Mosaic is a type of ceramic tile to which elements from other materials are sometimes added.However, there are many different forms of material. It is customary to divide the mosaic into 2 varieties. The first includes those that are laid out on an ad hoc basis with separate pictures and elements. The second can include those elements that are laid out manually. Mosaic looks interesting and unusual. Its hard to break. It does not form mold or mildew. This material has a long service life. If you follow the masonry technology, you can mount any surface without visible joints. But it is better to purchase a smear consisting of similar elements. A mixture of ceramics and metals will look stylish until the first rust appears, and glass even in a mosaic picture can be easily broken.

Natural and artificial stone

Natural stone is an expensive material that can only be used in emphasized luxurious interiors, where there is already a stone floor. In other cases, it is better to wall the walls with artificial stone. This material is very heavy, because of which its installation requires additional work. At the same time, use stones in the interior of the bathroom as carefully as possible. The material significantly reduces the visual space of the bathroom. Moreover, this applies to both artificial and natural stones. That is why such material is contraindicated for small bathrooms and separate bathrooms. It does not absorb moisture and in most cases has a porous structure. Thanks to this, stones get the opportunity to “breathe”. They are environmentally friendly and absolutely harmless even for young children and allergy sufferers.

Natural wood finish

An ordinary tree absorbs water very easily (including the one that is in the warmed air), so you need to use it to decorate bathrooms very carefully. Because of this, wood requires additional moisture-resistant impregnation, so it can be in a damp environment for a long time.You can burn and process the wood panels yourself, but it is better to buy finished products and begin to sheathe the walls of the bathroom with them. Such panels are expensive, although they give the bathroom an extraordinary atmosphere of a country house. Also, such wood panels can be used if there is a home bath in the bathroom. At the same time, the decoration of the bathroom walls with natural wood (even clapboard) implies the presence of specific accessories (mirrors, hangers, partitions, plumbing equipment) that will emphasize the created style.

Flexible stone

Flexible stone became known to the general public relatively recently, but during this time managed to become extremely popular around the world. This is a thin facing material, which is convenient to decorate the walls of various rooms. It consists of three layers. The first is a universal fabric base, the second is an adhesive, and the third is small crumbs of any rock (marble, granite, quartz, etc.). At the same time, patterns in which small particles are laid out on the surface resemble the appearance of large natural stones. From afar, the material can be confused with natural stone. Flexible stone is practical and durable, it can be used even in very damp and poorly ventilated bathrooms. The surface is rough to the touch, because the outer layer of the material is represented by stone chips.

Marble

Marble is a unique material that can be used for any design ideas. Today it is used in decorating bathrooms, since the porous structure of this breed makes it moisture resistant. Also, thanks to this, marble can be called a breathing material; under it, mold or fungus does not form on the walls. The marbled finish of the bathroom looks luxurious, elegant and stylish. At the same time, this material is characterized by durability, impact resistance and relative ease of care.It can be cleaned with ordinary detergents, although at the very beginning of operation it is better to treat it with a special protective substance. Marble is also immune to extremely high temperatures and does not crack at all kinds of temperature changes. However, marble is expensive, and therefore few afford it.

PVC panels

Universal PVC panels are often used to repair bathrooms, but they require additional protection during installation. Under such panels in a humid and damp environment, mold or fungus easily forms, although polyvinyl chloride is a waterproof material. However, in case of installation errors, you can leave large gaps between the wall and the panel, which will lead to unpleasant consequences. However, this material is cheap; every homeowner can afford it. PVC panels can be painted in absolutely any color, they can fit into the most unusual bathroom interior. Some of these panels imitate natural stones, wood, tiles or are decorated with photo printing. This material is durable, has good sound insulation and retains heat well.

Moisture resistant wallpaper

Making wallpaper in the bathroom looks original, but you need to carefully select this material. Ordinary wallpapers are not suitable for a bathroom, because due to constant dampness and high humidity they will immediately become unusable. In bathrooms, they usually use special moisture-proof wallpaper, glass wallpaper or photo wallpaper (the latter less often). They make it possible to bring to life the most unusual design solutions, because they have a huge assortment, while the finish will be durable. Wallpapers are relatively inexpensive when compared with natural stone or ceramic tiles, so this material is often used to save money. Before starting repairs, walls in the bathroom will require minimal preparation.Moreover, you can prepare the walls yourself, and then start to paste over them with your chosen wallpaper.

Decorative plaster

For bathrooms, special moisture-resistant decorative plaster is used. With its help, you can create a completely unique design of the room. The pattern for decorating the bathroom can be any. Almost anyone can apply decorative plaster on the wall, even a layman can handle this. But this material is not very cheap. Some varieties of decorative plaster are extremely expensive, so their use as part of the usual cosmetic repairs in the apartment (including in the bathroom) is not practical. For the decoration of bathrooms, sanitizing plaster, moisture-resistant plaster or facade plaster is most often used (it contains specific synthetic substances that help cope with dampness and high humidity). These materials normalize the microclimate in the bathroom, absorbing excess moisture.

Painting walls with waterproof paints

There are many varieties of moisture resistant paints that can be used to decorate bathrooms. Water based paint is one such material. Moreover, it is better to take an aqueous emulsion with special additives that prevent its erosion. But she does not want to paint those sections of the wall on which water will fall with a one hundred percent guarantee. Oil paint is very rarely used today. It dries for a long time, and with extremely strong temperature differences it can begin to exfoliate. Alkyd paint can be called one of the most popular, but it smells a lot. Moreover, the unpleasant smell remains even a few weeks after the repair work. That is why now most often the walls in the bathroom are covered with acrylic paints. They are non-toxic and durable. Acrylic paints are easy to apply on walls, even someone who has never done repairs in their life can handle this.

Self-adhesive film

Finishing with a film looks original and unusual. This material does not allow moisture to pass through, so the possibility of mold or mildew is minimized. Self-adhesive film is cheap, although it looks spectacular at the same time. There is a huge range of colors for this product. And today on sale there is a film with a relief. It costs more, but it looks very interesting. This material is very easy to apply on the wall, so during the repair you do not even need to hire professional builders. You can cope on your own. At the same time, the film is easy to change if the picture on it is tired or no longer in harmony with the plumbing equipment. This material is easy to clean. You can just wipe it with a damp cloth. However, the self-adhesive film is characterized by low strength. Its easy to tear.

Ceiling decoration

You can make a ceiling in the bathroom by inviting a professional for this, or by yourself. Moreover, the second method will cost less, but it will require significant time costs and the presence of certain skills. You will also have to choose the material for the ceiling. It should be strong, moisture resistant, durable, beautiful and easy to care for. Also, this material must withstand temperature extremes. It is better to select it based on already selected materials for the walls, but this is not always possible, because for example, sticking wallpaper on the ceiling of the bathroom is not considered a good idea. You also need to remember the features of the structure of bathrooms and it is advisable to choose such material for the ceiling so that it can delay the sudden flow of water if suddenly a pipe in the bathroom bursts from the neighbors and they begin to flood the apartment located under them. But not every ceiling can cope with such a test.

Stretch ceiling

Modern bathrooms often have stretch ceilings.They are characterized by increased moisture resistance and do not allow water that can seep from above. This material is as environmentally friendly as possible. It withstands severe temperature extremes and high temperatures without evaporating harmful substances. Due to the variety of shapes, textures and colors, stretch ceilings can be integrated into any design project. They can be absolutely any color, although it is better to choose models of light shades, so that the bathroom does not seem too gloomy and dark. Stretch ceilings are easy to use and do not require special care. You only need to wipe them with a damp cloth so that dust or dirt does not accumulate on them. But stretch ceilings are unstable to various mechanical damage.

Panels

If the walls in the bathroom are decorated with PVC panels, then the ceiling can also be done with them. Plastic panels are characterized by high strength and moisture resistance. They look stylish and beautiful, without the need for additional processing. They are easy to install on their own, but you need to make sure that the design looks monolithic. The gaps between the panels look unaesthetically. Also, spotlights or any other lighting fixtures can be built into the ceiling from the panels, if their presence corresponds to the design idea. Plastic panels are easy to clean; no special chemicals are needed to clean them. This stuff is cheap. But it is not suitable for bathrooms with poor ventilation. its metal frame can easily become rusty even with a galvanized coating.

Paint

The ceiling in the bathroom can be covered with paint: acrylic, latex or silicone. These types of paints are moisture resistant, do not collapse under the influence of water and do not lead to excessive wetting of building envelopes. The painted ceiling is easy to clean.Such paint has a finely porous surface, due to which it is well ventilated, and a lot of dirt does not accumulate in it. These ceilings are easy to clean with the simplest detergents and sponges. Any paint of such a plan is easily applied to any prepared surface: reinforced concrete, ordinary concrete, and wood. However, over time, the painted ceiling may fade, and therefore it will need to be painted again. Also, the paint may begin to peel off over time if condensation forms on the ceiling, which is typical for bathrooms.

Drywall

If the ceiling in the bathroom is uneven, it is best to take drywall to repair it. Using this material, you can create stylish and original designs, for example, a multi-level ceiling with built-in ceiling lights. It is strong and durable enough if it is properly looked after and cleaned of accumulated dirt in a timely manner. Under the drywall, it is usually possible to put all the communications in the bathroom, freeing up space as much as possible. But for drywall, you will need to create an additional frame structure that will support the ceiling. Moreover, for modern bathrooms it is better to choose not wooden, but metal frames pre-treated with anti-corrosion compounds. With prolonged use, drywall can fade, because of which it will have to be painted on its own.

Bathroom lighting

The number of lighting fixtures in a bathroom depends on the size of this room and the availability of sources of natural light. If the toilet has a window (albeit a small one), much less fixtures are required. In large bathrooms it is better to provide zone lighting. Usually this applies to combined bathrooms. In this case, the zone where the toilet is located is distinguished from the zone where the bathtub stands. The design of the fixtures and the degree of illumination are affected by the style of the interior.Glossy and mirrored surfaces better reflect light, so if you have them in the bathroom, you will need less lighting equipment. Lamps can be located on the ceiling, walls and even on the floor, their location is determined by design decisions. Moreover, lighting in the bathroom can be integrated into the Smart Home system in order to be able to control its intensity.

Color picker

The color palette should be thought out as much as possible so that the bathroom looks stylish and comfortable, and not funny and clumsy. Usually a bathroom has a small area, so it is better to design it in light shades, because they contribute to the visual increase in the room. Although dark shades can make a room more comfortable, a design in dark colors should be developed by a professional. It is better not to use more than 3 different colors or more than 5 shades of the same color. The bathroom is small, so the colorfulness will be too striking. Moreover, it is better to choose colors based on the palette that was used for repairs in the entire apartment. Solid-colored bathrooms look stylish, but it is extremely difficult to choose materials for decoration and sanitary equipment of the same shade. To repair the bathroom, you can use the following color combinations:

• orange, blue, and white;
• purple, white and yellow;
• yellow, red and blue;
• green, orange and yellow.

Ergonomics: the proper organization of space in the bathroom

Bathrooms are too small to talk about their good ergonomics. Ideally, at least 75 cm should remain between the plumbing fixtures, the door and the walls. The only exception is the toilet and the bidet, for them this value can be equal to 35 cm. The distance between the bathroom (shower) and the sink can be reduced to 30 cm. Height washbasins and countertops for bathroom furniture can vary from 80 to 110 cm.Usually this value is 90 cm, however, today many people put special sinks for young children at a height that is comfortable for them. Moreover, between these washbasins there should be a distance of at least 10 cm. The layout of the bathroom should be convenient for all family members. This applies to both children and the elderly. And you need to try to save space. In small bathrooms (for example, in Khrushchev), a washing machine is placed under the sink, and instead of a bath, a shower cabin is installed.

The choice of plumbing and furniture

Plumbing equipment must be durable, reliable and versatile. It is better to buy products that were made from environmentally friendly materials. Color plumbing should be in harmony with the decoration of the room. Usually choose a bathtub, sink and toilet in a classic white color. They will not have to be changed if even after a couple of years the owner decides to change the color of the walls in the bathroom. All plumbing equipment should be selected at a time. In this case, it will be possible to choose the most suitable products for each other. Before buying devices, you should determine the type of attachment and placement. Plumbing equipment can be of different sizes, and for small bathrooms you need to buy a sink and toilet in a slightly different format than for spacious bathrooms. General features of some types of plumbing are presented below in the photo.

Stylistic directions

The style of the bathroom can be any, but most homeowners adhere to certain ready-made solutions for the design of the bathroom. Most often, the toilet is designed in a classic style. This option looks beautiful and elegant. It is especially suitable for large bathrooms with a window. A modern style will be appropriate in small bathrooms. It allows you to install small functional showers in the toilet. Art Nouveau is characterized by a natural palette of colors, floral motifs and the presence of all kinds of accessories with floral ornaments. Of the modern stylistic trends, it is worth highlighting bionics. This design style is characterized by an imitation of all natural. Many design bathrooms in a marine, ethnic, Scandinavian or Mediterranean style. They look spectacular and allow you to realize non-standard design ideas.

These styles can be combined.

Conclusion

Making a bathroom is an important part of the repair work in any apartment (in a new building or in the house of the old foundation). It is necessary to select high-quality materials and determine the style of the interior. Before starting repairs, you should draw up a project of the room in which to clearly describe the type of plumbing equipment, its location in the room and the color palette used. Moreover, one should focus not only on the wishes of homeowners, but also on the overall repair budget. With a limited budget, you should choose inexpensive materials and, if possible, install everything yourself. But regardless of the cost of materials and plumbing, everything should be as practical, convenient and versatile as possible. It is better to choose something that can serve for a long time without losing its initial operational characteristics, rather than focusing only on the appearance of materials and plumbing.