Bathrooms are exposed to more moisture and humidity than any other inside space in your home. Even when they are well-ventilated, toilets are prone to mold, bacteria and mildew. Selecting water-resistant wall coverings will continue to keep them to a minimum and even make your toilet much easier to wash. Keeping the most-water-resistant materials closest to the bathtub and other moisture-prone locations, you can mix and match materials to design toilet walls which match your aesthetic.
Vintage Tile
A traditional option for toilet walls, tile can serve throughout a toilet, including as a bathtub or shower surround. When properly installed, tile creates a virtually impenetrable wall surface. Installation is slightly more involved than a few other possibilities, but tile is offered in a huge array of colors, sizes, styles and materials, such as glass and ceramic. Utilize tile just as wainscoting or bathtub surround, or it can cover entire walls. Use smaller tiles to create a mosaic or use bigger tiles to create a smoother surface.
Wood Panels
Paneling and wainscoting across many homes are made from wood. Wood is a suitable application in a toilet and easier to install than tile, for many do-it-yourselfers. You need to prime and paint hardwood having a mildew-resistant primer prior to painting. For even more water opposition, choose medium-density fiberboard (MDF) rather than other types of wood.
PVC Panels
A completely water and rot-resistant substance, PVC makes quality toilet wainscoting or paneling. Available in bead-board panels in lesser price than many tile and many different materials, PVC is typically installed with a blend of construction glue and fasteners which are concealed from view from the panels’ tongue-and-groove construction. Unlike wood, PVC never requires painting, however, it is available in limited colors and can be painted to match your preferences.
Semigloss or Eggshell Paint
Regardless of your bathroom design, a part of your walls will probably be covered in paint. An inexpensive wall covering, paint lets you choose from a nearly limitless array of colors. Be sure to begin with a mildew-resistant primer. A paint using a semigloss or eggshell finish, as opposed to matte or flat, will better preserve the shade and protect the walls from moisture.