12 Feature Wall Ideas for Blah Bathrooms
Up your bathroom style game by introducing one of these attention-grabbing accent walls into your bath zone
If your bathroom is looking a tad tired or lifeless, and is in need of a bit of love, one way to revitalise your space and up its ranking in the style stakes is to introduce a feature or accent wall to the area. Houzzers all over the world are trying this room-reviving trick at home, so if you’re not quite sure what to do with your blank vertical canvas, take a look at the show-stopping feature walls below and see if one of these creative ideas tickles your fancy. From wall-beautifying projects that confident DIYers can tackle over a weekend (or two); to more elaborate options that may take a little longer (and assistance from design professionals) to complete, you’re sure to find plenty of inspiration here.
Opt for natural beauty
If your bathroom is beyond saving and a massive overhaul is on the cards, consider incorporating a vibrant natural stone feature wall into your space such as Connemara marble or bold concrete. While we love the striking stone slabs that line the wall of this bath zone, their unique earthy green colour may not suit everyone’s tastes or decorating scheme. If you fall into this camp, you may like to consider other types of natural stone that are more neutral – and, therefore, more classic and versatile – in colour, such as Calacatta marble (which is predominantly white, with whispers of grey and gold) or creamy toned limestone.
If your bathroom is beyond saving and a massive overhaul is on the cards, consider incorporating a vibrant natural stone feature wall into your space such as Connemara marble or bold concrete. While we love the striking stone slabs that line the wall of this bath zone, their unique earthy green colour may not suit everyone’s tastes or decorating scheme. If you fall into this camp, you may like to consider other types of natural stone that are more neutral – and, therefore, more classic and versatile – in colour, such as Calacatta marble (which is predominantly white, with whispers of grey and gold) or creamy toned limestone.
If you like the natural look but desire a scheme that’s earthier and more rustic in style, skip the natural stone and create a timber-covered feature wall instead. If your bathroom isn’t well ventilated and you’re worried that the timber planks will eventually succumb to water damage, waterproof the planks with a sealant such as polyurethane. Timber-look tiles or wallpaper are two alternatives you might like to consider also, and they come in cheaper.
Pick eye-popping patterned wallpaper
If you desire a feature wall that makes a bold design statement, cover a vacant wall in your bathroom with beautifully patterned wallpaper. I love everything about this gorgeous powder room, especially the kaleidoscope-like wallpaper by British artist Damien Hirst. Take note of how the dusty pink tone of the walls and crisp white bathware echo the palette of the butterfly patterned wallpaper, resulting in a look that exudes visual harmony and chic appeal. Notice, too, how the bathware is quite clean and seamless in shape and style, which ensures they take a supporting role in the space and allow the accent wall to shine.
Damien Hirst wallpaper in ‘Butterfly’: Other Criteria
If you desire a feature wall that makes a bold design statement, cover a vacant wall in your bathroom with beautifully patterned wallpaper. I love everything about this gorgeous powder room, especially the kaleidoscope-like wallpaper by British artist Damien Hirst. Take note of how the dusty pink tone of the walls and crisp white bathware echo the palette of the butterfly patterned wallpaper, resulting in a look that exudes visual harmony and chic appeal. Notice, too, how the bathware is quite clean and seamless in shape and style, which ensures they take a supporting role in the space and allow the accent wall to shine.
Damien Hirst wallpaper in ‘Butterfly’: Other Criteria
If you have a dividing wall in your bathroom, use patterned wallpaper to define the partition and make it the focal point of the space. This modern glam bathroom shows this design trick in action. Here, head-turning floral wallpaper instantly attracts the eye and, in tandem with the dividing wall, helps visually divide the room into two separate zones – one for bathing, and the other for showering and using the toilet. It also injects the room with visual drama and flair, and, thanks to its large-scale format, anchors and adds depth to the airy, neutral-toned space.
Also, take note of how pops of red have been peppered around the room to tie the dynamic look together.
See more of this glam retreat-style ensuite
Also, take note of how pops of red have been peppered around the room to tie the dynamic look together.
See more of this glam retreat-style ensuite
Display your favourite things
Jazz up that empty wall in your bathroom by transforming it into a gallery wall filled with photos, art prints, postcards and other precious mementos. Not only will a gallery wall instantly perk up and personalise your once sad and sterile bathing area, but it will infuse it with loads of visual appeal, too.
Take decorating cues from this charming bath zone and hang your frames in an artfully arranged cluster for a chic yet casual look. Position your favourite or largest pieces at eye level to anchor the display, then fill the surrounding space with smaller frames to create visual balance (don’t forget to leave enough breathing room between them). While white frames have been used here to create a cohesive look, you might like to add extra visual interest by introducing different coloured and style frames into the mix.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer a more formal look, opt for a grid-like or linear arrangement instead.
More: 10 Artful Gallery Ideas That’ll Wake Up Your Walls
Jazz up that empty wall in your bathroom by transforming it into a gallery wall filled with photos, art prints, postcards and other precious mementos. Not only will a gallery wall instantly perk up and personalise your once sad and sterile bathing area, but it will infuse it with loads of visual appeal, too.
Take decorating cues from this charming bath zone and hang your frames in an artfully arranged cluster for a chic yet casual look. Position your favourite or largest pieces at eye level to anchor the display, then fill the surrounding space with smaller frames to create visual balance (don’t forget to leave enough breathing room between them). While white frames have been used here to create a cohesive look, you might like to add extra visual interest by introducing different coloured and style frames into the mix.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer a more formal look, opt for a grid-like or linear arrangement instead.
More: 10 Artful Gallery Ideas That’ll Wake Up Your Walls
Think chalkboard chic
Are you a confident DIYer? Then we bet you’re up to the task of creating your own chalkboard feature wall. Before you get slap-happy with your paintbrush, remember to clean down the wall and cover the surface with a coat or two of primer. Once the primer is dry, apply the chalkboard paint, and after leaving it to dry for at least three days, you can finally start decorating the surface with drawings, memorable quotes, notes for your loved ones and punchy patterns.
Or if this process seems a little tricky and time consuming, feel free to cheat and cover your accent wall in chalkboard wallpaper instead. Shhh, it’ll be our little secret!
14 brilliant ways to use chalkboard paint
Are you a confident DIYer? Then we bet you’re up to the task of creating your own chalkboard feature wall. Before you get slap-happy with your paintbrush, remember to clean down the wall and cover the surface with a coat or two of primer. Once the primer is dry, apply the chalkboard paint, and after leaving it to dry for at least three days, you can finally start decorating the surface with drawings, memorable quotes, notes for your loved ones and punchy patterns.
Or if this process seems a little tricky and time consuming, feel free to cheat and cover your accent wall in chalkboard wallpaper instead. Shhh, it’ll be our little secret!
14 brilliant ways to use chalkboard paint
Introduce heavy metals
Metallic tones have the power to brighten up any lacklustre bathroom and infuse the space with a glam vibe, especially when they take shape in the form of a tiled feature wall. Here, an understated yet dazzling bronze and iridescent blue mosaic bath splashback elevates the look of this moody bathroom and also helps bounce light around the dark-toned space, making it feel more airy, alive and open.
If you desire a more dramatic look, try covering your wall in a single high-impact metallic colour that contrasts with the rest of your scheme. For example, a feature wall of rose gold; bright, iridescent blue; or rich, shimmering purple tiles would work a treat in this bathroom.
See more of this sophisticated bathroom
Metallic tones have the power to brighten up any lacklustre bathroom and infuse the space with a glam vibe, especially when they take shape in the form of a tiled feature wall. Here, an understated yet dazzling bronze and iridescent blue mosaic bath splashback elevates the look of this moody bathroom and also helps bounce light around the dark-toned space, making it feel more airy, alive and open.
If you desire a more dramatic look, try covering your wall in a single high-impact metallic colour that contrasts with the rest of your scheme. For example, a feature wall of rose gold; bright, iridescent blue; or rich, shimmering purple tiles would work a treat in this bathroom.
See more of this sophisticated bathroom
Go green
A wall of greenery makes for a fresh, unique and relaxation-inducing feature wall. Take a leaf out of this stylish scheme’s playbook and keep things simple by installing a trio of recessed wall planters into a vacant vertical surface in your bathroom. Or if you desire a more daring, lush and leafier look, you might like to create a ceiling-to-floor vertical garden in your bath zone instead.
A wall of greenery makes for a fresh, unique and relaxation-inducing feature wall. Take a leaf out of this stylish scheme’s playbook and keep things simple by installing a trio of recessed wall planters into a vacant vertical surface in your bathroom. Or if you desire a more daring, lush and leafier look, you might like to create a ceiling-to-floor vertical garden in your bath zone instead.
Experiment with colour-blocking
Can you wield a paintbrush and roller like a pro? Well, what are you waiting for? Dig out your painting tools and give one of your boring white bathroom walls a fresh coat of eye-catching paint. If you’re not afraid of colour, select a shade that’s daring, dazzling and fun, like a sunny yellow. For those who live in a strictly colour-free zone, a moody black or grey feature wall is an obvious choice for you. And if you lie somewhere in between? Opt for hues like navy blue and royal purple that offer a hint of colour but aren’t too out there.
Wall paint in ‘Pelt’ (254): Farrow & Ball
Can you wield a paintbrush and roller like a pro? Well, what are you waiting for? Dig out your painting tools and give one of your boring white bathroom walls a fresh coat of eye-catching paint. If you’re not afraid of colour, select a shade that’s daring, dazzling and fun, like a sunny yellow. For those who live in a strictly colour-free zone, a moody black or grey feature wall is an obvious choice for you. And if you lie somewhere in between? Opt for hues like navy blue and royal purple that offer a hint of colour but aren’t too out there.
Wall paint in ‘Pelt’ (254): Farrow & Ball
For a more dynamic and high-impact look, consider painting an eye-catching pattern on one of your bathroom walls instead. We think this bold chevron accent wall is a winner.
To create a similar look in your bathroom, start by painting the wall with a base colour of your choice (white is a fail-proof option) and then leave it to dry – this may take between one and three days. Once the surface is ready, decide how tall and wide you’d like the chevron stripe to be. Use these measurements to mark up a chalk grid on your wall. For example, if you want your chevron pattern to be 15 centimetres tall and 30 centimetres wide, you will need to make a chalk mark every 15 centimetres down the length and every 30 centimetres across the width of each side of your wall. Draw vertical and horizontal lines through these points to create the grid, which you’ll use to create the outline of the pattern.
Now, using the grid as your guide, use painter’s tape to create a zigzag pattern across and down the wall. Once you’re done, paint over the wall using your accent colour. Let the paint dry, then peel off the tape to reveal the chevron pattern below.
To create a similar look in your bathroom, start by painting the wall with a base colour of your choice (white is a fail-proof option) and then leave it to dry – this may take between one and three days. Once the surface is ready, decide how tall and wide you’d like the chevron stripe to be. Use these measurements to mark up a chalk grid on your wall. For example, if you want your chevron pattern to be 15 centimetres tall and 30 centimetres wide, you will need to make a chalk mark every 15 centimetres down the length and every 30 centimetres across the width of each side of your wall. Draw vertical and horizontal lines through these points to create the grid, which you’ll use to create the outline of the pattern.
Now, using the grid as your guide, use painter’s tape to create a zigzag pattern across and down the wall. Once you’re done, paint over the wall using your accent colour. Let the paint dry, then peel off the tape to reveal the chevron pattern below.
Select geometric-shaped tiles
Although this accent wall is quite understated in style, it still packs a visual punch. The secret to its success all comes down to unique shape, colour and tiling pattern of the geometric tiles that line the wall.
Twenty-one rows of the parallelogram-shaped tiles run lengthways down the accent wall. Take note of how the bold lines and angular look of the striking tile layout ensure that the feature wall commands attention, and draws the eye up to the room’s other standout design features – the curved ceiling and skylight – too.
Rather than selecting tiles in a single colour or grouping tiles in the same shade together (two techniques that would create a more structured look), a selection of earthy green and neutral-toned tiles have been artfully scattered across the feature wall instead. The result is an eye-catching colour-block-style arrangement that lends loads of visual appeal to the scheme, and highlights the unique shape and layout of the tiles, too.
If you wish to try a similar look in your bathroom, remember to keep the rest of your scheme fairly simple, as this will ensure that nothing detracts from the beauty of your feature wall. You might also like to introduce design elements with gentle curves (like the rounded bathtub, pendant lights and circular door handle seen in this bath zone), which will offset the sharp, angular lines of the tiled wall, and create a look that feels inviting and balanced.
See more of this striking contemporary bathroom
Although this accent wall is quite understated in style, it still packs a visual punch. The secret to its success all comes down to unique shape, colour and tiling pattern of the geometric tiles that line the wall.
Twenty-one rows of the parallelogram-shaped tiles run lengthways down the accent wall. Take note of how the bold lines and angular look of the striking tile layout ensure that the feature wall commands attention, and draws the eye up to the room’s other standout design features – the curved ceiling and skylight – too.
Rather than selecting tiles in a single colour or grouping tiles in the same shade together (two techniques that would create a more structured look), a selection of earthy green and neutral-toned tiles have been artfully scattered across the feature wall instead. The result is an eye-catching colour-block-style arrangement that lends loads of visual appeal to the scheme, and highlights the unique shape and layout of the tiles, too.
If you wish to try a similar look in your bathroom, remember to keep the rest of your scheme fairly simple, as this will ensure that nothing detracts from the beauty of your feature wall. You might also like to introduce design elements with gentle curves (like the rounded bathtub, pendant lights and circular door handle seen in this bath zone), which will offset the sharp, angular lines of the tiled wall, and create a look that feels inviting and balanced.
See more of this striking contemporary bathroom
Go crazy with coloured tiles
A simple way to make your bathroom accent wall simply pop is to dress it up with lively colour. This cheerful bathroom has the right idea. Here, a wall of vibrant orange subway tiles is a shock to the senses (in a good way, of course) and helps perk up the otherwise subdued space.
If you want to take the intensity of this colourful look up a notch, pair your brightly toned tiles with coloured grout in the contrasting shade.
A simple way to make your bathroom accent wall simply pop is to dress it up with lively colour. This cheerful bathroom has the right idea. Here, a wall of vibrant orange subway tiles is a shock to the senses (in a good way, of course) and helps perk up the otherwise subdued space.
If you want to take the intensity of this colourful look up a notch, pair your brightly toned tiles with coloured grout in the contrasting shade.
If you’re not a fan of block brights, try a mosaic feature wall that’s made up of tiles in contrasting tones, like this fun, pixel-like display. To create a balanced and cohesive look, introduce other design elements that are the same colour as one of the tiles in your feature wall, which will tie the scheme together. For example, the cabinetry pictured here is a similar shade to the tiny red tiles that are peppered across the mosaic wall.
More: Mosaic Magic: Take Your Bathroom From Ordinary to Extraordinary
More: Mosaic Magic: Take Your Bathroom From Ordinary to Extraordinary
Consider a custom-made surface
A custom-printed glass wall that features a must-loved photo will not only inject your bath zone with a hearty dose of character and visual interest, but it’s also guaranteed to brighten up your day as soon as you walk through your bathroom door. The owners of this bathroom approached the team at Paul.M, which specialises in printed glass walls and splashbacks for the home, to transfer a photo of their three children onto a glass wall, which now takes pride of place in their welcoming and personality-packed bath zone.
Besides treasured family photographs, other images you might like to consider printing on a glass wall for your bathroom include photos of beautiful landscapes, holiday happy snaps, arty shots you’ve taken while out and about, as well as patterns, prints and other designs you’ve whipped up on Photoshop.
A custom-printed glass wall that features a must-loved photo will not only inject your bath zone with a hearty dose of character and visual interest, but it’s also guaranteed to brighten up your day as soon as you walk through your bathroom door. The owners of this bathroom approached the team at Paul.M, which specialises in printed glass walls and splashbacks for the home, to transfer a photo of their three children onto a glass wall, which now takes pride of place in their welcoming and personality-packed bath zone.
Besides treasured family photographs, other images you might like to consider printing on a glass wall for your bathroom include photos of beautiful landscapes, holiday happy snaps, arty shots you’ve taken while out and about, as well as patterns, prints and other designs you’ve whipped up on Photoshop.
Add a mural masterpiece
A boring bathroom wall offers the perfect canvas for a wallpaper mural. When choosing a wallpaper mural for your bath zone, look for a design that suits your decorating style, the size of the room and the mood of your space. The edgy mural feature wall that takes a starring role in this contemporary powder room ticks all the right boxes. Not only does it echo the cool, urban vibe that runs throughout the rest of the house, but the image is also framed perfectly by the ceiling and bathroom walls. The mural’s restrained, mostly-white palette and painterly style also infuse the room with a calming and relaxed ambience, too.
If you desire a bespoke bathroom mural, try your hand at painting a floor-to-ceiling work of art on your wall instead, or call upon the services of someone who is more artistically inclined to paint one for you.
TELL US
Would you incorporate any of these ideas into your bathroom? Tell us which ones, along with any other bathroom feature wall ideas you’d like to share, in the Comments section.
MORE
20 Fabulous Feature Wall Ideas
Behold the Power of a Bathroom Feature Floor
10 Refreshing Ideas for Your DIY Feature Wall
A boring bathroom wall offers the perfect canvas for a wallpaper mural. When choosing a wallpaper mural for your bath zone, look for a design that suits your decorating style, the size of the room and the mood of your space. The edgy mural feature wall that takes a starring role in this contemporary powder room ticks all the right boxes. Not only does it echo the cool, urban vibe that runs throughout the rest of the house, but the image is also framed perfectly by the ceiling and bathroom walls. The mural’s restrained, mostly-white palette and painterly style also infuse the room with a calming and relaxed ambience, too.
If you desire a bespoke bathroom mural, try your hand at painting a floor-to-ceiling work of art on your wall instead, or call upon the services of someone who is more artistically inclined to paint one for you.
TELL US
Would you incorporate any of these ideas into your bathroom? Tell us which ones, along with any other bathroom feature wall ideas you’d like to share, in the Comments section.
MORE
20 Fabulous Feature Wall Ideas
Behold the Power of a Bathroom Feature Floor
10 Refreshing Ideas for Your DIY Feature Wall
A wall-sized work of mosaic tile art will breathe life and a hearty splash of visual appeal into any drab or sterile bathroom, as this smile-inducing, Mario Brothers-esque tiled feature wall proves. If you decide to dress up one of your bathroom walls with a mosaic mural, take design cues from this cheerful space and remember to keep the rest of your scheme relatively simple. Doing so will ensure that your tiled masterpiece remains the hero of the scheme, without any other design elements trying to steal the spotlight.
See more of this playful kids’ bathroom