Wainscoting is a versatile and timeless element that can transform your bathroom from positively plain to design perfection! It adds charm and style, while also protecting your walls from moisture damage. To help you choose a look you love, here are eight stylish bathroom wainscoting ideas and trends to inspire your remodel.
Wainscoting is decorative wall paneling that usually covers the lower portion of a wall to add texture, style, and protection. Traditionally, wainscoting was used in homes to protect walls from scuffs and moisture, particularly in high-traffic areas like hallways, dining rooms, and bathrooms. Today, wainscoting is an on-trend, popular design choice not only for its practical benefits but also for its distinctive style.
When it comes to wainscoting, the possibilities are endless. Some ideas for incorporating wainscoting into your bathroom for a unique finishing touch include:
When you want to make a statement in your bathroom, one design idea is to paint the walls a bold, eye-catching color. Consider navy blue, emerald green, sunny yellow, or the warmth of terracotta to create a striking contrast between the upper walls and the more neutral wainscoting beneath. This approach works well in both traditional and modern bathrooms, adding drama and visual appeal without overwhelming the space.
Switch things up and opt for wainscoting with a little color, like a cool gray or warm beige. Then paint the walls white or off-white for a fresh, updated look. This wainscoting design idea allows you to inject your unique personality into the space in a way that still maintains a calming atmosphere.
Pairing wainscoting with wallpaper is another excellent idea for bringing charm and personality to your bathroom. Choose a patterned wallpaper for the upper half of the walls to complement the simplicity of the wainscoting below. Whether you prefer florals, geometric shapes, or something more whimsical, combining wallpaper with wainscoting offers a beautiful and balanced look with just the right amount of texture.
For a seamless, modern vibe, consider wainscoting and walls that are the same color. This monochromatic approach brings a sense of cohesion and calm to the space, making your bathroom feel larger and more open. Consider shades like white, off-white, or soft gray to create a soothing bathroom space.
Extra tall wainscoting is just another design idea for adding drama and elegance to your bathroom. Extending the wainscoting higher up the walls—up to two-thirds of the wall height—creates a sense of grandeur that is particularly well-suited for large bathrooms or those with high ceilings. The added height also enhances the protective benefits of wainscoting, keeping your walls safe from moisture.
For a cozy, rustic, farmhouse look, pair white or off-white wainscoting with a wall color, like cream, beige, greige, natural green, or subtle blue to create a laid-back, homey atmosphere. Complement the look with farmhouse-style fixtures and bathroom accessories, such as chunky, black metal hardware, a rustic wooden vanity, and vintage-inspired lighting. The combination will give you the perfect farmhouse retreat to relax in.
If elegance is what you’re after, combine traditional wainscoting with a rich, sophisticated paint color like navy blue, dramatic charcoal, or forest green for a heritage-style inspired bathroom. This design idea mixes wainscoting with wall colors that are rich and luxurious. Pair this style with marble accents, gold fixtures, and statement lighting for an exquisite bathroom remodel.
For a modern look, keep the lines in your bathroom clean and simple, and choose neutral-color wainscoting with a wall color, such as white, black, or gray. The wainscoting will add subtle texture without overwhelming the minimalist design. Explore contemporary fixtures and accessories, frameless mirrors, and sleek lighting to further achieve a modern aesthetic.
Whether you prefer bold contrasts, timeless elegance, or sleek minimalism, wainscoting offers endless ideas for customizing your bathroom. If you’re ready to achieve your bathroom dreams, Bath Fitter of Colorado is a call or click away. Contact our bathroom remodeling company for a FREE consultation.