Wainscoting, whether in the form of beadboard, shiplap, or other wood paneling, adds a touch of sophistication and charm to any bathroom. From rustic farmhouse designs to modern spa-inspired retreats, wainscoting can be adapted to suit various style preferences. Explore these 15 creative ideas to incorporate wainscoting into your bathroom decor, along with tips for achieving the perfect look for your space.

Tips for Using Wainscoting in the Bathroom

Before diving into wainscoting projects, consider these practical tips to ensure a successful outcome:

1. Placement: Keep the wainscoting height below the vanity and sink for easy installation.
2. Material: Opt for durable, water-resistant materials like PVC or vinyl for bathroom wainscoting.
3. Preparation: Paint and finish wainscoting before installation to simplify the DIY process.

1. Stylishly Simple Monochromatic Look

Achieve a stylishly simple aesthetic with creamy white wainscoting that complements the overall decor, allowing other elements like wood floors to stand out, as demonstrated in this Hollywood Hills house.

2. Whimsical Wallpaper Accents

Add a touch of whimsy to your bathroom by pairing white wainscoting with playful dotted blue wallpaper for a fun and vibrant look, as showcased in this adorable rental.

3. Moody Dark Colors for Contrast

Create a dramatic ambiance with black-painted wainscoting paired with lighter wallpaper or paint to achieve striking contrast, as seen in this beautiful dark bathroom.

4. Focal Point Bathtub Surround

Highlight your bathtub by surrounding it with wainscoting, making it the focal point of your bathroom without overwhelming the space, as exemplified in this bathtub-centered design.

5. Unconventional Upper Wainscoting

Install wainscoting above the tiling instead of below for a unique and attractive look that adds visual interest to your bathroom, as demonstrated in this unconventional design.

6. Functional Storage with Hooks

Incorporate a small ledge at the top of your wainscoting to add hooks for convenient storage of towels and robes, combining functionality with style, as showcased in this storage-savvy design.

7. Eclectic Color Combinations

Experiment with eclectic color combinations for wainscoting to create a vibrant and visually dynamic bathroom decor, as demonstrated in this Australian home’s pastel green, peach, and yellow palette.

8. Classic Shiplap Charm

Infuse your bathroom with classic charm by incorporating shiplap paneling, complemented by rustic accents like vintage vanities and wood floors, as seen in this New Orleans cottage.

9. Harmonious Pattern Blending

Maintain a harmonious balance in your bathroom by introducing white beadboard paneling to complement existing patterns and colors, as demonstrated in this Charleston home.

10. Vertical Wainscoting Installation

Maximize space in your bathroom by installing paneling vertically along slanted ceilings and around dormer skylights for a visually striking yet functional design, as seen in this Dutch farmhouse.

11. Nautical Navy Accents

Embrace nautical vibes with navy wainscoting and porthole-inspired mirrors to create a sea-inspired escape within your bathroom, as showcased in this Michigan home.

12. Tasteful Shower Surrounds

Enhance your shower area with wainscoting for a tasteful farmhouse appeal that elevates the overall aesthetic without feeling outdated or kitschy, as demonstrated in this Portland home.

13. Contrast with Two Paneling Styles

Experiment with contrasting paneling styles, such as shiplap and beadboard, to create visual interest and personality in your bathroom decor, as seen in this coastal cottage in Australia.

14. Background for Tub Installations

Use wainscoting as a stylish background for tub installations, allowing the bathtub to stand out while adding elegance and charm to the space, as demonstrated in this English pub-turned-home.

15. Vanity Paneling Statement

Make a statement with wainscoting featured on bathroom vanities, adding character and sophistication to your space, as exemplified in this eclectic New Jersey loft.

Incorporating wainscoting into your bathroom design offers endless possibilities for enhancing style, functionality, and visual appeal. Whether you prefer classic shiplap or vibrant wallpaper accents, wainscoting adds a timeless charm to any bathroom space.