A bathroom makeover doesn't require a colossal change—just a single design element that turns a bland room into a hotel-worthy haven. Enter beadboard. Cheaper than tiles and more robust than wallpaper, beadboard panelling can transform dull drywall and help protect your bathroom walls from scrapes of daily wear and tear.
Whether your tastes are comfy and rustic or city pad chic, results can appear effortless and can work even in the most awkward of bathroom dimensions. Check out the following tips for using beadboard to best effect when revamping your bathroom.
Buy beadboard in its natural state
Beadboard comes in many forms (vinyl, plywood and medium density fiber-board), but when bought in its natural wood state, it has far greater design potential. Panels of natural wood beadboard allow a blank canvas for staining and colouring the wood as you see fit.
For next to nothing, you can create the illusion of expensive hardwood panels with simple wood staining techniques and achieve warm, welcoming tones like cherry and maple to evoke luxurious sauna style at home. Alternatively, if you prefer things sleek and contemporary, glossy paint finishes in sassy monotone make for a very sophisticated bathroom space.
If you opt for painting your beadboard panels, you will first need to seal the exposed surface with an oil-based primer to protect the wood against warping and shrinking. For areas that are regularly exposed to water, vinyl beadboard panels are ideal to help prevent against moisture damage.
You can still continue with a seamless beadboard finish by blending similar vinyl and natural wood beadboard panels together. Otherwise, a screen of splash back tiles can just as effectively complement beadboard panelling, giving you the opportunity to play with contrasting colours and decor styles.
Use it for other fixtures—not just walls
Beadboard isn't just for giving your walls a facelift; you can use it transform a lacklustre bathtub, update your cabinets and even add dimension to your ceiling! In a similar way to adding wainscoting to drywall, you can spruce up existing cabinet panels and doors with custom-fit beadboard sheets. Save money on replacing your cabinets and rock an eco-friendly bathroom in the process.
As for transforming your bathtub, a basic beadboard trim will send visitors green with designer envy. With its welcoming, spa-like qualities, beadboard can create the look of a built-in bathtub which could even add to your home's value down the line.
You can also add depth and intrigue by having the panels run in different directions from you wall decor. You could also create a striking Tudor home vibe with contrasting black and white ceiling panels.
Mix and match
The beauty of beadboard is that it can be cut to size to complement any bathroom style. Install your beadboard panels horizontally and you will make a small bathroom appear more spacious. Hang them vertically and the walls of a low-ceiling bathroom will seem taller. Since the aesthetics of beadboard give the impression that individual panels have been installed, it allows you to be a little more creative with your colour scheme and decor preferences.
If you like to keep things wholesome and cottage chic, panels can be painted to harmonise with your linen, shower curtain and other accessories. You could also mix things up a bit with a sea of rainbow colours or gradients of blue and cream for a distinctive yet soothing nautical theme.
However you choose to decorate using beadboard panels, get things rolling with the help of a bathroom renovator. A professional fitter will ensure a safe and smooth cleanup operation of your tired-looking bathroom to help you create a fresh look you can enjoy for years to come.
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