Adding wainscoting to your bathroom walls can instantly elevate the space and give it a rich, polished look. Wainscoting refers to wood paneling that covers the lower portion of walls, usually two to three feet high. Once seen as stuffy and old-fashioned, wainscoting has experienced a major comeback in recent years as homeowners seek ways to add character and texture to their interiors.
When chosen thoughtfully, wainscoting can be the perfect decorative touch that brings cohesion and enhances the overall aesthetic in your bathroom. From traditional to modern styles, wainscoting offers almost endless possibilities to transform your space. Here are some of the best bathroom wainscoting ideas to give your space the luxurious makeover it deserves.
Choosing the Right Wainscoting Style
The style of wainscoting you choose will have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your bathroom. Consider these major types of wainscoting when making your selection:
Beadboard
Beadboard wainscoting features panels made up of narrow vertical strips, typically 3-5 inches wide. The strips have a rounded ridge, or bead, carved into them, creating a distinctive lined pattern. Beadboard gives a casual, cottage-like look and works especially well in vintage, farmhouse or coastal bathrooms.
Raised Panel
Raised panel wainscoting has a more formal, traditional appearance with wider planks framed by trim called stiles and rails. The center of each panel is raised, or embossed, creating depth and dimension. This style pairs beautifully with vintage clawfoot tubs.
Recessed Panel
Recessed panel wainscoting is similar to raised panel but with the center of the panels set back rather than raised. The overall look is understated and modern. This style works well for contemporary bathrooms.
Plank
Plank wainscoting features wide, flat boards giving a clean, unfussy look. Planks can range from 4 inches to over a foot in width. The varied grain patterns and knots on solid wood planks add natural texture.
Choosing Materials
Wainscoting can be crafted from different materials, each with their own characteristics:
Wood
Genuine wood wainscoting has unbeatable natural beauty but requires more maintenance. Oak, poplar, pine and cedar offer durability and water-resistance. Solid wood panels or veneered plywood are options.
MDF
Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is made from wood fibers. It’s an affordable choice that’s easy to install and low maintenance. MDF takes paint well but lacks the depth of real wood.
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic wainscoting is waterproof and designed for high-moisture areas like bathrooms. PVC is durable but isn’t as attractive for those wanting a wood look.
Installation Options
How wainscoting is installed also affects its appearance:
Tongue and Groove
With tongue and groove installation, each wainscoting board interlocks with the next through a tongue and groove joint. This creates barely visible seam lines for a smooth, continuous look.
Butt Joints
Butt joint wainscoting has square edges rather than interlocking joints. The panels meet flush at seams, which are filled and sanded for a smooth finish. The seams may be slightly more visible.
Overlay
With overlay, wainscoting panels adhere directly to walls rather than fitting into framing. This allows installing wainscoting over existing walls or tile. The finished look tends to be less substantial.
Perfect Pairings
Certain bathroom elements beautifully complement a wainscoted wall. Consider incorporating:
- Clawfoot tub – Wainscoting behind a freestanding tub creates a striking frame.
- Vintage fixtures – Beadboard wainscoting has old-fashioned charm alongside antique-style faucets and lighting.
- Contrasting paint colors – Use a different shade above the wainscoting to accentuate the paneling.
- Chair rail molding – Adding a chair rail above wainscoting provides decoration and visual interest.
- Wallpaper – Choose a fun patterned paper above wainscoting to add a pop of color.
- Accent tiles – Contrasting tiles in the shower or as a backsplash tie in with wainscoted walls.
Wainscoting Layout Options
Where and how you apply wainscoting influences the look it creates. Consider these layout options:
Full Wall
Running wainscoting along the entire perimeter of walls gives a bold, enveloping look. It can feel like too much if overdone, so full wall works best in larger bathrooms.
Focal Wall
Limiting wainscoting to one wall prevents it from overwhelming a small space. Make the wall behind the sink or tub the accent focal point.
Shower Surround
Lining the lower half of the shower walls in wainscoting protects against splashes and adds texture. Use waterproof PVC or tile over cement backerboard.
Partial Wall
Add a touch of wainscoting around the vanity or tub deck. Leave walls above and surrounding areas paint-only for a more restrained look.
Vertical Application
Applying wainscoting vertically on a wall creates a modern abstract look. Get creative with interesting shapes and varied board widths.
Bathroom Wainscoting Ideas
Now that you know the basics, here are some gorgeous ways to implement wainscoting in your dream bathroom:
Modern White Beadboard
Crisp white beadboard wainscoting keeps things fresh and bright. Pair with marble countertops and modern fixtures for an airy, spa-like vibe.
Photo: Decoratorist
Rustic Wood Planks
Wide, solid wood planks in a natural stain create a cozy cabin feel. Bonus points for adding a tree stump sink base!
Photo: Pinterest
Classic Raised Panels
Elegant raised panel wainscoting framed in white trim exudes traditional sophistication. Fluted columns on the tub perfectly complement the look.
Photo: Houzz
Vertical Accent
Make a statement by taking beadboard vertical. Leaving walls white keeps the look light and contemporary.
Photo: Pinterest
Shiplap Paneling
The soft gray hue of these shiplap wood panels feels soothing and spa-like. Pretty glass pendant lighting plays off the wainscoting.
Photo: Pinterest
Tips for Installing Wainscoting
When tackling a wainscoting project, keep these tips in mind:
- Check for moisture – Ensure walls are dry before installing wood panels. Use a moisture meter on drywall.
- Prepare walls – Fill any holes or imperfections for a smooth surface. Prime walls before installation.
- Allow expansion room – Leave 1/4″ gaps between wainscoting panels and corners. Wood expands and contracts.
- Use adhesive – In addition to nails, use construction adhesive for a stronger hold on panels.
- Consider waterproof backing – Cement backerboard helps minimize moisture damage behind shower wainscoting.
- Caulk seams – Caulking creates watertight seams between panels. Apply painter’s tape first for straight lines.
- Work from the bottom up – Start wainscoting installation at the lowest point on the wall.
- Add trim – Frame top and bottom edges of the wainscoting with decorative trim for a finished look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What height should I install bathroom wainscoting?
The standard height is 32-36 inches. However, you can install it anywhere from 24-48 inches high depending on your preference and ceiling height.
What type of wood is best for bathroom wainscoting?
Teak and cedar have natural water resistance. Fir and poplar work as paint-grade options. Avoid unprotected softwoods like pine that absorb moisture.
Should I get real or faux wainscoting?
Genuine solid wood wainscoting has unparalleled beauty and longevity but comes at a higher cost. Faux panels made of MDF or PVC provide an affordable alternative.
How difficult is it to install wainscoting on my own?
With basic carpentry skills and tools, DIY wainscoting installation is very manageable. Just be sure to measure carefully and leave expansion space between panels.
Should wainscoting be installed horizontally or vertically?
Most wainscoting runs horizontally, but you can install it vertically or even diagonally for a modern accent wall. Mixing orientations adds interest.
Achieve Bathroom Bliss with Wainscoting
The possibilities are endless when implementing wainscoting in your bathroom design! Play with paneling styles, materials, layouts and colors to create a space that’s uniquely you. With the proper prep work and installation technique, you can stylishly wainscot your bathroom walls and enjoy the rich, elegant aesthetic for years to come. Which wainscoting look are you drawn to for your home?