Choosing the fixtures and fittings for a new bathroom isn't just a case of picking sanitaryware. Good bathroom design is about picking the right solutions for your walls, floor and ceilings too.
And, while tiles and paint are popular choices, the rise in bathroom panelling ideas means your options are more varied than ever before.
From classical wood panelling to more contemporary full wall panels, here's 19 bathroom panelling ideas to suit everything from bijoux bathrooms to spa-like sanctuaries.
1. Use luxury finishes for a hotel-like finish
While some bathroom panelling ideas can be more simple, they also come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes making it easy to create a bathroom that suits your preferred style of interior design.
For a hotel-like bathroom idea, opt for floor to ceiling panels in opulent marble finishes and pair with herringbone engineered wood or wood effect tiled flooring, a wooden vanity unit, gold or brass taps and hardware, and pendant bathroom lighting for a luxurious space you may never want to leave.
2. Colour drench simple shaker wall panels
The beauty of bathroom panelling ideas is that they can work whatever shape or size your bathroom is. If your downstairs toilet is lacking a certain something, a quick and easy DIY fix is to order some cut-to-measure shaker style panels.
Once prepped and fitted, find your favourite paint shade and colour drench your walls, woodwork, radiators and ceiling in the same shade. Or, for an alternative approach, opt for a colour capping finish instead.
Find out what colours are on trend in 2026 in our guide to paint trends, and use those for an up-to-date solution.
Try these V-groove paintable 3D moisture-resistant decorative panels that can be painted in the colour of your choice
3. Add elevated elegance with narrow panelling
While a square shaker panel is a clean and contemporary approach to bathroom wall panelling, simply changing the shape and orientation of your panelling can immediately elevate your traditional bathroom ideas into something more elegant.
Here, narrow rectangular bathroom panelling in pale blue is paired with a freestanding bath idea, black fixtures and fittings and a grey stone floor to ensure your bathroom flooring matches the feel and style of the rest of your room.
4. Mix and match materials for cosy rustic vibes
If a dark and cosy aesthetic is more the bathroom vibe you are looking to emulate, mix and match your bathroom panelling ideas and create a rich design that we feel gives winter ski chalet vibes.
Dark walnut effect tiles laid horizontally on one wall, contrast beautifully with a dark grey marble veined feature wall. Add in an elegant bath, walk in shower and rich walnut flooring for a stunning en-suite, or even a loft conversion bathroom idea.
For a walnut wood effect tile, these porcelain tiles can be laid horizontally or vertically and are perfect for bathroom panelling ideas
5. Slim vertical wooden slats are a popular choice
It's impossible to miss the variety of bathroom panelling ideas that feature slim vertical slats if you're looking for bathroom inspiration. Clean, fresh and designed for use in wet spaces, they are far from sauna-like and a great way of being on trend with your bathroom finishes.
The versatility of the waterproof versions also means they can be installed anywhere, says Olivia Crosher, interior designer at Naturewall.
"Slatted waterproof panels work well behind a basin and mirror to create a feature wall that brings even the smallest bathroom spaces to life," she says. "Alternatively, combine different wall panels to add interest and texture, helping to bring spaces to life and add an element of luxe.”
Try these Malmo Oak Waterproof Slatted Wood Effect Wall Panels 2400 x 170mm (Pack of 3) from Victorian Plumbing if this look meets your needs.
6. Add drama with purpose-made panels
If making a bold bathroom statement forms part of your house renovation plans, then this idea might just fit the bill. Featuring a moody blue design, it's created using bathroom specific panels that are easy to install and have the added bonus of not showing joint lines – unlike large format bathroom wall tiles which could be used to achieve a similar look.
Concerned a look like this is hard to achieve? Don't be says Richard Farrimond, group category manager at Bathroom Brands who make these particular panels.
"Providing the wall is relatively flat and solid, installation is as simple as applying adhesive to the back of the panel and fixing it directly to the wall. Our Proclick system allows panels to be joined cleanly without the need for trims or visible joints.
In terms of where they fit into your bathroom renovation schedule, it's much the same as other wall coverings.
"Panels are installed at the same stage you would normally tile," confirms Richard. "The shower tray and / or bath is fitted first, then the panels are installed to ensure a waterproof seal between bath or shower tray. All other furniture, fixtures and fittings are then installed onto the panels."
"The added bonus is that holes can also be easily and accurately cut to allow for pipework and fittings using standard woodworking tools," he adds. "Any cut edges, joints or holes should then sealed with the recommended bathroom sealant to maintain waterproofing and product warranty."
Richard Farrimond is the group category manager at Bathroom Brands Group, where he has served since November 2023. In his role, Richard oversees category strategy and development across the Bathroom Brands Group portfolio, helping shape the company’s offering of bathroom products and solutions. Before joining Bathroom Brands Group, he held senior product and category-management roles, including senior product manager at Bristan Group Ltd.
7. Combine bathroom trends with panelling picks
If you're a keen follower of interior design trends, then pay homage to this year's bathroom trends by opting for bathroom panelling ideas that fit the bill on several counts.
Fluted designs in natural shades are perfect for adding interest to your bathroom walls, without overpowering the senses. Add in black taps and fixtures for a more contemporary finish and keep your bathroom sink ideas small, but perfectly formed.
Shop bathroom panelling
Skip tiling and opt for tiled effect wall panels instead when indulging in pink bathroom ideas
Create a feature wall with these travertine effect wall panels that can be used anywhere in your bathroom
Keep your finish fun and friendly with a terrazzo effect shower panelling kit
8. Have a bespoke wall panel made
While bathroom wallpaper ideas are a great way of adding character to your bathroom, even bathroom specific wallpapers aren't recommended for use in shower cubicles.
This is fine, unless you've fallen in love with a specific wallpaper and want to cocoon your shower cubicle in the same. The good news is, there are bathroom panelling products available that make this within reach.
The shower cubicle featured is from Showerscape, a company that produces bespoke printed panels, meaning what you have on them has no limits.
"Manufactured from an aluminium composite material (ACM), the material is completely waterproof and has a 20 year domestic product guarantee," explains co-founder, Andrea Clewett.
"All inks are UV cured on to the surface of the panels and we also apply a commercial grade hard coat chemical resistant coating meaning they are safe to use with all household general cleaners and the surface is totally protected," she adds.
And, when it comes to the design, it's entirely down to you. The standard range features existing photographic images, designs and textures, or there i a custom design service if you are looking for something more personal.
"In terms of design opportunities, it’s pretty endless, there are so many things we can do," confirms Andrea. "We can also be adaptable in terms of panel sizes and specifications - we can supply panels of a single size up to 2000x3000mm and anything in between!"
Andrea is the co-founder of Showerscape, a company creating bespoke printed shower panels perfect for more than just home bathrooms - from swimming pools, camper van and narrowboat showers, to wetrooms, new-build extensions, listed properties, boutique hotels, holiday lets, cabins, and even hot tub surrounds.
8. Pick practical half height panelling
If family bathroom ideas are your goal, half height wall panelling is a great addition to a bathroom that needs to be warm, cosy, but still practical.
Half wall panelling gives a warmer feeling to the lower half of your walls, but with the right bathroom paint applied can still be as hardwearing as tiles or other styles of wall panelling.
Pair with shades of peach and light timber for a room that won't date or look old and worn too soon.
10. Carry your panelling onto your vanity top
Getting your bathroom wall panelling right isn't just about choosing a colour or finish, but also deciding how and where to use it.
One method, a little like waterfall worktops in kitchens, is to run it on your walls and then choose a vanity unit worktop in the same finish. Inset sinks let the panelling and worktop take centre stage, while bathroom floor tiles in matching shades of blue and white help tie the scheme together to create a cohesive feel.
11. Or design a bespoke matching vanity
For a bathroom scheme that feels structural in nature, ask your bathroom designer to create a bespoke wall mounted vanity that's finished in the same bathroom panelling as your walls.
Perfect for small ensuite ideas, or guest bathrooms where you don't need too much bathroom storage, it's a lovely way of keeping a clear connection between your fixtures, fittings and wall finishes.
14. Top wall panelling with wallpaper
If you're torn between wallpaper and wall panelling ideas, the beauty of bathroom panelling is that you can have both – if you get the balance right.
The trick, as this idea demonstrates, is to pick one dramatic finish and one that's more simple. Here, shaker style grey wall panelling is paired with a jungle inspired botanical print. A green vanity unit adds a further pop of colour to the grey, while a handy bathroom light with mirror brightens the darker wallpaper style.
15. Simple wood panelling adds a cosy cottage feel
For an interesting and characterful cottage style bathroom, use white cladding on your bathroom walls and pair with light herringbone wood effect tiles and a limewashed vanity unit.
Laying panels horizontally works particularly well in rooms with tall ceilings, but if your space is a little squat, consider rotating the timber panels 90º and laying them vertically instead.
16. Panel your bath as well as your walls
In a long narrow bathroom, create a built in bath by cladding the exposed side of the bath in panelling that matches your walls.
Here, simple tongue and groove panelling and skirting is cut to size and painted to match the wall panelling. A simple tiled section around two sides of the bath offers some protection against water splashes, while a wall-to-wall mirror helps this small bathroom idea feel much bigger than it is.
17. Give a bathroom a budget-friendly makeover
Cladding bathroom walls with tongue and groove timber DIY wall panelling is a fantastic way to give a dated bathroom (or downstairs cloakroom, as here) a refresh.
Older bathrooms can suffer from showing signs of wear and tear on the plasterwork. Dents, holes and cracks all appear over time so as long as they're not serious, covering them over can be a cost-effective option rather than getting the room reskimmed.
Just be sure to add a protective finish to your cladding, even if you choose to live them unpainted.
18. Experiment with paint in a bathroom
If you're not wanting to install bathroom panelling, take notes from living room wall panelling ideas and experiment with paint instead.
A modern take on a traditional style has been used here surrounding the vanity unit. Casual dark blue paint rectangles mimic traditional panelling and beautifully contrasts with the pale background, giving character to an otherwise plain wall.
19. Go modern with plywood panelling
We've been seeing plywood feature in interior design for years as a (comparatively) cost-effective alternative to traditional plaster. This beautiful bathroom celebrates the material not just as wall panelling, but also surrounding the bath and as a flooring finish.
However, when using wood in a bathroom, make sure you pick the right one and follow the advice on treating it for exposure to moisture.
Generally, MDF panelling is often used for wood panelling as it is fairly inexpensive. That said, it's important to understand that MDF will blow if it gets wet. Other woods won't blow but they will warp and expand and contract, something MDF won't do.
Therefore, make sure you choose moisture resistant MDF. Marine-ply is another option if opting for a DIY approach. If purchasing ready-made kits ensure you follow any instructions for using them in a bathroom before you take your first splash in the bath or shower.
Keen to explore the concept of bathroom panelling in more detail? Take a look at modern bathroom ideas and if you're keen for an all over panelled approach, take a look at whether a wet room vs bathroom would give you the perfect space to create the room of your dreams.
And, before you hit buy now on your bathroom panelling ideas, heed this final piece of advice from Andrea Clewett. "Measure accurately and ensure you can get the panels up the stairs and into your bathroom before ordering."
