8 Bathroom Accent Wall Ideas That Don't Involve Wood Paneling

You may have explored wood panels as an accent wall in your bathroom, whether in the interest of aesthetics, affordability, or the ease of installing yourself. Wood paneling may be a trendy accent wall material, but depending on the wood itself and how it's used, it's not always a good idea to install in the bathroom. Most contractors would advise against placing wood panels anywhere they might get wet. This is especially true with softer woods, as moisture can lead to warping, splitting, and mold growth. But even if you keep the wood away from your sink and shower, high humidity can still be a concern. Instead of worrying about all these factors, chuck the wood paneling and opt for a bold paint, wallpaper, tile, or stone instead.

An accent wall is the perfect way to transform your bathroom, especially if you're looking to jazz up a boring water closet or express your personal style to visiting guests. The right accent wall can even make a small, dingy bathroom feel bigger and more luxurious. Check out these eye-catching and totally wood-free bathroom accent wall ideas.

When in doubt, you can hardly go wrong with a solid black accent wall, so explore a few popular black paint colors to make a serious statement. Some folks may worry that this dark color could shrink an already small room, but in reality, a black accent wall could actually make the room feel deeper. Whether it's placed behind the vanity or on the back wall of a water closet, a black accent wall creates stunning contrast when paired with a white toilet and tub or floating shelves.

A dark wallpaper accent wall is the perfect solution if you want to add drama to your bathroom space. Available in countless styles and a wide range of prices, wallpaper is also quite easy to apply yourself. With a peel-and-stick product like Floralplus Boho Dark Floral Wallpaper, you can transform the look of your bathroom in a day. To make the dark wallpaper feel less jarring, consider painting the walls in a matching dark or muted hue. 

Wallpaper has its benefits, but if we're being honest, even peel-and-stick wallpaper can be a major pain to install. For the wallpaper-averse, hand-stamped patterns are a playful paint hack that will make any boring wall look like a million bucks. Pick up a paintbrush, sponge, or even a carved potato to stamp on your own custom patterns. Rubber stamps can also be used, as long as your interior paint isn't so thick that it muddles the design.

For a truly personalized bathroom space, opt for a pretty mural in place of an accent wall. Interior designers love murals because they can feel more personal than an accent wall and are often tailored to flatter the distinct space they're in. Whether you hire a professional artist, try painting your own wall mural, or just opt for a mural-inspired wallpaper, you'll enjoy exploring the scenery any time you visit the bathroom or relax in the tub.

Why confine pretty tiles to the shower? Achieve a luxurious, unified look by installing tile across a whole wall, a trend also known as "tile drenching." This is a brilliant idea for small bathrooms where the shower and vanity share a wall. You can also install them just on the wall behind the sink. While neutral, subtle wall tiles can still create an impact, it's worth shopping around for colorful or patterned tiles if you want to really make your bathroom accent wall pop.

Wood isn't the only element that can bring tranquil vibes to your bathroom space. For a more humidity-friendly pick, try a natural stone accent wall. There are dozens of materials to choose from, like polished pebbles, limestone, river rock, slate, stone veneer, or travertine tiles and marble for those who prefer a more formal look. A stone accent wall is easy to maintain and can generate a peaceful, spa-like atmosphere.

Stripes are another trendy accent wall idea. Like wood paneling, vertically placed stripes can create a sense of height, while horizontal stripes lengthen the room. Stripes also work in a wide range of interior design schemes, from moody academia to bold maximalism. They also fit extremely well into a soft coastal bathroom aesthetic, with implications of water, nautical themes, and relaxation. It's relatively easy to find a striped wallpaper, but you can also try painting the stripes yourself or creating a stripe pattern with colored tiles.

Think outside the box and give your ceiling a bold makeover. An accent ceiling is a smart idea for especially tiny bathrooms and powder rooms, avoiding too much visual clutter on the walls and instead drawing the eye upward. In a plain white bathroom, a splash of unexpected ceiling paint can go a long way. Tin tiles can also be used to bounce more light in the space. While wallpapering a bathroom ceiling isn't always recommended, it can be done with the right steps and materials to ensure the wallpaper lasts in high humidity.