Tile is the optimal, but not the only choice for decorating a bathroom. In this article we tell you how to decorate the walls in the bathroom, except for ceramic tiles, and also analyze the options for flooring. We have collected materials that are resistant to moisture, they will not become damp, and mold will not appear in the room. In some cases, even preliminary surface preparation is not required.
Watch the video where we list all the materials
Self-adhesive film
PVC film is a budget option that will help you quickly change the interior of your bathroom. A variety of textures, colors and prints allows you to choose an effective solution for your room design. Raw materials are produced in sheets and rolls, like wallpaper. On the back side of the material there is an adhesive composition covered with protection.
Self-adhesive film is not afraid of high humidity, which allows it to be used in the bathroom. To remove drops and debris, wipe the coating with a rag. The finish is glued only to prepared surfaces. The base can be either a painted wall or boring tiles. Installation is carried out very carefully, otherwise bubbles and distortions will occur.
Fragility is the main disadvantage of film. In wet areas, the self-adhesive will begin to peel off after a few years, and with careless movements it can easily be damaged (torn). Bright colors and images gradually fade. This option is perfect for people who like to change their design frequently with little investment.
Painting walls
Paint is an affordable alternative to bathroom tile. The enamel coating can be either single-color or multi-color. A design with vertical or horizontal stripes helps to visually correct the shortcomings of the room. The author's drawings look luxurious on the partitions in the bathroom. If there is no artistic talent, then stencils are often used.
After drying, the paints create a durable polymer film on the walls. The coating must be resistant to abrasion, household chemicals and steam. In conditions of high humidity, 3 popular types are used:
- Alkyd. Very strong, durable compounds that are easy to apply. The inexpensive material has moderate resistance to impact loads. The pungent odor is the only drawback of the coating.
- Acrylic. Enamels based on polymers and water do not stink and dry quickly. They are inferior in durability to alkyd ones, but are easy to use.
- Latex. Synthetic rubber paints with fungicides are resistant to high humidity and fungus. Operation – 15 years.
The enamel is applied to a previously prepared surface. The walls are cleaned of old finishes, cracks are sealed and depressions are leveled. Before painting, the partitions must be primed and dried thoroughly.
Over time, any enamel fades, cracks, and therefore requires updating. The old layer is washed off with a solvent or removed mechanically. We recommend additionally protecting the surface near the bathtub bowl or in the shower with water-repellent varnish.
Paint in the bathroom Source ourvagabondstories.com
Ceramic tiles remain favorites
It is distinguished by the presence of a whole list of the most important advantages, a wide price range and a huge selection in format, material of its manufacture, tile surface texture and other characteristics. All this allows you to include seemingly classic tiles in any original projects.
The main advantages of finishing a bathroom with tiles are:
- It is safe in terms of flammability, hypoallergenic, and is not capable of conducting electric current.
- Durable and practical (has the longest service life).
- It is distinguished by ease of everyday care and keeping clean, without reacting to household chemicals.
- Almost the most moisture resistant of all possible materials.
- It is possible to carry out local replacements of individual sections without extra costs.
- A huge selection of sizes, types (stone, wood, precious materials, etc.), as well as shapes.
- Special types can be used not only on the wall, but also on the floor.
For floor coverings, varieties of durable clinker or cotto with increased porosity and the impossibility of slipping are often chosen, i.e., there are options for choosing glossy structures for walls and matte versions specifically for floors.
An option for finishing a bathroom with tiles can also be considered the use of various types of mosaics (sometimes with the addition of elements from other materials) using small mosaic formats, convenient for gluing surfaces of complex configurations.
Among the disadvantages of tiles are the complexity of finishing (more often you have to turn to specialists at very impressive prices), quite high cost, and low soundproofing characteristics.
Decorative plaster
Textured putty is a plastic material with which you can create an original bathroom design. The composition of the raw material includes crushed particles, allowing you to obtain a surface like marble, concrete or brick. After drying, the decorative plaster is painted and protected with a special varnish.
The beauty of the coating depends on the application technology. Three-dimensional drawings of varying complexity, which are created using rollers or spatulas, look luxurious on the walls. In the design of a bathroom, decorative and smooth surfaces are often combined, emphasizing a particular area.
Decorative plaster Source silka.com.ua
To decorate the walls in the bathroom, sanitizing types are used, adapted for use in wet conditions. The material contains synthetic additives that allow you not to be afraid of fungus and maintain a normal microclimate. On average, the durability of high-quality finishing is at least 10 years.
Decorative plaster is applied to prepared and leveled walls. Areas of the wet zone are protected from water with special compounds, otherwise difficult-to-remove limescale stains from the liquid will remain on the surfaces. Glazing solutions and varnishing will help cope with the problem.
Beautiful bathroom design Source poradu24.com
Ideas for decorating a small bathroom
A small bathroom is not a reason to abandon large-scale plans and bold design ideas. It seems that country, rustic or Provence are not for an intimate room, where paneling with natural wood is out of the question? However, there are tiles or PVC panels that are difficult to distinguish from real boards even close up.
With the right combination of finishing materials, small bathrooms can look very stylish and creative.
The selection below proves this.
Decorating a 4 sq.m. bathroom m :
design 6 sq. m:
Bathroom decorating ideas are endlessly varied. It is important to choose the style that best suits your inner mood, and then you will definitely find decorative techniques to bring your idea to life.
Moisture-resistant wallpaper
Trellis with maximum moisture resistance markings (3 waves) are suitable for use in the bathroom. Popular types include acrylic and vinyl wallpaper. The models are not afraid of a humid microclimate, but will not withstand direct exposure to water. A varnished protection or glass panel will save the wet area from destruction. The alternation of finishing with painting or decorative plaster on the bottom looks original.
Fragility is the main disadvantage of trellises. On average, the material will last no more than 5 years. Even water-resistant types quickly deteriorate in humid conditions. The dense, often multi-layer structure of products provokes the formation of mold and mildew on the walls.
Trellis in the bathroom Source pobudova.in.ua
Flexible stone
The composite type consists of a non-woven base (fiberglass) and a stone filler. The top of the product is coated with a special protective varnish. The finishing is produced in the form of rolls or ready-to-use sheets. Flexible, soft panels can be easily cut into individual pieces with a knife.
Composite material Source arriver71.ru
In the bathroom, the stone composite is glued to the partitions with a fixing compound. The position of the material can be adjusted within 5 minutes, after which the parts are set. The finishing is very light, so the elements do not slip during installation.
Decoration is the main advantage of flexible stone. The raw material visually and to the touch resembles granite, marble or quartz. The material has a high price, which will pay off with durability (more than 20 years) and easy maintenance. The composite does not rot in humid conditions, even with poor ventilation.
Wall panels
Raw materials help to quickly make wall cladding in the bathroom. Under the boards they hide the imperfections of the partitions, making repairs easier and faster. The panels in the room must be installed on a frame, otherwise dampness accumulates under the finishing and mold appears. You can hide plumbing and meters under the structure.
Among the alternatives to tiles in the bathroom, professionals highlight lining. Inexpensive cladding boards are mounted on metal profile sheathing. To prevent the wood from rotting, the surface is protected with an antiseptic and water-repellent varnish. The material should not be installed in a shower stall or next to a bowl. In wet areas it is better to use paint or a glass screen.
A natural stone
Marble and granite, travertine and onyx bring a touch of luxury to the room. Natural materials are expensive. The cost is compensated by high durability and decorativeness. Wear-resistant stone types can withstand mechanical damage and constant fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Natural finishes will appear in a large bathroom, but will be invisible in a tiny one. To prevent a room from looking pompous, cladding is often combined with other materials. For example, with decorative plaster, painting or wallpaper. Partial finishing will help place accents or visually change the irregular shape of the bathroom.
Natural stone Source zen.yandex.com
Selection of pipes, fittings and fittings
Pipes are made from a variety of materials:
- PVC,
- polyethylene and polypropylene,
- metal-plastic
- and steel.
Steel pipes are still the cheapest, but at the same time they rust and rot from the inside the fastest. It is recommended to use polypropylene pipes, since this is the most reliable material of all listed.
Plastic fittings should be used; they will help to install convenient communications that will not leak or cause any other inconvenience. As for the fittings, it is better to take a ball one built into plastic.
Linoleum
Flooring is an unusual and rare alternative to tiles in the bathroom. When choosing a material, preference is given to thicker models with high moisture resistance. Advanced finishes are more expensive than regular linoleum. Types based on PVC or corundum chips are suitable for use in the bathroom. Products must contain antibacterial impregnations.
The material is cut into pieces or used along the entire length of the wall. The raw materials are glued to the partition using a technology reminiscent of installing wallpaper. The fixing composition for linoleum is distributed on the back side of the product, pressed to the surface, and leveled. Use a spatula or dry cloth to remove any remaining solution. The seams are treated with joint sealant.
Original bathroom design Source build-experts.ru
Agglomerate. New from manufacturers
Agglomerate is a new achievement of modern technologies. It is an artificial stone, which contains compounds of stone chips, cement and dyes. Externally, the agglomerate resembles ceramic tiles, but it is more durable and easier to install.
Agglomerate comes in different colors and any texture. It is elastic, waterproof and resistant to temperature changes. The walls do not require special treatment before installation; just a flat surface is enough.
This modern material also has its disadvantages. The agglomerate requires special storage conditions, since it tends to deform under its own weight. The price of this material is significantly higher than its analogues.
