12 small bathroom wall panel ideas to complement your space

On the hunt for some new ideas to help take your small bathroom from tired to modern and fresh? Look no further. Updating a small space can leave people feeling stumped, but small bathrooms don’t have to be boring and less area to work with just means getting creative with what you have. 

 

Our 12 small bathroom wall panel ideas have been selected with care to perfectly complement your space. 

 

Wall panels are an alternative option for your bathroom refit and offer many benefits over wallpaper or tiles, including: 

 

• Installation - wall panels come in large sheets that can be installed quickly and efficiently. 
• Maintenance - unlike tiles, wall panels don’t have any grout lines removing the need to maintain or remove grout due to mould. 
• Variety - wall panels come in an abundance of different designs meaning there’s plenty of choice to suit every home. 

 

1. Slate-effect wall panels 

 

Slate is a beautiful material that’s bound to turn any bathroom into an elegant space to relax in. Using slate-effect wall panels, you can transform your small bathroom into a refined oasis without the fuss of maintaining traditional slate material. Prevent your small space from feeling dark by only panelling a small section, such as your shower, and pair with a neutral-coloured paint to create some warmth. 

 

2. Wood effect 

Wood creates a timeless look, no matter whether your bathroom is oozing with space or has a more cosy vibe. Using wood-effect panels with vertical lines can help to make your space feel taller and horizontal lines to make it wider. 

 

Wood is perfect for small bathroom wall panel ideas as it adds an earthy vibe to your bathroom, making the space feel more open. 

 

3. Marble 

 

Marble is a trusty favourite for bathrooms, big or small. Opt for white marble with gold patterns or white and baby blue veins to add a touch of class to a guest ensuite or to create a classy cloakroom. 

Using lighter colours works a charm in small rooms, reflecting any natural or artificial light, instantly rejuvenating your space. 

 

4. Feature wall

 

You don’t have to use wall panels on every inch of your bathroom wall. Like any other room in your home, you can create a feature wall. Attract attention to key fixtures like your walk-in bath or place your feature wall on the wall furthest from the door, adding depth to the room. 

 

5. Herringbone 

 

A zig-zag style pattern tricks the eye into thinking a room is bigger than it is, meaning it’s the perfect pattern for small bathroom wall panels. Combine this striking look with a lighter colour for the ultimate illusion, leaving you with a bathroom design that works wonders in rooms lacking in space. 

 

6. Metro-style 

 

Small bathroom wall panel ideas don’t have to focus on creating a feeling of more space but can simply be about designing a room you adore. Use panels with a metro-style tile effect to modernise your bathroom, adding character with a modern twist. 

 

7. Plain white panels

White is always a strong contender for the number one way of opening up a small space. There are plenty of different options and shades of white, alongside the choice of matt or gloss, making it one of the most versatile small bathroom wall panel ideas. 

 

To prevent your space from becoming too stark, you could use white around your shower and pair with another pastel or bright colour to keep your bathroom looking fresh and spacious. 

 

8. Add a little sparkle 

 

You’re never too old for some glamour. For some more fun small bathroom wall panel ideas, pick a material infused with a touch of sparkle. Thanks to its reflective properties, as well as some welcome glitz, this design can actually help to project light around your room making it ideal for smaller rooms. 

 

9. Concrete 

 

Concrete-effect wall panels in natural tones can help to reflect light around your small bathroom. This is a popular option for minimalist-style homes, acting as a stunning yet simple backdrop that lets the rest of your bathroom stand out. 

 

Pair with backlit wall mirrors for a sleek finish. 

 

10. Darker colours for a moody effect 

Lean into your bathroom’s cosier vibes and create a dramatic, while still welcoming, room with darker wall panels. It might be tempting to stick with the status quo when looking at small bathroom ideas with wall panels, but a dark feature wall paired with earthy-toned paint will leave you with an elegant room your friends will envy. 

 

For a look that will really impress, add moody but inviting coloured panels to all four walls and turn your bathroom into an irresistible place to hide away after a long day.

 

11. Terrazzo 

Terrazzo is one guaranteed way to spice up your space. This visually stunning material is traditionally made from epoxy or concrete mixed with colourful marble chips. Pick a terrazzo-style effect wall panel to cut down your costs and create a luxurious-looking bathroom that’s sure to impress. 

 

12. Large tile wall panels 

 

Contrary to popular opinion, larger tiles are better suited to small bathrooms than smaller-shaped tiles. Bigger tiles are believed to give the illusion of space simply because they have fewer grout lines. 

 

Are wall panels the right choice for small bathrooms?

 

Wall panels are a great choice for small bathrooms. If you’re still not convinced, read some of our top reasons that wall panels could be the right fit for you:

 

• Quick and easy to install 

While tiles are without a doubt a beautiful addition to any bathroom, they can be a pain to install and usually require the assistance of a paid professional. Depending on the area you wish to tile, the cost of a labourer can quickly add up.

Although wall panels still require the help of an expert, they are much quicker to install saving you a lot of time and money. If you’re in the midst of a full bathroom redesign and you’re working out the costs, opting for wall panels over tiles can help to keep you under budget.

 

• Don’t compromise on style 

Wall panels come in a wide array of colours and different effects, meaning you’ll be spoiled for choice. Some materials like wood have been off limits for bathrooms due to their porous nature and poor durability, wall panels have offered a solution to this age-old problem. Now, you’re free to decorate your bathroom without anything holding you back; the sky really is your limit.

 

• They’re waterproof 

When you’re researching small bathroom wall panel ideas, the most important element to consider is the longevity and reliability of the panels. Thankfully, wall panels that have been specifically designed for bathrooms are as close to waterproof as they can be, so you can install them in your space without worry and enjoy your updated bathroom for years to come. 

 

Wall panels are an effective and easy way to modernise your small bathroom. Our 12 small bathroom wall panel ideas have been selected to inspire your bathroom renovation and show you that you can still create the ultimate oasis to relax in, even if you’re stuck for space.